Discover Champaign-Urbana
A welcoming and vibrant community
Nestled between St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Chicago you’ll find Champaign-Urbana (CU) - more than just a college town. CU is populated with a dynamic, diverse, and inclusive community that blends the best of city living with small-town charm. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is at the heart of CU, buzzing with innovation and creativity all wrapped in Midwestern warmth.
- Art galleries
- Live music
- Local theaters
- Museums
- Festivals
- Marathons
- Street fairs
- Cultural celebrations
With students from over 115 countries, Champaign-Urbana ranks among the top U.S. destinations for international students. You’ll find a rich cultural landscape full of international markets, diverse restaurants, cultural centers, and global events. No matter where you’re from, you’ll feel at home here.
Accessible, affordable, and active
Compared to major metro areas, Champaign-Urbana offers a high quality of life at a much lower cost. Enjoy modern housing, fresh food, and entertainment, all without a hefty price tag. With an average commute time of just 14 minutes, you’ll spend less time in traffic and more time engaging with your peers and professors in unique opportunities across campus.
Love being outside? You’re in luck. Champaign-Urbana features over 1,000 acres of parks, 26 miles of trails, and plenty of space to run, bike, or just relax. The area is extremely bike-friendly, and many students commute by bike daily. You’ll also find local farms, farmers markets, and community gardens that make it easy to live a healthy lifestyle.
