By Michael Mioux
Asst design editor

When you got your acceptance letter to the University, did you think you ever would be presented with the chance to study in a different country? I certainly didn’t. It wasn’t until my sophomore year that I decided to actively look into what opportunities the school offered in terms of overseas studies. It all started with a little curiosity of mine, and that little spark of interest turned into a four-month experience-of-a-lifetime in Rome. Studying abroad is exhilarating, and if it is something that interests you, there’s no doubt you’ll have plenty of questions on how to get started.

Is it for me? For many, studying abroad isn’t even on the radar. Fears of culture shock and language barriers are enough to deter some from even considering it. There are common misconceptions on how expensive it can be, how homesick it might make you, and how it might delay your graduation date — all of which aren’t necessarily untrue. However, if you’re smart about it and pay attention to details when applying, it’s really nothing to worry about. If you’re looking for an experience to learn something new, something you wouldn’t be able to learn here, an opportunity to open your global consciousness and to develop your personal and professional character, then studying abroad might be exactly for you.

Where do I start? The University offers more than 350 programs in almost 60 different countries. While this number seems daunting and you may think you won’t possibly be able to narrow it down, attending a First Steps meeting is good place to start. First Steps are meetings for students interested in learning more about studying abroad and are held multiple times each semester. It’s required to attend one if you want to study abroad. They give good information on how to research different programs, go over different classes you should take and discuss the many scholarships available. Even if you aren’t dead set on studying abroad, attending this meeting is a smart decision.

Where should I go? OK, once you’ve looked into what programs your college offers for your major, you have to choose a program. Things you should ask yourself when doing this are: “What classes will be offered and will they transfer back home?” “How much will it cost?” “What are my living arrangements going to be?” “Are the classes taught in English?”

There are so many factors that can decide which to choose, and it will probably come down to personal preference. For me, I wanted a program that catered to my major of Landscape Architecture. The school offered two approved programs for this, but neither seemed to fit what I was looking for, so instead I chose to petition a new program that no one from this school had experienced. The process for that was a little longer, required a few more essays, and involved a couple more meetings with my academic advisor and my study abroad advisor. In the end it was worth it so that I could benefit the most from where I went.

What classes should I take? Obviously you want to have some classes transfer back as credit here at the University, but maybe this isn’t the case. If you are set to graduate on time or are ahead of schedule, maybe you want to take a fun cooking class or a film class. These extra classes are a great way to learn more about the culture you are living in. Also, a language class might be required to take. Because some countries don’t speak English as much as you would think, a class like this might be really helpful. My advice: before you go, knock out as many Gen Eds as you can, and pick classes that count for more than one requirement, then you’ll be able to afford to take one of these fun classes. It’s commonly thought that classes abroad are designed to be easier to allow students more time to experience the new culture outside of the classroom. While in many cases this may be true, it isn’t always, so don’t expect to have an easy semester right away.

When should I go? Well, that’s really up to you and how many classes you’ve taken, or how far into your curriculum you are. I went my spring semester of my junior year. I know others who go their sophomore year, or even when they’re a senior, but the majority of people who study abroad do it sometime in their third year. Generally, it’s smart to start the process a year in advance of when you want to study abroad, and the actual application will probably be due the semester before you go. There are pros and cons to studying in either the fall or spring. For me, most of my required classes I missed while I was gone will be easy to make up next year. Just take into account what classes are required for you to graduate, if you’ll be able to take them abroad, or if you’ll be able to make them up when you get back.

Studying abroad is a massively rewarding experience that will change your life. You’ll meet some amazing people, get to travel to exotic places, and learn something new. So get excited and get started early. It’s incredibly important to pay attention to deadlines — turn your paperwork in early. Keep your own checklist of forms you need to complete, as well as a copy of everything you turn in. Stay organized, and make sure to keep in contact with your advisors. They will help you out tremendously. Good luck and happy travels.

Michael is a senior in FAA.

By Jeff Kirshman
Sports editor

Before reading further, please consider the source of the guidance you seek. Realize that you are taking advice from a News-Editorial Journalism major — someone willingly entering a job market that’s main product is nearing extinction and as a whole has no idea what it’s doing in regard to maintaining profitability.

Still there? Cool. Let’s do this.

With crimes, the smarter you are, the more likely you are to get away with committing them. And, as with many things surrounding campus life, the presence of alcohol is often a deciding factor.

