Living in C-U
Wondering where a building is on campus? Looking for something to do this weekend? Want to know what the weather will be like today? Planning on going out of town on a long weekend or semester break? You have come to the right place.
Campus Maps | Food |Things to Do | Transportation in C-U| Weather | Making Travel Plans | Using Computers on Campus | Campus Services and Resources
Campus Maps
- Campus Maps: Find any building on campus using this interactive map. It also provides links to other useful campus maps.
Food: Restaurants and Grocery Stores
- The 217 Dining Guide: If you are looking for a place to eat, this website has a search engine for local restaurants as well as a list of restaurants in Champaign Urbana with customer reviews.
- Grocery Stores: Looking for food from your country? Check out this list of grocery stores in Champaign-Urbana. There are lots of international food stores here - you are sure to find one that has what you are looking for in one of them!
Things to Do
- U of I Events: The University of Illinois's event calendar. Click on the day to find out what is happening then.
- Buzzbook: Commentary, reviews and upcoming events around campus.
- Local Movies: This site from the 217 website has both movie reviews and local theater times and locations.
- ARC and CRCE: IEI students can do a wide variety of sports in these campus sports facilities for free with their student card.
- Sports Events: Composite calendar of sports events. The University of Illinois has many sports teams. With your student ID you can get discounted tickets to see the football team in the fall or the basketball team in the winter as well as many other team events.
- Student Organizations: One great way to practice your English and get involved on campus is to join a student organization. This website has a directory of all student organization. You can also use the menu on the side to search by category.
- Krannert Center for the Performing Arts: Krannert has many types of performances from theatrical plays to classical or jazz concerts. While many are performed by U of I students and faculty, well-known groups from around the world also perform at the Krannert. IEI students get discounts on tickets for all Krannert performances with their student ID.
- Foellinger Auditorium: Foellinger Auditorium offers a variety of interesting speakers and different kinds of musical performances, as well as occasional movies.
- Assembly Hall: Find out what is coming to the Assembly Hall. Big name Broadway productions such as Cabaret can be seen here as well as concerts from well-known stars such as Beyonce, Eminem, Bruce Springsteen and many more. This is also where the University of Illinois basketball team plays. Not all events have student discounts.
- Champaign Public Library and Urbana Free Library: IEI students can join the public library in the city where they live for free. All that is required is a picture ID and proof of residence in that city. Library members can check out books, DVDs, Videos, CDs, books on tape and use the library's resources.
Transportation in C-U
- CU MTD: Champaign-Urbana's excellent public bus service. To get help finding a way from your house to campus, use the Trip Planner. For specific information on routes, check their route and schedules page.
- Temporary Visitor Driver License: International students can get a 3-year license while they are studying.This U of I page has information about this license.
- State of Illinois Temporary Driver License: This is the State of Illinois' page with information about this license.
- C-U's Driver License Facility: This is where you go to get the driver's license.
- Taxi Services in C-U: Although you need to call to reserve a taxi in C-U, there are many taxi servies available.
- Bike shops: You can buy bikes at any of the major department stores like Walmart or Meijer, but there are also stores that only sell and repair bikes. Finally there is one bike coop on campus called the The Bike Project that offers nicely repaired bikes or helps you build your own!
Weather
- Today's weather: Today's local weather report.
- Ten day weather forcast: Find out what the weather will be like for the next ten days.
Making Travel Plans
If you would like to go away for a long weekend or use the semester break to explore a different part of the country, these sites can help you make your travel plans.
- Google Maps: Want to travel somewhere by car but not sure how to get there or how long it will take? By using Mapquest's Driving Directions you can get specific directions on how to get from your house to the place you are going and how long it will take you.
- Suburban Express: A bus service that goes to Chicago and it's suburbs.
- Greyhound: A national bus service that goes all over the country
- Information for the Traveling Public: All kinds of information about traveling in Illinois, such as Maps and Routes, Road Conditions, Public Transportation and more.
- Willard Airport: The website for Champaign's Airport.
- Discount Airline Tickets, Hotels and Car Rental Sites:
Campus Services and Resources
- Unversity of Illinois Library: You can take advantage of one of the largest public libraries in the country by using your student ID card. You can also learn more about the library's tutorials and workshops. See locations and hours.
- CITES Help Desk: This is the University of Illinois's technology support help page. If you don't find a solution here, please come to see Kristin in the IEI Building, Room 208.
- McKinley Health Center: This is the webpage for the University's Student Health Center. You can get information on health problems as well as on the Health Center's hours etc.
- The Student Insurance Office: This website has information on student insurance. It has downloadable forms as well as information about the different kinds of plans and frequently asked questions.
- The Counseling Center: The Counseling Center is a place where students can get help if they are having trouble adjusting to the United States and campus life. This page is designed especially for international students and the concerns that they might have.