Illini Union Courtyard Cafe

BUZZ EDITOR

SARAH BOND

sbond21@dailyillini.com

If you like to people-watch, there’s no better place than the Courtyard Cafe inside of the Illini Union. The room is lled with tables and chairs and is always, always busy.

I love sitting down with my Starbucks grande hot white mocha in a corner of the room with a good book and immersing myself in the college atmosphere. Whether there’s a noontime performer at the stage, a trivia night, a sports event being projected onto the big screen or it’s just an average afternoon, the hustle and bustle feeling of a true college environment is always present.

State Farm Center

JAMES KIM jamessk4@dailyillini.com

If there is one place on campus that both guratively and literally screams ‘Illini,’ it is the State Farm Center. Anyone looking to understand what Illinois is all about just needs to take a quick visit there at the south end of campus on game day.

The ferocious passion of the Illini fan base overwhelms you as you take your seat in the arena, and it is, in my opinion, the number one place on campus to truly feel the sense of family that’s present at Illinois.

I still remember after attending my rst ever basketball game being struck with the thought of ‘wow, so this is what being an Illini is all about.’ State Farm Center quickly became my happy place, as it allowed me to release all my stress by screaming and cheering the team to victory down on the court.

It doesn’t get much better than being surrounded by fellow Illini enthusiasts, and as you exit the building after a night of Illinois basketball, I guarantee your mind will be spinning in orange and blue.

FEATURES EDITOR

LILLIE SALAS

lmsalas2@dailyillini.com

The word “paradiso” is from the Italian language and means “paradise” in English.

A paradise is exactly what Ca e Paradiso is on campus. On the Urbana side, nearing Florida Avenue Residence Hall, the cafe sits on the corner of Nevada and Lincoln streets with its cozy vibe, amazing music selection and welcoming sta .

I’ve had a handful of study sessions at their wooden tables and countless of my academic papers have been nished while sipping on Paradiso’s chai.

I tend to drink more tea than co ee, but almost every drink I have tried has been of a high caliber. Their chalkboard placed beside the register containing their unique seasonal beverages, handpicked by the sta , was always a favorite feature of mine.

Ca e Paradiso hosts multiple poetry slams throughout the year and tends to be very active with their following on Instagram.

As you begin to return again and again, you may recognize the community the cafe has created. There is no feeling like looking at the lively and well-maintained houseplants, outside the window at the busy street, or people watching inside its beautiful interior.

Urbana is recognized for its art scene, its alternative audience and its unique spirit, which is exactly what Ca e Paradiso encapsulates.

DESIGN EDITOR

SOPHIA KIM skim660@dailyillini.com

The uniquely designed building of Siebel Center for Design already stands out on campus with its open atmosphere, large skylights and expansive central sloped pathway.

Beyond its exterior, SCD boasts an extensive list of additional plusses that have easily made this building a favorite location on campus.

Located at the end of the South Quad, this place has opportunities for students to explore multidisciplinary interests and the building’s spaces have been speci cally designed for collaboration.

With its many studios and whiteboards scattered throughout, you will always have the optimal space for all your study sessions! Even if you want to study by yourself, you will always nd tucked away spaces to be the most productive. In addition, this building is a hotspot for tons of events!

Thrift pop-ups, clothing vendors, and the annual Circular Fashion Expo all take place at SCD.

With its expansive space optimal for creative events and a quiet ambience for the ideal study session, Siebel Center for

OPINIONS EDITOR

RAPHAEL RANOLA rrano2@dailyillini.com

One of the reasons why I love being a student of the University of Illinois is the long history attached to it — I am a part of a long line of students pursuing higher education.

No place on campus screams “historical” more than our Main Library.

The greatest draw of the Main Library is its gorgeous Reading Room located on the second oor, and my personal favorite place to study.

Your rst time exploring the Main Library is nothing short of enchanting. The walls beside the staircase are adorned with paintings and charts and the ceiling is encrusted with ornate lining. The Reading Room itself is lined with huge windows and dusty old tomes. You can sit down at one of the long tables, plug in the chargers for your devices and go to work in a beautiful study room just like the students who came before you.

GRAPHICS EDITOR

AMY SANCHEZ amys3@dailyillini.com

Close to the Main Quad sits one of the least intimidating spaces on campus, the Orange Room. It’s only a section in the Main Library’s rst oor and yet, it’s managed to become one of my favorite places on campus.

Unlike the typical library norms, the Orange Room allows food and drinks and welcomes loud conversations. To have the full experience you must rent out one of the study rooms, my favorites being Room 8 and 10. Ask a friend to join you there for lunch and chat while playing baby animal cams on the monitor. Be careful with volume though; we found out the hard way that some monitors play sound. The last bonus point the Orange Room gets is that it’s attached to one of the best parking lots on campus.