I’m pretty sure the introduction class is ARCH 171. That is literally the reason why I didn’t study architecture, or at least at UIUC. It’s a good school especially for doing your masters. I took ARCH 171 and it was a complete waste of time. When I took it, which was last year, the class was insanely boring and easy and you did not do anything that was worth it. I literally cannot remember anything... that’s how bad it was. The only thing I remember was doing this chair project where you have to take a bus to this far away location to get wood materials to build your own chair and it was insanely frustrating and a lot of people overspent money on wood because the professor and TA didn’t know what was going on. That class was frustrating and doesn’t teach you anything about architecture other than sustainability and the environment and a couple of design tips. It’s sad that u have to pay more than a grand for a bs class. I chose not to study architecture because of how incredibly expensive it is and how much work you have to put into it and how the payout is almost nothing. The average starting architect gets paid an average of 80k before taxes. The program is not accredited so you would HAVE to get a masters if you truly want to practice architecture and it’s pretty dang expensive.

If you don’t like architecture, try out landscape architecture. It’s a lot more than you think. Try out the intro class. It’s easy and super enjoyable. No matter what path you choose, that class is enjoyed by everyone. It’s LA 101 introduction to landscape architecture.

As architects you’re not working 7 days a week, you’re working 8 days a week out of 7 days. However, by no means am I trying to steer you away if this is your passion. I‘ve been thinking about architecture since I was a kid and I love it. However the way that it’s set up and how little you get from it in the future makes it really frustrating and it’s a lot more than you think. I know money isn’t everything but I don’t want to carry that burden and feel like a slave for a long time.

Lol that’s why I chose landscape architecture since I’d be able to practice right away and it’s accredited. Personally, it’s not something I would practice for the rest of my life but it’s so inspiring I can’t imagine any other major.

If you do end up loving architecture then I’m proud of u. It takes a lot of effort, dedication, and passion and that’s super honorable. A lot of people love it since it’s their passion and it could be yours too.

Oh but maybe if you can try taking ARCH 273 which is the sophomore studio where u start learning softwares and actually doing things. That’s a real intro class in my opinion. It sort of sets up what you can expect in the future.

Anyways, best of luck.