Recommended for you

Start writing a post

Student Life

13 Things UIUC Students Should Take Advantage Of Before Graduation

You might as well live it up in CU before real life begins.

Lauren Gherna

Oct 30, 2018

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

295

Lauren Gherna

As a townie student at UIUC, I find myself getting bored on campus. Champaign-Urbana is home to me, and a boring home at that. I feel like there's never anything to do. However, after a year of living on campus, I've found that there are plenty of things to keep the day-to-day interesting around here.

1. Dining Halls

I'm beyond excited to have my own apartment next year, but there's nothing quite like having a full meal prepared for you whenever you want. Plus, the specialty restaurants offered weekly keep things from getting too bland.

2. McKinley

You already pay for McKinley, so you might as well take advantage of it. Every medical need you have can be taken care of in this one building for free! Even if you don't need to see a doctor, make sure to pick up your free medication packs from the front desk.

3. ARC and CRCE

How often do you have access to two state-of-the-art fitness centers? The answer is almost never. That means no more excuses about skipping your workout. Sorry.

4. Counseling Center

Counseling services are also included in the numerous fees students are required to pay each semester. The best part about this program is that you have to schedule your first appointment the day of. This means students can get help when they need it most.

5. Libraries

Our great university is home to the third largest university library system in the nation after Harvard and Yale. It's worth just taking a look around and gawking at the sheer number of books Illinois students have access to. Make sure to make a visit to the Rare Book and Manuscript room!

6. KAMS

If you don't get your picture taken in front of the Alma mural, can you really call yourself an Illini?

7. Quad Day

Two words: free stuff. But really, if you're looking to join an RSO (like Odyssey at UIUC), make your way down to the Quad on the last Sunday before classes start to get involved!

8. B1G 10 Sports

While very few of our teams consistently win, the opportunity to attend D1, high-stakes sporting events for free or cheap is something no one should pass up.

9. Illinites and other events hosted by the Illini Union Board

The Illini Union Board puts on events weekly that appeal to a wide variety of students. Some of the most popular events are called Illinites and provide a free, exciting alternative to going to bars on one Friday night each month. Don't pass up these opportunities!

10. Arboretum

The Arboretum is a research facility owned and run by the College of ACES, but all students on campus enjoy visiting the area for a taste of nature that doesn't include our campus squirrels nor the Morrow Plots. The Japan House is a must-see before graduation.

11. Ice Rink

This indoor activity is not one to be missed when the weather isn't cooperating. Just a few blocks from the Main Quad, the ice rink makes a great date spot or girls night out!

12. Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

With the generous student discount prices on tickets, there isn't a really good reason to not make your way over to Krannert at some point in your four years here. The performances are never the same, so there's bound to be something that catches your interest. Plus, it's just a really neat building to explore.

13. Facebook Groups

If you recognize any of these iconic UIUC symbols, you belong in the UIUC Meme Group. You may also enjoy Overheard. College cannot be experienced to its fullest without these groups.

While some of these things are basic necessities, take the time to explore them when you're bored. College is only fun when you take advantage of the things that at least feel free.

Report this Content

This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

Entertainment

25 Beatles Lyrics: Your Go-To Guide for Every Situation

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

SUNY Binghamton

34907

Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less

best beatles lyrics

Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College

98255

college students waiting in a long line in the hallway

StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

waitlisted

Recommended for you

13 Things UIUC Students Should Take Advantage Of Before Graduation

You might as well live it up in CU before real life begins.

1. Dining Halls

2. McKinley

3. ARC and CRCE

4. Counseling Center

5. Libraries

6. KAMS

7. Quad Day

8. B1G 10 Sports

9. Illinites and other events hosted by the Illini Union Board

10. Arboretum

11. Ice Rink

12. Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

13. Facebook Groups

Subscribe to our Newsletter

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

Trending Topics

Top Creators

Trending Stories

Best of Student Life

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments

Subscribe to our
Newsletter