The police have been said to take jaywalking much more seriously on campus than the average town, which — especially for you city folk — may take some getting used to. The validity of these claims still varies in my mind after three years at the University. I’ve blatantly jaywalked in the presence of the police many times without consequence. Another time, some friends and I crossed the street with eight seconds remaining on the red blinking talk-to-the-hand that precedes a red light, and a policeman gave us a warning.

Cops also use jaywalking as a means to dish out underage drinking tickets. They see a fool stumbling in a diagonal route between two intersections and nail them, initially for jaywalking, before “realizing” that they have also consumed alcohol, which can result in a $300 fine. This is basically the most inconvenient thing that can happen to someone who was just trying to take a quick shortcut on their way home from the bars. For the record, jaywalking is also kind of dangerous, too, so always proceed with caution.

For someone who hit puberty after earning his driver’s license and will most likely get carded until the age of 40, seeking out a fake ID was never really an option for me. Luckily, the University’s bar scene allows for minimum age of 19, as opposed to the traditional 21. Why? No clue. There is no reasoning outside the cynical for why those under the age of 21 are allowed into establishments with the main purpose of 21-and-up activities taking place. But I ain’t complaining. I won’t be 21 on campus until my senior year, but because of the 19-year-old admittance rule, I have been fortunate enough to drop mad bills on white Russians at a number of bars.

The catch, of course, is that if you’re caught drinking at a bar when under the age of 21 (and why would you be doing that?), you are eligible for a drinking ticket. Thanks to the digital age, text messages will go around when word gets out of “bar raids,” wherein cops enter bars with the purpose of handing out drinking tickets.

As always, be smart about the whole process. All of this should help you avoid negative repercussions when gallivanting in C-U’s nightlife.

Jeff is a senior in media.

By Safia Kazi
Asst. news editor

I understand how scared parents are when their teenager is going to live on their own for the first time. My parents actually decided to spend the night after they moved me in. To this day, I don’t know what their logic was in staying.

My parents’ apprehension was understandable. They did not know much about the University of Illinois, I am their youngest child and I would be three hours away from home. I think all parents worry when their kids go to college. I promise that the fear will diminish.

One of the best ways to overcome your fears is to learn more about the University and spend time here. Dads Weekend and Moms Weekend are great ways to learn more about the University. These weekends are a lot of fun, and most students’ parents visit. Students: this is a really great time to show your parents what your daily life is like. You can take your parents to your favorite restaurants, show them where your classes are and give them a tour of the campus.

Visiting the campus often is a great way to feel more comfortable. My mom said she likes the University more and more with every visit.

Although parents can visit, the luxuries of home often cannot be brought to Champaign-Urbana.

Transitioning from home cooking to dorm food is a cause of concern for many parents. The food here, although not as comforting as a home-cooked meal, is really good. The dining halls have healthy food (don’t worry; there’s plenty of junk food here too) and are sensitive to any dietary restrictions. I took my parents to the Ikenberry Dining Hall once. Ever since then, they have been raving about it. Now when they visit, they crave dining hall food over any restaurant in Champaign.

A huge part of college is meeting new people and making new friends. I think one of the best things a parent can do is know their child’s friends. Whether it’s just knowing their names or inviting them to visit, knowing whom your child hangs out with will make you feel a lot more comfortable.

Realistically, the fear will never completely vanish. My parents still call me every single day. My dad said he felt more comfortable about me being away from home by changing his mindset. He said college is preparation for the future. It’s a time when students have to step up and be more responsible. He said parents should also keep in mind that the University is a safe environment and feeling nervous is completely normal.

Being miles away from your child can be stressful. But learning more about the University, spending time here and changing your mindset can help decrease the stress that comes with having a child far from home.

Safia is a junior in LAS.

By Shannon Lancor
Managing editor for visuals

College brings out the wild side in people. Like the party-crazy, dancing-on-tables, vomiting-in-public kind of wild side. It’s crazy, it’s embarrassing, but it’s a whole lot of fun. As much fun as college is, though, in the midst of this “learning experience” you will inevitably encounter “that girl.”

She is most likely spotted stumbling in 6-inch stilettos to the dance floor, wearing an outfit made of less fabric than a washcloth, make-up smeared in raccoon-like circles around her eyes, and she probably has vomit in her hair. I know from personal experience that we all have our “that girl” moments. If you have any hope for your college career, avoid being “that girl” on a regular basis.

