It's almost mid-June, and the university has yet to release a decision about what next year is going to look like. Many other schools have come out with their plans, most involving a modified way for students to return back to school in the fall, and I'm hoping that U of I will follow suit with that. After half of a semester of slumming it in online classes, I can speak with full certainty that I NEVER want to go through that ever again. I definitely took all that the Illinois campus had to offer for granted, and I know that this year I am going to try my hardest to take advantage of even more opportunities.
As much as I, myself, want to return to campus next year, I am even more so rooting for the incoming freshman to get to arrive on campus on time. The beginning of freshman year was such an exciting thing--it felt like I was getting immersed into this new world, discovering so many new things and learning so much about myself that I never thought was possible. I can't even imagine what my freshman year would be like if I didn't have a normal transition into college, and only want the same for everyone else. I hope more than anything that the university can figure out a way for everyone, especially the freshmen, to return to campus this fall because you can definitely not learn these following things over a Zoom call:
1. Kams > Lion
Lauryn Smith
Sorry, it's just the truth. I was so excited to turn 19 and finally get to go to the infamous Red Lion and was honestly let down immediately, bored every time I got dragged there (with the exception of like two or three times). Yet my second semester my life was rejuvenated when the new Kams opened, where the atmosphere was much more lively and the larger space made it more of an enjoyable experience. I will say I will give Lion another chance with the new additions, but I am not hopeful. Just plz play better music thx xoxo
2. You never know what kind of people you're going to see on the quad.
Lauryn Smith
From your exhausted shackers to your religious speakers (saying some very interesting things I may add) to political rallies, the main quad is ALWAYS an interesting sight to see, especially on the infamous quad day, where everyone showcases all the unique organizations that they're apart of.
3. You will have an ongoing list of your favorite and least favorite lecture halls (but honestly most aren't that great though)
Lauryn Smith
Nay: The ones in Greg hall that the spaces in between the seats are so narrow you feel like your suffocating and can't walk through the rows, the one in Burrill Hall that is so steep you feel like you're going to fall off a cliff, and the one in the psych building basement that smells like sweat and squishes too many people in those tiny seats.
4. How the 22 Illini works
Lauryn Smith
I've been riding the bus occasionally for the last two years, and I still don't really know how it works, so actually maybe I take it back haha.
5. If you want a serious workout, try walking to all four corners of campus.
Lauryn Smith
I actually really like the fact that we have a really large campus. The University of Illinois itself spans three quads, with the addition of much of greek life, restaurants and bars, and stores that are even technically apart of campus that make it even larger. Walking from one end of campus to another is at least an hour excursion, but a great way to get exercise and familiarize yourself with campus.
6. Going off-campus is quite a unique adventure.
Since campus is so big, it's rare that you'll ever need to venture outside of it. However, sometimes you just want to sneak away for a good meal downtown, a shopping trip to the Champaign Target, or just maybe want to hit up a Trampoline Park as I once did on a random Thursday. It's definitely quite an adventure to say the least, reminding you that there's actually more to Chambana than just U of I. Enjoy an exciting moment from my freshman year when my friend had to take me to a random orthodontist in Champaign when my retainer broke xD.
7. The best drunk eats: Chopstix, Maize, or DP Dough
Miss you kitchen afties <33333Lauryn Smith
I mean, not gonna lie most food tastes better drunk. But there's something about extra greasy food like these that hits different drunk.
8. The different vibes between Champaign and Urbana
Lauryn Smith
It's definitely unique to go to a college that is split between two different towns. I have lived on both the Champaign and Urbana side of campus, which is something that not all students have the pleasure of experiencing. Crossing the quad and ending up in the opposite town sometimes feels like you are entering a completely different world.
9. The University of Illinois is the best school on earth.
Me after orientation...I was already hooked.Lauryn Smith
And honestly, you have to physically be there and experience the magic each and every day to know that. Moral of the story: Chancellor Jones please tell us that we're coming back in the fall.
