The Daily Illini: New Student Edition 2020

THE DAILY ILLINI WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

SUMMER 2020

CAMPUS & ACADEMICS

NEW STUDENT EDITION SUMMER 2020

CAMPUS AND ACADEMICS COVER

Text ILLINI to 313131 and enter to win $5,000 Prize subject to change. Limited time only. See website for official rules.

2A Summer 2020

THE DAILY ILLINI | WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

Schedule your virtual tour today!

5 Communities

THE DEAN

IN THE HEART OF

UIUC!

307 E DANIEL

1008 S FOURTH

908 S FIRST

501 S SIXTH

Our floor plans are perfect for

social distancing!

Sign A Lease At The Dean &

Receive A

$1,000 GIFT CARD & FREE UTILITIES FOR A YEAR! *PER QUALIFYING LEASE | RESTRICTIONS APPLY | SEE OFFICE FOR DETAILS | OFFER & DETAILS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE | NOT TO BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER | “FREE UTILITIES FOR A YEAR” IS BASED ON A MONTHLY VALUE OF $40 & WILL BE DISPERSED VIA A GIFT CARD IN A SINGLE LUMP SUM AFTER MOVE IN | ACTUAL UTILITY USAGE MAY VARY BY RESIDENT & IS NOT COVERED UNDER PROMOTION | MANAGEMENT IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR CREDITING ANY GIFT CARD VALUES TO RESIDENT ACCOUNTS

Sign Your Lease at ACT & Receive a

$1,000 gift card!

Receive $500 when you sign plus an additional $500 later.

Also receive $300 worth of apartment essentials! *RESTRICTIONS APPLY. OFFER ENDS 7/30/2020. CAN CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

THEDEAN.COM | THEACADEMYCAMPUSTOWN.COM

THE DAILY ILLINI | WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

Summer 2020

3A

No one tells you about packing these six items

BY ELIZABETH SAYASANE FEATURES EDITOR

Searching the internet for “college packing lists” will return thousands of similar results.

They include bed sheets, a laptop, phone chargers, a speaker, cleaning supplies, a first aid kit and several other essential items to survive in the dorm rooms.

While these lists are a perfect place to start, they sometimes leave out items that will make life a lot easier for incoming freshmen.

Here are six items not on their list that you won’t want to forget.

Rain Gear

You will probably be spending a lot more time walking to and from class, the dining hall or the ARC than you would at home.

Unfortunately, this means you have a much greater chance of getting caught in the rain. While our bus system does an amazing job of connecting the campus, there will still be times where you’ll have to walk a couple of blocks to your destination. During these times, you will be grateful to have an umbrella. Even better would be to bring rain boots and a raincoat.

THE DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOTO

An I-Guide helps a student move into a dorm in the Ikenberry Commons on Aug. 22, 2013. iGuides are students who volunteer to assist incoming students with moving into their dorms.

the meal plan, so you don’t have to worry too much about storing food in your dorm. However, there will Tupperware be nights when you get Thai Most meals for first- food and have leftovers. In year students come from times like those, you will

need some Tupperware to store it in. It will also come in handy if you have days with a lot of classes and few breaks to stop for lunch so you can bring food with you in your backpack. It may even be helpful to bring a lunch box so you can keep things cold with an ice pack.

Art Supplies

CASSIDY BRANDT THE DAILY ILLINI

While craft time may have ended in elementary school, you’ll still want to pack some art supplies to bring with you to college.

A lot of classes will have big assignments that require posters or presentations or some creative elements. In those times, you’ll be glad to have some colored pencils, markers and a glue stick. In addition to assisting with your academic

needs, crafting can be a good way to relieve stress and bond with new friends.

You can make dorm signs or decorate the community spaces together. It’s nice to know you are prepared for whatever creative situation may come your way!

Mugs and Water Bottles

It’s pretty well known that a lot of college students run on coffee. It can be a helpful pick-me-up on your way to your 8 a.m. lectures. Make sure to bring a good travel mug to keep your drink warm if you have to take it to go. This will make it easy to stop down at the dining hall for breakfast, fill up your mug and get out the door. Also, make sure you’re staying hydrated to balance out the caffeine and get a reliable

water bottle that will keep your drink cold the entire day. It will make all the difference to have a water bottle you can take with you everywhere.

Slides or Slippers

Most packing lists will include shower shoes since you will probably be bathing in a communal shower. However, you may also want a separate pair of shoes you can slip on just when you need to leave your room but not the building.

You can wear them to go brush your teeth, to hang out in the common area or to go get your mail. These can be comfortable slides or cozy slippers — just make sure they are easy to get on and off.

Ambiance Additions

While your first year at the University is hopefully busy with classes and clubs and fun outside of your room, you will still spend a considerable amount of time there. Make sure it’s a place you feel comfortable and safe coming back to at the end of each day. Things like oil diffusers, house plants and framed photos can help you do that. They make the whole room feel cleaner and cozier!

Most students inevitably forget one thing or another as they pack up for college. It will not be the end of the world but remembering some of these things can make the transition a little bit easier. eis3@dailyillini.com

4A Summer 2020

THE DAILY ILLINI | WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

Organizations welcome incoming Black students

BY JARED EBANKS ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR

We all have spaces surrounded by peers that make us feel safe. We feel heard in these spaces and can share experiences with others who will relate to our stories the most. In a society where racial tensions are high, where the color of your skin determines how you’re perceived and treated, these spaces are necessary now more than ever.

The University is home to a number of Black student organizations and resources readily available to serve the African American student population on campus.

Sometimes, though, finding these spaces, communities and organizations can be difficult when arriving on campus.

During your first semester, you can take a trip to the Bruce D. Nesbit African American Cultural Center, BNAACC. Here, first-time students can receive information on events hosted at the center year-round as well as what student groups they partner with for these events. Signing up for BNAACC and the Office of Minority Services emails on your Illinois account is another way to stay up to date.

Organizations such as the Central Black Student Union focus on supporting Black students who live in dorm rooms. The Union hosts its events across campus at common spaces in dorms and other spaces such as the Illini Union.

Each week the evening’s events are given themes such as Soul Bowl in the Illini Union Rec Room or Soul Train Karaoke night.

Black Student Unions are a great way to get your foot in the door to all the opportunities for Black students on campus.

Other organizations on campus separated by gender give Black men and

women the opportunity to increase their personal service and educational value.

Men of Impact and Women of Color meet the needs and concerns of Black men and women, using service and education to overcome social stigmas society holds against them. Executive boards within these organizations can also help when bolstering your resume or looking for examples of leadership positions held while in college.

Some of the most useful spaces on campus are created for a deeper educational dive into a student’s major. National Association of Black Journalists, NABJ, and National Association of Black Accountants are nationally recognized clubs that hold meetings throughout the year for Black students in journalism and accounting fields.

Here, students can collaborate on their studies as well as learn how African Americans fare in their specific job field. Often completing zoom calls with professors and social activism leaders from across the country, these organizations prepare the next generation of Black accountants and journalists.

Educational student groups can also be a fantastic place to network with students you’ll be seeing in the same classes as you for the next four years. NABJ specifically hosts its own website where members actively write stories pertaining to the Black experience on campus. The added work is both manageable and beneficial as a first-semester freshman having your work officially published.

Having personally joined NABJ as a freshman, being a part of the organization improved my skills as a writer, but it also gave me a place where I know my voice is heard. It is a space where

PHOTO COURTESY OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACK JOURNALISTS

Students pose with their artwork after the Paint and Sip for the Culture event hosted during the 2019-2020 school year. The National Association of Black Journalists is a nationally recognized club where members write stories pertaining to the Black experience on campus.

THE DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOTO

The renovated Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center officially opened April 9, 2019. The Center houses programs for Black students such as 100 Strong, Ebony Excellence Awards, Shelley Ambassadors and more.

I can collaborate with oth- were available to me had I on the website of the Office jaredde2@dailyillini.com er journalists who look like not joined. of Inclusion and Interculme and try new opportuniThe organization men- tural Relations. ties I wouldn’t have known tioned above can be found

ILLINI UNION BOOKSTORE

Welcome NEW ILLINI!

Order Your Course Materials Online – Largest selection of rental and used textbooks.

– Most competitively priced textbooks and course materials.

– Widest selection of fiction, and non-fiction books.

– Best campus source for Illini apparel, souvenirs, and supplies.

SELL BACK

YOUR BOOKS

NO MATTER WHERE YOU BOUGHT THEM

GET ALL YOUR OFFICIAL ILLINI GEAR AT

bookstore.illinois.edu CORNER OF WRIGHT & DANIEL ST.

ALL PURCHASES SUPPORT ILLINI UNION STUDENT EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

The of�icial University of Illinois

BOOKSTORE

THE DAILY ILLINI | WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

Summer 2020

5A

Engineering doesn’t have to end your other interests Innovate your life by adding variety, extra hobbies to balance major

twice a week opening up the stage for all kinds of local artists. The Canopy Club is definitely the place for you if you are into performing with an instrument, singing, DJ-ing or just looking to meet new people who share similar music tastes. Either way, participating or attending these events doesn’t take too much of your time or effort.

BY ROHIT JAMMU ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR

Being an international student in engineering can be quite overwhelming. You have a formidable amount of coursework due every week, classes are notoriously difficult and every time you meet someone at a party and tell them your major, you’re greeted with “oof, that sounds rough, buddy,” and you agree with them.

The Grainger College of Engineering is ranked as the 10th best school for engineering in the United States, with its computer science, mechanical, electrical and computer engineering programs being in the top ten in the country, so you know the competition is high as well.

Aside from that, chances are that most of the friends you make are from classes you take, which are mostly engineering centered or from the RSOs you join, which are also major-centered because you know recruiters at the job fair love to see those extra hours on projects related to your major on your resume. With your engineering major taking up such a big part of your time at the University, it can be hard to find people who share your interests outside of the STEM classes you take together.

But based on personal experience, your engineering major doesn’t have to be the only focus of your college experience. Part of the process of applying to different universities is making your college application reflect your strong primary interest in your major and

Writing

The Creative Writing Club is an RSO that has been on campus for a while.

