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The state of Illinois is known for being the home of beloved sports teams like the Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago Whitesox. It is considered a popular U.S destination for international students for its great educational institutions. It’s also known as “Land of Lincoln” because it’s where Abraham Lincoln spent most of his life. The state is nicknamed “the Prairie State” since it holds many forests, hills, and farmlands. This makes it one of the leading producers of corn and pumpkin. The name itself came from Native Illiniwek people and translated to “ordinary speaker” while in Algonquin, it means “tribe of superior men”. The state’s capital is Springfield, and the most well-known city is Chicago, other popular cities in Illinois are Peoria, Rockford, and Champaign.
Illinois is located in the Midwest with Lake Michigan in the northeast, Mississippi River in the west and Indiana in the east. Its climate is usually continental meaning the summers are warm while the winters are very cold. Clouds, humidity, and wind are no strangers to the state. May is the rainiest month, so make sure you have your umbrella and rain boots.
If you’re studying in Illinois, you’ll find plenty of things to do in your free time. If you love outdoor adventures, Starved Rock State Park near Rockford is a great place to go hiking and enjoy the serene waterfalls or go for ice fishing in the winter. The town also has Anderson Japanese Gardens, a relaxing setting for when you want to escape the city hustle and appreciate nature. Make sure not to miss the largest Bahá’í temple in the world in Wilmette going back to 1953 and marvel at its beautiful design. If you love history, then head over to Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library And Museum in Springfield to learn everything about the country’s 16th president.
Illinois has a lot to offer when it comes to higher education and is known for its academic excellence. Northeastern Illinois University is a high-ranking university in Illinois offering high-quality education and hands-on experience. The University of Illinois is also one of the best universities in Illinois and considered a leader in research and teaching. Other top universities in Illinois are DePaul University, and Loyola University Chicago.
Illinois is known for having one of the most comprehensive transportation systems in the U.S. The Amtrak easily moves between the cities and towns of Illinois at affordable prices and it is a great method to see some wonderful scenes along the way. The Greyhound bus company is the most popular and cheap transportation in Illinois, and it has stations in almost every city and town. Chicago is considered to have the best public transport system with the train system known as “The El” for “elevated”. You can also check if your university partners with a transport company or find out how to get student discounts using your university ID.