University Housing

ASSISTANT OPINIONS EDITOR MEGAN HARDING mhard62@dailyillini.com

Pennsylvania and Florida Avenue Residence Halls — known as PAR and FAR respectively — are considered the “trenches” by some, but PAR speci cally o ers unique student living not found anywhere else on campus.

While PAR is on the edge of campus, the MTD bus service is unmatched. During the school week, there is a bus that can take you wherever you want to go every ve or ten minutes.

If you are ever on campus and looking for a bus that will take you back to PAR, you have many options: the 12E Teal, 8E Bronze, 13S Silver, 22S Illini (I will warn this bus goes everywhere on campus and is a long ride depending on where you get on) or the 21 Raven to Vet Med.

Even though being further away may sound unappealing, the walk really isn’t that bad. Plus, Campus Recreation Center

A guide to Pennsylvania Avenue Residence

East and McKinley Health Center are less than a quarter of a mile away.

PAR is also situated near historic Urbana, which is lled with charming brick roads and early 20th century houses. Urbana High School is only around a mile away, meaning if being on campus all of the time makes you anxious, you are only steps away from the feeling of home you may be missing.

I will warn, however, the cattle farms are only around a mile away as well — meaning the smell of manure is stronger on this side of campus. After all, the University of Illinois is known for the agriculture program.

I would also recommend picking a room that is not near the Grind2Energy food waste machine, or your room may smell like food scraps. If you get a room near there (like I did), using room spray is a quick x. I personally used the Bath and Body Works room scents. Since candles are not allowed in dorm rooms, you might as well use a scent that replicates one. Oil di users are another popular option.

While PAR is one of the less social dorms, I have noticed a trend of tight-knit cultural groups. Since PAR is one of the dorms that stay open during breaks, it is a popular choice for international students.

My hall was not the most outgoing and I did not know everyone living there super well, but I had a close group of friends on my oor that I hung out with. Throughout my freshman year, we tried many new restaurants, had game and movie nights and even did Secret Santa around the holidays.

Even though PAR rooms are slightly smaller than the rooms in Ikenberry South, the individual-use bathrooms make up for this in my opinion. On each

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And I cannot forget the dining hall. The infamous “PAR stir fry” is known for being one of the best food options on campus. While there is often a long line, you can choose between virtually any sauce, topping or protein and have the choice between two di erent types of noodles and rice.

If you get tired of eating at one dining hall, you are only a short walk away from Allen — and only a ve or 10 minute bus ride away from another campus dining hall.

Megan is a sophomore in Media.