Here’s why:

It’s been done before

Just because you just did 16 beer bongs in the last hour, doesn’t mean you’re a champion. You probably just consumed three days worth of calories. Which is all right because if you’re able to hold down food in the days following a stunt like that, only then will you be a real champion. If I had a nickel for every time I saw a girl try to out-drink a seasoned frat boy and fail, I would be able to pay my tuition in full after one weekend.

Don’t be stupid, know your limits and you’ll avoid stumbling around looking like you just sat in a sauna for two hours after a beauty pageant.

Have some responsibility

Your mother can tell you to be careful an infinite amount of times but when you’re blacked-out wasted, it doesn’t really help. How do you think your mother will react when she has to pay your underage drinking ticket because you don’t have a job? You want your parents to trust you enough to be on your own. There are more constructive ways to build trust that don’t involve convincing your parents that you’re a wild child.

As you’re trying to not drink yourself into oblivion, be careful of who you befriend. That cute guy bringing you Keystones would love nothing more than to get you alone. And chances are, “that girl” wouldn’t hesitate. If one thing leads to another and you end up drunkenly hooking up with someone, the least you can do is use protection. Calm down and keep it in your pants. You do only live once, but you don’t want to be nursing an STD or raising a child for the rest of your life.

Pictures — they never go away. Ever.

It seems like more people than not own smartphones. What does this mean? Pictures. Of everything and everyone — uploaded to Twitter or Facebook for the viewing pleasure of just about everyone. No matter how much you hate “Call Me Maybe” when it plays on the radio, you will be singing it when it comes on at Joe’s (it’s irresistibly catchy when you’re drunk).

And someone will probably catch it all on video. And then put it on the Internet. Whoops, there goes your reputation. If you’re especially ”attention seeking,” people you don’t even know will not hesitate to snap and post photos of you with a vodka-cran in your hand (and all over your outfit) and your tongue down that guy’s throat on the dance floor. Awkward. Good luck getting a job when your future employers see that one.

All the activities I’ve written about may sound like exactly the college experience you’re looking for. I, myself, am even guilty of some of the above.

However, I’m here to tell you that instead of looking for attention in the most obnoxious of ways, there are other, more satisfying ways to fit in.

Being “that girl” will only lead to a reputation that you will not be able to escape for at least four years. College is a learning experience; use it wisely.

Shannon is a senior in FAA.

By Allison Marcotte
Asst. features editor

You wave goodbye to your parents, you unpack your belongings and suddenly your new reality begins to sink in: complete, unadulterated freshman independence.

Yet, while you revel in this wonderful piece of knowledge, you can’t help but feel pangs of homesickness resonating inside of you. Fear not. By following a few helpful tips, college may become among the most exciting and memorable years of your life.

1. Get involved. One of the best ways to combat homesickness is by getting active and taking part in college activities. By staying engaged instead of standing on the sidelines, it will subdue your homesick feelings. In addition, participating in activities on campus will familiarize yourself with your new surroundings, making you feel more in control of the situation. Immersing yourself in college life also leads you to meeting new people and becoming friends with people who share the same interests as you.

2. Bring something from home to your new location. Whether it’s a bulletin board covered in family photos, a collection of your favorite movies or your beloved childhood stuffed animal, bringing something that reminds you of familiarity can ease the transition from home life to college life. When the homesick feelings creep up unexpectedly, these reminders of home can be the comfort that suffices.

3. Talk to someone. Talking to someone can alleviate the homesick feelings you are experiencing, whether it be a family member, a friend or a counselor. An older sibling who has gone through the college transition can give helpful advice since they have insight into the situation. Friends in college who are experiencing similar homesick feelings can help because they understand what you are going through, and can be supportive. A counselor could give professional feedback to you that may assist with managing the homesick feelings.

4. Write in a journal. Sometimes the best way to express and overcome your feelings is through personal writing rather than saying them out loud to someone else. It can help you understand where your feelings are coming from and can put closure on those feelings.

Not only is writing beneficial for battling homesick feelings, but it also can be used to document your undergraduate years.

5. Visit your family and home periodically throughout the year. By planning dates throughout the year to go home, the homesick feelings can be kept at bay. Take advantage of your time at home by spending quality time with family and friends. Along withvisiting home, encourage family and friends to visit you at college. Bonding in your new college setting can lessen the feelings of homesickness.

