The Daily Illini: New Student Edition 2022

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The DI · New Student Edition · July 2022

The DI · New Student Edition · July 2022

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Letter from the Editor: Welcome to campus

By Heather Robinson Editor-in-Chief

I grew up in a relatively small town. Needless to say, the word “overwhelmed” was nothing short of an understatement for how I felt as a new student at the University of Illinois.

After all, Champaign-Urbana is three times the size of Carbondale, Ill.!

Whether you’re from Southern Illinois, the suburbs of Chicago, across the country or across the world, beginning a new life at college is an intimidating experience.

For a campus as big as the University, anyone could use some help getting around. Here at The Daily Illini, our staff wants to do our part in helping incoming students adjust to campus life. This is why every year we publish a guide for new students written by our editors and dedicated staff writers who were in the same position as you not long ago.

After all, who better to take advice from about the best places on campus to take a nap other than the people who have tried it out for themselves?

Within these pages, you will find some unique, in-depth advice you may not have heard during your campus tours. Ultimately, we hope to give you a head start on your time as an Illini.

Without further ado, welcome to the DI’s declassified guide on navigating the ins and outs of Illini culture! hrr4@dailyillini.com

THE DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOTO

The Daily Illini’s 2022-23 editorial staff poses for a group picture in March.

Table of Contents Realistic Student Advice 4

Hail to the Orange 22

Preparing for Harder Classes 7

Advice for Parents 23

Being a Transfer Student 8

Honoring Cultural Heritage 25

Campus Safety Tips 10

UIUC Crossword 27

Off-campus Groceries 12

Champaign-Urbana Activities 29

Student Fee Breakdown 15

Employed Student Guide 31

Recent Grad Advice 17

Joining Intramurals 33

Packing Tips 17

Guide to Transportation 35

Campus Enrichment 18

Smaller Sports 37

Best of Campus 20

Living in Dorms 38

2022–23 Staff Editor-in-Chief Heather Robinson

Features Editor Faith Allendorf

Design Editor Sebastian Holt

Managing Editor for Reporting Gwyn Skiles

Longform Editor JP Legarte

Photo Editor Sydney Laput

Opinions Editor Aparna Lakkaraju

Copy Chief Kathleen Findlay

Sports Editor Drew Friberg

Night Editor Azucena Gama

buzz Editor Sydney Wood

Social Media Director Joana Salto

Video Editor Jiawei Pei

Brand Manager Leanna Cui

Managing Editor for Online Matt Novelli Managing Editor for Visuals Julia Eversmann News Editor Willie Cui

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The DI · New Student Edition · July 2022

College advice your mom won’t give you

By Gwyn Skiles Managing Editor for Reporting

“Don’t do drugs, don’t walk alone and study hard” are words of wisdom most incoming students hear from their parents before their first semester at college.

When August rolled around, I pretty much had that down, but there were other situations that my peers and I weren’t prepared for. This is a list of 10 tips to help you navigate situations unique to campus life at the University.

1. Your teacher’s assistant will see you on Tinder While it might be hilarious to discover the well-dressed mentor you see every Thursday posing in front of mirrors with their lips pursed in a smirk and biceps flexed, just know they can see your photos too. So, if you choose to use dating apps, maybe think twice before putting “down to smoke” in your bio.

2. C’s really do earn degrees The Illini experience isn’t just about basketball games and bar crawls.

You’ll find yourself sitting in a lecture hall learning about subjects you’ve never studied. It’s important to put your best effort into all your classes, but if you worked hard and sought help, ending the semester with a C is something to be proud of.

3. ‘The freshman 15’ is foul It can be difficult to navigate dining halls and exercise when you first come to the University. But no matter how much your mom warns you about “the freshman 15,” constantly watching your calories is way less healthy than having a yummy dessert. Do what makes you feel good, whether it’s eating a bag of Cheetos or going for a walk.

4. Memorize your cool aunt’s phone number In case you need to get bailed out of a difficult situation or need someone whom you feel comfortable being vulnerable around, you should know a trusted person’s contaact information.

No matter the preventative measures

THE DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOTO

Illinois football fans play a drinking game during a tailgate before the Homecoming game against Wisconsin on Oct. 9. you take, accidents happen and mistakes are made. A little bit of insurance can’t hurt, whether it’s your aunt or a trusty friend.

5. You don’t look attractive, you look cold When walking down Green Street in the middle of January, lines of people wearing shorts and crop tops can be found outside of the bars. But before you leave your dorm in your best summer outfit, think about how it will feel writing that essay you have due next week while battling pneumonia.

6. Kiss a girl and see if you like it A lot of the college experience is figuring out what you like and don’t like: whether it’s exploring your sexuality or discovering you don’t like seltzers as much as wine. It’s worth it to explore, even if you might make mistakes along the way.

7. Four Loko night isn’t fun the next morning Sure, one drink with the alcohol content of four drinks sounds like a good way to get drunk fast. But look out, because if you can’t remember last night and you’re miserable in the morning, Four Loko night might not have been the best idea.

to help you protect yourself. Even if you’re walking with another person, taking a bus or are around someone you’ve known for years, traumas still happen. However, a tacky keychain is a sacrifice worth making for your safety. The blue emergency lights are great selling points for campus tours, but you won’t find any in frat houses or bars.

8. Neighbors hear everything

10. Your parents don’t have to know everything

Living in a dorm is an adventure in itself, but some adventures can wait until you live somewhere more soundproof. If you think that guy who lives down the hall is staring at you weirdly the next morning, he probably is. The walls in every residence hall are thin and news travels fast.

They might help you pay your tuition, but that does not entitle them to the intimate parts of your life. This is your time to explore adulthood, and while help is appreciated, distance is also a big part of the college experience. Before you leave, have a conversation with them about their expectations and your needs so you can set boundaries early on and ensure they’re respected.

9. Get a gadget Window poppers, alarms, pepper spray and cup covers are all legal tools

gskiles2@dailyillini.com

The DI · New Student Edition · July 2022

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The DI · New Student Edition · July 2022

The DI · New Student Edition · July 2022

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Healthy habits, connections ease academic transition

By JP Legarte Investigative News & Longform Editor

College academics can quickly become a beast to tackle as soon as one steps into a college classroom for the first time. The sheer size of the room, the number of other students searching for seats and the professor preparing for lecture — any one of these factors can make the first day (or even first week) of classes feel overwhelming.

Maggie Katsoudas, senior in LAS, acknowledged having a similar feeling when she stepped into her first class freshman year. She described how that feeling quickly disappeared.

“I know that I was very intimidated going in because my first class was a big lecture hall in Gregory Hall,” Katsoudas said. “It was not as bad as I expected.”

Katsoudas noted that many professors understand the nerves that accompany attending a college class for the first time. She cited a moment when her professor made the new students feel welcome.

“My professor was literally like, ‘So who here is a freshman? Whose first class is this?’” Katsoudas said.

“I saw a bunch of other people raising their hand, so that’s really nice.

I think … the main thing is remembering that you’re not the only one doing this.”

When considering the differences between high school academics and college academics, Katsoudas emphasized the need for larger time commitments for college academics since students need to do more work outside of lectures, discussions and labs to be fully prepared for every class.

Jessi Kim, an academic advisor and engineering undeclared program coordinator, discussed the variability of schedules in college compared to high school and its effects on freshmen student learning and habits.

“In high school, you’re meeting every day,” Kim said. “In college, it’s a little bit different. One day, you’re meeting in the lecture. The next day, you’re meeting in discussion, and sometimes you’re only meeting once or twice a week, so it’s easy to kind of forget what you learned that week if you aren’t consistent with reviewing every day.”

SEBASTIAN HOLT THE DAILY ILLINI

Katsoudas spoke about the importance of the relationship between students and professors, noting that professors want students to succeed and are very open to connecting with them.

“When I was dealing with a lot of burnout last semester, I reached out to a few of my professors, and they were very understanding and accommodating,” Katsoudas said.

“They are really nice and fun to talk to, and especially if it’s a class where you have a lot of interest, conversation doesn’t have to only be about that class.”

Kim added that the connections between students and their advisors can be impactful as well.

“I think the advisor role really is to be resourceful for the student and to point them to utilizing the resources that will hopefully improve the student experience here on campus,” Kim said. “That might mean going to the Office of the Dean of Students or finding sup-

port through McKinley or the Counseling Center but also just in that one meeting, that 30-minute session, (showing) the student that they are important (and) that we care.”

After discussing how her professors were empathetic regarding her burnout, Katsoudas shared a practice that has helped her tackle burnout.

“Something that I found that really helped me was taking things one at a time rather than looking at the big picture,” Katsoudas said. “If I can get one thing done, then I will be happy with myself for a second, you know, and just kind of like doing little rewards.”

Kimberly Powers, academic advisor in Engineering, acknowledged there are different reasons that students might experience burnout and imposter syndrome. She stressed the importance of having strong support in addressing both.

“Be around people who constantly reaffirm that (you) belong,” Pow-

ers said. “That’s going to be different for different people, but I think that’s what’s really valuable, and I think getting back to the very first point I made — everyone worked really hard to get here.”

