Many girls, and even some guys still ask the same question on their first day of school, even if it’s college. “What should I wear?
At Illinois State, you’ll see a mixture of attire on the quad on any given day. With so many students trying to juggle classes, work, internships, registered student organizations, working out and trying to meet up with friends, the outfits you may see others wearing are probably transitional things to get them through their next activity.
For example, on the days I work as a public relations assistant in the College of Business, I am required to dress in business casual attire. Many students whose classes are also in the COB are also required to dress professionally for their classes to prepare them for life post graduation when suit and ties will be the norm for their career paths.
However, on the days I just have classes, you may find me in jeans and a sweater, or even yoga pants and a hoodie. Students with the Kinesiology major can likely be seen in workout gear for their classes, and some students can even be seen walking around in pajama pants.
When getting ready, think about what your day has in store. If you have to work after class, trust me, no one is going to judge you for wearing your company’s uniform. If you want to hit up a cycling class at the Rec on your break, skip the locker room and wear those clothes to class.
At Illinois State, no matter what you choose to wear, I can almost guarantee that there will be at least 20 other students on the quad wearing something similar, so pick what works for you and you’ll be all set!
Kaitie
For any high school seniors out there thinking that college just won’t live up to the amazing time in high school, think again! Here are a few reasons you will be excited to start the next chapter in your life:
- Independence: Remember the last four years how you convinced yourself and your parents that you could take care of yourself? Well, here is your chance to prove it. From the college application process to budgeting your money, responsibility heightens greatly after high school. With this responsibility comes the opportunity to be completely independent.
- Fresh Start: Sure you have a lot of friends back home, or maybe just a few; either way, college is a chance to meet new people in with different experiences. There are also many more fish in the metaphorical college ‘sea,’ so maybe you’ll get lucky and find a love connection, if that’s what you are looking for.
- Flexible Schedule: Registration allows students to make their own class schedule. Having class 4 days a week and a 3 day weekend is quite the change of pace from high school. Maybe you like starting late in the day, say 4pm? Or maybe you like to have class early. There are endless opportunities and if you find yourself not liking the schedule you have set forth, well you can change it (early in the semester) or remember what you didn’t like and create a better schedule the next semester.
So you see, college is great. All the things you loved or hated about high school are gone once you graduate and everyone gets the chance to embark on a new journey. Make the most out of it!
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment.
Josh
Whether you’re coming to Illinois State as a transfer student, or are a freshman wondering how off-campus living works, you’ve come to the right place. Off-campus living is something many students have questions about, so here are some quick tips and information you should be aware of to ensure you’re on the right track.
1) Illinois State requires you to live in the residence halls your first two years out of high school. However, if you want to live in the residence halls and you are transfer student who has been out of high school for more than two years, exceptions can be made. Exceptions can also be made for people who may not want to live in the residence halls because they are a commuter student, in a fraternity or sorority, or a variety of other reasons. Find out more about the Housing requirements and exemptions.
2) If you’re eligible to live off-campus, you need to start researching living options early. Many rental agencies begin showing their apartments for the following academic year in September. You can book appointments with the companies for showings and you can also view apartments online. First Site, Sami, Young America and Redbird Property Management are some of the most popular leasing agents surrounding campus. In addition, university-owned apartments may interest you as well.
3) Be ready for the costs of living off campus. Since we live in a college town, apartments are typically more expensive than they would be since the companies know you need a place to live while attending classes. Think about what you can afford, and if you need to live with roommates for a cheaper option. One bedroom apartments are usually much more expensive, so sharing with a few friends might be more affordable.
4) Ask questions. I didn’t think to ask about whether or not my apartment had a washing machine or dryer, but luckily, there was one in the complex which is coin-operated. Another thing to keep in mind is parking. Every apartment has a different policy on the number of parking passes for their leasers. Having questions prepared ahead of time and not being afraid to ask will help ensure that you have the best experience possible.
5) Use your resources. There are plenty of ways to find answers to your questions such as Facebook pages, friends and Illinois State University employees. In fact, there is even an off-campus housing database that will help you find apartments and even roommates. There is also a university attorney who will look over your lease for free before you sign to make sure you’re not entering into an illegal or questionable agreement.
Off-campus living is a great experience, but make sure you are fully prepared by following my quick tips before signing that lease! If you have any questions, please comment!
Kaitie
When I was making the choice between Illinois State or an out of state university, I asked my high school English teacher what she thought was the best university for me. She told me to go to Illinois State because it was large enough for me to have many opportunities to get involved, but that it was also small enough for me to make a significant mark. At the time, I didn’t quite understand what she meant by making my mark on ISU; now I do.
Here is a list of what I believe making your mark at Illinois State means:
- Being known in a positive light by classmates, professors, business professionals, graduate assistants, and administrative officials.
- Raising your hand in class and sharing your opinions respectfully to students.
- Getting involved in Registered Student Organizations and actually attending the meetings.