6. Call and write home. A five-minute chat or a two-hour heart-to-heart conversation with a family member can help you overcome homesickness.

By staying in contact and up to date with your family, it can make home feel not so far away. Exchanging letters with family can be just as gratifying and can prevent homesick feelings. Receiving hand-written letters in your physical mailbox — a rarity nowadays — can be a highlight of one’s day.

7. Remember that time flies by fast. Before you know it, the school year will be over and you’ll be packing up the minivan and reuniting with your family for the summer. The multiple breaks over the year (Thanksgiving break, winter break and spring break) make the year fly by even faster. Instead of yearning for home, enjoy your time away from home and the independence that comes with this freedom.

With the dramatic change in environment, academic demands, social life and more, feelings of homesickness are inevitable.

Although at times going back home may appear the more desirable choice, remember that everyone experiences homesickness at some point during their college years. By staying in contact with family but also becoming active in college life, one will be able to successfully brush away homesickness.

Alison is a sophomore in Media.

By Darshan Patel
Asst. sports editor

Chances are that many of you have heard about the de facto drinking holi

day on campus, Unofficial St. Patrick’s Day. Comparable to Southern Illinois’ Halloween, it brings together students not only from this campus, but from across the region. Instead of going to the bars or parties at night, many students start drinking in the morning and continue throughout the day. I’ve had a chance to cover this event for the past two years, and not one year is like the previous year. So here are some answers to get you prepared for your first Unofficial.

How did it all start?

Bar owner Scott Cochrane started the first Unofficial in 1996 with a business mindset. Since the real St. Patrick’s Day usually coincided with the start of spring break on campus, Cochrane promoted the event a few weeks earlier. Since then, it usually falls on the first Friday of March.

How many people attend?

There is really no way to tell, although police annually monitor the Facebook event for estimates. But as we all know, many people who click “attending” don’t make it down to campus. In recent years, there have been as many as 23,000 people “attending” with additional Facebook pages citing 11,000 “attending.”

What is the police presence like?

An increased number of police officers are asked to man shifts, starting as early as 6 a.m. There have been house parties busted shortly after sunrise. The extra police presence continues till the late hours. This, of course, leads to a lot of drinking tickets, primarily for minors in possession. Last year, there were nearly 290 tickets handed out, which was actually a 12 percent decrease from 2011.

Are there any special rules for this day?

As the number of tickets issued has increased from its beginning, the City of Champaign has implemented several laws to control the event and promote safety, as there have been two deaths. In 2005, the city told the bars they can’t open before 11 a.m., and just four years later, that students have to be 21 to enter bars on that specific day. In addition, in 2008, University Housing implemented a no-visitor policy for the weekend.

Despite all the regulations, can students still have fun?

Yes. With the rules, this party has moved out of the bars and into the apartments. Even with the police, students can still enjoy themselves during the day. Just remember to follow basic guidelines and not let the party get out of control. In other words, keep it small and invite only trusted friends. In addition, keep the noise level down as there may be students finishing up homework for the week or residents trying to get a good night’s sleep. Loud noise complaints are a big reason many gatherings are broken up. Remember, you are part of the Champaign-Urbana community and your actions represent the University and the student body.

But what if you don’t drink?

I don’t drink, and I’ve managed to have a great time the past two years when I am not reporting on the event. You still can attend parties but instead opt for caffeine or something else. And also, the University does not condone this event so there are events across campus that provide an alternate Unofficial for nondrinkers. In addition, check your residence hall come March; more likely than not, there will be programs available to attend in lieu of “celebrating” the holiday.

Darshan is a junior in Media.

By Bryan Lorenz
Design Editor

Everyone has to do laundry eventually.

While it may seem confusing or just plain tedious at first, it’s really quite simple once you get the hang of it. I know I dreaded it when I first came to college, but here are simple steps to get through the task so you don’t have to continuously buy new underwear.

The first step is to separate your dirty clothes into three piles based on their colors. These piles should be white clothes, light colored clothes and dark colored clothes.

Before putting your clothes into the washing machine, be sure to check that all of the pockets are empty, as nobody wants to pick shredded bits of tissue out of a pocket. Plus, who knows what you can find. Finding an unexpected $5 in their pocket always brightens one’s day. This is also a good time to treat stains with a stain remover, which many people do not address and are now stuck with a nice pink stain on their white shirt.

Next, load your clothes and detergent into the machine, select your settings, and start the wash cycle.