Calen Gutwein, academic advisor in DGS, also offered advice that applies to tackling imposter syndrome, highlighting how students have their own unique skill sets, interests, talents and strengths.

“I really, truly believe that everyone has different gifts and talents and passions and how are we going to use those during the life that we have?” Gutwein said. “And so that is the foundation — coming not from a deficit perspective but from a strength perspective.”

Since the very first day of her freshman year, Katsoudas has continually developed her talents and pursued her passions.

She has become president of University RSO Girl Up and an editor and social media manager of Montage Arts Journal. Alongside her studies.

When it comes to balancing her studies with other aspects of college, Katsoudas seeks to blend the academic and social aspects whenever possible, such as holding study sessions with friends.

Katsoudas highly recommended that freshmen participate in Quad Day to discover organizations to join and to continue exploring various organizations through the Involved@ Illinois website, mentioning that this exploration led her to finding Montage Arts Journal.

When reflecting on one final piece of academic advice she would want to offer incoming students, Katsoudas focused on the idea of understanding one’s work habits and preferences and how they might lead to exploring more of campus.

“I definitely think that you need to learn how you work first,” Katsoudas said. “It took some trial and error, but now, I kind of understand that I’m somebody who needs to work in a public place and see other people working, so then I know like, ‘OK, I’ve got to get stuff done.’

It’s also a good excuse to explore campus because there are so many places to study … There are a lot of different places that you could go.” jlegar4@dailyillini.com

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The DI · New Student Edition · July 2022

Navigating the tribulations of transfer-student life

By Faith Allendorf Features Editor

When I moved into Scott Hall last August, I felt so out of place. Attending Welcome Week was even worse since it felt like it was aimed solely toward freshman students. Every speaker mentioned the “Class of 2025,” while I was the Class of 2023.

It seemed like nothing was meant for me, a transfer junior from a small community college in southern Illinois, who knew no one at the University. I spent weeks by myself in my dorm, refusing to exit the shell I curled up in, while my classmates went out every weekend.

I asked myself questions: Will I always be behind? What if I never find my people? Did I make a mistake not coming here first?

The answer was no — I did not make a mistake. Although the University of Illinois was not a first college experience, other transfer students and I feel at home in the orange and blue.

However, while not impossibly difficult, your first year at the University as a transfer student will be challenging.

Connor Gerald, senior in FAA, who transferred from Shawnee Community College, said he felt more behind than his peers who started at the University in 2019.

“When you’re a freshman, everyone’s in the same situation,” Gerald said. “But when you’re a transfer student and transfer in your junior year, you’re part of a smaller group and not in the same situation as everybody else.”

Annie Zei, junior in Education and a transfer student from DePaul University, wished she would have known to schedule her academic plan ahead of time. Zei said she is behind in the typical class schedule.

“I kind of got myself into a bit of trouble,” Zei said. “I have to take six classes the next two semesters, and I think if I would have looked at it a little harder, I could have moved things around better.”

Muhammad Rahman, senior in AHS, who transferred from the College of DuPage, said being a freshman with the rest of the senior class would have made adjusting to the University easier. He also said that two years at the University was not enough time.

“I would have gotten more time to strengthen my friendships and explore all of the campus opportunities I missed out on,” Rahman said. “I just

PHOTO COURTESY OF AIDAN BOVEE

Members of the Illini Transfer Ambassadors are ready to help fellow transfer students adjust to their new school. came here a year ago, and I’m leaving in a year — I feel like I missed out on so many growth opportunities.”

Adjusting to the big-university social scene was also hard, and finding good friends who shared similar interests and values was like searching for a needle in a haystack. Gerald said he felt this way too.

“A lot of people make their friends early in college, so it’s difficult to break into friend groups when you’re a transfer student,” Gerald said.

Finding friends was Zei’s biggest worry about transferring to the University. She said she was “terrified” that she would not make any friends.

As it turned out, making friends was not as petrifying as Zei thought it would be. She said she reconnected with a high school friend and met the rest of their friends. Zei also found other transfer students.

“That’s where I met the core group that I hang out with now,” Zei said.

It might take a while, but you will find those life-long friends everyone talks about. For me, it took a semester and a half.

Aidan Bovee, senior in Media and a transfer student from the University of Illinois at Chicago, said he also took a semester and a half to start making lasting connections.

“Finding friends started when I started getting jobs on campus,” Bovee said. “I made friends that way, and it helped me feel more involved — that was the biggest part.”

Rahman also found friends and said it was not as hard as he thought it would be. He and his friends shared a common struggle: being a transfer student.

“I also met people who happened to be transfers as well,” Rahman said.

“They’re in the same boat trying to look for people to hang out with, so it got a lot easier after that, and they’re my lifelong friends now.”

Of course, we sometimes question if not coming to the University first was a bad idea. However, while some might answer “yes,” there are some things we would not change about our educational path.

“I feel like sometimes I wish I came here my freshman year, but at the same time, I feel like the person I was my

freshman year wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much as I do now,” Zei said. “Community college was the best decision I ever made.”

Rahman said the best way to adjust to University life is to put yourself out there, and when you do, it will get easier.

For transfer students, the best way to put yourself out there is through joining transfer groups like the Illini Transfer Ambassadors, as well as attending Welcome Week events.

“Don’t be afraid to take risks and push yourself,” Rahman said. “Try out everything there is to do on campus because you’ll be a senior and ready to graduate before you even know it.”

Navigating University life gets easier as you find your place on campus.

It might take a while to get there, but I promise you that you will.

Being a transfer student is scary, but I don’t think I made a mistake by being one. Everyone has their own path, and this is ours.

Welcome to the University. faithaa2@dailyillini.com

The DI · New Student Edition · July 2022

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The DI · New Student Edition · July 2022

Tips, resources for staying safe in C-U

By Willie Cui News Editor

Situated between the cities of Champaign and Urbana, the campus is primarily patrolled by the University Police Department and the separate police departments in Champaign and Urbana.

However, the police can’t be everywhere all the time, so here are some other measures you can take to stay safe on campus.

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When it comes to staying safe at night, there is more you can do than following the usual advice of staying in well-lit public areas and traveling with a group of friends.

Printed on the back of every i-card are the phone numbers for requesting SafeWalks and SafeRides.

SafeWalks is a free service run by the UIPD that provides student patrol escorts for students, faculty and staff who are walking around campus at night.

A SafeWalks escort can be requested by calling 217-333-1216 or by using one of the blue emergency phones located around campus.

SafeRides is a similar service run by the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District that provides rides on request for people traveling alone with no other safe mode of transportation.

SafeRides requests can be made by calling 217-265-7433 or via the SafeRides mobile app.

Preventing theft, the most common crime on campus With 114 thefts reported last school year, theft is the most common crime on campus, and according to the UIPD, will likely remain that way.

However, it’s also preventable with the right precautions. Many campus thefts are thefts of convenience — items are stolen when left unattended or unsecured.

Keeping valuables locked away, out of sight and never leaving personal belongings unattended helps prevent theft.

Another thing to keep in mind is the prevalence of bicycle theft on campus, which accounted for nearly half of all

WILLIE CUI THE DAILY ILLINI

An emergency telephone stands in front of Talbot Laboratory. The phones are located all over campus and are one way the University provides safety for students.

reported campus thefts last school year.

Pay attention to Illini-Alerts As an institution that participates in federal aid programs, the University is required by the Clery Act to notify the campus community about crimes that pose a danger to University students, employees and community members.

To notify the campus community, the University send out “Illini-Alerts.” Illini-Alerts are sent out in real-time and usually consist of a series of messages sent via text, email and social media that provide instructions and updates for the campus community. The alerts usually end with a final “all clear” message once the situation is resolved.

For instance, on the evening of July 4, the University sent out Illini-Alerts when gunfire was reported, close to campus near the intersection of Green and Locust Street. The public was advised to avoid the area until the situation was resolved.

Accordingly, Illini-Alerts should not be taken lightly, especially if you’re out and about, and you should keep the situation in mind until the “all clear” message is sent. williec2@dailyillini.com

The DI · New Student Edition · July 2022

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The DI · New Student Edition · July 2022

Venture off campus for affordable groceries

By Aparna Lakkaraju Opinions Editor

Living in a college town is expensive, and if you’ve hit up a few places on Green Street, you would know that the University is not an exception to this rule.

According to the Education Data Initiative, the average college student spends a whopping $547 a month on food, and this is including both groceries and dining out.

This number does not account for students who are on University meal plants, which are also outrageously expensive.

If this wasn’t expensive enough, food prices are steadily increasing due to rising inflation rates. According to the Department of Agriculture, grocery costs are predicted to increase between 8.5 to 9.5% in 2022, meaning groceries aren’t going to get cheaper anytime soon.

To save money on groceries, avoid the grocery stores at a walkable distance, which can dramatically mark up their prices due to their easy accessibility on campus.

