Journeys: To College & Beyond
Journeys: To College and Beyond is your go-to podcast for authentic, unfiltered stories about college life, powered by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. This series brings you real conversations with students, alumni, and campus community members who share their journeys, challenges, and insights. Whether you’re a prospective student, current student, or a proud parent, you’ll find relatable stories, helpful tips, and a glimpse into the vibrant University community.
New episodes drop every month—tune in and explore the many paths that lead through college and beyond.
Watch our newest episode!
You can experience all our Journeys: To College and Beyond episodes on your platform of choice.
Watch on YouTube Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple PodcastsExplore more episodes.
When admissions decisions are finally released, it’s time to celebrate! But what comes next? Assistant Director of First Year Admissions Kristin Van Duyne tackles frequently asked questions to help Admitted First-Year students cross the admissions finish line as they prepare to become the next generation of Illini.
Sometimes our dreams are bigger than a single major can hold. At Illinois, students can mix, match, and combine areas of study to create a path that truly fits their passions. This month, we’re exploring the popular combination major CS + X with Kush, a sophomore studying Computer Science + Linguistics and Brain and Cognitive […]
Sergeant Robert Chromniak of the Illinois Army National Guard and Senior in Urban Planning at Illinois opens up about what it means to be military connected, the transition from service to school, and the support he’s found in the Chez Veterans Center to reach his full potential on campus and beyond.
Taylor Howard, M.S., has learned a lot since completing her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism at Illinois just a few short years ago. In this episode, Taylor speaks on how she chose Illinois, navigating the daunting shift from college to the real world, and calls out the tension many young adults find between “the […]
Sophia shares her experience transitioning from her small hometown in Southern Illinois to life on a big university campus. She talks about her passion for sustainability, her favorite ACES classes, and how Illinois helps you find your niche no matter where you’re from.
Michelle Wu, Assistant Director of Campus Visits at Illinois, shares why visiting campus is such a powerful part of the college search, what she loves most about helping future students explore Illinois, and her own journey to college and beyond.
Applying to college can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. With over 30 years of experience, Lisa Micele, Director of College Counseling at University Laboratory High School, shares how using your resources, living holistically, and easing the pressure can make the journey more manageable—and even meaningful.
Believe it or not, a big part of the college journey happens outside of the classroom. We talked with University of Illinois senior Kenny about his experience with student employment-working everything from after school jobs in food service to summer internships in Chicago-and his advice to high schoolers as he reflects on college and prepares […]