For those of you graduating in just a few weeks, let the nostalgia begin. Enjoy the impending close of your college career by acknowledging that you must take in all the beauty the Champaign-Urbana campus has to offer – before it’s too late! There are so many traditions on campus that, although we are aware of them, we never take the time to embrace them completely. If you aren’t graduating just yet, all the better! That only gives you more time to fulfill your U of I to-do list.
Â
Joining the mug club is simple and a great way to leave your mark on campus! Take a night off from your normal going-out routine and stop by the Illini Inn (located on fourth and Daniel). Initiation into the Mug Club is easy! You pay $6, sign in at the register to get your mug-club number, finish the mug of beer they give you, ring the bell, and finally, recite your assigned number back to the bartender – that’s it, you’re in! Illini Inn has been around for years and the mug-club tradition is a trademark to of University of Illinois students.
Â
2. Take a walk through the Japanese gardens
Â
The Japanese gardens are located on Lincoln Avenue near the Vet-Med complex, south of Kirby Avenue. This is personally my favorite place on campus to take a long run to. Whether you are walking, running, or biking, the Japanese gardens are the perfect place to go to collect your thoughts and enjoy the beautiful outdoors. At the Japanese house, you can even participate in a ritual tea ceremony (though you must sign up in advance). This is one of the most beautiful locations on campus, and you can’t say goodbye to your alma mater without experiencing its serenity and peacefulness!
Â
3. Stand on the base of Follinger Auditorium
Â
On your strolls toe class I’m sure you’ve occasionally seen strange-looking people screaming in the center entrance to Foellinger auditorium. This area is called the “echo plaque;” it is an in-ground stone outside the front entrance to the auditorium. If you stand in on this spot facing the quad, you can scream and nobody will hear the echo – except for you! I didn’t believe it until I tried, but it is one of the most interesting historical facts of our campus and you can do it right on the quad.
Â
There you have it, your quick University of Illinois to-do list. There are so many great things do to on campus and take it from me, you don’t want to take them for granted! Whether you are on your way to class, or have a few hours on a beautiful day to explore, these are great experiences that every University of Illinois student must partake in!