Instead, try to use any transportation you can to access groceries that won’t break the bank. Here are a few places I recommend:

Aldi Aldi is a gem for the basics — shop here for groceries that don’t perish quickly and staple pantry items offered at unbeatable prices. You won’t find many recognizable brand names here, but the affordable, generic products that Aldi stocks are nearly indistinguishable from the large brand names you may be acquainted with.

The one downside is that Aldi’s range of products is not as extensive as other grocery stores, which means you’re less likely to check off your entire grocery list. I recommend getting as many of your groceries as you can at Aldi and then stop by another grocery store on this list to get the rest.

Walmart Who hasn’t heard of Walmart? As the world’s largest retailer, Walmart sells just about anything for competitively low prices. If you’ve been looking for a specific grocery item,

SEBASTIAN HOLT THE DAILY ILLINI

you will always find it here for a digestible price.

The Walmart locations in Champaign and Urbana are accessible by bus. However, a downside is both Walmarts are the furthest grocery stores from campus, so the buses that take you there will not run often on weekends or evenings, and they take over 40 minutes to get there and back.

Costco and Sam’s Club Costco and Sam’s Club are warehouse retailers that offer bulk products at low prices that regular grocery stores won’t beat. Customers must carry a paid membership in order to shop at either of these

stores. Don’t sweat the membership, though — the minimal markups on goods end up making the cost worth it.

Buy condiments, grains, beverages and meats at these locations. Beware of buying easily perishable produce in bulk. Chances are, they will spoil quickly and result in unnecessary food waste. Try the infamous $1.50 hotdog combo at Costco while you’re there as a reward for saving so much money.

Urbana’s Market at the Square If you want to support local businesses, head to Urbana’s Market at the Square (also known as the Urba-

na Farmer’s Market), which hosts many local vendors every Saturday morning in the parking lot of the Lincoln Square Mall in downtown Urbana.

The Urbana Farmer’s Market offers an economically sustainable experience that allows you to pick from a variety of fresh, locally grown produce and meet the people who grow your food. In addition to farms, the Urbana Farmer’s Market hosts many local bakeries, apothecaries, restaurants, butcher shops and soaperies. Go with your friends and have some fun while running your weekly errands.

Aparna is a sophomore in LAS. aparnal2@dailyillini.com

The DI · New Student Edition · July 2022

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The DI · New Student Edition · July 2022

The DI · New Student Edition · July 2022

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Make the most of what student fees pay for

By Rebecca Oriza Staff Writer

Paying for college is expensive.

However, many students miss out on services they don’t even know they pay for. On top of tuition, students at the University are required to pay over $1,500 in fees.

Through the University Bursar, you can see an itemized list of fees you pay every semester on campus.

The academic facility maintenance fund assessment and the general fee are the standard fees for keeping the campus facilities operating. However, the other fees are quite vague despite having so much to offer.

One of these fees is the $300 service fee. This maintains services like the Illini Union, Campus Recreation and the Student Legal Services.

The service fee also covers students’ access to gyms, recreational areas and the ARC’s food pantry. In the Union, students have numerous study spaces and access to a computer lab. The fee also helps fund the board that plans various events throughout the year, ranging from free snacks, celebrity guest talks and even a zipline.

Erika Fernanda Wieting, senior in LAS, served on the Illini Union Board.

When talking about the zipline, Wieting said that it was funded by this fee.

“We have in our tuition, an activity fee, and a portion of it goes to the board so we can plan special events like this,” Wieting said. “We want as many people to come as humanly possible. There’s an entire list of events on our social media.”

Another fee is the $70 student-initiated fee. All the spending is approved by students through the student election process, and the money helps fund multiple essential services on campus such as bicycle infrastructure and environmental efforts as well as providing additional scholarship opportunities that are both merit and need based.

A portion of the fee supports the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, which allows students to attend performances either for free or for a subsidized price. For example, students were able to get tickets to world-renowned orchestras such as the St. Louis Symphony and Chicago Symphony Orchestra for only $10, while a typical concert ticket can cost over $100.

During the symphony’s perfor-

REBECCA ORIZA THE DAILY ILLINI

mance, Emily Laugesen, Krannert’s vice president of engagement, said the fees are responsible for lower ticket prices.

“The Krannert Center student fees are the main thing that makes those $10 tickets possible. So when staudents pay their fees in the fall and in the spring, that’s what helps make that $10 ticket a reality.”

With this discount, Laugesen hopes that students will be enticed to see one of the many performances at Krannert throughout the semester.

Another enriching cultural experience is available through the University’s Cultural Centers, which are also partially funded by the studentinitiated fee. The University currently has six centers, where students have access to various resources and are welcome to events like weekly luncheons.

On top of that, the student-initiated fee also funds the collegiate reader-

ship fee that provides subscriptions to USA Today, Spotlight News, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. These subscriptions alone are worth well over $400 per year with regular pricing.

At $244, the library and information tech fee not only maintains the libraries across campus, but also provides many digital resources.

The library is arguably the most underrated service many students (and even faculty) do not utilize.

Some classes require study cases from The Harvard Business Review and The Economist articles. These can cost up to $100 a semester, but all these resources and many more are readily available through the University’s digital libraries.

Another library service that isn’t well known is the media commons.

This library provides loanable technology, ranging from calculators, chargers, laptops and even camer-

as. The media commons will be in room 306 of the Main Library starting this fall.

The transportation fee is $68, which is primarily for bus transportation.

This allows access to the ChampaignUrbana Mass Transit District buses at stops that are across ChampaignUrbana, including off-campus bus stops by simply showing your i-card or the Illinois app.

A lesser-known service also covered by the transportation fee is the SafeRides program. SafeRides allows students to request late-night transportation where they can be dropped straight to their doorstep. The program helps students who feel unsafe walking alone by themselves.

All in all, the resources funded by these fees are worth multiple times what students actually pay for, making it a pretty sweet deal. roriza2@dailyillini.com

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The DI · New Student Edition · July 2022

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The DI · New Student Edition · July 2022

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Recent graduates offer advice for incoming students

By Cecilia Milmoe Assistant Features Editor

As the fall semester approaches, incoming students are preparing to start their journeys at the University of Illinois. However, alongside the excitement, this can raise questions and concerns.

Luckily, there are those who have experienced college life for four years who may be able to help. To share their most valuable advice to incoming students, several recent graduates from the University looked back on their experiences.

Dani Gillon, ACES graduate “You need to be disciplined — really hunker down and actually focus on your studies. Even though there are a lot of other things that the University has to offer, make sure that your studies are your number one priority.

“Also, get a planner. Go through and write down every single assignment that’s due, because sometimes, you’ll have professors that will not tell you when an assignment is coming up, and you might forget about it because there’s no reminder. But if you have everything written down in your planner already, you know when something’s coming up.

Then, you’re also more prepared and can ask questions if the professors don’t actually bring it up in class.”

Hristina Marcheva, FAA graduate “I would say that (your first) year sucks for everybody — and I mean everybody. So do your best, and don’t be shy. Reach out to people, because the friends you make that year will most likely stick with you throughout your entire experience.”

Nena Rohaidzam, FAA graduate “My biggest piece of advice is to be open to getting yourself out there and trying new things. There are so many things happening that you would have not expected to be happening on campus.

“It might take a lot at first to get out of your comfort zone, but it’s so totally worth it. A lot of my really close friends and all the cool people I’ve met during my time in undergrad has definitely been from trying new things and going to different organizations — going to different events held by local bands and things like that. If you’re not the sort of person to be extroverted, it’s still a valuable experience to see what the school has to offer outside of just social life as well. I would just say to explore and be open to exploring.”

SYDNEY LAPUT THE DAILY ILLINI

The Alma Mater statue wears a cap and gown in celebration of commencement in May.

Dejah Travis, LAS graduate “I would say definitely manage your time wisely and allow yourself to explore and find yourself. Just pick what you like at the end of the day, don’t pick where you think the most money is going to be. Just pick what you’re passionate about.”

Jamarri Nix, FAA graduate “The biggest piece of advice I would give incoming students is to find your community, and by that, I mean surround yourself with people who share

similar interests, support your goals and appreciate your true self. These genuine connections can be hard to find, but when you do, having that group will not only make the college experience a lot more fun, but provide you with people you can rely on and trust.

“At the same time, it’s crucial to identify when to let some relationships go.

Not everyone will stick around, but that does not mean you cannot enjoy their presence while they are around.” cecilia@dailyillini.com

Packing basics: What you should bring

By Kylie Corral Assistant buzz Editor

CAMERON KRASUCKI THE DAILY ILLINI

Natalie Romanes, sophomore in LAS, pushes a cart of belongings into Wassaja Hall in August.

Nobody likes to pack, and there’s a general sense of distaste for the task we leave for the night before we need to move. Moving is mostly planning and then wanting to stuff everything into a suitcase within a 10 minute period, but as you plan to move into your residence hall this fall, it’s good to plan ahead and stay organized, preparing for your first night away from home.

1. First things first: Make sure to have an i-card when leaving on moving day. An i-card is needed to get inside the building and check out your keys to get into your dorm.