- Taking on as many leadership opportunities as possible.
- Being an inspiration and mentor to your peers and also younger generations.
- Living above the pressures of harmful substances and illegal behaviors.
- Volunteering your time and being civically engaged.
- Voting in student elections and having a role in making a difference on campus.
- Teaching others not only about class assignments, but also about life.
- Learning from others while keeping an open-mind.
I know that when I leave Illinois State, my mark will remain here. I encourage all of you to leave your mark while at Illinois State too. You probably are thinking the same thing that I used to, that you won’t make a difference at a large university. But you have all the opportunities that you can imagine and more here. Simply taking those chances will allow you to influence this school as much as it will influence you.
As always, let me know if you have any questions or comments.
Lisa
The weather at Illinois State has been amazing this spring! And when it’s nice out, the Quad at ISU becomes a popular place for students to hang out. It’s one of my favorite spots on campus. So when the sun is shining at Illinois State, grab your friends and head out to the best part of the ISU campus. Here’s some ideas for ways you can enjoy the quad:
- Play Catch or Frisbee: Tossing around a football or baseball is always a good time. A lot of people like to go on the Quad and get a group of kids to play catch. It’s always a fun past time to grab a frisbee and get some people together to play. The Quad is a great place to do these activities because it’s very open and there’s lots of space.
- Talk a Hike or Ride a Bike: Taking a stroll with some friends allows you to catch up with each other and it’s a more relaxing activity. If you prefer to ride a bike, go for it. Not only can you look at all the cool trees ISU has, but it’s great exercise!
- Have a jam session: One of the coolest things I witnessed when I first came to ISU were kids playing acoustic guitar and other various instruments. It’s fun to listen and really enjoy music that students have created, whether it’s a cover of your favorite song or something they’ve made up on their own.
- Longboard or skateboard: The Quad has many hilly parts which create a great way to enjoy longboarding or skateboarding. Many kids on campus use this as a form of transportation to get to class, so why not enjoy it in your spare time as well?
- Study or do homework: Even though this doesn’t sound like much fun, the Quad is actually a great place to get some work done. It’s a quiet environment and fresh air is always welcome. You can either do readings for class, write a paper, or possibly take a break on Facebook since there is internet available.
When it’s nice out, come out to the Quad and enjoy the beautiful weather with friends. If you’d like to know more activity ideas, feel free to leave a comment and ask! Enjoy the weather and stay active!
Alison
Did you know that Watterson Towers is one of the world’s tallest student dormitories? The 28-story complex houses more than 2,200 students. In Watterson, the building is divided into separate houses, like suites. It is composed of ten houses (5 in each tower) which makes for a unique living experience. No other campuses have residence halls that look quite like Watterson, it’s size and unique architecture make it one of a kind.
After two years of renovations, each house in Watterson will be available to live in. There will be new furniture, lights, wireless capability in all areas of the building and most importantly updated bathrooms. Incoming freshman and sophomores are welcome to live here. Check out this video for a tour of an updated room and floor in Watterson.
There are a lot of reasons why students love to live in Watterson. A few are:
The top floor
Among everyone’s favorite. The top floor allows you to see the entire campus and is a beautiful view. This is where the laundry is located as well.
Watterson Dining Commons
This dining center offers the most variety of food choices you can ever think of. And, it’s conveniently attached to the building so you never have to go outside to get to it. That’s especially nice in the winter. When you visit campus, don’t forget to check it out.
Conference Room/Lounge on third floor
Looking for a quiet place to study? Check out your floor lounge on the third floor. There are also some places to go on the lobby level, like the conference room.
If you want to learn more about Watterson, visit University Housing. There is also a Facebook page, University Housing at Illinois State, which shows pictures of every residence hall you can live in on campus! I also recommend you visit the ISU campus to see for yourself what the housing options are at Illinois State.
If you have any questions, leave a comment.
Bryn
One of our previous blog posts gives you an itemized list of things to bring to college. But, sometimes there are a few essentials you might not think of bringing. Here are a few things I personally didn’t consider bringing to college, but soon found very useful.
First, bring an umbrella. There is nothing worse than getting dressed up for an in-class presentation only to walk out in the pouring rain on your way to class and get your nice clothes soaked. If you like soaked then, by all means, skip the umbrella, but be advised, sitting through class with soggy under britches is no tea party.
Second, bring your own stapler. This isn’t high school and most professors will not have a stapler that students can line up to use. They will require you to have a stapled paper, though, so in order to avoid missing points or annoying your classmates for a stapler, bring your own.
Lastly, you can never have too much of a good thing. Be sure to bring extra headphones (perhaps noise canceling), extra sheets (because we know you won’t wash your primary sheets), and maybe some flip-flops so if you lose your only pair you don’t get stuck bare footing it in the shower (for those residence hall residents)!
Questions about other items you may or may not need? Leave a comment!
