Going into my senior year, I had a feeling that the days would be slow but weeks would fly by. It feels like just yesterday the year was beginning but we’re now over halfway through the second semester. And sooner than we expect, the campus will be crowded with orange and blue gowns, smiling faces, and proud families. Students will walk across the stage to receive their diplomas, and of course, Alma will wear a graduation gown. I’ve been feeling the weight of graduation all year and it’s crazy it’s so close. The hard work of our years on campus has paid off.
Besides the exciting part of the day, there will be emotional moments as well. Graduation means wrapping up your time as an undergraduate student at UIUC. What comes next looks different for everyone, but it means moving forward from this chapter of your life. For most, this means moving from the place they’ve called home for a handful of years. However, for me, this means saying goodbye to the place I’ve now called home for 22 years.
So before I go, I want to highlight a few favorites from Champaign-Urbana. Maybe you’ve wanted to explore more of the town that holds your campus and experience a bit more of this beautiful community off campus and this can provide some suggestions.
Food:
Cactus Grill - This restaurant holds the best high school lunch memories and still serves the best burrito or quesadilla. It’s kind of like a local chipotle where you can create your own bowl/burrito/ quesadilla. Highly recommend adding the Chipotle sauce to whatever you order.
Jarling’s Custard Cup - As many students know, trying Custard Cup is a must. However, I recently found out not everyone knows about the local ice cream place and wanted to highlight it. Custard Cup holds many special memories from running there with my middle school cross-country team for a special ice cream treat during practice to meeting my college roommate for the first time.
Moe’s Food Truck - A bit further from campus you’ll find a delicious truck. Order it online for delivery or pick it up off campus. I promise you won’t regret it.
Art Mart - Just a bit further down Kirby Ave from campus you’ll find this grocery store and bakery. There are unique groceries and yummy sandwiches for a quick lunch!
Activities:
Downtown Champaign - Take the 12 Teal to get to the train station and from there you can walk to where you want to go. There are fun restaurants to try new food, breweries to play games, and a few shops to buy new plants - I suggest Plant Mode!
Curtis Orchard - Similar to Jarling’s, this is a place that most UIUC students have heard of. This past fall was the first moment it felt real I wouldn’t be here next fall. So for me, even if you’ve been before, be sure to stop by and get some Apple Cider Donuts when they open up again in August!
These may be places that you’ve heard of or might provide you with somewhere new to explore with some fellow swesters. Either way, just remember that these places form together the place I’ve called home for 22 years.