They have several social events like bake sales, open mic nights and ice cream socials, so you can meet and interact with different people who share a love for creative writing of any kind. They also have writing workshops where you bring in your work and get feedback on it. The great part is you don’t have to attend every single event, so you can attend meetings and events at your own pace with your heavy BEN TSCHETTER THE DAILY ILLINI schedule.

An ECE staff member interacts with large electromagnets during the Tesla coil concert on the first night of Engineering Open I joined the Daily Illini to House on March 8, 2019. Due to the rigor of the University’s engineering program, students should make an effort to balance exercise my creative writtheir heavy workload with social events and RSOs that complement their interests. ing side and have been here for over a year and a half.

At The DI, you can write about sports if you’re a big sports buff, share your opinions on a large variety of things with the opinions sections or just stick to a general form of journalism with the news section. You could even work as a photographer, photo and video editor or even a graphic designer.

Regardless of what your interests are, even w ith your seemingly over whelming amount of coursework and extra effort that comes with your CASSIDY BRANDT THE DAILY ILLINI engineering major, you don’t have to press pause on it still has hosted some pop- your other areas of interest displaying your secondary uate and postgraduate stu- Music The Canopy Club is ular artists like Young the because the University has interests, skills and points dents, has a place for everyof interest. The University one and their own specific regarded as probably the Giant, Led Zeppelin II and something for everyone. of Illinois, being over 6,000 interests. best venue on campus events like Urbanite. The acres in size and the home Here are some places and because of its intimate Canopy Club also hosts rjammu2@dailyillini.com and local atmosphere, but virtual open mics once or to over 50,000 undergrad- ideas to get you started:

Remarkable Value. Unbeatable Locations.

ALL NEW Leasing for 2020-2021 School Year

DAILY ILLINI APP NEWS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS •Stay up-to-date on all things Illini •Get breaking news immediately •News, sports, features, opinions ALL NEW! Exclusive offers only available in the App

1, 2, 3 & 4 bedrooms available

Take a video tour at www.bankierapartments.com or call 217-328-3770 for a showing!

Apple and the Apple logo and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries and regions. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.

YOU’RE GOING TO HAVE SO MANY GREAT MEMORIES FROM YOUR TIME AT COLLEGE. HOLD ON TO THEM FOREVER WITH THE OFFICIAL U OF I YEARBOOK.

Order your yearbook online at

SAVE $10!

Order by August 31st for a SPECIAL PRICE of

$

90

(Includes domestic shipping; International shipping $50 extra)

illioyearbook.com or call 217-337-8314

6A Summer 2020

THE DAILY ILLINI | WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

ALL NEW

Gregory St.

Goodwin Ave.

Wright St.

Lincoln Ave.

University Ave.

University Ave.

North Quad

YOU COULD LIVE HERE

Siebel

Stoughton St.

DOWNLOAD FREE. LISTEN NOW.

DCL

Gregory St.

Grainger

Matthews Ave.

Springfield Ave.

Transportation Building

Apple and the Apple logo and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries and regions. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.

Loomis

illio

LIVE CLOSE, SLEEP IN Illini Union

Illinois St.

Would you like to work on your college yearbook?

See our Recruitment ad on page A7 to find out how!

• Fully furnished Goodwin Ave.

• Affordable • Minutes to Engineering Campus

Lincoln Ave.

Main Quad

Matthews Ave.

Wright St.

Green St.

Lincoln Ave.

Green St.

• Newly remodeled units available

REMODLED UNITS INCLUDE: ☑ Stainless steel appliances ☑ New carpeting and flooring ☑ Replaced interior doors ☑ Brand new balconies ☑ and more...

www.baileyapartments.com

illio yearbook

OFFICIAL YEARBOOK AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

Access wellness tips, resources and services at your fingertips.

THE DAILY ILLINI | WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

Summer 2020

7A

THE DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOTO

Adrian Martinez, a freshman in DGS, waits to meet with his adviser on March 5, 2019 in the Campus Center for Advising & Academic Services on Wright Street. The Division of General Studies offers extra time for incoming students to take a variety of classes in different subjects to determine the best major for them.

Don’t be pressured to declare: Take advantage of DGS Explore your options, find your passion

BY SHIVALI SHUKLA ASSISTANT SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR

High school has always embodied that cliquey, socially awkward, still-finding-yourself stereotype.

It’s common to anxiously await your college days, the days when you’re supposed to have it all figured out. You excitedly join class Facebook groups and follow every stranger on Instagram who has “UIUC” in their bio, hoping to get a head start on the social scene. And then, everyone starts comparing majors. They ask you what you’re studying. “Oh, you’re

undeclared? Do you know what you want to do at all?

Did you get rejected from the Grainger College of Engineering?” Suddenly, everything feels like high school again.

It’s hard to ignore the inter rogator y voices unknowingly pressuring you to pick a major. But you, along with everyone else, have to remember that undeclared doesn’t translate to clueless.

Say it with me, and repeat it like a mantra: Undeclared doesn’t mean clueless. Undeclared doesn’t mean reject.

Undeclared means never settling.

The Division of General Studies is home to over 23% of incoming students.

So you’re not alone. On top of that, studies say a large majority of students change their major at least once in

their college career. Some might change their major five times. You’re actually ahead of the game. You’re not wasting time pursuing a degree in an area you’re only half interested in just to later decide you made the wrong choice and have to wait another year to change your major and start from scratch. I’m not saying switching majors is something to be ashamed of, either. I’m saying, it’s okay to want to carve out the perfect path for you and not settle for anything less than that.

Being a part of DGS comes with a host of tools to help you narrow down your interests.

It’s never too early to meet with an advisor and discuss potential areas of study you might want to pursue. If you already have some ideas, an advisor can help you figure out what prerequisites you

might need to fulfill in order to declare that major.

If you’re in DGS, you have an opportunity to explore your options more than many other students. Look at general education courses in a variety of subjects to see if you fall in love with something you may not know you have a passion for. One of my personal favorite courses was a general education course I chose just because it fulfilled two of my graduation requirements. It’s probably the only time I made a decision for the wrong reasons, and it actually changed my life for the better. Don’t worry about what looks easy; focus on what will help you grow.

You aren’t missing out on anything by being in DGS. You can still take the same classes as anyone else. You

can participate in the same activities. You can be a James Scholar. You can be on the Dean’s List. You can be stressed out over midterms. Don’t let anyone else make you feel like your college experience is any less than theirs. Own being in DGS, and be proactive in DGS. Exude confidence, and just do you.

It’s okay to even wait until the last minute to declare your major. You’re a perfectionist. You’re the best, so you deserve the best. The best takes time. If you do, however, know exactly what you want to pursue from the very beginning, start networking early. Meet with advisors of the college of your interest to create a plan that will help you succeed in your goals. Keep communication open with those on campus

who are there to help you, and always make sure you are still on track to graduate.

In a sea of college students who relish in newfound adulthood and seem to have everything figured out, it might feel like you’re lost in comparison. Maybe someday, DGS will distinguish specific pathways within the college for students to follow a more narrow trajectory down the path of their choice, and that might make you feel more like you have your two feet safely on solid ground.

But for now, make the most of the resources you do have at your disposal, and talk to the people who are here for you. Be proud to be putting in the effort toward choosing the path that’s right for you. sshukl5@dailyillini.com

WRITE. DESIGN. BROADCAST. SELL. CREATE. MANAGE. INSPIRE.

Are you interested in getting valuable experience in a fun and professional setting?

Come to one of Illini Media’s

FALL 2020 RECRUITMENT NIGHTS Dates and details to be announced.

Follow us on social media for more info.

Daily Illini Independent student newspaper

Buzz

Online entertainment magazine

Illio Yearbook at the University of Illinois

Technograph Quarterly engineering magazine

WPGU-FM 107.1 Commercial radio station

8A Summer 2020

THE DAILY ILLINI | WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

Deconstruct first-year college myths, adjust to campus life

BY HEATHER ROBINSON ASSISTANT DAYTIME NEWS EDITOR

From the moment most high school graduates walk the stage at commencement, they can’t wait to go to college. Most incoming freshmen have some sort of idea as to what college life looks like, whether flooded with parties every night or building lifelong connections with roommates. However, there are often misconceptions due to popular culture and common myths surrounding campus life.

So you’ve graduated high school and moved on to the next step. First of all, congratulations, you did it! And secondly, as a way of passing the baton from one former freshman to a new one, here are some myths on what to expect and what not to expect during your first year.

The myths: You will gain the Freshman 15

Although it is arguably the most commonly dreaded freshman myth, the legend of the freshman 15 does not quite hold up. According to a study conducted at Cornell University, first-year students gained 4.2 pounds on average in the first 12 weeks of instruction.

While it is certainly possible to gain weight once you move away from home, the typical amount gained is often exaggerated. In addition, weight gain is certainly not inevitable. Yet it is important to note there is nothing wrong with gaining some weight during your first year. It is understandable why your body may change when you are trying to adjust to a new environment.

But if you are set on staying in tip-top shape, there are some excellent campus resources to aid you in doing so. For example, you can check out some of the recreational facilities on campus, such as the ARC or CRCE gym. Once you start

KEVIN GAO THE DAILY ILLINI

Illinois students study and lounge on the tables outside of the Illini Union on April 3. Among the most prominent myths college freshmen are accustomed to are: The Freshman 15, the need to join Greek life to preserve your social life, the best-friend roommate and the quick adjustment to college life.

to maintain accountability for your health habits, you will feel better overall and are less likely to gain a few extra pounds.

You have to join Greek life to maintain a social life

Although the University has quite the reputation for being a party school, the Greek life scene isn’t for everyone. You don’t have to be involved in Greek life to make friends with those in fraternities and sororities, and you certainly don’t need to be involved with Greek life to go to parties.