2. Pack clothing for all four seasons because the weather in Illinois is unpredictable. Make sure to take

coats, shoes, dress clothes and casual clothes.

3. Bring organizational supplies for your room and closet. Wall hooks and trucks can help with beginning to rearrange a dorm right.

4. The University will provide a mattress for the space but extra-long sheets along with blankets are essential to bring for a move-in trip.

5. Have all toiletries organized and ready to go in a shower caddy to make the transition to this new living space easier. Bring towels, bathrobes and shower shoes too.

6. A laundry basket, laundry detergent and dryer sheets are next on the checklist.

7. Courses will commence shortly after move-in day, so make sure to have a backpack and plenty of notebooks for classes.

8. There are only so many outlets in a dorm so make sure to bring a power strip for everything you need to charge.

9. If you enjoy eating in your room, make sure to bring plates, cups, a microwave, a refrigerator, a tea maker and of course, dish soap and scrubbies to clean them as well.

10. The last things you’ll need to bring are documents such as your driver’s license, state ID, insurance cards, Passport, Social Security Card and insurance papers.

11. Finally, you should always be prepared with something to transport your belongings. Most dorms have carts available for rent, but IKEA bags are a great alternative. kyliemc2@readbuzz.com

18

The DI · New Student Edition · July 2022

SEBASTIAN HOLT THE DAILY ILLINI

Campus involvement enriches education

By Rayna Wuh Assistant Opinions Editor

I started at the University in the fall of 2020 — a time when classes and activities were almost exclusively online.

After years of continuously moving between school, sports, music and other activities, it was strange to find myself firmly planted at my desk in my dorm room doing work for my classes and not much more.

I felt stuck. Week after week, I was on a perpetual rotation between coding, game theory, linear algebra problem sets, basics of microeconomics and international relations essays. I needed a change.

So, I took my passion for social justice and my affinity for discussing contentious issues to The Daily Illini.

The student-run newspaper on campus became my first involvement outside of the classroom.

Joining the opinions section brought new excitement to my semester. Weekly section meetings, despite being virtual, were filled with lively conversations.

My biweekly columns and discussions

with my editor empowered me to use my voice to express my opinions on topics I cared about.

Between the improvement in my writing, my increased ability to appreciate various perspectives and the friends I made, my first involvement outside of the classroom brought newfound enrichment in several forms. Soon, I was hungry for more.

In the following semesters, I continued to expand my participation in campus activities — the more I did, the richer my experience became.

In my second semester, I became an assistant for the course that sparked a new interest in computer science, the major I have now transferred into.

The honors section of the introductory computer science course is a unique one. Aside from the fact that it is run by undergraduate students, it introduces practical experience that is usually not afforded in the classroom through a semester-long group project.

Combining my technical interests with my nontechnical ones, my group built a web application that displayed reliable, feel-good news to supplement

regular news consumption. While imperfect in its implementation, it was exciting to build something that addressed a specific problem and develop features based on those intentions.

Joining the staff enabled me to mentor students like myself and expand their interests in ways they could use beyond the confines of a classroom.

My growing interest in computer science has continued to branch off in several directions, driving me to join organizations like Women in Computer Science, Reflections Projections (a student-run technology conference) and Associated Computing Machinery.

In two of these organizations, my main role now as an officer and committee lead is mentorship. This summer, I am helping run programs that get incoming students acquainted with computer science at the University and college in general. I started at the University entirely clueless in both areas.

During my freshman year, I scrambled through my classes with little focus and direction. Although I am still filled with uncertainties, I found ground in

the organizations I joined and it fills me with joy to help others do the same.

In each of my involvements, I forged lasting bonds with the people I worked with and engaged in my interests more deeply. I first found through my classes.

As time has gone on, I have also begun to move from merely participating in organizations to actively contributing and giving back through leadership positions.

While a large component of the college experience is academic, activities outside of the classroom bolster personal and professional development.

Reflecting on my own experience, I am shocked at how much my position has changed based solely on my continued pursuit and expansion of my interests.

As I prepare to enter my junior year, I am looking forward to growing both inside and outside of the classroom. I encourage anyone attending the University to maintain an open mind, never holding back in exploring what this campus has to offer.

Rayna is a junior in LAS. rwuh2@dailyillini.com

The DI · New Student Edition · July 2022

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The DI · New Student Edition · July 2022

The DI · New Student Edition · July 2022

21

Best of campus: Editors give top picks around University, community Best community hangout

SYDNEY LAPUT THE DAILY ILLINI

Best mode of transportation There’s a reason for the numerous bike racks around campus — bikes are the best way for students to get around campus. Owning a bike means turning a 20-minute walk into a five-minute ride, which is great for shortening commute time.

The University campus is bike friendly and well-connected via many paths. On the southwest side of campus is the Campus Bike Center, a garage dedicated to teaching students how to repair their own bikes. The center requires a membership which is free with eight hours of volunteering. It also sells refurbished bikes.

Bikes make students’ world a bit bigger. Meadowbrook Park and the Kickapoo Rail Trail are a quick ride away from campus and a great way to spend an afternoon.

C-U is one of the most accessible places in Central Illinois. Knowing how to independently and safely travel the area is important, making bikes a great mode of choice for new students.

Matt Novelli, Managing Editor for Online

The idea of “community” remains a prominent staple of the college experience. In fact, I would say that having a community truly enriches the college experience. With community comes people who will be by your side through boba runs, late-night conversations and difficult days.

With a campus so large, it can be easy to lose yourself in the number of hangout spots for the University community, so what is the best one?

Nestled among the Illini Union, Foellinger Auditorium and numerous other academic buildings lies the Main Quad.

Extending 940 feet, the triangular grass patches serve as optimal locations for picnics, sports, study sessions and more. When it snows during winter, you might even see a few snowball fights or snow sculptures. The Main Quad truly is a catch-all for various activities and groups seeking a break from classes and other commitments.

JP Legarte, Investigative News and Longform Editor SIDNEY MALONE THE DAILY ILLINI

Best dessert spot

SYDNEY LAPUT THE DAILY ILLINI

Best place to take a walk Coming to campus can be frightening and even intimidating for some, but taking walks is a great way to keep the body and the mind busy while you adjust to the changes that come with moving into college. If you’re coming from a place with a lot of nature, ChampaignUrbana might be a culture shock.

Although there are few places to walk and feel one with nature on campus, the Illini Grove is an incredible place to start.

Located by LAR/Allen Hall, the Grove attracts students from all over campus. Featuring two welllit paths, Illini Grove takes you on a short journey through a wooded area that is unlike anything else on campus.

Entering the path from the side of LAR/Allen Hall, students walk over a short bridge and are immediately met by a pond that is frequented by packs of cute, but fierce, geese. The Grove begins, and path walkers pass many picnic benches to sit and enjoy Urbana’s breeze. After this, a public halfcourt basketball court and sand volleyball pit attract students for games within the shade of the trees. If you’re interested in playing tennis, CRCE’s outdoor tennis courts are right next to the Grove.

Illini Grove is a special place for students to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Main Quad while remaining within walking distance of many dining and residence halls. If you frequently go on walks, try out Illini Grove. You won’t be disappointed.

Drew Friberg, Sports Editor

Located at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Nevada Street, Caffe Paradiso is a quaint coffee shop with a bustling atmosphere. With vibrant, expressive art gracing the walls, wonderfully mismatched furniture and a diverse line-up of music playing loudly in the background, Paradiso exudes a mixed ambiance that puts customers at ease.

In addition to being arguably the best coffee shop on campus, Paradiso boasts a wide selection of well-known desserts and baked goods that make for the perfect post-exam or midday treat. For new customers, the cafe’s tiramisu is a best seller and a great starting point.

Looking for something unique?

Matcha lovers will love the matchamisu, a fun twist on its already stellar tiramisu. Glutenfree? Try the gluten-free cupcakes that come from a local Urbana bakery. If dairy is not your thing, Paradiso has a wide variety of vegan cookies that will hit the spot.

The next time you are looking to satisfy your sweet tooth on campus, head to Caffe Paradiso — you won’t regret it.

Aparna Lakkaraju, Opinions Editor SYDNEY LAPUT THE DAILY ILLINI

THE DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOTO

Best dining hall I heard many horror stories about dining hall food when I was an incoming freshman, and along with pillows and sheets, I packed several recipes for meals I could make with my mini-fridge and microwave. However, I’m happy to report I didn’t use any of them.

I lived in the Illinois Street Residence Hall, or ISR, for two years and rarely missed the comforts of a home-cooked meal.

You can ask any student that’s eaten at ISR since it was renovated and they’ll tell you it is by far the best dining hall. There are so many options, from blueberry tofu — which I can’t say I recommend — to Mediterranean bowls. You can plan ahead with the Illinois App which has an updated menu for all the dining halls.

My meals at ISR were an educational experience I didn’t think I’d get at the University. I tried every cuisine I could possibly imagine.

I learned more about my peers from different cultures because of ISR’s special celebrations of holidays like Diwali and Lunar New Year. It also has inclusive meals for people with allergies or dietary restrictions.