Whites should be washed in warm water, and colors should be washed in cold water so that the colors don’t bleed into one another. Of course, there are exceptions, especially with dress shirts and dress pants. For those, I say just send them to a dry cleaners. It’s a safe bet and easy.

For those in the dorms, stay in the laundry room to ensure that no one takes your clothes. Bring some homework or watch a movie or TV show on your computer. It makes the time go by a lot faster.

When your clothes are done washing, move them to the dryer and start the drying cycle. However, be sure to first check the tags of your clothes for special drying instructions, as some more delicate clothes may require to be hung up and air-dried. Also, be aware of any clothes you don’t want to shrink, because it’s always safe to hang them and let the clothes air dry.

Immediately after your clothes are done drying, fold or hang them so as to prevent wrinkles from forming. Then, simply put them away in your closet or drawers and perform a celebratory dance, for you are finished.

Bryan is a sophomore in FAA.

By Krizia Vance
Video editor

Let’s talk tuition and budgeting — two subjects college students tend to avoid. Tuition at the University is not the cheapest, and having to manage your own money can be a pain, but there are ways to shrinking that tuition dollar and to making sure your whole paycheck doesn’t go straight to Starbucks.

When it came to tuition, I usually tried to focus my energy on trying get as much free money as possible. I mean come on, who doesn’t like free money?

Therefore you should start Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines how much federal aid you are eligible to receive. Through this, you might be eligible for the Pell Grant or the Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grant.

Although the University’s March deadline has passed, you can apply for FASFA every year — so there’s always next year if you didn’t apply. Also it’s important to start this application as soon as possible, before the University’s deadline. The Illinois government only has a finite amount of money to hand out, so make sure to fill out your FASFA early next year.

Although FASFA is a great way to gain some money towards tuition dollars, it can only offer so much.

Probably one of the most time consuming, but rewarding ways to get tuition bucks are through scholarships. These can be attained through many avenues such as websites like Fastweb.com and through your college within the University that offer major related scholarships.

Many scholarships require essays, which take up a lot of time especially if you’re writing multiple 500 word essays.

During the summer, you should take advantage of your time off to apply for some scholarships because you might end up getting some.

You’ll be happy, your parents will be happy, and you won’t be paying for another five grand for the tuition bill.

Also, scholarship applications don’t have to stop right when you move into your dorm room, you can still apply all throughout your college years like myself.

Although sometimes we still might need to make ends meet after FASFA and scholarships, so that’s where your loans come in. You can apply for loans through your local banks and the federal government.

There are many loan options out there that have different interest rates and vary in terms of when you have to start paying it back. It’s all about choosing the right loan that fits your family’s financial plan.

Also you will find yourself in greater financial freedom, which means mom and dad aren’t there to dictate where your every dollar goes and you have greater freedom to spend your money on your terms.

On the other hand with great power comes great responsibility, so you want to learn how to be fiscally smart with your money.

The best tip I received was from my cousin, and this has helped to keep all my hard earned cash in check.

Basically I divided how much money I made in A month by how many days were in that month. That left me with amount of money I was to spend every day during that month. Also it’s good to write down how much you spend each day to keep tabs on what you might be wasting money on — maybe a grande caramel macchiato ever day isn’t the smartest way to spend your money.

Once college comes rolling around, soon you’ll be schooling mom and dad on the quickest way to save a buck.

Krizia is a Sophomore in LAS.

By Candice Norwood
Asst. features editor

As exciting and liberating as it may feel to finally be in college, the initiation process can be overwhelming and, at times, a huge pain to deal with.

I remember staring blankly at a computer screen in the College of Media lab three years ago as I sifted through hundreds of courses in an attempt to create my fall schedule.

For me, the final (and most welcome) step in the process was heading to Illini Union Bookstore to receive my i-card and officially become part of the Illini family.

Besides containing a picture — which may recall horrifying memories of awkward high school yearbook photos — the i-card will prove useful in a number of ways.

In a broad sense, the i-card acts as a photo identification that contains a nine-digit “UIN” which is basically a campus social security number assigned to each student.

More specifically, an i-card is a student’s key to all things Illini including University dorms, campus recreation centers and University meal plans.

Breezing through all the academic reasons for needing the card (access to libraries, computer labs, etc), the ID can also act as a debit card as well as a way to receive discounts at events and restaurants in the area.