With such a large number of fraternities and sororities on campus, it can be difficult not to feel pressured to join by fear of missing out. However, there are so many other ways to get to know peo-

ple your first year. There is undoubtedly no shortage of extracurriculars on campus which is something that becomes apparent to most freshmen on Quad Day. Sign up for a lot of clubs, try some out, and find an extracurricular or a few you want to really stick to. You will more likely build connections by investing yourself in a few clubs rather than being loosely involved in a lot.

You’ll be best friends with your roommate

Whether or not you chose your roommate going into freshman year housing, the connection may just not be there; and that’s OK. Often in popular culture surrounding campus life, roommates are portrayed

to be best friends who create life-lasting bonds. While this may be true for some, it definitely is not the case for all.

It is important as people who share the same space to retain respect in your shared environment. Even if you aren’t best friends, it doesn’t mean you have to be enemies. Communicate rules if you need to. Not everyone is okay with hearing music blasting at 3 a.m. on a Tuesday night.

The truth is, you will probably become some level of close with your roommate, which can be beneficial as you both learn to navigate your first year together. Try to build a bond with them.

They are experiencing the same things you are. But don’t stress if the connection is not there. You will

have countless opportuni- was waiting for since I can ties to build friendships in remember. your classes, extracurricuWhen this adjustment lars and campus events. does not happen immediately, it can become a stressYou’ll adjust right away ful situation. It is important For most incoming stu- to understand that everyone dents, going to college will has different ways of adaptmean gaining the most inde- ing to their new environpendence they’ve ever had. ment, and it takes everyone However, with all of the posi- a different amount of time. tive shifts happening in your Take me, for example, who life comes difficult change as didn’t totally adjust until the well. Speaking from experi- second semester of freshence as a freshman last year, man year. Maintain a conleaving home and adapting nection with your family and to an entirely new place friends back at home. They takes time, and that is OK. can really help you through Having been grown and the process as it is difficult raised in a small town, I to endure it alone.

And even though it may was admittedly excited to leave and start a new life not seem like it at first, you somewhere else. I ended up will find your place here, and putting a lot of pressure on trust me, once you do, you myself to fall in love with are going to love it. my new college life instantly. After all, it was what I hrr4@dailyillini.com

Information changes the world.

So do our graduates.

The iSchool at Illinois prepares graduates to become innovators, collaborators, and problem-solvers. They are trained to think big.

They are encouraged to take bold action. They are prepared to advance knowledge about information science and technology— and ready to change the world.

BS in Information Sciences MS in Library and Information Science MS in Information Management MS in Bioinformatics (Information Sciences Concentration) PhD in Information Sciences School Librarian Licensure Certificate of Advanced Study

ischool.illinois.edu

THE DAILY ILLINI | WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

Summer 2020

9A

KAITLIN MIKRUT THE DAILY ILLINI

Don’t be afraid to branch out, find apple of your eye are. From experience, here are some methods I used to Entering a new environ- find my “home away from ment can be overwhelming home” at a big university for people — a new chapter like Illinois. filled with strangers and possible obstacles that will Attend RSO events come up along the way. If you Virtually or in person, know a couple of people who these events will show you will be attending the Univer- a different side of campus sity, your nerves shouldn’t here at the University. Acabe sky-high compared to demics are important, of those who are coming alone. course, but realizing what Luckily enough, I had a few the University offers with friends coming into the Uni- their clubs should also be versity. It was easy to meet taken into consideration. up with them and plan out Do not be afraid and explore our days as freshmen. each RSO. The possibility of However, things do finding a new hobby or skills change as time progresses. are there, as long as you put I am not saying it as a bad effort into trying new things. thing, but eventually, everyone will find their own spot Classes I consider this one imporon campus. That is why it is important to branch out! It tant. As a freshman, there is part of growing as an Illi- is a possibility you might ni and figuring out who you struggle with your acaBY LUIS VELAZQUEZ

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

demics. That is totally normal and OK! Transitioning from high school to college is a task not many are able to handle right away. Making friends in your classes can not only help you academically but can also start amazing friendships. This is where I met most of my current friends. You will never feel lonely or overwhelmed if you have people who you can rely on and vice versa!

Greek life

erence. The University has four Greek councils, the Black Greek Council, United Greek Council, Interfraternity Council and the Panhellenic Council. Keep in mind, it is important to do your research on the organizations you are interested in.

Having the same set of values is more important than how an organization looks.

Get out of your dorm

You do not need to be there every day of your freshman year at the University. Get out of there, and socialize with your floormates. Ask them if they would be down to go eat or have a study session in your lounge. Make your first year at the University as fun as possible.

I decided to join a fraternity, Alpha Psi Lambda National, Inc., my sophomore year due to wanting to get out of my comfort zone. I was lucky enough to meet a group of people who are irreplaceable. If you would like to be in a social fraternity or sorority, you can always lvelaz20@dailyillini.com join depending on your pref-

KAITLIN MIKRUT THE DAILY ILLINI

Welcome, LAS students!

By choosing one of the 70 majors in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, you are joining the largest and most diverse college on campus. Our faculty and staff can’t wait to meet you!

Aug. 21

We look forward to celebrating your arrival during LAS Liftoff, an orientation event open to all incoming LAS undergraduates. You’ll hear from the dean, current students, and alumni and enjoy a special musical performance.

Save the date for this online event and watch go.las.illinois.edu/WelcomeToLAS for more details.

Housing Find your next home with

The Daily Illini Start and end your housing hunt today!

housing.dailyillini.com

10A

Summer 2020

THE DAILY ILLINI | WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

THE DAILY ILLINI | WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

Summer 2020

11A

KEVIN GAO THE DAILY ILLINI

Cars travel up and down the road at the intersection of Fourth Street and Armory Avenue late on the night of March 26. Students new to campus life should use time management skills to maximize their free time and get the most out of their day.

Follow these five steps if you are a night owl Be time conscious: Make your mornings more tolerable, manage your schedule

BY CAROLINA GARIBAY ASSISTANT BUZZ EDITOR

Not everyone is a morning person, which is a fact that many people, especially college students, have to learn and accept. Being a night owl has its benefits, such as giving you a boost in creativity and intelligence, which makes pulling all-nighters a little easier and, of course, gives you the stamina to enjoy the many late nights of fun that college offers.

Unfortunately, being a night person also often makes getting up early and staying energized during the day almost impossible, which can be an issue when you’re a college student. Luckily though, col-

lege is full of night owls who have to learn to adapt their schedules and routines to their late internal clock. Here are five tips that are crucial for any night owls starting their freshman year at University of Illinois.

1. Do not schedule a class at 8 a.m.

This is for those who find it extremely difficult to wake up early. If you dreaded waking up for 8 a.m. class every day for four years in high school, avoid 8 a.m. classes in college at all costs. Unlike high school, college gives you the freedom to choose your class times, meaning you have the incredible privilege of choosing not to wake up for an 8 a.m. I promise that waking up early is not any easier in college than it was in high school, so do yourself a favor and try your best to schedule classes after 8 a.m., even if this means you have to take that class a different semester. I’m a junior and have successfully avoided 8 a.m. classes every semester, so I promise you – it can be done.

Planning your day based on your peak productivity hours makes your day Take a shower, plan your so much easier, and you’ll outfit, prepare breakfast find yourself getting more (even if it’s just a granola work done too. bar) and pack your bag at night so you can wake up 5. Make sure your room without having to worry is a sleep-friendly about it. Not only will this environment make your mornings less Technically, college kids stressful, but you’ll also be are supposed to get about able to sleep in more since seven to nine hours of you prepared everything sleep, but this is not always the night before. This might easy. This tip will hopefulsound like a small thing, ly encourage you to actubut it makes a difference, ally go to sleep instead of especially if you have a hard staying up on your phone time being productive in as well as help you get the the morning. best sleep you can. If you can, consider investing in 4. Save tasks that require dark curtains if your dorm brainpower for later in the allows it to block out any

2. Know all of the coffee 3. Do the bare minimum shops that are open late on for your morning routine campus to maximize sleep time This tip is imperative for all of those late nights you’ll be up studying (or procrastinating on TikTok), which are probably going to be a good chunk of your college nights. Luckily, the University has several spots for studying that are open late if you’re like me and can’t study in your room without being distracted by the coziness of your bed.

One of the best places to study until late at night is Caffe Benne, which has locations on Green Street in Champaign and on Gregory Street in Urbana. M-36 Coffee Roasters and Espresso Royale C-U (ERC-U), formerly known as Espresso Royale, is open until midnight and is another excellent place to study at if you’re looking for another quiet coffee shop to help energize you. Caffe Paradiso in Urbana is also a great place to study if you’re looking for some classic aesthetic coffee shop vibes, and it closes at 11 p.m., so you can stay there pretty late if you need to.

day

Night owls’ peak productivity hours are usually in the afternoon and evening, so try to plan your day so that you do more manageable tasks, such as responding to emails or completing an assignment for an easier class, earlier in the day.

Save any difficult assignments that require more thought and attention for later in the day to maximize focus and efficiency.

707 S. Fourth St. Champaign, IL

light that might disturb your sleep. If you have a noisy roommate, don’t be afraid to politely ask them to quiet down a little so that you can sleep. If possible, try to place your phone far away from your bed when you go to sleep so you don’t waste precious sleeping time on your phone or procrastinate getting out of bed by scrolling through Twitter.

Most importantly, do not do your homework in your bed. You want your bed to be a place of relaxation and comfort, so try to keep your workspace and relaxation space separate. garibay5@dailyillini.com

KAITLIN MIKRUT THE DAILY ILLINI

(217) 294-6260 liveseven07.com

REVOLUTIONARY STUDENT LIVING IN THE HEART OF CHAMPAIGN • Outdoor amenity deck with a pool • Fully equipped fitness center including yoga and fitness rooms • Indoor half-court basketball court • Spa with tanning and sauna • Indoor bike storage area.

12A

Summer 2020

THE DAILY ILLINI | WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

Find your peace: Live a zen lifestyle in college

BY JILLIAN LITTLE BUZZ EDITOR

part of keeping things balanced, but excessive consumption can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which increases stress. It’s better to have a varied diet with the primary food groups to make sure your psyche is happy.