The social scene in the ISR dining hall is also nurturing. Whether you’re looking for a seat for one or 10, you’ll surely find a place to sit and eat. Its spaciousness also offers quiet spaces for studying, FaceTime calls and areas to mingle.

Whether you were lucky and scored a dorm in ISR this year or not, the bus ride is worth it. Have a slice of cheesecake for me!

Gwyn Skiles, Managing Editor for Reporting

Best off-campus night spot

Best Green Street eatery

With the numerous places to eat, explore and nap across campus, it’s easy to overlook off-campus spots in favor of staying near campus and Campustown.

But for those interested in live music, trivia nights and a bar featuring numerous non-alcoholic drinks, the Rose Bowl Tavern may be the perfect off-campus hangout for you.

Located in downtown Urbana, the Rose Bowl hosts both community musicians and regionally touring artists like Olivia Klugman and Sarah Shook & the Disarmers. It also collaborates with the University’s jazz program and organizes events to spotlight student musicians.

The tavern features multiple shows a week, and no matter the day of the week, there’s always something to do or see at the venue. To view the Rose Bowl’s calendar of events, visit: www.rosebowltavern.com.

Located near the corner of Green and Wright, it’s easy to pass by Shawarma Joint; its door narrow and signage unassuming.

However, its food is anything but.

Levantine food served up customer’s choice — like an easternMediterranean version of chipotle — never fails to delight. Halal certified and with plenty of vegetarian options, Shawarma Joint’s customizable dishes have options for anyone.

I’ve been going to Shawarma Joint for over a year now, and I have not once had a bad experience. Friendly and quick service only adds to the quality food you’ll receive. Don’t let a long line deter you, the small interior makes it look longer than it is, and its staff means business. You’ll have your food before you know it. Perhaps what I like most about Shawarma Joint is the portion sizing — an order can easily last two meals, sometimes even three.

Sydney Wood, buzz Editor SYDNEY LAPUT THE DAILY ILLINI

SIDNEY MALONE THE DAILY ILLINI

Best place to nap As you begin college, you’ll soon learn that managing classes, RSOs, part-time jobs, internships and more means that sometimes, things like rest and sleep will slip from your memory. When you don’t spend enough time sleeping, it becomes a lot harder to stay awake and continue doing everything college demands from you.

Whether it’s after an eight-hour study session, coming back from a long day of lectures or even between your morning and evening classes, sometimes a nap is all we need, and the South Lounge in the Illini Union is the perfect place for that.

In the lounge, some students quietly crouch over papers while others play the piano in the corner of the room. With windows looking out across the Main Quad, the South Lounge’s calm atmosphere is reminiscent of a more vintage time at the University. It is the perfect place for a nap.

Kylie Corral, Assistant buzz Editor

Matt Troher, Asisstant Features Editor

SYDNEY LAPUT THE DAILY ILLINI

22

The DI · New Student Edition · July 2022

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127 Flared dress style 128 Topiary evergreens 129 Many a Twitch streamer 130 “Ain’t happening” 131 Navajo Nation tablelands

15 Present presented for fun 16 Martin Luther King Jr.’s message from Birmingham Jail, for one 17 Desperate 18 Smart talk 24 “__ win ’em all” 26 Pt. of USNA 29 Mlle., in Managua 33 Short race, for short 35 Did a 33-Down, say 36 “Hanna” actress Creed-Miles 37 Country star McEntire 38 Cameo shapes 39 “Just joking!”

40 Unit in gemology 41 College application fig.

42 Tantra specialist 44 Kicked off 48 “Am I the only one?”

49 Loud noises 52 Dr Teal’s Pure __ Salt

53 So yesterday 54 Actress de la Reguera 57 Stats for NFL defensive linemen 59 Tunisian currency 60 Four-footed Jetson 61 Beer garden mug 63 Necessities 65 Toni Morrison’s “The __ Eye” 67 Timepiece 68 Softens, as sound 70 Sign of spring 73 Powerlifter’s units 74 Maker of Glide floss 75 People who take the shots 76 Minor quibble 77 Unblinking look 79 Fruit-flavored cocktails 80 Golden brew 84 Whole lot 86 Land of Opportunity?

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ACROSS Pre-eruption lava Country where Inca Kola originated Remy’s brother in “Ratatouille” Brahma and Vishnu Pungent John of “Coming 2 America” Chart a new course for Samoa’s biggest city Groups for aspiring grandmasters Vocalists who combine musical styles Pump part Selling points Govt. prosecutors

88 90 92 93 95 98 100 101 105 107 108 109 111 112 116 119 122 124 125 126

Shriver Forge worker Taquería bowlful Gp. with a tour Woke up late __ waist Item that’s made to measure Garment with hooks Well-balanced people?

Land division “Wonderwall” Britpop band Lopsided victory Sticky-footed lizard Topological abbr.

Audio interference In __ of Unusual sorts Music festival setups “I hate to break up __” To any extent “Pearls”

128 Topiary evergreens 129 Many a Twitch streamer 130 “Ain’t happening” 131 Navajo Nation tablelands 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12

DOWN Supersonic unit Tiger Balm target Bright African snake Send down the wrong path Show stoppers?

Chums Fast-running birds Spa wrap One of the largest tenants of Pittsburgh’s tallest building Make a blunder Place for a lark Antelope whose name means “gazelle” in Zulu

16 Martin Luther King Jr.’s message from Birmingham Jail, for one 17 Desperate 18 Smart talk 24 “__ win ’em all” 26 Pt. of USNA 29 Mlle., in Managua 33 Short race, for short 35 Did a 33-Down, say 36 “Hanna” actress Creed-Miles 37 Country star McEntire 38 Cameo shapes 39 “Just joking!”

40 Unit in gemology 41 College application fig.

42 Tantra specialist 44 Kicked off 48 “Am I the only one?”

49 Loud noises

Reguera 57 Stats for NFL defensive linemen 59 Tunisian currency 60 Four-footed Jetson 61 Beer garden mug 63 Necessities 65 Toni Morrison’s “The __ Eye” 67 Timepiece 68 Softens, as sound 70 Sign of spring 73 Powerlifter’s units 74 Maker of Glide floss 75 People who take the shots 76 Minor quibble 77 Unblinking look 79 Fruit-flavored cocktails 80 Golden brew 84 Whole lot

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DOWN 1 Supersonic unit 2 Tiger Balm target 3 Bright African snake 4 Send down the wrong path 5 Show stoppers?

6 Chums 7 Fast-running birds 8 Spa wrap 9 One of the largest tenants of Pittsburgh’s tallest building 10 Make a blunder 11 Place for a lark 12 Antelope whose name means “gazelle” in Zulu 13 Highlands girl 14 Prefix with center

89 Tiny arachnid 90 Tentative taste 91 “The Good Dinosaur” dinosaur 94 Sugar holders 95 UFO beings 96 Diagnostic pics 97 “Please Mr. __” 99 Tiki bar instrument 102 Pep rally shout 103 Pump part 104 Curved structure 106 “Catastrophe” writer/star Delaney 109 Slate-colored 110 Smooth sailing 111 Parent company of Facebook 113 Sleek, in car lingo 114 Take a tumble 115 Slushy treat 117 Europe’s tallest volcano 118 Puts into play 120 Cleaning cloth 121 Canon choice, briefly 123 Cap with a toorie

©2022 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

ANSWER TO TODAY’S PUZZLE

Solution to Monday’s puzzle

87 ESPN broadcaster Shriver 88 Forge worker 90 Taquería bowlful ACROSS 92 Gp. with a tour 1 Pre-eruption 93 Woke up late lava 95 __ waist 6 Country where 98 Item that’s made Inca Kola to measure originated 10 Remy’s brother 100 Garment with hooks in “Ratatouille” 101 Well-balanced 15 Brahma and people?

Vishnu 105 Land division 19 Pungent 20 John of “Coming 107 “Wonderwall” Britpop band 2 America” 108 Lopsided victory 21 Chart a new 109 Sticky-footed course for lizard 22 Samoa’s 111 Topological abbr. biggest city 112 Audio 23 Groups for interference aspiring 116 In __ of grandmasters 119 Unusual sorts 25 Vocalists 122 Music festival who combine setups musical styles 124 “I hate to break 27 Pump part up __” 28 Selling points 125 To any extent 30 Govt.

126 “Pearls” prosecutors Grammy winner 31 Elsie Fisher’s India.__ “Despicable Me” voice role 32 Sign gas 34 CBS News correspondent Barnett 36 Hardly holy 37 Weekend trips for two, e.g.

