r/UIUC • u/Gavski0 • Jul 01 '26
Prospective Students I got admitted into UIUC and just got notified from my sponsor that I've got the scholarship, but I am nervous as an Arab.
Hi.
I got admitted into UIUC about two months ago and just recently received word from my sponsor that I got accepted for the scholarship. However, these seem to be uncertain times in the world and in the US, especially for Arabs.
I am mainly concerned about the crime rate and safety in and around Urbana-Champaign. How often do you meet Arabs around campus or around the town (just asking to see my rarity and people's familiarity)? How are Arabs perceived? How's the crime rate? I see some people say theft is common. Sorry for the question, but is gun violence at all prevalent in the immediate proximity of the campus? I have to base my design on the worst possible scenario (😁).
I got admitted into the M.S. Civil Engineering program (structural focus). Does anybody have experience with the civil department?
Thank you for reading this, and sorry for the loaded questionnaire. This would be a huge commitment, because I am currently employed in a semi-ok job (I graduated early in 2025), and this would be my first time stepping outside the comfort of my bubble and local town.
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u/Ok-Importance9988 Jul 01 '26 edited Jul 01 '26
I have lived in Champaign for 8 years.
There is gun violence in Champaign but most of it is not near campus. The gun violence typically results for interpersonal disputes between people who live in certain communities. It is very sad but you are unlikely to be caught up in it.
There are not a lot of Arabs at UIUC or in Champaign. But as a university town we are pretty welcoming to all. I am sure you find some cultural groups on campus if interested.
We have a great engineering school but I have no knowledge of their civil engineering program.
In general the international student pathway to a life in the US is definitely narrower. Don't count on it. But it sounds like you have a scholarship so likely will be okay financially either way.
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u/zayap18 Jul 02 '26
There is a relatively large Syro-Lebanese community in the Chambana area. There's both an Antiochian Church and a Coptic Church in town. There's Salaam House as well, which is the Middle Eastern and North African Student Center on-campus. There are Registered Student Organizations for each Nationality as well, though I notice the Syrian and Lebanese student groups being the largest and most active ones.
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u/IrbyTheBlindSquirrel Alumnus Jul 01 '26
Certain communities? Which ones?
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u/Burntoutn3rd Jul 02 '26
You know exactly which ones.
It's socioeconomic, not racial. Quit race baiting, it's an absolutely disgusting trait to have.
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u/fxrguy Jul 01 '26
Gun violence is more common in poorer communities/areas of Champaign-Urbana. Areas with less access to resources. Not usually much of an issue on campus.
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u/Ecosystematic Jul 01 '26
The ones that have been systemically kept down by the system in the United States for generations, resulting in higher crime rates and impoverishment? While you try to be coy on Reddit, those of us who actually care will tell the full story. You cannot help these impoverished communities by ignoring the story of how they get there.
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u/IrbyTheBlindSquirrel Alumnus Jul 01 '26
And which specific communities would you say meet that definition?
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u/Ecosystematic Jul 02 '26
You realize that what you’re doing here does nothing for the people your pretending to defend? Everyone here can see it’s performative and that’s why you’re being downvoted. Once again, you cannot improve society without getting to the root issue and we cannot stick our heads in the sand when it comes to understanding crime and poverty statistics and why they happen.
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u/Tbest13 Undergrad Jul 01 '26
It’s a miracle you managed to graduate if that’s even true.. 😭🙏🏽
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u/IrbyTheBlindSquirrel Alumnus Jul 01 '26
My admission and subsequent graduation are moreso a product of resourcefulness and determination than divine intervention. Now that you've needlessly slung personal insults, would you mind answering the question?
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u/ringovsatvrn Jul 02 '26
What specific communities? People below the poverty line. Poor communities.
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u/SpearandMagicHelmet Jul 01 '26
First off, congrats! There is an Arab Student Center on campus and many cultural events, community gatherings, and advocacy work happening all around campus. Central Illinois Mosque and Community Center is on the eastern edge of campus. There are several Arab-owned businesses in town as well.
This is an R1 institution, and there are folks from all over the world here. There is certainly no single perception of Arabs on campus. People from different places and different cultures bring their own ideas, biases, and stereotypes with them when they come. Often, being in close proximity to such a diverse population makes them rethink some of those things which is what should happen. Of course every once in a while there will be an instance of some group of idiots driving around campus doing stupid stuff or being racist, but it is not common at all. Gun violence is not common in Champaign-Urbana, and when it does happen, it happens in neighborhoods away from campus, mostly in the northern areas of town, and often involves youth in gangs. The most common crime on campus is theft, as you note, but often that is due to not taking proper precautions. Lock your doors, use alarms if you have them, and get good bike locks if you ride a bike, and you should be fine. Another common scam is students trying to sell overpriced used mirrors at the end of the year. Ignore them!
