Champaign, Illinois, part of the Champaign-Urbana metropolitan area, is a livable city offering affordable housing options, a vibrant culture and entertainment scene, and world-class educational opportunities. This city is particularly attractive to international students seeking an ideal learning and living environment in the United States.
So, what makes Champaign special and suitable for students? Let’s delve deeper into this city, especially its historic commercial district, which preserves unique historical and cultural imprints.
Overview of Champaign
Champaign is one of the three cities that make up Champaign-Urbana, a metropolitan area with over 250,000 residents. Founded in 1855, Champaign is now renowned for its cultural diversity and excellent educational opportunities, particularly the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), one of the nation’s leading universities.
Downtown Champaign at night
Champaign also boasts a robust economy, especially in technology and software. The Research Park at UIUC, established in 1999, is a thriving business community providing resources and opportunities for students to gain practical experience with leading tech companies.
Exploring the Historic Commercial District
To truly understand Champaign, you cannot miss the historic commercial district, home to many historical sites and unique architectural structures. This area is not just a shopping center but also a place that preserves stories about the city’s formation and development.
Champaign County History Museum
A must-visit destination is the Champaign County History Museum. The museum’s current building, constructed in 1857, is the oldest surviving commercial structure in Champaign County. The museum houses a rich collection of artifacts directly related to the city’s history.
Exhibits inside the Champaign County History Museum
Unique Architecture
The historic commercial district also features many architecturally significant buildings with historical imprints. Strolling along the streets, you’ll admire buildings with classic architecture, from quaint shops to larger structures, each telling its own story.
Shopping and Dining
Today, the historic commercial district remains a vibrant shopping and dining hub. You can find unique shops selling local handicrafts, antiques, and many other interesting items. Additionally, the area hosts numerous restaurants and cafes with a classic style, serving local and international cuisine.
Other Cultural and Entertainment Activities in Champaign
Beyond the historic commercial district, Champaign offers many other attractive cultural and entertainment destinations.
Krannert Art Museum
Located on the UIUC campus, the Krannert Art Museum is an ideal destination for art enthusiasts. The museum houses over 10,000 works of art, including pieces by renowned artists, faculty, and university students.
Visitors viewing art at the Krannert Art Museum
Sports
Sports are also an integral part of Champaign’s culture. The city is home to the Fighting Illini, UIUC’s athletic teams. Football and basketball are the two most popular sports, attracting thousands of fans to cheer them on.
Fans cheering for the Fighting Illini (Photo courtesy of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)
Parks and Green Spaces
Champaign has numerous parks and green spaces, ideal for relaxing, exercising, and enjoying nature. Some popular parks include West Side Park, Hessel Park, and Meadowbrook Park.
Tips for Transportation and Accommodation in Champaign
For convenient exploration of Champaign, you can use public transportation like buses or rent a bike. Additionally, the city offers many housing options suitable for students, from affordable apartments to university dormitories.
International students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Photo courtesy of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)
If you are looking for an affordable apartment, ApartmentSearch.com is a great resource to use. This website allows you to search for apartments in ideal locations and provides information on living costs, local restaurants, and commute times.
Conclusion
Champaign, Illinois, is a livable city with many exciting things to explore. From its historic commercial district to diverse cultural and entertainment activities, Champaign offers visitors and students a unique and memorable experience. If you are looking for a city that combines history, culture, and education, Champaign is definitely a great choice.
Take the time to explore Champaign and enjoy the wonderful things this city has to offer!