Likewise, exercise can be what your body is craving after a long day of studying and being in classes. CRCE and the ARC are great places to lift weights, run on the track and participate in fitness classes, but not all exercises have to occur in a gym. Now is a perfect time to appreciate the beauty of the natural world. Consider taking a walk around the neighborhood. Urbana has some of the best paths for those who love looking at cottage-esque houses and listening to wildlife. It’s not uncommon for people to see animals like owls, opossums and even garter MARK CAPAPAS THE DAILY ILLINI snakes.

A Buddha statue stands on a table of Amara and Arts Yoga Studio located in Urbana on Jan. 22. Some ways an overwhelmed Brain stimulation is an student might take time for themself include: Practice breathing techniques, obtain a yoga membership, listening to Spotify’s excellent complement to recently-launched Daily Wellness playlist or simply assure yourself you’re doing your best. physical activity. Listening to music and podcasts are classic examples and also aid as an encouragement to continue whatever you’re doing. Spotify just launched a “Daily Wellness” playlist of songs and motivational podcasts to keep you calm throughout the day and night, if needed. It’s worth listening to.

Out of all these, the most important thing to do is to assure yourself that you’re doing your best. Sometimes, people fall into a mindset of self-doubt and think others might have a negative perception of them. In a stressful environment like college, this only leads to adverse outcomes in the future. Reach out to others for help, but there’s nothing wrong with setting some time aside for yourself. That time will aid you in your infinite path to acceptance MARK CAPAPAS THE DAILY ILLINI and love.

College is a different experience than most are accustomed to. It can be difficult balancing both classwork and finding a social belonging on top of dealing with generalized anxiety and depressive disorders, which a majority of college students are said to have.

It doesn’t help that some of the mental health resources offered by universities don’t help as much as they should.

No one should ever have to deal with problems all by themselves, but self-reflection is vital for change. People often underestimate the relationship they have with themselves. Not only does it teach you to keep your cool in stressful situations, but it helps you maintain positive relationships with others.

Now, this doesn’t mean the only things you can do are get a yoga membership, buy a bunch of healing crystals or become a forest hermit. In reality, there are so many ways to connect with yourself beyond the “zen” stereotype.

One of the most important things to do is to breathe. We’ve been doing this since the day we were born, but breathing techniques can significantly improve the college experience. Every time you take a deep breath in and out, you’re sending signals to the brain that it’s time to chill out. As a result, your body goes into a state of relaxation, which can alleviate stress and improve focus.

Another good thing about these is that you can do them virtually anywhere, and they only take a few minutes.

Breathing helps momentarily, but keeping a balanced and healthy lifestyle is long term. Some of us fell victim to overeating junk food with little exercise during the quarantine, but this can be said for college as well. Eating junk food is jel3@dailyillini.com

A painting sits in between two lamps at Amara Yoga Studio located in Urbana on Jan. 26. In a stressful environment like college, be sure to reach out to others for help and set time aside for yourself.

Welcome NEW ILLINI! EAT AT ILLINI UNION SPECIALS OFFERED EVERY DAY on the LOWER LEVEL and 1st FLOOR, as well as restaurants across campus!

LOCATIONS

Illini Union, Vet Med, Armory, Siebel Center, & Willard Airport

LOCATIONS

Undergrad Library, Gies College of Business, & Grainger Engineering Library

LOCATIONS

Illini Union, Illini Union Bookstore & 1103 W Oregon St.

LOCATION

at the NCSA Building

Add ILLINI CASH to your i-card for shopping & dining.

Learn more at GO.ILLINOIS.EDU/ILLINICASH |

In partnership with University Housing

ALL PURCHASES SUPPORT ILLINI UNION STUDENT EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR LOCATIONS, MENUS, AND OTHER INFORMATION VISIT

union.illinois.edu/food

#AtTheUnion

THE DAILY ILLINI  |  WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

Summer 2020

13A

Organization is imperative to success, is attainable

BY DIANA ANGHEL ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

We all know at this point that organization is a useful skill to have; we’ve heard it a million times. But how often have we heard this notion and chosen to not change our habits? Before moving into college, I was never a perfectionist when it came to keeping my room clean, organizing my schedule, writing things down or decluttering my spaces. Mostly because I didn’t really need to. I had my own room, high school assignments were easy to keep up with without writing every one down and I had extra space in my house where I could keep my things. Once I moved to college, I learned that I didn’t really have much of a choice but to change these habits, given how life completely changed.

If I had kept the same lifestyle, I would’ve missed deadlines, meetings, meals, workouts and even nights out. Here are some things that whenever my side of the room saved my life as a lost fresh- looked like a tornado had flown through it, while hers man in college: was impeccably clean. IneviKeep it clean tably, I wanted both our sides I was lucky to have a room- to look equally as good, so I mate who was much, much started making time in my more organized than I was. day to clean up after myself.

This led me to feel guilty After a while, it became part

KAITLIN MIKRUT THE DAILY ILLINI

KAITLIN MIKRUT THE DAILY ILLINI

of my routine. You will most likely live with one or more roommates; you no longer have the option to consider only your habits. I strongly suggest forcing yourself to make your bed each morning. It’s a task that takes about two minutes but leaves the room feeling much more put together. Creating a habit out of this in college will help you to maintain it as you get older. Don’t overpack. Dorm rooms are small, and they become your bedroom, living room and kitchen. Bringing too much into the dorm will make it feel like a cave with no open space. Be very picky about the clothes you bring, and consider buying more storage organizers than you think you might need. Designate everything to a specific space. When you have exactly seven minutes to get to class and you can’t remember where you put your umbrella or calculator, I guarantee it’s not a fun time.

Placing things in the same spot will save you so much time and won’t require you to turn the room upside down when looking for something.Â

Buy a planner

Once I realized that there were days in my schedule in which I had about 15 minutes to get in and out of the dining hall and get to my next class, I started planning my days carefully in my planner. It might seem like a useless effort to write down time slots for everything, but sometimes it’s the only way to get everything done.

It is hard to balance school work, sometimes a job, working out, campus involvement, eating all your meals and still have free time. Waking up and knowing that your day is already planned takes away the stress and anxiety that comes with “I’m not sure I have time to eat lunch today,â€? or “I don’t have enough time to workout because I have so much homework.â€?Â

Additionally, if you plan on being an involved student, there is no way you remember the times for all of your meetings, all of your deadlines, quizzes, tests, reading assignments and so on in your head. Get in the habit of writing down the times and locations for all meetings and pulling out your planner when your professors show you the weekly due dates for their classes. An alternative option to buying a planner is using Google calendar or another online planner that allows you to do the same things.Â

Prioritize responsibilities

important. It’s not necessary to write this down, but it sure helps. When it comes to school work, focus on assignments that have the most point value. Procrastination often gets in the way of proper prioritization. What I mean by this is, if you leave everything for the last minute, there won’t be room left for prioritizing.

You’ll be left scrambling to finish all tasks at once, instead of having the leeway of choosing which responsibilities to focus on that day. You’ll hear this from most of your professors, but big projects (those that are worth 10-20% of your grade) really are not meant to be done within a night.

Set weekly check-points for assignments like this, with high priority, as they carry a significant point value.

There will be days where you simply don’t have enough hours to check everything off your to-do list. This is when it’s important to capitalize on the most important tasks. I bought a planner that allows me to write down my top priorities for each week. dangel2@dailyillini.com This is how I reorder my todo list from most to least

WPGU 107.1 FM

INTERNS WANTED

 �  � � �  �  �  ­    €  � ‚

Â?

“Want perks? We got them and more!�

STUDIOS 1 BEDROOM 2 BEDROOM & 3 BEDROOM

AVAILABILITY BURNHAM310.COM 310 E. Springfield Ave. Champaign, IL, 61820 217.239.2310

Amenities • W/D in every apartment • Secure mailroom • Safe package pickup • Contemporary furnishings • Fitness on demand

• Bicycle/scooter storage • Game-room • Pet-friendly • Less than a block from the nearest grocery store

14A

Summer 2020

THE DAILY ILLINI | WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

THE DAILY ILLINI WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

SUMMER 2020

SPORTS & COMMUNITY

NEW STUDENT EDITION SUMMER 2020

2B Summer 2020

THE DAILY ILLINI | WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

Amidst a changing world, keep an open mind Value curiosity, use free time to explore outside your comfort zone, accept change, try new things

BY SAMANTHA BOYLE MANAGING EDITOR FOR REPORTING

you’d try. If you told high school senior me that incoming college senior me would be sitting here writing this for you from The Daily Illini, I would have thought you were crazy.

Sure, I am a journalism major now and am content with where I’m at. All throughout high school, I thought I would go to medical school and become a doctor. Several years later, and I think that’s crazy.

There are various ways to go about it. With hundreds of Registered Student Organizations, you can move outside of your comfort zone in your free time. Or you can take some classes that you never thought you could see yourself taking. A great way to do this is through general education requirements. Get excited to take these classes because they are courses outside of your chosen field of study that you can explore and learn in. There’s a reason general education requirements are required.

I know I’m not out of college yet, but throughout my three years here so far, I have looked at college as a way to explore and expand my mind with little consequences. I don’t look at that as a scary thing either. You have about four years here to learn so many different things within different topics and through different people and it may be one of the last times you’re a student first.

Value being a student and value your curiosity.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in journalism, it’s to always be curious and question everything. This obviously applies to the field itself but should also be applied to your time as a student. Always stay curious and always keep an open mind.

Going to college is an excellent time for every student at any time to try new things and branch out in ways they may have never done before. However, in a time where our normal day-to-day routines are challenged by social distancing and face masks, it’s more important than ever to keep an open mind about your new life.

Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic will impact your college experience; I don’t have to be the one to tell you that. But it shouldn’t keep you from making memories and getting a prestigious education the way other college freshmen have gotten.