TCF is a national bank with an office housed right in the Illini Union bookstore. Students whose hometown banks do not have offices in Champaign or Urbana can opt to open an account with TCF and link their i-cards to the account.

On a social aspect, the Illini Union Board (IUB), hosts a number of speakers, shows and other entertainment on campus throughout the year.

According to Blazej Szymoniak, IUB Vice President for programs, this past spring the organization hosted a lecture with Illinois alumnus Nick Offerman, an actor in the popular television show Parks and Recreation. While the public paid $10, students with i-cards received tickets for free.

Entrance to other IUB activities such as the musical, drag show and African-American homecoming is offered at reduced rates. A number of other student organizations including some fraternities and sororities request i-cards for entrance to many events as well.

Essentially, your all-access pass to pretty much everything on campus involves this card. So go get your ID, take it with you everywhere and enjoy all the things university life has to offer.

Candice is a senior in media.

By Dan Welin
Asst. sports editor

There are basically two breeds of people on campus — walkers and bikers. After three years at Illinois, I can vouch for both types.

For the first two years of my college career, I walked everywhere on campus, while the last year I used my bike to get around.

If you’re like me and don’t head to class with enough time to get there before it starts or just wish you could get somewhere faster, then you can understand why walking can be a problem.

After riding a bike for my entire junior year, I can tell you those problems were fixed.

I know the bus is an option, but having a bike means you can get up and go wherever you want, whenever you want.

Whether you come to campus looking to walk or ride your bike around the Champaign-Urbana area, there are two things you need to understand: Bikers hate walkers and walkers hate bikers, and there are efficient shortcuts to getting around campus using either method.

To elaborate on the bikers hate walkers and walkers hate bikers reference, this is something those respective parties are familiar with.

When you’re walking, despite having designated paths to navigate their bikes, bikers still tend to ride their bikes wherever they want and cut off walkers on the sidewalk.

On the other hand, the way people’s cell phones seem to be attached at the hip requires bikers to be very cautious. Walkers are everywhere and they typically aren’t paying attention everywhere they inhabit.

This can cause many problems for bikers, as I’ve seen countless accidents where walkers cut off bikers, specifically on the bike path along Wright Street.

The worst accident I saw involved a walker not looking where he was going, causing a biker — who didn’t seem to have working brakes — to crash into a stop sign. Fortunately, as in every accident I’ve seen, everyone seemed to be OK.

Those experiences also warrant an investment into a helmet if you don’t already have one. There is usually high bike traffic on campus throughout the day and accidents can occur. While a helmet may make you look like a loser, it can be the difference between a concussion and a minor bump.

Walking in and around campus can seem like an overwhelming task, especially if you don’t know your way around.

The weather-related cons of walking — such as heat, cold, rain and snow — as well as bouts of laziness and time efficiency, can all be solved riding the bus.

But I would still recommend bringing a bike to campus if you have access to one.

There are a plethora of locations to lock it up all over campus, so don’t let that be a reason to not bring one down. Even if you only use the bike sparingly, it is worth bringing to school.

Having a bike turns 15 to 20 minute walk to class into a five minute bike ride. The aforementioned buses even have bike racks so you can hop on the bus if you’re sick of riding your bike.

The University also provides something called the Campus Bike Project, which allows bikers an option to go to for repairs or just pumping up your tires.

There are six bike repair stations around campus that have a variety of tools to help riders maintain their bikes.

Along with the bike project and the repair stations, there are various bike trails in the area that are a good resource for exercise and checking out the area.

The most important element of having a bike on campus that I mentioned earlier, is the fact that you can go wherever you want, whenever you want with a bike.

For example, there was one time I had to be downtown Champaign at 6 a.m. Some buses do not start running until 6 a.m., so riding a bike was the only way that I could get there in a timely manner.

There have also been countless times when I’ve had to start work at 6 a.m. and used a bike to get around for the same reason.

Given the many reasons I’ve provided as to why bikes can be very useful on campus, that doesn’t mean that walking is a bad way to get around, either.

If you choose to walk, you can make your own shortcuts, such as cutting through parking lots and buildings.

Whatever you decide, just make sure to keep in mind that if you’re walking, pay attention to your surroundings and keep bikers in mind, and if you’re biking, don’t ride around like you’re always in a rush and keep walkers in mind.

Dan is a junior in media. He can be reached at welin1@illinimedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @WELINandDEALIN.