The start of the new school year is different for college students mostly because unlike the younger folk, we can't wait to be back with our friends and away from our hometowns. School is our second home. Fall semester typically means getting school supplies, getting reunited with your favorite people and realizing you're never going to sleep again. But for students at SIUC, the start of the fall semester means that and so much more.
1. Solar Bear.
The sister-event of the famous Polar Bear, Solar Bear is a weekend of soaking up the last bit of summer Carbondale-style right after Syllabus week. Pool parties, slip-n-slides, cheap drinks and being outside with hundreds of other people in minimal clothing is the best way to end the summer. It's unique, and it's a blast. When SIU students think fall semester, they're really just wondering when Solar Bear is.
2. Starting to think about costumes for Unofficial Halloween.
Because as soon as Solar Bear is over, it's time to think about Unofficial. It will likely take months to think of the perfect costume and whether you're going to hand-make it or pay an arm and a leg to buy it. You want to be original, but you want to be recognizable. You might want to do a group costume (which will take even longer to plan). You have to prepare yourself for the thousands of visitors the town is going to get and you have to get hyped up.
3. Getting to reunite with all of your favorite Carbondale eats.
Don Taco, I say I didn't miss you, but we all know I did. And we can't forget Quatro's, Longbranch, Harbaugh's, Sam's, New Kahala, El Greco, Wise Guys and basically every other place in town. No wonder we're all broke.
4. Going to every event that offers free stuff.
We all know I never plan on rushing but, hey, if the Greek event is also a cookout, you bet I'll be there. If the Student Center is giving out free shirts, you best believe I'm getting one. Dawgs Nite Out? You mean more free stuff? OK. We all know these opportunities only last so long.
5. Being in the great outdoors as much as possible.
We have the Shawnee National Forest right at our fingertips, and early fall is the best time to go. For a quick trip, go to Bamboo Forest or Giant City. Risk your life cliff jumping at Lake Kincaid. Swim and climb the waterfall at the Spillway. Go to an event at Touch of Nature. Have an otherworldly experience at Garden of the Gods. We've all got a little hippie or outdoorsman in us.
So, to sum up Southern Illinois University in the fall: although we do have amazing programs, a beautiful campus and a lot of really great classes, what fall is really about for us is booze, food, free stuff, and the great outdoors. And we wouldn't have it any other way. What else could college students need?