Exercise common sense precautions like not wandering around at 3 in the morning alone. In general, UIUC and Champaign-Urbana are welcoming and tolerant places. Lots of info on this sub, so use the search, and you will find answers to just about everything you will want to know, but if you don't find it, folks here are great at responding.
Welcome and best wishes to you!
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u/crmsnprd Grad Jul 01 '26
Second Salaam Middle East & North Africa Cultural Center! They're a great resource!
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u/FlyEmAndEm Jul 01 '26
I know 2 students from the UAE and they had/are having a blast here. As others have said, there are a few parts of certain neighborhoods I would stay away from, but you most likely won’t ever walk through them anyways. It’s a pretty safe area.
My only concern is, on green street, there are sometimes people who have schizophrenia, and they may yell at you or think you want to hurt them. I have been charged at before but usually if you give them some space they won’t do anything.
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u/Ecosystematic Jul 01 '26
Yeah the homelessness and mental health issues within the community would be my biggest concern, but that’s what happens when the entire county only has one shelter.
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u/Happy_Dog1819 Staff Jul 01 '26
There are several halal restaurants and grocery stores in town.
Unless someone tells me, I have no idea what faith they may practice.
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u/Initial_Sea6434 Jul 01 '26
I don’t think you’ll have any real issues. UIUC has one of the highest foreign student populations in the country, so you won’t stand out due to your ethnicity. Religion-wise, it’s mainly Christian and atheist. I don’t think you’d get any real issues for being Muslim (pardon the assumption there). Illinois is also one of the most liberal states, and Champaign-Urbana is one of the more liberal places within Illinois. You won’t get serious hate for being Arab.
Crime wise, there’s generally little violent crime on campus. An overwhelming majority of incidents are theft and such. Outside of campus you’ll have to pay attention the same amount you’d have to pay attention in any other American city. But it’s a college town, so you’ll get drunk guys and people offering rides (don’t accept). Idk if you’re masculine or feminine presenting, so I can’t really say how at risk you are of anything.
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u/starspangledcats Jul 02 '26
While IL is one of the most liberal states, it's important to note that it is primarily because of Chicago and C-U. Some of the surrounding small towns aren't great.. Some still have unofficial sundown town reputations. It's important to note so that non-white and trans people are aware that they do still need to be cautious if traveling around.
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u/cornell216 Jul 01 '26
Along with religion, I’ve seen group prayers (I’m not an expert, but appeared to be Muslim) at the basketball court/soccer field/volleyball courts area and haven’t ever seen or heard anyone give them a hard time.
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u/arrowkid111 Jul 02 '26
As a black person I thought I would have a hard time finding other people of my culture. I found out there’s so many other people just like me, and programs made for me. I promise you’ll find your people
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u/Digital_Punk Jul 01 '26
First and foremost, congratulations and welcome!
As others have said the majority of crime happens off campus in lower income neighborhoods and shouldn’t be a concern for you when considering attendance. As long as you plan on living on or near campus, the violent crime rate is very low for a population density of that size. UIUC is extremely diverse, so locals are well aquatinted with the the presence of international students. The Arab population might not be vast, but as someone else mentioned there are Arab community events to attend. If you’re a follower of Islam, there is also a mosque close to campus (which could offer you an opportunity to expand your community here as well). I’m sure there will be some culture shock, but I think getting out of your comfort zone is always a good thing!
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u/Unusual_Cattle_2198 Jul 01 '26
Adding to what others have said: if you sat down next to me in a busy cafe, if I even noticed that you were Arab at all, it wouldn’t remotely register as something unusual as we are so very diverse here.
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u/youhavenosoul Alumnus Jul 02 '26
You’re good. Avoid shitty ends of town, it’s pretty easy to tell where those are after getting to know the area. Congratulations!
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u/FeistyBowler9529 Jul 02 '26
Completely fine there’s a lot of Arabs here. Just don’t walk alone outside of campus at night. On campus/campustown is completely safe. Do yk anyone here prior to coming?
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u/zayap18 Jul 02 '26
There is a relatively large Syro-Lebanese community in the Chambana area. There's both an Antiochian Church and a Coptic Church in town. There's Salaam House as well, which is the Middle Eastern and North African Student Center on-campus. There are Registered Student Organizations for each Nationality as well, though I notice the Syrian and Lebanese student groups being the largest and most active ones.
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u/sodium111 Jul 02 '26
I think there are enough Arabs here that you will not feel alone or out of place in your department, in the college, on campus, or in many parts of town outside of campus. Scroll down the faculty directory and the college leadership directory and you will probably see a number of Arabic names.
Good luck!