43 National Organ Donor Day mo.

45 Steer clear of 46 Test prep giant 47 Neglected to mention 50 “Kapow!”

51 Knightley of “Colette” 53 Website subunits 55 __ Fridays 56 Clerical vestments 58 Kissing in a crowd, say 59 Poland Spring competitor Level 1 2 62 arachnid “Let me put it Tiny this taste way ... ” Tentative 64 Good Swedish autos “The 66 Frequent Dinosaur” changes of dinosaur Sugardirection holders 69 beings Drain nuisance UFO 71 Startspics a pot Diagnostic 72 Purrfect “Please Mr. __” Delicacies brand Tiki bar 73 Films that may instrument follow a band on Pep rally shout Pumptour part 78 Chrome or silver Curved structure 81 Clear the board “Catastrophe” 82 One millionth of writer/star a meter Delaney 83 Garlic paste amt.

Slate-colored 85 __sailing musubi: Smooth Parentmeat-and-rice company snack of Facebook Sleek, in car 5/15/22 lingo Take a tumble Slushy treat Europe’s tallest volcano Puts into play Cleaning cloth Canon choice, briefly “MAJOR LEAGUE DIVISIONS” BY C.C. BURNIKEL

The DI · New Student Edition · July 2022

23

Dear parents: It’s okay to cry while I’m away

By Talia Duffy Assistant Opinions Editor

The day is approaching.

The days, weeks and months leading up to it stretch into infinity and simultaneously compress into milliseconds. The planning, anticipation, worry excitement — I’ve thought about it well past the point of what’s considered too much thinking.

Despite it all, nobody is truly prepared for the day they leave home for college; that’s okay. Being unprepared, in this case, is as inevitable as it is beneficial.

Parents: You have raised and guided me through the ups and downs of every stage of life. From my first days as a teeny baby (to my most recent as a rebellious teen), I was yours to hold (and to fight with — lovingly, of course). But on that day, it will be time for you to let me go.

In turn, it will be time for me to find my own way in the world. It will be time for me to achieve my own success. It will be time for me to make my own mistakes.

None of that would happen if it were possible to be perfectly prepared for college — so it’s a good thing that it’s not possible to be perfectly prepared.

Neither of us really knows what to expect over the next four-ish years.

Even if I have an older sibling who’s already gone through it all, my experiences and responses to the world around me will be different — they will be my own.

For starters, the transition from living at home with family, to living in a building with hundreds of other young adults is going to be weird. The reality of it won’t set in for me until I’m sitting on my bed, trying not to cry too much in front of my roommate. For you, the reality of it won’t set in until you slowly drive out of the parking lot, waving goodbye until you can’t see me anymore, not even trying to pretend like you’re not crying.

Later that night, when I’m in a new room and having trouble falling asleep — the same way people have trouble falling asleep in random hotels — I’ll feel alone. Alone in a way I won’t be prepared for, and I’ll miss you.

The frenzy of Welcome Week will be overwhelming as I introduce myself to people I’ll never meet again and try to navigate the tangle of roads, sidewalks and historic buildings called the University of Illinois. Seriously,

SEBASTIAN HOLT THE DAILY ILLINI

why are all these streets named after numbers and states? How does anyone tell them apart?

But soon, I’ll be able to make my way to the Union without relying on Google Maps. I’ll find a group of people to eat dinner with every night. I’ll realize that if I want to get anything done, I have to sneak away to the corner of my favorite library where my friends and I always goof around.

I’ll stay out too late on a Friday and end up vomiting in front of a random restaurant on Green Street. I’ll call you every week to keep you updated on everything — or, most things, at least. I might leave out the vomiting.

All of these moments — good and bad — will happen because I am

unprepared. All I can do is live one day at a time. Life has been the same for so long, and now I have to learn to live all over again. There are new rules, new characters, new abilities — like volume two of a video game, but this time the developers didn’t include a tutorial.

I know it’s scary for you, not knowing what I’m doing or if I’m OK. But if I’m not doing what I’m supposed to be doing or if I’m not OK, I’ll have to deal with the consequences myself.

You cannot always be here to save me, as much as either of us would like that to be true.

That’s why being unprepared is essential when it comes to college. I might feel terrible in those moments,

but when I look back, I will realize they were just another stepping stone in my path. It’s cliché, but everything happens for a reason.

In short, the point where I’ve figured everything out does not exist without the process of actually figuring it out. From that process, I will learn more than what any class will teach me, so let me go through it.

It’s OK to cry when I go off to college — I’ll probably cry, too — but then my tears will dry, and I will have the most transformative, most stressful and most amazing year of my life — a year I was not prepared for at all.

Talia is a sophomore in Media. taliagd2@dailyillini.com

24

The DI · New Student Edition · July 2022

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25

Staying connected to your cultural heritage

By Vivian La Assistant News Editor

You begin to feel the most homesick when the holidays come around. For me, it was always during Chinese New Year. I would miss traditions like looking up what lucky colors my family needed to wear or receiving red money envelopes from relatives.

Thankfully, college is a time when you start to find yourself without the guidance of your parents and the people you’ve grown up with. It seems scary, but it’s also worth remembering that there are a lot of people who feel the same way.

Join RSOs that interest you — there’s at least one organization for each major or career interest. But there’s also plenty of cultural RSOs that are welcoming of anyone regardless of background.

Every year, a couple of RSOs organize a Lunar New Year celebration complete with food and entertainment.

There’s also the colorful Holi celebration, and you’ll often find students walking around campus covered in colored dye for most of the day. Right before winter break, both students and Cham-

THE DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOTO

The Alma Mater statue is decorated in commemoration of Chinese New Year in 2019. The University provides multiple resources for an individual to stay connected to their cultural heritage, such as RSOs and cultural houses. paign-Urbana residents gather to celebrate Las Posadas with crafts, music and piñatas.

Traditions and gathering with others are both important, but I found out during my first year that I missed the food the most. You might be able to get

by on mom’s prepped meals she sends you if you’re fortunate to have family that can do that.

But as the year goes by and you feel more used to being away from home, you might start to realize that adjusting is also about making new traditions.

My memories of holidays, food and cultural traditions are much more tied to the people I made them with. It’s about cooking a plethora of Chinese food with my mom and grandparents, learning their techniques for their seasoned fish or pork belly or laughing with my cousins as we remembered what to say before receiving the red envelopes.

Now at school, I cook Chinese food with my friends, eat mooncakes with them and go to different student-run festivals throughout the year. We take pictures of our meals and I send them to my family and usually receive some well-intended critiques or tips for improvement.

Not only can you find new ways to honor your cultural background while at the University, but you can also learn about other communities and traditions.

You don’t need to imitate what you’re familiar with — you can make new memories.

It’s possible you could end the year more appreciative and connected to your culture than ever. vla2@dailyillini.com

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The DI · New Student Edition · July 2022

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The DI · New Student Edition · July 2022

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29

Pop the University bubble: Go off campus

By Sydney Wood buzz Editor

There’s a lot to look forward to as a new student coming to the University. From cheering at Big Ten football games, going to college parties and starting classes, it’s easy to find excitement and new beginnings on campus.

But what’s often overlooked are the off-campus opportunities for students in Champaign-Urbana.

As new students begin preparing to move into their dorms, it’s time for them to start thinking about ways to pop the campus bubble and begin exploring the C-U community.

House shows Elena Buenrostro and Travis Newgren are recent University alumni. The duo met at a house show and formed their band, Soft and Dumb, in 2019.

Since then, they’ve played at numerous house shows in the C-U area, along with a few in Chicago.

For Buenrostro and Newgren, house shows in Urbana are their favorite places to go within the C-U community.

Some local house show venues include Waluigi’s Mansion, The Spice Rack and The Powder Room.

“I came to UIUC thinking that bar culture was all that college has to offer — that couldn’t be further from the truth,” Newgren said. “House shows are a welcoming environment, with music, art galleries, vendor events and more.”

Buenrostro said attending events at house shows is one way for students to get involved in the community. They said the DIY scene is accessible for student musicians and for those just interested in listening to some live music.

House shows are also an avenue to meet new people.

“If you feel isolated from Greek life and are searching for more inclusive environments, I highly recommend heading east of Lincoln Avenue to check out DIY shows in Urbana,” Newgren said.

Trying something new Some students said they enjoy challenging themselves to visit off-campus spots they’ve never been to.

Lydia Reed, sophomore in Engineering, said she and her friends try to visit different Mexican restaurants

PHOTO COURTESY OF @URCREEPER_ INSTAGRAM

Local band New Game+ performs at The Powder Room in March. The Powder Room is one of the many house show venues in Urbana for music and art enthusiasts to come together. in C-U and Savoy. Some local Mexican restaurants include Maize MexicanGrill, El Toro and Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant.

“I think going off campus is fun just because you get to do different things than on campus, and it’s less crowded,” Reed said.

Umar Mohd Faiz, sophomore in LAS, challenges himself similarly to Reed and her companions by trying to visit all the local cafes in C-U on the weekends. He said he enjoys drinking good coffee and eating pastries with his friends when he goes off campus.

“After a stressful week, it’s just nice to go out and do something that’s not books and math and just relax and chill with friends,” Faiz said.

Although it may be challenging to find ways to explore off campus, Reed had a few solutions.

“Normally, you can find different ways to get off campus,” Reed said.

“I know the buses go off campus, too, which I’ve used. There’s always someone you probably know (who) has a car.”

