University of Illinois Urban Legends

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.

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