Josh
Choosing a major at Illinois State was a piece of cake for me. As soon as I learned about the public relations major, I knew it was the perfect fit and I jumped right in. However, choosing a minor was where I struggled. I couldn’t figure out a way to decide what I wanted to do. Should I pick something simply because I was interested in it and wanted to learn more? I figured out what to do with the help of my academic advisor, who has always been more than helpful whenever I had a question.
According to my advisor, the minor you choose should be something that expands on your major. For people in my field who are interested in intercultural communication, minoring in a foreign language would be beneficial. If you are interested in doing public relations for a university, a minor in education would add to your skill set.
While there are definitely benefits to having a minor, not all students decide to select one. I chose to not undertake a minor because I wanted to focus on my major grade point average and my leadership position within my registered student organization. In addition, since I have a paid internship next year, I decided I’d rather focus more time working at the company than in the extra classes that a minor entails.
Since the decision requires a lot of serious thought, I strongly recommend doing research specific to your field and your program. Some programs require a minor, while others do not. And to some employers, minors are extremely important, to others, it may not be if the candidate has other skills. You should also consider your interests post graduation as well. If you know a certain minor will give you a competitive advantage for the job you want, it may be worth the extra time and financial commitment.
In any case, the advisors at Illinois State are more than willing and qualified to help you decide what is best for you. As you move further into the curriculum, you’ll be placed with an academic advisor specialized in your field so he/she can best serve your needs, so don’t worry, help is just one appointment away!
As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to comment below!
Kaitie
Preview is a mandatory, two-day summer orientation and registration program in the summer for new incoming freshman. There are a variety of different things planned to make sure you are comfortable to come to ISU in the fall.
Day 1 – The basics
On the first day, there are a ton of activities that take place. You get to split up into small groups with a current ISU student, also known as a Preview Guide, who will answer your questions and lead you through the two-day orientation. Most of the first day is dedicated to group games and guest speakers. Some guest speakers talk about how to go about picking classes and others talk about how to get involved on campus.
After the required activities are complete, you are able to go to the Bowling and Billiards Center and hang out. There are also other night activities the Preview orientation team plans for your entertainment. At night, you have the option of staying in a residence hall and rooming with a random roommate. Don’t worry! I was nervous at first, but my Preview roommate is still one of my friends today! I recommend that you stay with a roommate to get used to having a roommate and sharing space with someone so you’re prepared for it in the fall.
Day 2 – The school aspect
This is the day you get to pick your class schedule. It is important to have many choices ready if the classes you want are full. You will also get your picture taken on this day, get your university ID and have the opportunity to activate your redbird email, which is the email you will be using for ISU. Day 2 is a half day so you will get to leave at noon.
Preview is a great experience to go through. I am thankful I got the opportunity to go and meet so many wonderful people. It is mandatory for freshman to attend and is really helpful because you get to find out about the resources ISU offers.
I hope you will have the same experience as I did! Check out the Preview website for more information.
Make sure to visit Welcome2ISU to sign up now. And as always, if you have any questions, leave a comment!
Bryn
When it comes to choosing a college, there are many factors that can weigh in on where you will ultimately spend the next chapter of your life. The big question then, is: what does ISU offer that validates me coming here? I thought sharing a few of the reasons why I chose Illinois State may help you decide it’s a good fit for you.
- ISU is fairly priced. Ok, let’s be realistic. College is expensive. ALL colleges are expensive. When compared to other state schools, or even out of state schools, the price tag on ISU seems very reasonable. Plus, ISU locks in your tuition rate for four years. So, once you get here, your tuition costs won’t increase from year to year. The Financial Aid Office at ISU is also really willing to help you figure out how you’re going to finance your education.
- The campus is in great shape! When spring starts at ISU, the quad here comes alive. It’s incredible. Plus, Illinois State continues to renovate buildings and add new ones like Cardinal Court, on-campus student apartments, and the ISU Student Fitness Center & McCormick Hall. There are also going to be improvements to Hancock Stadium.
- ISU is a larger campus, but feels like a small one. The great thing about ISU is that it has almost 21,000 students, but it doesn’t feel like it. The size may seem too big to some people, but let me assure you, you will develop relationships with people in your major. You will spend a lot of time with those people. And outside of that, there are thousands of other people that you may stumble into unexpectedly and, who knows, one of them could change your life.
- Location, Location, Location. Bloomington-Normal, Ill., is a hustling and bustling oasis amidst all the ‘great plains’ we have to drive through to get here. There are plenty of grocery stores, movie theaters, shopping and restaurants. Chicago and St. Louis are relatively close, and there is a train station near campus. With companies like COUNTRY Financial and State Farm also calling Bloomington home, this is not a bad place for students to find internships.
It is because of all these reasons, and so many more, that I chose to come to ISU. I hope this post helps you as you make your college decision. Best of luck and if you have any questions, leave a comment!
Josh
