So, you go to UIC? Here’s the FAQ
What’s it like to go to UIC? Here’s what I think about it.
I don’t know about you, but ever since I committed to UIC back in 2010, I’ve been asked a lot of questions about what it’s like to go to school here. Whether they come from friends, family or strangers, they’re usually the same questions, just variations.
Check out my FAQs & answers.
Do you get asked the same questions at family parties? Can you think of any others? Tweet me@hbrenza with more!
Your school doesn’t have a football team…how do you guys have any fun?
Fun fact: we did have a football team – and a hockey team. We don’t now, but there are plenty of other sports teams we can root for, many of which do really well every season. So many other activities go on on campus, too, from Spirit Week celebrations to cultural showcases. How could we get bored? On top of all of that, we go to school in the city; the possibilities are endless!
You commute, right? Why not?
Actually, I don’t. I’ve lived on campus for four years, and while a large portion of the student population do commute each day, there are many of us living on campus and loving it. The ease of living feet away from classes and activities on campus provided a fantastic and full college experience. There are so many reasons to live on campus. Trust me, otherwise I wouldn’t have stayed for four years. I wasn’t going to miss out on them.
That’s U of I, right?
Yes and no. While we are all one, we do stand strongly as UIC, and when ranked on various reports, we are separate. For example, in 2014, the Times Higher Education World University Rankings listed UIC as the 13th best in the world of universities less than 50 years old. We’re kind of a big deal.
You go to Circle?
Again, yes and no. We did just celebrate the 50th anniversary of the opening of Chicago Circle Campus, so there are a lot of “throwback” things, including some really cool clothes in the bookstore. But we haven’t been known as Circle for a long time. The history is definitely still there, though.
What’s the campus like?
There are a lot of really beautiful parts of UIC. The beauty of our campus lies in the fact that we don’t resemble a traditional university. There is more to UIC. We are a city school with the architecture to show for it. No matter the season, the campus looks great. You just have to look up from your phone and notice it.
Do you travel into the city a lot?
We are in the city! If you mean the Loop, yes, I walk to it … it’s blocks away. If you’re referring to Greektown, I step into it, get my haircut, pick up groceries, Starbucks or a late-night meal. We are in Chicago, not near it!
Holly Brenza is a senior majoring in English and minoring in communications and management. In her spare time, Holly enjoys playing with her puppy, Bear, and watching the Blackhawks and White Sox, reading and trying out new recipes. After graduation, she hopes to work in public relations.
