University of Illinois Urban Legends

Posted on October 31, 2018 by Lauren Camarillo

Hello Illini! In the spooky spirit of Halloween, we have adapted a (small) list of urban legends unique to the University of Illinois campus! Since the University of Illinois was founded in 1867, many urban legends have developed. In this post, we wanted to highlight the long, rich history of the University. A huge thanks to Center for Children’s Books and Annette Lesak for providing us with great information!

Hope you enjoy!

English Building in winter.

The Ghost in the English Building:

A popular legend on campus, it is said that when the English Building was a women’s dormitory, a young woman drowned in the indoor swimming pool. It is still unknown as to how or why this happened, but legend has it that she haunts the building to this day. It is unknown whether or not she has malicious intent in her haunting.

Main Library at the University of Illinois in early fall.

The University Library Main Stacks:

It is not a surprise that there is an urban legend about the Main Stacks! Legend says that several students have gotten lost and perished while hopelessly wandering around and looking for books. As a result, there are supposed to be ghosts appearing to visitors, especially around Halloween! (Don’t worry, all recent visitors have made it out alive!!)

University of Illinois Quad with Foellinger Auditorium.

Quad Underground Tunnels:

The Undergraduate Library and Main Library have a very convenient underground tunnel connecting them, but it is said that there is a network of underground tunnels underneath the Quad (we’ll be on the lookout for secret tunnel doors come winter time)! Supposedly, they were previously used during winter time, but have been closed off.

Enjoy your spooky season! Also, if you would like to read about more University of Illinois urban legends, check out this Illinois Alumni blog post!

Authored and edited by Lauren.

Sleep and Relaxation help coming to the UGL: Mindful Mondays!

Posted on October 27, 2018 by Zander Miller

In light of recent research into the need for good sleep hygiene, the Undergraduate Library is partnering with the McKinley Health Center to provide relaxation workshops and sleep packs for students.

Mindful Mondays

Dates: Monday, October 29th; Monday, November 26th; and Monday, December 10th

Time: 15 minute sessions between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Location: Outside of the Writers Workshop on the south side of the first floor at the Undergraduate Library

McKinley staff will be available from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and hold 15-minute sessions which will include guided meditation and muscle relaxation exercises. The McKinley staff are also available to speak with students about techniques for dealing with stress. When the UGL closes at 2:30 a.m. on the Sunday nights before these days, we will be handing out sleep packs filled with an eye mask, earplugs, chamomile tea, and other useful tools for a restful night.

Sleep for your health

A recent article from the New York Times ties together a variety of studies involving college students, sleep, stress, and campus response to these issues. A 2010 study of 1,125 college students found that “feeling stressed was the main reason for poor student sleep, while consumption of alcohol and caffeine were not significant predictors of sleep quality.” Another study published in Nature notes that brain function begins to decline after 16 hours awake. After 20 hours, “you perform as if legally drunk.”

The McKinley Wellness app available for you

Although lack of sleep is a strong concern among students–as well as one with serious consequences–few campus health centers have structured programs around tackling this issue. In addition to Mindful Mondays, the McKinley Health Center works to connect with students through the McKinley Wellness App. The app includes a calming memory game, a mood meter, as well as helpful tips for general wellness. To address concerns about good sleep hygiene, the Get Sleep page provides definitions and guidance regarding the issue, as well as a quick link to schedule an appointment with an expert from McKinley.

Stop by one of the Mindful Monday events throughout the rest of the semester to learn more!

Written by Jacqueline

Edited by Zander

Fall Festivities in Champaign-Urbana

Posted on October 15, 2018 by Lauren Camarillo

After a long, hot summer in Champaign-Urbana, we are very excited to get in the spirit of the Fall season with these local events. With a range of spooky to sweet activities, you’ll see that there’s something for everyone!! Learn more below!

Champaign Urbana Folk and Roots Festival logo banner

C-U Folk & Roots Festival

Downtown Urbana, IL

October 18-20

Don’t miss the tenth year anniversary of the Champaign-Urbana Folk and Roots Festival! This event is completely volunteer-run and brings together national, regional, and local artists and folk organizations to perform throughout downtown Urbana. The festival includes performances, dances, instructional sessions, jams, song-circles, family activities, storytelling, instrument-making, and more. For more information, visit the Folk and Roots Festival website!

Live Music at Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch

3902 S Duncan Rd, Champaign, IL

Ending October 28

Join in some toe-tapping live music most Saturdays and Sundays in October at the Oz Pavilion, located in the Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch. While you’re there, enjoy a homegrown array of pure-Fall-fun activities, including pumpkin and apple picking, or exploring the corn mazes. Don’t forget to pick up some of their famous, fresh apple cider donuts! Take a look at the band list, and find out more about events at the orchard. If you’d like more information, please visit the Curtis Orchard website!

Pumpkins with a Purpose!

701 E Florida Ave, Urbana IL

October 14-31

The Pumpkin Patch at Trinity Lutheran Church, Urbana, IL will be open October 14th-October 31st from noon until 6:00 p.m. daily, with a variety of pumpkins and decorative gourds available. Family Fun Day will be Saturday, October 20 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Come choose a pumpkin and have fun with face painting, inflatables, and pumpkin decorating! Each purchase supports the following charitable causes: Haiti Feeding Program, the Orphan Grain Train, Eastern Illinois Food Bank, and Operation Christmas Child. For more information, refer to the Pumpkins with a Purpose calendar event!

Dallas and Co Haunted Room Advertisement

Dallas & Co Haunted Room

Dallas & Company’s Haunted Room

101 E University Ave, Champaign, IL

Every weekend in October

Strange things happen in the Dallas and Company Haunted Room. Those who dare to enter are greeted with a talking ghost, witches, zombies, skeletons and what APPEARS to be lifeless bodies. The Haunted Room is only open for a few weekends in October, and participants can only go through once because we believe it’s all your heart can stand. Follow them on social media for exact opening times. If you’d like more information, visit the Dallas & Co. website!

Happy October!

Written by Morgan

Edited by Lauren, Zander and Kirsten

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Monthly Archives: October 2018