My first tip on keeping an open mind when coming into college is to accept that things will be different. A majority of your life is changing anyway, this one is just a little bit more unpredictable. It is so easy to be down in the dumps because of all the restrictions and casualties this pandemic has caused, but every day for the first several weeks of your semester, try to think of the positives. For starters, you’re here, either physically or virtually, and you’re an Illini. That is one thing not everyone can say.

Whether coming to campus or getting ready to study from home, I encourage you to try something sjboyle2@dailyillini.com new or something you would have never thought

KAITLIN MIKRUT THE DAILY ILLINI

bowlinG & BILLIARDS RELAX between classes MEET new people HANG OUT with friends

14 STATE-OF-THE-ART BRUNSWICK LANES 12 BILLIARD TABLES

ARCADE GAMES & MORE!

RECEIVE $1,500 WHEN YOU SIGN!* *CALL FOR DETAILS

+ WAIVED APP FEES! ($398) VALUE COMMUNITY Walking Distance to Campus

Game Room

Club Room

Two Rooftop Terraces

Multiple Study Rooms

Close to the MTD Bus Line

Restort-Style Pool with

Block from County Market

Outdoor Kitchen

Located in the Lower Level of the

@IURecRoom fb.com/Illini Union/RecRoom 201 E GREEN STREET, CHAMPAIGN, IL 61820 LIVEATOCTAVE.COM #AtTheUnion union.illinois.edu

/

217.363.2888

/

THE DAILY ILLINI | WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

Summer 2020

3B

CASSIDY BRANDT THE DAILY ILLINI

What I wish I knew: Make most of college experience

BY SHANA OLIVERO VIDEO EDITOR

Entering college is a new experience in your life with a myriad of questions and expectations. Before you know it, the four years you have been anticipating for your entire life will be over and you’ll ask yourself, where has the time gone?

Take this advice from a senior who is in disbelief that her four years as an Illini are nearing an end.

You are entering one of the best adventures of your life.

Here are some tips on college life that I wish I knew when I started my four-year journey.

1. Step out of your comfort zone

The University schedules more than enough new student activities and events during Welcome Week for students to meet one another and get a grasp of campus life. Try your best to attend as many of these as you can!

The first or second week of college includes the best opportunities to meet new people and find your group of friends. You will meet some of your best friends during these first few weeks that will last a life-time. I would take advantage of this time before everyone begins to feel overwhelmed

with classes, and slowly it, you’ll be getting ready to graduate and you will become more anti-social. regret not taking advantage 2. Take advantage of of these opportunities when student discounts you had the chance.

Every time you order online, sign up for mem- 4. Make the most of each berships or travel during semester Each semester might breaks, ask about student discounts! You can save so start off slow, but soon much money by utilizing enough midterms will pass, these student discounts and it will be finals season and once you graduate, you’ll you’ll wonder where the wish you still had them. time went. Make a conTake advantage of saving scious effort to enjoy every some cash here and there, single week of being in coland you will thank your- lege. Don’t let yourself get self later. too comfortable being in a routine. Allow yourself to 3. Have school spirit visit different areas of camDon’t continue to put off pus, join a new club, talk to attending sporting events; new people in class, go out try to get in the habit of during the week, find a difschool spirit from the start. ferent study spot, or wake There are less home games up early to attend a mornfor each sport than you may ing football game. There are realize, and sitting in the only eight semesters in your student section of games undergraduate career. Each is a feeling you might miss semester is so unique and once you graduate. You has the potential to include can go to bars any day of some of your all-time favorthe week but you can only ite memories in your life. attend so many football or Don’t procrastinate living basketball games. Invest in the college experience. Live some orange and blue as a in the moment, enjoy being Freshman and you will get an Illini, and take advanyour money’s worth wear- tage of every single day ing them by the end of your you are able to be a college four years. Get in the habit student on this legendary of attending sports events campus. when you first start college to show your school spirit, solive7@dailyillini.com because before you know

CASSIDY BRANDT THE DAILY ILLINI

Recycling Guide

Urbana, let’s reduce contamination together – Recycle Right!

Buy any Poke Bowl or Sushi Burrito Get drinks 15% off

Plastics #1-7

Aluminum, Tin, Steel

Cardboard & Mixed Paper

(Large size only) Glass Bottles & Jars

Dairy & Juice Cartons

Learn more at urbanaillinois.us/u-cycle

*Please show this promo to cashier.

Plastic Grocery Bags

Urbana’s Recycling Program

Do you know where you’re living next year?

WamplerApartments

217-352-1335 | 412 W Clark Street wamplerapartments.com

4B Summer 2020

Brought your computer, but forgot to pack headphones?

Or purchased the wrong adapter?

THE DAILY ILLINI | WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

Dell Usb-C Adapter

We’ve got all the accessories to keep you connected!

P.S. We have the latest computer models too.

Apple AirPods

THE DAILY ILLINI | WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

Summer 2020

5B

RSOs, other resources give students creative outlets

BY CASSIDY BRANDT MANAGING EDITOR FOR VISUALS

Fuel your creativity in a time of isolation

Are you an artist? Do you like to draw, paint or create art in any way? With so many different ways to be an artist, it can be difficult to find inspiration when you have limited access to experience, supplies or Contact some organizations on campus spaces.

Look for art-based RSOs on campus

Even if these RSOs are only meeting online, RSOs that revolve around art can really help you keep up with your creativity while also meeting new and inspiring people. There are RSOs like AIGA, 8 to Create, Flashpoint Photography Club, Noble Print Club and a whole lot more.

You can find other art RSOs and more at the following QR code:

to get your work out there

If you’d like to get more experience, get in touch with programs around campus who might need a designer or social media creator. You can send over some of your work or your portfolio, and maybe they’ll give you a chance to add more pieces to it!

Win-win! My sophomore year, I reached out to SoFar Sounds Champaign to ask if they needed a designer.

From this, I got the opportunity to design posters for

Meadowbrook Park and the Main and South Quads.

While there are definitely more green, peaceful spaces on or near campus, those are some that can get you Put an arts class in your started. They’re all also class schedule accessible by walking or Even if you’re not an art by bus. major, you can still partake in some of the many classes Work at The Daily Illini for non-majors that UIUC One of the best decisions has to offer. There are I ever made as a designer classes that involve sculp- so far was applying to work ture, painting and drawing at The Daily Illini. It has that are all for non-majors. given me an abundance of Take a look at the academ- experience working with ic catalog and see what you design programs and has can find! allowed me to learn more about being a leader. While Get out in nature the experience is great, it Sometimes a nice walk also gave me the opporoutside can get your cre- tunity to be surroundative juices flowing. I know ed by even more people being around lots of trees who helped me learn and and flowers helps me feel encouraged me to make the more at peace and thus best work possible. allows more room for me to be creative. Some places cbrandt3@dailyillini.com that I’d recommend are the Arboretum/Idea Garden, a few of their shows. It was an awesome experience and was definitely a time where being spontaneous played out in my favor.

CASSIDY BRANDT THE DAILY ILLINI

Give Greek life a chance despite misconceptions, new restrictions

BY SALEM ISAF INTERIM EDITOR IN CHIEF

KENYON EDMOND THE DAILY ILLINI

A student signs her name and email on a signup sheet for Alpha Omega Epsilon, a professional sorority, during Quad Day on Aug. 26. For the Fall 2020 semester, Greek Rush will look different with many events being held online or with limited in-person attendance.

Most of you reading this have probably already formed some kind of opinion about Greek life, be it positive (Parties! Fun! Woo!) or negative (Paying for friends?

Pass). While I can understand a lot of the negative aspects — having joined a fraternity myself — I really can’t do anything but advise you to give it a try through rush.

First of all, Greek life is not for everybody. It has its own culture that just might not mesh with your personality or preferences. But then again, each house has its own individual culture, as well. That’s why I highly recommend rushing a few different houses to see if there’s a group of people you can really get along with.

And if not, that’s fine; there’s

Student Engineering Magazine at the University of Illinois

PICK UP YOUR COPY ON SEPT. 8 TH IN

absolutely no commitment when rushing. Simply check “rush a fraternity/sorority” off your list of college experiences, and move on!

Personally, I wasn’t sold on Greek life during my first semester of college. I didn’t think it had much to offer. I had tried rushing and didn’t like the people I had met in the houses that I visited.

Luckily, out of sheer boredom, I rushed again second semester and found the perfect fit for me.

Unfortunately, rush this year will play out much differently than previous years due to the ongoing pandemic. For fraternities, there will most likely be no events allowed at chapter houses.

Events that take place cannot exceed 50 people, including rushees and active members. Many opportunities to meet with and talk to active

members are being moved online, and houses must track names and information of individuals that attend events. The rush process for many sororities has been moved almost entirely online, except for the last round, or preference round.

While these stipulations don’t make for the most exciting rush season, this will also give rushees a better chance to have meaningful conversations with active members and the ability to make level-headed decisions about what houses fit the best with them. This year, rush will depend a lot less on who’s throwing the biggest parties.

All of this adds up to a better, more meaningful experience for those of you that haven’t quite decided if Greek life is something you will want to be a part of.

Without parties to lean on, fraternities will be forced to really sell you the day-today culture of their house.

Will parties be promised? Of course, and there will probably still be parties thrown by some houses despite the regulations, but due to these regulations, this will probably be one of the most transparent rush seasons to date.

Take advantage of it!

Greek life has so much to offer aside from parties.

If social fraternities aren’t for you, try a business, engineering or religious house.

At the end of the day, it’s all about finding like-minded individuals and pooling your thoughts, ideas and resources to create a community in which you can grow and that you’re proud to be a part of. isaf2@dailyillini.com

AVAILABLE

1, 2, 3 & 4 BEDROOMS FOR FALL 2020 Walking distance to Illini Union, ECE, Grainger, Siebel, DCL, Beckman Institute

THE

DAILY ILLINI

CONTACT US: www.mhmproperties.com

SIGN UP FOR OUR

NEWSLETTER

and get headline news sent straight to your email!

