Many first-time visitors are surprised at the variety and vibrancy of nightlife in Champaign-Urbana. Downtown Champaign, less than a mile from the heart of campus, features many trendy coffee shops, restaurants, and bars and is popular with graduate students during their down time. Closer to the architecture buildings, the Campustown area offers a wide selection of inexpensive restaurants and bars popular with undergraduates. Downtown Urbana is more laid-back, with eclectic bars, unique restaurants, and boutique shops along a charming main street, typical of many Midwestern county seats.

Our M. Arch students work hard, but they play hard too. You'll have plenty of time to get out and enjoy Champaign-Urbana's nightlife—it's not unheard of for entire studios of graduate students to head out together. After all, as an architect you might be asked to design a bar, restaurant, or theater—you should learn how they work. We promise that you won't be spending all of your time in studio. Our program encourages students to find a healthy balance between education and recreation.

If you want to work in studio at all hours, we won't stop you. Our buildings and computer labs have 24-hour keycard access. You'll also be happy to know that many local restaurants and businesses stay open late into the night to accommodate students' schedules. In Champaign, bars stay open until 3 am. The major grocery stores in Champaign-Urbana are all open 24-hours.