Faiz agreed, saying incoming students should get out of their comfort zones.

“At first it might seem scary, but you just have to force yourself and find the right circle of friends and just have fun,” Faiz said.

Road trips Patrick Fang, a 2019 University graduate, said he and his friends used to rent a car and go on road trips together during his time as a student. They visited places like Starved Rock in Oglesby, Ill., as well as different hiking areas

in Tennessee.

Fang said these road trips helped him forge closer friendships with his peers.

“For somebody like myself who was from China, I didn’t really know the immediate area very well,” Fang said.

“So it was an opportunity to have new experiences and also really form deeper bonds with the people that were in my friend groups.”

Fang said road trips added color to his college experience, and he advised incoming students to explore places outside of campus.

“Say ‘yes’ to all the opportunities that you have,” Fang said. “I was very much focused on school and the stress of classes, so I really missed out on a lot of the awesome opportunities just to socialize and have fun being a human.” swood2@readbuzz.com

30

The DI · New Student Edition · July 2022

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31

Chasing the bag: Tips for employed students

By James Kim Assistant Sports Editor

When it comes to paying the expenses of your college education, having extra spending cash or finding the funds for rent, working a job on campus is a great way to have an income during the semester.

Understandably, many incoming students have questions about life as an employed student at the University of Illinois. How difficult is it to balance a job with classes? Is having a job worth it? How do you even begin the job search on campus?

While there are challenges that come with being an employed student, there are also immense rewards that are not only financially beneficial, but socially too.

Recent University graduate Tori Reidenbach has lived the employed student life and worked at multiple places on campus during her time at the University. Some of her past jobs include the on-campus COVID-19 testing sites, University Housing and Caffe Paradiso.

“Working a job during the semester is daunting at first, but it really does

have a lot of benefits,” Reidenbach said.

“I met a lot of my current friends during my freshman year through my oncampus job.”

Reidenbach also said that jobs were a great opportunity to find a place to fit in, and that jobs during college look great to future employers.

“Jobs also allowed me to talk to other freshmen about classes, professors and RSOs, which made me feel more comfortable on campus,” Reidenbach said. “It’s also a great resume booster to show future jobs that you’re responsible enough to handle school while working.”

A useful tool that helps new students find employment is the UIUC Virtual Job Board — a site that allows students to search for opportunities based on their preferences.

“That’s where I found three different on-campus jobs, and they offered me federal work-study, which is really helpful for those on financial aid,” Reidenbach said.

While having an on-campus job is rewarding in many ways, there are still challenges that come with the experience.

According to Reidenback, time management - finding the balance between

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work, class and leisure — is the greatest challenge of having a job on campus.

She described a method that helped her.

“One of the biggest things that makes having a job easier with academics is just learning when you can do homework,” Reidenbach said. “It’s really helpful to fit homework in during the day if you have weird gaps between classes — those hour to twohour breaks between my classes really allowed me to get all my work done before going to work and still have time leftover for my social life.”

Mastering time management can make a busy schedule less stressful and more rewarding. Reidenbach said her worries about having little time for class and friends dwindled after she learned how to manage her time properly. She said she began focusing on the more enjoyable things in life.

“It’s important to remind yourself that you’ll have plenty of time to make those memories and that working will be worth it,” Reidenbach said. “Taking classes and working part time on campus (while not always easy) is doable and worthwhile in the end.

Having worked up to two jobs simultaneously at one point, Reidenbach

PHOTO COURTESY OF TORI REIDENBACH

Tori Reidenbach, a recent University graduate, worked at multiple jobs during her time as a student.

embraced the employed student lifestyle and the challenges it brought.

“Working and going to college can feel like a lot sometimes,” Reidenbach said, “But there’s an entire campus that feels the same way and (there's) plenty of resources to help you.” jamessk4@dailyillini.com

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The DI · New Student Edition · July 2022

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33

Intramurals offer friendly athletics environment

By Jonathan Alday Assistant Sports Editor

On a late weekday evening, students can be seen running around on the turf fields at First and Stadium in Champaign. Whether it’s playing soccer, flag football or volleyball, these students have found a new community space on campus: Intramural Activities.

“I joined because I wanted to be active in the University system, get a little extra exercise and meet new people,” said Kenny Huffstetter, sophomore in Media.

“Being in intramural sports has definitely improved my college experience.”

Meeting once a week, intramural sports run for about five weeks with a three-week regular season and twoweek playoff season. Illinois’ Department of Campus Recreation facilitates games, provides facilities for each sport they offer and arranges officials to orchestrate the scheduled games.

“Intramurals are recreational sporting activities that provide opportunities for the Illinois community to participate in scheduled events at all levels.

Leagues, events and tournaments are

ALL NEW!

offered in a variety of sports,” according to Illinois’ Intramurals website.

“Intramurals provide a space for the campus community to compete in a fun and safe environment.”

With the only requirement being a $30-50 participation fee, students get access to a variety of opportunities such as soccer, flag football, softball, volleyball, basketball, dodgeball and tennis, as well as a variety of special events such as cornhole or spikeball.

“I’ve gotten to expand my circle of friends through intramurals by mutual friends of friends joining, which has greatly impacted my time at UIUC for the better,” said Merrick Evans, senior in LAS. Intramurals also yield a refreshing take on team sports, giving the satisfaction of competing athletically without the rigorous and demanding schedule which many athletes from high school may need a break from.

This also opens the door for those who may have never played a sport to try it out in a low-stakes environment, where the only requirement is a desire and willingness to participate.

PHOTO COURTESY OF @ILLINOISCAMPUSREC INSTAGRAM

The dodgeball intramural team celebrates their championship win in April.

“I would definitely recommend people to join because it allows those who already know how to play the sport to be competitive without having to join a club team,” Huffstetter said. “It allows new players to pick up the game pretty easily.”

A 2017 article from Penn State University showed that exercise relieves stress, stimulates brain cells, releases endorphins, strengthens the immune system and increases one’s ability to concentrate, ultimately leading to higher grades. Managing time as a new student can be hard, but joining an intramural sport has the ability to break up the monotony of a school day, helping students deliver their best work.

“I think it is extremely easy to fit intramurals into my schedule,” Huff-

stetter said. “For each sport there are options to play any day of the week at different times of the day.”

However, along with most things, the uphill battle begins around finals.

“Truthfully doing intramurals can be a little difficult around finals time, but spending time with friends is always worth it,” Evans said.

While the first few weeks of classes might be overwhelming, trying out intramural sports might be the first step to new friendships, new hobbies and a better school experience.

“I highly recommend intramurals to anybody who’s got some extra time, an interest in sports and wants to make some friends along the way,” Evans said. @JonathanAlday7

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35

A comprehensive guide to getting around campus

By Matt Novelli Managing Editor for Online

Students at the University are lucky to be a part of the Champaign-Urbana community — an unexpectedly lively and diverse area in Central Illinois.

C-U is connected with bike paths and a comprehensive transit district, that makes travel easy. It’s a good idea for new students to familiarize themselves with C-U’s travel options to enhance their college experience.

Bikes: A powerful tool Learning how to ride and maintain a bike in a micro-urban community like C-U is important. Getting from the north end of campus to the south end is a 20-minute walk or a five-minute bike ride for someone familiar with the bike paths.

The University is home to the Campus Bike Center, a hands-on classroom and workshop for students interested in cycling. Refurbished bikes and parts can be bought on the cheap, and the center occasionally hosts safety workshops. Memberships are $30 or eight hours of volunteer work.

For students who don’t already own a bike, campus is a great place to buy one. It’s safest to buy a secondhand “daily driver” bike to prevent theft.

Bikes are abundant on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist — some community members fix and sell bikes to students as a side hustle. Be sure to go on a test ride first, and never buy a used helmet.

Ride-share bikes are new to C-U, arriving on campus in 2019 and quickly becoming a student favorite. Bluishgreen E-bikes are scattered around campus and unlockable with the Veo mobile app for a dollar. Veo bikes are great for last-minute travel or getting home late at night. However, they aren’t reliable or cost-effective enough for daily use.

Bike theft is not uncommon in the area, so invest in a strong U-lock and avoid combination locks or easily cut cable locks. Learn to ride defensively and know what the door zone is.

Bike registration through the University is advertised as mandatory but not strictly enforced. Registration stickers cost $10 per bike. More information about bike registration is available at the Bike at Illinois website.

Bikes, MTD buses and cars are a few ways for students to travel around campus.

Buses: Free for students The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District, or MTD, serves campus and the surrounding area with a comprehensive and frequent bus service.

Bus fare is included in tuition, so rides are free with an i-card. Many bus stops on campus don’t require a fare. These stops, called “iStops,” are marked with orange bus stop signs.

Many students, especially freshmen, think they’ll never need the bus, or believe in the stigmas surrounding public transit. These same students find themselves relying on MTD when Illinois winter hits. Learning the basics of the bus system early can prevent you from getting stranded or missing class.

MTD also offers SafeRides, an ondemand van service that offers rides when no safe alternatives are available. Rides can be ordered with a phone call or through the SafeRides Connect App. More information is available on the SafeRides website.

