Going to class is only a fragment of the college experience. Since scheduling allows for time outside of classes, you are left with hours that can sometimes be overwhelming if you don't know how to optimize them. Here is a list of seven things you can do with your time outside of class at UIUC!
1. Study!
Firstly, perhaps the most important thing to do with your "free time" is to study and complete your assignments. It can be tempting to blow off studying to hang out with your friends, but ultimately, you are in college to get an education. If hanging out with your friends is absolutely necessary, compromise! Group studying can be efficient if done properly!
2. Explore coffee shops
Champaign-Urbana is home to many cute cafes. Depending on your aesthetic, there's something for everyone. Aside from the obvious choices like Starbucks and Espresso Royale, branching out and finding independently owned coffee shops can be really fun. Coffeehouses like the Red Herring often have poetry open mic nights; Cafe Kopi, BrewLab, Cafe Bene, Cafe Paradiso, and The Flying Machine are great coffee shops for studying, hanging out or just picking up a great cup of coffee!
3. Visit the Arboretum and the Japan House
When college begins to get stressful and you're just looking for an escape from the hectic world or when you just want to be surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature, the Arboretum and the Japan House are the way to go. These two hidden gems are home to huge trees, vibrant flowers, idea gardens (herbal gardens) and even a pond. The best part: it's free and open to the public!
4. Go to a concert!
Nothing says "good time" like live music! With shows every week, The Canopy Club is a great venue to explore. You can catch performances from local artists to bigger name bands like Umphrey's McGee. Whatever your taste in music is, I guarantee there will be an artist you like!
5. Explore Jane Addams Book Shop
Whether you're a book lover or just love the smell of old books, Jane Addams Book Shop at 208 N. Neil St. is the way to go. With a staggering collection consisting of three floors of books, this shop houses everything from first editions to graphic novels, best sellers, and novelty postcards. You can take your time and explore the thousands of books or you can ask an employee for help if you have something specific in mind. Either way, you won't be disappointed.
6. Go to a sporting event.
Whether you're passionate about sports or you don't really know anything about them, going to a game is a must, even if you only do it once! The football and basketball games are the most popular, but there are also volleyball games, soccer games, and many more. Even if you don't care much for the actual game, it's always fun to tailgate, dress up in orange, and sing our official fight song: Oskee Wow-Wow!
7. Go to the bars!
If you are at least nineteen and you're looking to have some fun, the bars are always an option. If you are interested in a more chill ambiance, Murphy's Pub and Legends are the way to go. Red Lion, KAMs, Brothers Bar and Grill, and Joe's Brewery provide a more upbeat, party atmosphere.
Regardless of how you choose to spend your time outside of class, it's important to know that there's so much to do, so don't just sit there and do nothing!