THE

DAILY ILLINI dailyillini.com

SAFETY • COMFORT • LUXURY • SERVICE OFFICE: 303 S. FIFTH STREET, CHAMPAIGN | 217•337•8852 CONTACT@MHMPROPERTIES.COM

6B Summer 2020

THE DAILY ILLINI | WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

ORDER DELIVERY

DIRECT

Pay the lowest menu price at portillos.com, unlike other delivery sites.

GET YOUR TICKET NOW! $19.95 one-way

www.bus2champaign.com NEW COLLEGE BUS SHUTTLE IN TOWN TO FIT YOUR SCHEDULE! OUR FRIENDLY DRIVERS ARE GUARANTEED TO TRANSPORT STUDENTS SAFELY, RELIABLY & QUICKLY!!

CONVENIENT LOCATIONS! • Oak Brook Mall • Art Van in Schaumburg • Old Orchard Mall

PORTILLO’S DELIVERS! Order online at portillos.com or use the Portillo’s App! Exclusive offers

Bestway Charter Transportation, Inc.

Free cake on your birthday

2306 N. PROSPECT AVE.

• Bolingbrook Promenade • ISR in Urbana • The Armory

www.bus2champaign.com • $19.95 one-way • Mobile friendly • Flexible times • Thurs, Fri, Sun, & Mon

Midtown Lofts Save Over $1,0)00!

$0 Down ($400 Valuferent o 50% off first month s $449! a w lo s a s e t a r le a s e and fir

Fully Furnished

Private Co w/ Fire pit urtyards s & Grills

Garage Parking Secure Access Building Washer/Dryer in-unit Balconies Utilities Included Roommate Matching 2, 3, & 4 Bedroom Homes

schedule your personalized in-person or virtual tour, today!

MidtownLoftsLiving.com | Call/Text:(217) 212-2015 | 512 South Third St.

THE DAILY ILLINI | WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

Summer 2020

7B

Fall sports to have different game day look, same opportunities

BY GABBY HAJDUK SPORTS EDITOR

JONATHAN BONAGURO THE DAILY ILLINI

Redshirt freshman Matt Robinson rushes during the match against Northwestern on Nov. 30. While COVID-19 has put many restrictions on University sporting events, there will still be many opportunities to show support.

the Illini will have a regular football season with the first kickoff being at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 4 against instate opponent, Illinois State.

In accordance with Phase 4 of Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker’s Restore Illinois plan, Memorial Stadium would be able to hold 20% of its capacity. With fan capacity set at 60,670, Memorial Stadium would be able to seat 12,152 fans at each home game.

If you are not one of those lucky 12,152 people, the hope would be to watch the game with your friends at a local restaurant, bar or even at someone’s apartment or dorm while still abiding by the campus social distancing requirements.

If you’re a football fan, or just someone looking to expand their interests, experiencing the atmosphere of a Big Ten football game for the first time is unforgettable. Freshman year might not be the first time you’ve ever attended a college football game, but to do it as a student brings a different feeling.

The near future of sports is still up in the air right now due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Many Illinois football players returned to campus this summer and have been preparing for a potential fall season. While no one will know for sure how the 2020 college football season will go, here are some potential scenarios and ways to still Worst case scenario cheer for the Illini.

For everyone looking forward to college football, the Best case scenario worst case scenario would be If all goes according to plan, the cancellation of the 2020

season. While we would have to trust health experts and NCAA leaders in making the safest decision for everyone involved, it would still be devastating to fans, athletes, coaches and their families.

Even without a football season, you could still show support for the Illini. Wearing your Illinois gear around campus, reading articles about the team or its players or watching throwback games are all viable options.

the team.

In this scenario, watching the game with your friends at KAM’s, Scotty’s Brewhouse or even your dorm or apartment would definitely be plausible and would still make for a great atmosphere and time. You could then get access to postgame coverage and articles via our very own website, https://dailyillini. com/sports/.

While none of these scenarios will replicate the true atmosphere of a Big Ten football game at Memorial Stadium, they still provide you ways to mimic that experience as best as possible. And, hopefully, that real experience will come in your remaining years as a student at the University.

Not bad, not great scenario

There is potential for a middle-of-the-road scenario where college football is played but without fans or a very limited number of fans, including a family only option. While you, a student, wouldn’t get the chance to attend the games ghajduk2@dailyillini.com and pack Memorial Stadium, you would still be able to watch the Illini and support

To freshmen: Make most out of college years before they’re gone

BY NOAH NELSON SENIOR COLUMNIST

Has anyone ever told you to make the most of any experience? Did you listen and follow directions? Nowadays, life feels like it’s flying by as fast as a NASCAR driver. Before you know it, August will arrive and students return to school.

For most college students across the country, especially at Illinois, they all cannot wait to arrive back on campus for yet another year in higher education.

For incoming college freshmen, you all are probably feeling countless mixed feelings right now and don’t know what to do.

Fear not. There are so many tips, tricks and guidelines that will help you succeed at college.

Though they all might help in some way or another, here’s a helpful tip for a fun and memorable college

experience: Make the most out of it.

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt said it best: “The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”

College can be overwhelming, exciting, life changing and so many other feelings. Students aren’t at college for very long so it’s up to you how to write your own college story.

First and foremost, in order to make the most out of college, try everything!

Try out for clubs or sports you’ve always wanted to join. Sample all types of food from various nationalities. Visit places on campus you’ve never thought you’d go, like the Main Stacks in the library or the Japan House. If you don’t try anything new at college, then you’re missing out.

You can also test your

THE

interests with your classes.

General education requirements are great for this because you can choose from a wide range of courses to take. Try something out of the ordinary that you get a needed credit for, like art, American history or zoology. Who knows, you may just find your next major or minor that way.

While you’re trying out everything you want, meet as many people as you can along the way! Become friends with people in your classes, clubs, organizations and even your professors. You never know if they will become your best friend or will help you with something you need somewhere down the line.

As you will no doubt be busy with your classes, extracurricular activities and friends, you may find yourself more tired than normal. Don’t fall victim to the coveted nap. It may

sound great now, but the more you nap at school, the more time you will waste not making the most out of college.

If you continually push off your opportunities rather than seize them, you never know what might ruin the chance to do it later. Unfortunately, for many students, it was COVID-19 that ruined their chance to try a club they’ve been wanting to or study abroad.

My fellow incoming freshmen, if you’re worried about college or have so many questions, don’t worry. You can read any book you want about college or talk to as many people as you would like. Those sources are great, but hear me out. Making the most out of your college experience will be one of the best decisions you will ever make.

Four years go by fast.

You don’t want to gradu-

JUST 2 BLOCKS EAST OF THE QUAD!

is what you make of it, so why not make the most of it while you’re there. noahen2@dailyillini.com

BRINGING THE SPIRIT OF NEW ORLEANS TO CHAMBANA

119 W Main St, Urbana, IL

PREVIOUS CANOPY CLUB ARTISTS INCLUDE ANDREW BIRD • THE AVETT BROTHERS • BASSNECTAR BEN FOLDS • BIG GIGANTIC • BONE THUGS-N-HARMONY BOOGIE T • BORGORE • THE CHAINSMOKERS • CHERUB DIPLO • ERIC ANDRE • EXCISION • FALL OUT BOY THE FLAMING LIPS • FLATBUSH ZOMBIES GANJA WHITE NIGHT • GIRL TALK • GRAMATIK • GRIZ HANNIBAL BURRESS • JACK JOHNSON • JAI WOLF JIMMY EAT WORLD • KELLER WILLIAMS LIQUID STRANGER • LOUIS THE CHILD • LIL TJAY LUPE FIASO • MANIC FOCUS • MOON TAXI • NGHTMRE O.A.R • ODESZA • PORTUGAL. THE MAN THE REVIVALISTS • RL GRIME • RUSKO • SAN HOLO SKRILLEX • SLIGHTLY STOOPID • SMASHING PUMPKINS SMINO • STRING CHEESE INCIDENT • STS9 • SUBTRONICS YOUR HOME FOR TCHAMI • TRAMPLED BY TURTLES • TRITONAL • TROYBOI LIVE MUSIC TWIDDLE • UMPHREYS MCGEE • VIC MENSA WAKA FLOCKA FLAME • WEEN • WHAT SO NOT WHETHAN • ZEDS DEAD • ZOMBOY SEE THE FULL CALENDAR OF EVENTS AT @CANOPYCLUB

ate having not experienced anything new or making any memories. You want to leave college with great stories to tell your kids one day. In all reality, college

708 S. GOODWIN AVE, URBANA

CANOPY CLUB

@THECANOPYCLUB

MADELINE PIERCE THE DAILY ILLINI

Crowds gather on the Main Quad to enjoy the weather during Mom’s Weekend on April 6, 2019. Students should make the most out of their college experience by trying out for clubs or sports, sampling different foods, visiting notable locations on campus, taking a variety of unique classes and meeting as many new people as they can along the way.

@Canopy_Club

OPEN UNTIL 2AM!

AT UIUC

LARGEST OUTDOOR PATIO & BEER GARDEN IN URBANA COLD DRINKS • GREAT FOOD • PRIME LOCATION PING PONG • DARTS • BAGS • AND MORE!

CANOPYCLUB.COM

nolasrockbar.com

P I Z Z A • E M PA N A DA S • S A N D W I C H E S • S A L A D S Just around t he corner from t he Canopy Club!

Quick Gourmet Pizza Slices & Empanadas Ready To Serve and Deliver - DELIVERY AVAILABLE! -

WE’RE OPEN LATE! Weekdays 10:00am – 2:30am Weekends 11:00am – 2:30am

Orders Also Available At The Canopy Club Bar!

*Now Offering Bake-At-Home Frozen Pizza & Empanadas

1115 W Oregon, Urbana, IL • 217.365.0110 • manolospizza.com

8B Summer 2020

THE DAILY ILLINI | WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

CUSTOMER SERVICE IS NOW MORE CONVENIENT THAN EVER! Start or stop your water service online at www.amwater.com. With online account management, you can:

Want to write for your college newspaper?

Come to one of Illini Media’s Recruitment Nights this Fall.