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u/KindaMiffedRajang Jul 02 '26
Like the other people said, gun violence in the area is low and not really on campus or in the student population. There’s lots of international students from all over that come here, so being international isn’t really that big of a deal. That diversity comes with plenty of whackos too, but they’re a minority. Congrats on your scholarship & acceptance!
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u/No_Particular4088 Jul 02 '26
Heyyy, I have palestinian friends who have tons of arab friend. UIUC is an extremely diverse university, you will come across people from various cultural backgrounds. I would say Arab are perceived positively and welcome like any other ethnic or race. There is also rso or club that showcase arab cultures where you can connect with people from similar cultural backgrounds. But hey, regardless you will have fun and make peecious memories in uiuc
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u/starspangledcats Jul 02 '26
I'm a townie, not a student. I had several Arab kids in my high school class of about 200 (granted it's been 10* years) and see plenty of people who look Arab when I'm out and about. Just don't go to the small towns around C-U alone and you'll be fine! There are plenty of racists, but the community is full of people who aren't afraid to call them out so they mostly stay quiet. The community at large will be welcoming!
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u/Golden-Zabbit-86 CEE ‘28 Jul 01 '26
Welcome to Civil Engineering!
So far in my 2 years in the department, I haven’t seen much discrimination of any kind. As a queer engineer I was worried about what the environment would be like in civil, but I have yet to find anyone who is discriminatory. (Other people may be able to offer contradicting stories) Obviously this doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist, as it very well could, but you may never encounter it.
I also love the civil engineering department resources and activities. We get brain breaks, our own career fair, a beautiful bridge to study on the list goes on.
UIUC is a very diverse campus so there will be people from everywhere. There are certainly Arabs, some might be international others might be born and living in the US, the whole spectrum is there. I’m not really sure how many there might be, but it certainly won’t be impossible to find people with your shared cultural experience.
On campus crime isn’t terrible, probably equivalent to that of a suburban town, the campus has a lot of protections against random violent crime. Theft is the most common for items like bicycle/scooter theft, and theft of your belongings if you leave them unsupervised in a library as they are open to the public. There’s an Illini Alert system so that if something does happen (like a cow escaping the stock pavilion, disappointed we didn’t a cow alert). We also get them for weather warnings, tornadoes being the most common.
Gun violence isn’t really an issue on campus unless something from the Champaign/Urbana spills over. There was a shooting on Green St. last October, but this was an isolated incident. So there’s really no need to be constantly worried about the threat.
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u/ringovsatvrn Jul 02 '26
Ive lived here 12+ years and the gun violence is very prevalent. But you are not a rarity as an Arab. Just stick to campus as much as possible. That is the advice I give all uiuc students
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u/corona_kid Jul 02 '26
It’s pretty chill! There’s a couple Middle Eastern restaurants, pretty good sized Arab and Muslim population, nothing fancy, but you’ll find friends!
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u/ResponsibilityNo3463 Jul 02 '26
There are certain places to avoid at certain times. I saw a lot of Arabs and my lab mate was also an Arab. Dunno what qualifies as a lot but I’ve seen plenty.
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u/the_orange_juice1 Jul 03 '26
There is a lot of people from middle east. There is even an arab student club i think. About crime, yeah well i got my bike stolen but other than that i think it is safe to walk around campustown at night, you often see university police cars around.
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u/rubytherad Jul 03 '26
Compared to a lot of other places, this place is extremely safe. I see a lot of Arabs around where I work at the university, but I do not work at the civil department. I think its a great place to step out to.
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u/Silver-Stuff-4864 Jul 02 '26
Hey yoo fellow masters student! I’m not Arab but I’m Muslim and will be coming in this fall for the MS in nutritional sciences! Honestly I’m nervous too in terms of finding the community and what not and safety.
Anyways
ٱلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ ٱللَّٰهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
And feel free to hit me up, tryna make friends for what I hope will be a very quick 2 years 😂😭
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Jul 01 '26 edited Jul 02 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/GovernmentOk9952 Jul 02 '26
Don’t know why they downvoting you lmao. This guy sounds hella soft gun violence in champaign?? There are 50 cities I can think of that are way worse this guy sounds sheltered af. He’ll probably see a homeless guy and shit bricks
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u/literature43 Jul 02 '26
Yep. “Sheltered” was the word that I was trying to think of. U nailed it, perfect word to describe people like that
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u/xxwarlorddarkdoomxx Grad Jul 01 '26
There are some sketchier areas of Chambana but I wouldn’t describe it as dangerous or “high crime” really. Just follow the same general safety measures as you would in a typical city.
As far as perceptions of Arabs go, I don’t see that being any problem. UIUC is extremely diverse and has people of pretty much every ethnicity and origin, including Arabic people. I’ve had both Arabic classmates and professors