Up-to-date bus times can be found on mtd.org, but some students opt to use the UIUC Bus App, the Transit app or just Google Maps.

Cars: A double-edged sword Having a car on campus means leasing a parking spot and worrying about maintenance. New students can easily get by without a car on campus, although cars are the most comfortable way to go grocery shopping. Cars are also essential for students living in rural areas.

Parking spots are leased through property companies and the City of Champaign, so it’s best to shop around before deciding on a location. There’s not much free parking in Champaign, but plenty of free street parking in Urbana.

Micromobility: Getting around can be fun Electric scooters, Onewheels and mini-segways are increasing in popularity and are a common sight around town — Hoverboards were banned from all campus facilities in 2016 due to safety concerns.

Many roads on campus are smooth and well-lit. Longboarding or skate-

THE DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOTOS

boarding to class is common, and many students bring their boards into the classroom. The Ikenberry Commons is a great place to learn how to skate and even has a lockable skateboard rack.

Walking: Always an option The campus area is quite walkable; most amenities can be reached within 20 minutes on foot. Google maps offers solid walking directions, but doesn’t always account for shortcuts and cutthroughs. Many campus buildings are open during the daytime, and cutting through them can shave time off a commute.

Traveling on campus may seem daunting at first, but practice makes perfect. Syllabus week is a great time to explore and get a feel for campus.

A stroll through the Japan House Gardens or a bike ride through Meadowbrook Park are great ways to relieve stress as long as you can figure out how to get there. novelli3@dailyillini.com

36

The DI · New Student Edition · July 2022

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37

Pack the stands of underappreciated sports

By Drew Friberg Sports Editor

COVID-19 has changed the way sports have been played and viewed in the past few years. Adjusting to competing in smaller venues and behind closed doors was tough for football and men’s basketball programs across the country who expect packed stadiums full of students and fans alike. But for many women’s and smaller men’s collegiate programs, playing in small or empty venues is the norm.

Underappreciation of women’s athletics and smaller men’s programs on campus is something that isn’t new for many athletes. In fact, some have grown accustomed to playing for lesser crowds than their counterparts.

“If you go to a men’s match versus a women’s match, the atmosphere is so different,” said senior tennis player Ashley Yeah. “No matter what, they always get a decent crowd, and we go into our matches never expecting the same. We’ve never had quite the same crowd as them.”

Yeah and the rest of Illinois women’s tennis are coming off the back of their best season since 2018 when they reached the round of 32 in the NCAA Championships. A 16-9 record wasn’t enough for a bid to NCAAs this season, and their 11-1, dominant home record wasn’t enough to garner a consistent crowd at Atkins Tennis Center.

On the contrary, the 14-14 men’s tennis team packed out the same facility for their home matches, despite going just 10-5 at home. While both teams are deserving of support from the student body, only one program receives it.

Graduate student runner for track & field and cross country, Rebecca Craddock, has noticed women’s and smaller sports starting to gain traction, though. In her five years at Illinois, she has noticed a huge difference in the treatment of sports within the community and on social media.

“People just don’t know what’s going on,” Craddock said. “When we made it to Nationals in my junior year, it was a huge accomplishment: We won Regionals! Our media person at the time put out a really, really great video about it, but I don’t think it reaches as far into the community as it should.”

While a video from men’s basketball and football would have reached tens of thousands, Craddock noticed that this video in particular only reached “parents and friends from back home.”

JAMES HOECK THE DAILY ILLINI

Graduate student runner Rebecca Craddock runs during the Illini Classic in April.

If students are looking to become a part of the Illini Athletics FamILLy, the best way to start is by following teams on social media and interacting with their posts, so more fans can see.

“Everyone’s on social media nowadays,” Craddock said. “It’s super easy to add to your Instagram story or just retweet something. I think engagement will really get those numbers up, and once it gets spread a little bit, it just takes off.”

While nearly every student on campus knew when Illinois men’s basketball won a piece of the regular season Big Ten trophy, not many students were aware of athletes making waves elsewhere.

Track and field star senior Olivia Howell earned All-American honors for the second year in a row and was the Big Ten champion in the mile race.

While Kofi Cockburn also received Big Ten champ and All-American status,

“It’s super easy to add to your Instagram story or just retweet something. I think engagement will really get those numbers up.”

Rebecca Craddock, a graduate student and runner for track & field and cross country he received more than 10 times the amount of interactions on social media than Howell in their Illini Athletics social media posts.

Additionally, programs like women’s and men’s gymnastics, men’s golf, volleyball and women’s and men’s tennis all outshone the Illinois football pro-

gram in 2021, with all teams garnering winning seasons or runs in the postseason. While this isn’t to say Illinois football doesn’t deserve its support from students and the community, other sports have been consistently performing above Illinois football, but they don’t receive even a fraction of the same support.

Engaging with smaller sports and building that community is exciting.

Being a part of the fanbase of smaller sports is something that can typically be done for free and without committing a whole weekend to it.

“My friends and I decided we wanted to see at least one event per team while we’re on campus,” Craddock said. “You can do it easily. There are so many different events going on, and there are so many different sports. I think students and other community members are like ‘OK, Saturdays are football games, we’ll go to all those,’ but they don’t see that there is a game or event or match going on pretty much every single day.”

Playing for big crowds isn’t just rewarding for athletes either. A lot of times, the support can help change the momentum in a close match. Sometimes, just being in attendance can be the difference between a team’s biggest win of the season and a loss.

This was true on April 17. After Yeah and the rest of women’s tennis went down 2-0 to conference and in-state rivals Northwestern, the team brought it back and won in dramatic fashion with a score of 4-3. Atkins was at its loudest for its women that day. A little help from the men’s team on rivalry weekend was all that was needed to push freshmen Kasia Treber and Megan Heuser to set three victories and clinch the match for the Illini.

“One of the biggest wins we had this season was against Northwestern, and that was largely due to our men’s team being there and being really loud,” Yeah said. “The energy was really great, and it got on the nerves of the people on Northwestern while also helping us out. I think the crowd was really pivotal in that match to help us get that really big win.”

Smaller programs on campus don’t have to be smaller programs. Simple forms of support can go a long way in helping students find a community, helping athletes find success and creating an even bigger famILLy. @DrewFriberg9 friberg3@dailyillini.com

38

The DI · New Student Edition · July 2022

Making the best out of a small situation How to make your tiny residence hall room feel more like home

By Kylie Corral Assistant buzz Editor

With campus visits coming to an end, incoming students have gotten more familiar with campus. Now, it’s nearing the end of the summer, and new students are finding themselves worrying about moving to their residence halls and scrounging their current rooms for things worthy to take with them to campus.

Visiting the University and actually living at the University are two different things but both are just as exciting.

Nancy Huang, the residence hall director of Wassaja Hall, said students should learn more about their dorms by visiting the University’s Housing website to check out the dimensions of their rooms and the bed configurations. After learning how much room they will get, students can get started on figuring out what to pack.

“They have to do their research,” Huang said. “For students who are moving further away … sometimes you can’t put everything in the car, and that’s fine. I think there’s a lot of stores in town that can sell things that you may need.”

She advised incoming students to begin by packing essentials and buy additional things such as plastic storage containers after move-in day. This will lessen the amount of things students will have to pack.

After the organizational phase of moving into a residence hall, students will initiate phase two, which has everything to do with who they’ll live with.

“I ask all students to communicate with their roommates,” Huang said.

“Most of them are going to have roommates — that’s the reality — and I think it’s really important to establish good communication because the space that you have is a shared space.”

Huang added that students should connect with their resident advisers, resident directors and hall mates.

“They could be your study buddies,” Huang said. “They could have the same class as you, so get connected early and don’t wait because once people have established their community, they kind

FAITH ALLENDORF THE DAILY ILLINI

Wall hangings and lights decorate a student room in Scott Hall, one of 10 residence halls located in the Ikenberry Commons. Students should look at the University Housing website to better understand their room’s sizing. of stick to that community.”

After students settle into their new academic and social lives at the University, another issue arises: homesickness.

It’s hard leaving home for somewhere so foreign and where personal life is intertwined into students’ academic life. It’ll be strange to wake up five minutes away from a class that starts in an hour and meet with friends afterward for study sessions and dinner. It might also be hard to be away

from family, especially if it’s a student’s first time living alone.

“Before you come, definitely bring something from home that reminds you of home,” Huang said. “Call your parents and your family members.

I know college can get busy, and sometimes we’re having too much fun so you forget to check in on your family.”

Along with keeping in touch with family and friends, Huang said visiting home and eating food you’re famil-

iar with in the dining halls is another way to help mitigate homesickness.

“The experience you put into college and your first year is what you make of it,” Huang said. “The other important thing is don’t compare your experience to your peers. I think everyone has different personalities and different things that they like, and it’s okay if there are things you don’t like to do.” kyliemc2@readbuzz.com

The DI · New Student Edition · July 2022

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The DI · New Student Edition · July 2022

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