Details will be announced later this summer so follow us on social media to find out how you can join our staff. @TheDailyIllini

facebook.com/thedailyillini

∙ Set up paperless billing ∙ Open a new water services account ∙ Manage your existing account

THE THE

∙ Pay your bill

∙ Schedule a service THE DAILY ILLINI appointment THE DAILY ILLINI instagram.com/thedailyillini

WE KEEP LIFE FLOWING™

CHAMPAIGN’S ALTERNATIVE

LIVE STREAM AT WPGU.COM

FOLLOW US!

wpgu1071

wpguillini

wpgu107.1FM

wpgu1071

THE DAILY ILLINI | WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

Summer 2020

9B

RYAN ASH THE DAILY ILLINI

A student takes an egg roll from the Busey-Evans buffet on Oct. 27. The dining hall at Busey-Evans is one of the many options for eating delicious food on campus.

UI campus offers variety of delicious dining options

BY CARSON GOURDIE ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Fall is just around the corner, which means one thing: a hard goodbye—puor maybe a welcomed one—to homecooked meals. While not getting to have Mom or Dad’s homemade chili every Friday might take a week or two to adjust, the fact is, there are many delicious alternatives at the University.

When it comes to dining halls, all of them have their moments of greatness and disaster. As long as you live in public University housing, your i-card will allow you to eat at any of the dining halls. The Ikenberry Commons Dining Hall is the largest of them all, as it is home

to a majority of the dorms.

Ikenberry does a fantastic job of providing a variety, as they do have specific nights for foods from different cultures, i.e. Indian food, Asian food and Mexican food. The one drawback of Ikenberry, though, is that the quality might not be up to par with other dining halls. With having to provide food to the most students, Ikenberry has a tendency to whip out basic foods, like chicken breast or pizza, the latter of which has a different kind of sauce than most are used to.

The best dining hall for pure food is Busey-Evans.

Although it’s a little hidden, making a trip will pay off big time as the dining hall has

the best quality due to not having to provide as much food as Ikenberry. Another fantastic choice for dining is the PAR dining hall, which is home to late night dining. As others close at much earlier times, PAR is open until midnight during the week and is home to some of the best food on campus.

Despite being a little smaller, PAR offers a wide range of diverse dining nights, with my favorite being Thursday Night Breakfast.

If I had to choose a location I wouldn’t desire to eat at, it would have to be the Illini Union’s dining hall.

Usually packed with students who have class close to it, the Illini Union has

ridiculously long lines and a low selection of food choices.

Specifically, the dining hall lacks diverse appliances such as panini makers.

Aside from dining halls, there are plenty of other options to get an enjoyable meal or snack. The I-57 North is pretty much a 7/11 located inside of Ikenberry Commons. Although 57 is home to every snack imaginable, which can be purchased with credits, it also boasts plenty of meal options such as buffalo wings, cheeseburgers, pizza, quesadillas, hot pretzels and milkshakes. The beauty of 57 is that it’s open until midnight, so if you’re craving something more than a

bag of Doritos while studying, it’s the place to go.

As for privately owned restaurants in the Champaign area, there are also plenty of quality options.

Of course, Champaign is home to the classic chain food restaurants—Chipotle, McDonald’s, Noodles, etc. But after a late night out with friends, there are other restaurants beyond big brand names waiting to serve you. Fat Sandwich offers a wide range of sandwiches and burgers that will satisfy anyone’s appetite. D.P. Dough, my personal favorite, offers any calzone that you can think of, whether it’s the classic Ranch Buffer or the more traditional

Roni Zoni. Signature Grill is home to great Indian food. Finally, if you’re craving some sweets, Insomnia Cookies is the place to go, where nice, warm and soft cookies are made.

The University is a place I can truly call home, and every day I am thankful I can attend. Whether it’s the social scene, athletics or academics, I am proud to call myself an Illini. While college can be an adjustment for anyone, at least Illinois will provide the security of plenty of fantastic dining options. gourdie2@dailyillini.com

WELCOME TO WEST QUAD. STUDENT LIVING REDEFINED. Break away from the everyday student lifestyle.

Fully Furnished Designer Bathrooms Stainless Steel Appliances Euro-Style Cabinetry In Unit Washer and Dryer Flat Screen TV Cable and WiFi Included And More!

Live WEST QUAD

1 to 4 Bedrooms Available

Unlimited possibilities.

Large Resort-Style Pool and Hot Tub Health and Fitness Center Jumbotron Study Center and Lounge Sand Volleyball Court Game Room with Billiards Grilling Stations and Outdoor TVs And More!

APPLY TODAY AT WESTQUAD.COM 217.387.8878 | 29 E. GREEN STREET, CHAMPAIGN, IL 61820 | LIVE@WESTQUAD.COM

10B

Summer 2020

THE DAILY ILLINI | WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

Ranked: Laughable libraries versus productive powerhouses Check out these five popular study locales

BY JACKSON JANES ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

The University offers tons of resources for studying, with over 20 libraries available to students. Here are my reviews for five of the most visited study spaces on campus.

Most Overrated: Undergraduate Library

Located directly south of Foellinger Auditorium on the Main Quad, the Undergraduate Library, or UGL, is arguably one of the most popular study spots on campus.

It features two underground floors for studying: one “quiet” floor and one more social floor. While the quiet floor is a nice place to pop in some headphones and crank out some work, the more popular social floor is just too loud to get work done. Seating is also rarely available, but the private study rooms are a good option to reserve with a friend, even though they do not block out sound from the rest of the floor. If you want to work on group projects or hang out inside with friends between classes, this is the place for you. If you want to be productive and get work MADELINE PIERCE THE DAILY ILLINI done, I would suggest find- Students study in the College of Law Library on Sept. 20, 2019. There are a multitude of study spaces, libraries and more, available in every corner of campus. ing somewhere else to study. on the Main Quad, though day, aside from finals week, studying, however, the Illi- Library, located on the north engineering students or anyMost Underrated: Main students often prefer Illini and has windows to look onto ni Union is a bit loud, espe- side of the Bardeen Engi- one who has classes on the Library Union (more on this later) the South Quad and the Bell cially when there’s someone neering Quad, is massive and North or Bardeen quads, and Located directly across due to the restaurants, din- Tower. Depending on where playing the piano or the gui- has tons of resources for stu- is an otherwise pleasant and from the Undergraduate ing hall options and let’s be you are on campus, it’s def- tar and singing on the first dents. The second and third great place to study.

All in all, the University Library and even connect- honest, the Starbucks on the initely worth the extra few floor stage. If you need to pass floors are devoted to quiet ed to it by an underground first floor. minutes of commute. This some time between classes, studying, and the building has some of the best resourctunnel, the Main Library is is a place where you can be the Illini Union is a good has plenty of computers and es available for students, and greatly underutilized by the (Not so) Secret Gem: ACES most productive. option, since there are plenty other tools needed to suc- the amount of study options student body. Complete with Library of tables and spaces to sit and ceed. However, I am not an for all types of students is plenty of tables and chairs Located on South Quad, It gets the job done: Illini get some work done, though engineer and have only vis- second to none. For more in the spacious second floor the ACES/Funk Library is Union it can be loud and seating is ited Grainger Library to take information on campus with beautiful towering one of the quietest spaces on Illini Union, located on sometimes hard to come by. tests in the testing facility in libraries and other student the basement (CBTF), so I resources, visit www.library. seating, the Main Library campus. While I am not an the north side of the Main boasts one of the most relax- ACES major, this library is Quad, features a food court, Heard it’s great, but I’m associate the building with illinois.edu. ing spaces on campus. The one of my favorites, as it has easy to-go options, two din- not an engineer: Grainger stress and dread. However, library’s location allows for plenty of desks and tables ing halls and even a bowling Engineering Library this library has an undeni- janes6@dailyillini.com easy access from classes available at any time of the alley and arcade. In terms of The Grainger Engineering ably convenient location for

Illio Yearbook Illio is the official yearbook at the University of Illinois. It’s hundreds of memories about the people, places and things that make your student’s first year at U of I special.

This high-quality full-color book has hundreds of photos that will preserve your student’s college experience for years to come.

Your student only has one first year at U of I, and Illio is an amazing way to remember it.

SAVE $10! Order by August 31st to get our special $90 pricing!

They sure grow up fast.

Take home an Illini keepsake by ordering the Illio Yearbook, the official yearbook at the University of Illinois since 1894.

2021 Illio Order Form

Return this form with payment to:

Illio Yearbook 1001 S Wright St Champaign, IL 61820

Illio - Yearbook at The University of Illinois illioyearbook.com

Name of Student: Mailing Address:

$90 NEW STUDENT SPECIAL Order by August 31, 2020 to get this special NEW STUDENT rate!

# of books

City/State/Zip:

Total Payment $

Phone:

Card/ Check #

Email:

Exp. Date

Check

Credit/Debit

V-Code

Books will be shipped to the address above at the end of Summer 2021. If you have any questions about your yearbook, please call us at 217. 337.8314 or visit us at illioyearbook.com Thanks!

THE DAILY ILLINI | WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

Summer 2020

11B

Champaign-Urbana’s community magazine FREE

THE DAILY ILLINI

THE DAILY ILLINI

buzz

buzz Music Guide

February 10, 2020

Sex & Dating Guide

THE DAILY ILLINI FRIDAY, NOV. 9, 2019

Monday, April 22, 2019

MORE ON READBUZZ.COM

Dining Guide

Best of CU

Sex & Dating Guide

Music Guide

Monday, September 21, 2020

Friday, November 13, 2020

Thursday, February 11, 2021

Monday, March 29, 2021

entertainment • music • arts • movies • food • culture • community

buzz

readbuzz.com

Housing Find your next home with

The Daily Illini Start and end your housing hunt today!

housing.dailyillini.com

WELCOME NEW ILLINI!

VISIT ANY OF OUR THREE LOCATIONS

Illini Union Courtyard Café | Illini Union Bookstore | 1103 W. Oregon St., Urbana ©2020 Starbucks Coffee Company. All rights reserved.

