2015 Your First College Year Survey

There's no doubt that college is a valuable experience.

Most students (88%) feel that their first year of college exposed them to diverse opinions, cultures, and values. And 58% feel their coursework was relevant to everyday life.

Infographic Key

National results are shown in black. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign results are shown in blue.

Students strongly agree that their college has contributed to their:

Critical thinking skills

• 30% – Nationally
• 29.5% – University of Illinois

Knowledge of people from different races/cultures

• 24% – Nationally
• 29.8% – University of Illinois

Ability to work as part of a team

• 25% – Nationally
• 24.9% – University of Illinois

Classroom experiences have lasting effects …

Are satisfied with the relevance of coursework to their future career plans

• 62% – Nationally
• 57.6% – University of Illinois

Frequently felt courses inspired them to think new ways

• 43% – Nationally
• 41% – University of Illinois

Performed community service as part of a class

• 35% – Nationally
• 30.1% – University of Illinois

… when students are paying attention.

Were frequently bored in class

• 34% – Nationally
• 45.1% – University of Illinois

Texted during class

• 79% – Nationally
• 88.6% – University of Illinois

But college isn't all about the classroom. For at least 3 hours a week:

Were active in student clubs/groups

• 26% – Nationally
• 41.1% – University of Illinois

Partied

• 31% – Nationally
• 33.6% – University of Illinois

Exercised or played sports

• 56% – Nationally
• 55.1% – University of Illinois

Of course, financial aid is always a concern.

Of students have major concerns about paying for college

• 19% – Nationally
• 20.5% – University of Illinois

Felt their jobs interfered with schoolwork

• 37% – Nationally
• 29.3% – University of Illinois

Took advantage of financial aid advising

• 43% – Nationally
• 32.2% – University of Illinois

Took out loans for educational expenses

• 58% – Nationally
• 55.2% – University of Illinois

Balance is key …

Are satisfied with their social lives

• 63% – Nationally
• 60.9% – University of Illinois

Successfully balance academics and extracurriculars

• 79% – Nationally
• 73.7% – University of Illinois

Frequently maintain a healthy diet

• 28% – Nationally
• 21.9% – University of Illinois

… and so are support networks.

Turned to other students for advice or counseling

• 76% – Nationally
• 82.4% – University of Illinois

Frequently felt support from their family to succeed

• 58% – Nationally
• 53.7% – University of Illinois

Utilized student psychological services

• 22% – Nationally
• 17.4% – University of Illinois