ALL PURCHASES SUPPORT ILLINI UNION STUDENT EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

#AtTheUnion

12B

Summer 2020

THE DAILY ILLINI | WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

A whole new world: Visit here before you graduate

BY MEGHAN LYONS SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR

The first time I stepped foot onto campus, I was taken aback at the size of our school. I’ve stayed in the same hometown my whole life. To me, Champaign was a whole new world — one that was wildly different from my idle hometown. A curious freshman, I wanted to explore all around campus.

Throughout my time here, I’ve discovered many interesting places. Some of them are already pretty popular, but many are still unknown to even some seniors. If you are a curious person wanting to know everything about campus, here are some of the lesser-known places.

South of the Main Quad

around Urbana, they would probably agree that the vibe is completely different. Once you get past Lincoln Avenue, you will arrive at the residential part of Urbana.

This is directly across from LAR. The neighborhood is unlike any other neighborhood I’ve ever seen — every house is unique, and even otherworldly looking. The streets are cobblestone, accompanied by mysterious and dark lamp poles. It is a nice neighborhood to venture with friends.

English Building basement

Believe it or not, the English Building was not always the English Building. Originally, it used to serve as a dorm for women. Urban legend says that the English Building basement is haunted, with students reporting paranormal experiences.

In the basement, there are classes that go on. There used to be a pool in the basement. If you are looking for a thrilling experience, be sure to check out this spot if you ever happen to be in the building.

Unlike the Main Quad, the South Quad is much calmer and quieter. Not much goes on here, but there is one popular tradition: screaming at the bell tower. Around midterms and finals, students like to gather and scream for therapeutic reasons.

With COVID-19, this tradition might not stay, but if you gotta scream — this is the place for you. Just don’t Steam tunnels be shocked if you get a few Running underneath strange looks. campus are intricate steam tunnels, meant to keep camNoyes basement pus warm during the cold Yes, the infamous Noy- months. If you walk around es Laboratory holds a bit campus, you will find raised of a secret underneath the vents with hot air coming ground in the basement. from them. These are the Those who choose to venture steam tunnels, and they are down in the basement will be shrouded in mystery. While met with sinister doors say- I have not been down there, ing, “Keep out,” and obsolete some students have gone computers piled up. Legend inside with the permission says that somewhere in the of staff. I do not encourage narrow hallway, there is a anyone to go into the steam passage that goes directly tunnels. Students who vento the grave of the William ture into the steam tunnels Noyes, whom the building without permission will is named after. If you choose face serious repercussions to explore the basement, be — including expulsion. If you wary. There may or may not are curious about the steam be consequences if you get tunnels, maybe you will get caught. the chance to enter with a staff member.

Residential Urbana

If you ask anyone who’s mslyons2@dailyillini.com lived or has even explored

THE DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOTO

Students walk across the Main Quad between class periods on Feb. 22, 2018. While exploring different locations on the University of Illinois campus, students should check out: south of the Main Quad, the Noyes basement, residential Urbana, the English Building basement and the steam tunnels.

McKinley Health Center

McKinley Health Center’s mission is to provide convenient, high-quality healthcare and health education to students.

Download McKinley’s Wellness App to schedule an appointment and to connect you to wellness resources on campus.

Available in the App Store and Google Play.

Visit our website mckinley.illinois.edu

Follow Us:

THE DAILY ILLINI | WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

Summer 2020

13B

Additional obstacles will hinder campus adjustment

BY ANDREW PROZOROVSKY OPINIONS EDITOR

As a freshman — a small and naive tadpole in a large ocean — making choices on classes and extracurricular involvement is difficult enough during a normal year.

Now, a pandemic has cast a maelstrom of uncertainty and confusion upon the student body. Housing arrangements and study abroad plans have been upended and class schedules uprooted. Students received an unclear and tentative plan from the University and a new time ticket for class schedules. As a result of all the chaos, consultation time slots with advisers may be competitive in the fall.

The least The Daily Illini can do is use its student expertise to provide some guidance to incoming freshmen.

With regards to choosing classes, during a pandemic or not, perhaps the most crucial element of any course is its professor. Different sections of the same class, taught by different professors, can be entirely disparate experiences to its respective students. It is arguably an injus-

tice that these experiences can be labeled by the same class code.

When forming one’s schedule, the way a class fits into graduation requirements is crucial, but the second most important item to consider should be the section professor or instructor, even outweighing the factor of the time of the class. One only has to witness the full 8 a.m. section with the preferable professor to understand most students worry about their professors for the semester.

However, this semester will yield different considerations.

As a new student, lectures and larger classes will most likely fill one’s schedule rather than smaller, individual sections. Since the University has declared its intention to move larger classes online, the vehicle by which a class is taught is paramount.

Many upperclassmen will attest that, based on the latter half of the Spring semester, an online experience is not the same as a classroom experience. For this reason, new students would be wise to seek as many in-person classes as

possible, unless the online format suits the student’s need for flexibility.

Generally, live lessons are conducive to better learning.

Large lectures, the starting point for many majors, typically serve as the academic bedrock. The foundation provided by those classes is imperative to a solid performance through the completion of the major. Therefore, one should weigh these decisions wisely.

Also, it should be noted that most students are capable of making schedule changes through the start of the semester, so don’t feel trapped or married to a particular schedule once one is formed.

Beyond classes, the first semester is an opportunity to experiment with different types of extracurricular involvement. Normally, a new student’s first encounter with RSOs — registered student organizations, otherwise known as clubs, sports and other activities — is Quad Day, a large gathering of students and organizations on the Main Quad. It is unlikely

that the University would permit a gathering that large so soon, so don’t get your hopes up for a 2020 Quad Day. Unfortunately, it is presently unclear whether or not many RSOs will even be permitted to assemble. The University, in a recent Massmail, stated that it would adhere to state guidelines on the size of gatherings, which, to me, sounds like a way to avoid culpability for disallowing RSO meetings.

If, however, RSOs are allowed on a more limited scale, new students will have to be more proactive than ever before in seeking out extracurricular activities, and clubs will have to be more creative than ever in recruitment initiatives. Both new students and RSOs themselves will suffer from a semester of lackluster recruitment and meager involvement.

Being proactive means keeping up with UIUC Facebook pages and the University subreddit, reaching out to RSOs on Facebook and networking with involved individuals in classes. Another good resource is the Office

KENYON EDMOND THE DAILY ILLINI

Students and representatives for RSOs mingle on Quad Day on Aug. 26. It is currently unclear if RSOs will be able to assemble at their full capacity during the Fall 2020 semester.

of Registered Organizations, located on the second floor of the Illini Student Union and next to the Student Organization Complex, where certain RSOs tend to congregate.

Still, RSOs will certainly do their best to place flyers across campus and make their presence known. Political RSOs will undoubtedly need help given the general election later this year.

If you’re interested in The Daily Illini in particular, you can email Sam Roberson at sdr4@dailyillini.com.

Sadly, because of a global crisis, new students will have more obstacles to adjusting to campus life. But one must not let it serve as an excuse for poor grades or little involvement.

Instead, heed the advice in this column in order to ensure a great semester, and allow that semester to serve as the silver lining and a great end to the dark chapter that has been 2020. atp4@dailyillini.com

Show support for your University sports teams by rooting for Illini

BY CLAIRE O’BRIEN STAFF WRITER

CAMERON KRASUCKI THE DAILY ILLINI

University students in the Orange Krush fan section cheer for the Illini basketball team during their match against Iowa on March 8. In the fall, there will still be opportunities for sports fans to support Illinois’ teams while keeping up social distancing.

Welcome to the University of Illinois! Sports at a Big Ten university are a pretty big deal. Even if you aren’t the biggest sports fan, attending or watching any game or match can still be a very fun and memorable experience.

In your time here, you probably will have the opportunity to attend an Illini sporting event, so here’s a primer on what to expect.

Most of the sporting events are free to get into with an i-card; the only ones you have to pay for are football and men’s basketball. When the team hits the road, you can catch games on BTN, BTN+ or occasionally ESPN; it all depends on the team.

In the fall, the sport on campus to watch is volleyball. Illinois’ volleyball team is one of the best in the country and Huff Hall is routinely sold out. Every year, the volleyball team hosts Stuff Huff, where the fans pack into Huff Hall and proceed to be as loud as they can. Usually, the Illini are facing off against Nebraska or Wisconsin and it’s an awesome experience.

Other fall sports to watch include tennis and soccer, and you can catch those games at Demirjian Park or Atkins Tennis Center. Men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s gymnastics and wrestling will all compete before the end of first semester as well. Both basketball teams compete at State Farm

Center while the gymnastics and wrestling teams compete at Huff Hall.

If you want to go out to watch the game, here’s a whole host of places on campus to go: • The Illini Union: Usually, they’ll have a watch party for a football, basketball or volleyball game in the Courtyard Cafe, and occasionally they provide food. My friends and I went to the Illini Union’s watch party when the volleyball team went to the Final Four in 2018, and it was a good time.

• KAM’s: KAM’s is the ultimate spot to watch a game.

Everyone is all decked out in Illini gear and enthusiastically supporting their

team.

• Legends: It’s like KAM’s but less college bar, and more sports bar.

• Have a watch party at home: Get a bunch of friends at an apartment or house party and watch the game. It’s a lot easier to maintain social distancing, and you’re not standing around a sweaty dance floor.

With the ongoing pandemic, sports are going to look different. Illinois is in Phase 4 of COVID-19 recovery as of July 1, so stadiums can have up to 20% capacity. You’ll have to wear a mask and stay six feet away from other fans, but BTN+ should have you covered if sports proceed. claireo3@dailyillini.com

49,000 students 8,000 staff 2,800 faculty 1 Illinois family It is critical that we make personal choices that follow the guidance of public health professionals to slow the spread of COVID-19. Do your part so we can stay together.

• Get tested • Wear your face covering • Wash your hands • Practice physical distancing Share your pledge commitment with your Illinois family on social media.

#IveGotYouCovered covid19.illinois.edu/pledge

14B

Summer 2020

THE DAILY ILLINI | WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM