When my parents drove me down to campus two years ago, the first thing out of the back of the minivan was my red bike. But getting around the U of I campus isn’t the same as riding a bike trail in a park, and there are rules and resources that future cyclists need to be aware of.

Morgan Johnston, sustainability and transportation demand management coordinator in the Facilities and Services Department, said being visible to others is important.

“That means wearing clothing that is noticeable,” she said. “You don’t want to wear black at night and white on a super white day.”

Johnston explained that cyclists are not in the same category as pedestrians, and that those riding bikes must act in measured and, most importantly, predictable ways.

“Just like (when) you’re driving a car, you know what to expect from the other drivers because they’re following the traffic laws,” she said. “You can essentially ride your bike like you drive a car. You need to go with traffic, you need to have slower traffic stay right. If you want to turn left, you need to merge into the left turn lane, you need to stop at stop signs, stop at red lights and follow the rules of the road.”

This concept, that a bike is vehicle, can be easily overlooked. If riding on the sidewalk were a criminal offense, I would have been charged my freshman year. Nevertheless, cyclists need to realize that sidewalks are the domain of pedestrians and are not meant for high-speed weaving through crowds of people.

“On campus there are a huge number of people in a very small space; some people are walking, some are on bikes, some are taking the buses, some are driving, some are walking with a cane or using wheelchairs,” Johnston said. “There are all kinds of different ways to move around campus and what we need is find a way that we can work together.”

One lesson I learned early was to avoid biking on the Quad as classes are ending. The flowing, moving crush of students filling the wide sidewalks pose a hazard that no amount of swerving and weaving can overcome. Either bike down Wright Street, or get off the bike and walk.

Veteran cyclists on campus must learn to be vigilant and wary of pedestrians, who may not be expecting your movements or even aware of their surroundings at all. People on the sidewalk are not operating with the cognizance of air traffic controllers; they are tired and thinking about class.

I learned this fact the hard way. Many sidewalks contain special lanes bordering the curb for cyclists, and they are perfectly fine to use.

However, many of these sidewalks also contain bus stops, which means the sleepy passengers are disgorged directly into the bike lane

At press time, I have run over two people. The lesson: Be aware, even of things not directly in front of you.

Bike upkeep is also important. My bike was in relatively good condition before freshman year, but two years later, the seat is now wrapped in duct tape, the chain is brown with rust and the bottom of my shoe has become my primary tool for deceleration.

Johnston recommends that students visit the Bike Project co-op, which offers resources to cyclists like bike repair, tools and space to learn how to repair a bike on your own.

“The bikes that get abandoned at the end of the year are often abandoned because people don’t know how to take care of them,” she said. “This is a resource for knowing how to take care of it so your chain doesn’t get locked up or rust during the winter.”

For more information, resources and a map of bike routes in the C-U area, Johnston recommended visiting www.champaigncountybikes.org.

Danny is a junior in Media.

Stock up on your bicycling gear

Need to get your bike fixed, buy locks or purchase bike lights (required by law for night riding)?

Bike Project: 608 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Champaign

Durst Cycle: 1112 W. University Ave #100, Urbana

These classes are meant to boost your GPA and give you extra free time to relax or explore the campus.

But don’t count your chickens before they hatch. Even though these classes require minimal effort, it is important to do your day-to-day assignments, as these will make up the majority of the points.

Since many teachers rotate every year, it is tough to predict what the new teacher will bring to a course. But some classes have been traditionally easy no matter the instructor.

Here’s some of those to consider while you’re registering:

ANTH 143: Biology of Human Behavior

Meets once a week. No tests. Enough said.

ATMS 100: Introduction to Meteorology

Almost a repeat of a high school earth science class; this time for college credit!

CHEM 108: Chemistry, Everyday Phenomena

No exams, only experiments.

FHSN 101: Intro Food Science & Nutrition

Does have tests, but they are easy.

HIST 172: US History since 1877

Reconstruction, World War I, Depression, World War II, Cold War. Anything new? Nope.

KIN 100-136
Gym class all over again.

PHIL 101: Introduction to Philosophy

Does have two easy papers and two tests, but has extra credit attached.

PHYS 140: How Things Work

Title explains all.

RLST 110: World Religions

Read the assignments and you’ll be halfway toward an A!

RST 140: Nature and Wilderness

Again, no explanation needed.

Discovery classes

Fun and interesting topics, which make them easy. Best one this year: “Disney Scores! Music in Disney’s Animated Musicals.”

Darshan is a sophomore in Media.

I’m delighted to welcome you to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and look forward to seeing you soon on the campus. Last year was my first year at the University of Illinois and I made the most of it by meeting as many students as I could and experiencing all that our great University has to offer.

I thought I’d take this opportunity to share a few words of advice and encouragement with you.

First, your success at the University of Illinois will be facilitated by getting involved. In the classroom, be sure to ask questions and participate in discussions; outside of the classroom, seek out your professors for advice and further discussions. Our faculty are world-renown researchers who are also dedicated and excellent teachers. They will welcome your curiosity.

Second, I encourage you to expand your intellectual horizons by enrolling in courses that expose you to new ideas and different perspectives.

Also, consider participating in one of our study abroad programs. This will prepare you with the knowledge and skills you need to compete in the global economy of the 21st century.

Third, get involved with your peers and the community by joining a campus group, volunteering with one of the countless organizations in the Urbana-Champaign area, playing intramural sports, or participating in student government.

There is something for everyone at the University of Illinois. Being involved will make our big 43,000 student campus seem smaller and more intimate.

While you’re on campus, you’ll make lasting friendships and benefit from lifelong mentors.

I hope that you will “pay it forward” by supporting your fellow students as a positive member of our caring and vibrant community. Again, welcome to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. See you in August.

Michael J. Hogan is entering his second year as president of the University of Illinois with campuses in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago and Springfield. He is a widely published historian who specializes in the study of modern American diplomacy and national security. He runs PrezRelease, the official blog of the University president.

While this may be true for most moments, the adage’s validity is challenged when that “good” we had becomes even better for future generations. As jealousy sets in, I’d like to take this time to explain why my 2008-09 freshman year pales in comparison to all that awaits the Class of 2015.

Admissions scandal

Clout. Clout. Let it all out. These are the things we can do without. The Trib shocked us all with its investigative article, “Clout Goes To College.” Every institution has its highs and lows, and Illinois (both the state and University) is not immune to corruption.

Politics were played, strings were pulled and Category I shed some negative light on the University. Fortunately, the backlash is gone and we’ve finally moved on. No one is going to question your ability to succeed at Illinois.

The Ike

In all of its glory, the Six Pack provided uncomfortably cramped living space, all the warmth you never needed during the hottest months of the year and sound-carrying cinderblocks that allowed you to overhear the floor gossip without ever leaving your room. The highlights of the Six Pack were two subpar dining halls that managed to make exceptional food twice a week. I could live off Tuesday’s breakfast for dinner or Wednesday’s irresistible grilled eats, given the opportunity. But have no fear, incoming freshmen, for you can deliciously eat your hearts out in the new Ikenberry Dining Hall at every meal.

This eating establishment one-ups that of PAR (the pride and joy of UI dining back in 2008), with creations from seven unique dining stations. After dining, you can make your way back home to Nugent Hall. This much more permanent-feel living arrangement has real walls, space to move around in and individual temperature controls.

It’s disheartening to know that incoming freshmen won’t experience the need to take five showers a day during the first month of school or, on the contrary, open windows during snowstorms because their room is a sauna.

The ARC

While we’re at the southwest corner of campus, we might as well venture to the ARC. This state-of-the-art fitness facility was fully renovated by the time I arrived on campus, which made it the most populated building on campus (or so I deemed it). Everybody wanted to swim in the pools, hit birdies and use treadmills with TV screens.

While all that exercise frenzy sounds great, it wasn’t. The building was chronically packed, making it impossible to grab an elliptical or take a lap on the track. Now that the novelty has worn off, students can actually workout at the gym. What a concept! You’ll no longer have to meticulously plan your workouts around everyone else’s schedule or lackadaisically roam the first floor until someone hops off your beloved treadmill. And if worse comes to worse, head on over to CRCE. It’ll be empty with everyone else hanging around the ARC.

Lincoln Hall

They say Lincoln’s nose brings good luck. I rubbed the bust’s nose walking into Lincoln Hall for a final during my freshman year. The president provided me no luck — just the smell of asbestos that surely contributed to my just passing grade, among other things.

Thankfully, the University decided to renovate the campus landmark (the building, not the Lincoln). The construction is already a hassle for everyone on campus, but at least new students won’t have to worry about taking exams in an asbestos-ridden building.

Added bonus: Incoming freshmen will only have to wait a year to see Lincoln Hall in all its glory. I hear there’s a marbled foyer and gorgeous theatre. Of course, I’ll be gone by then, so enjoy the $66 million renovation for me, will you?

Kara is a senior in Media.

The reason for this odd declaration is because of her enthusiasm, questions and desire to know more about Illinois football.

Making her my standing partner at the first home football game of the 2010 season and her first-ever college football game, I got to see the high school drill team competitor inside her. Of course she first shouted, “Yay, sports! Go team go!” But the excitement and absolute joy she was having was undeniable. From the first snap, she asked me what was going on, curious as to the rules and players. As an avid sports fan myself, I was absolutely thrilled to pass my knowledge on to someone else.

Despite her lack of comprehension of what I saying, she was by far the loudest and most enthusiastic fan in the several rows around us in the Block-I section. Of course, the Illini were beating Southern Illinois without question and most people were cheering after a big play or 10-yard gain. Except, I am almost positive my friend yelled after every single snap, including the ones the defense took.

That is why she is the greatest fan I know.

While many would argue that the greatest fan should know every fact about the starting lineups and opposing team’s players, she did not, and in turn is unlike many Illini fans who become cynical toward the game when teams fall below expectations.

Watching football games with her, she cheers whether they are up or down by 100 points. No matter what the situation, she is positive. Crazy die-hard fans usually yell at the television screen when the defense gives up a touchdown. I will admit I can get a little heated when the defense falters, or the offense gives up a turnover, but my friend remains positive. Supporting the team no matter what happens is the most important characteristic in an Illini fan.

The only aspect my friend lacks of a great Illinois fan is supporting all the teams on campus. People may not realize the kind of success here on campus, especially in the smaller sports. For example, the Big Ten champions last year in men’s golf, men’s gymnastics and baseball were all Illini.

Being supportive is a true testament of a great fan. It does not help to boo the players or criticize the coaches, it is important to stay positive and support the team. Otherwise, you get angry and hold zero hope that in fact the Illini can win. Now, as a devotee of several notorious losing teams, I am not naïve as to how much easier it is to say this than do it, but I get inspiration from my friend. Although she may not watch SportsCenter or read every article written about the Illini, she will still attend every football game and cheer till the final minutes tick away; win or lose.

Samantha is a junior in Media.

Don’t be that kid at the UGL as the sun comes up, frantically putting in footnotes for your essay you had three weeks to do but chose to write in the last six hours. You’ll save yourself a lot of stress and coffee money if you manage your time wisely.

You’ve worked hard for four years now, and it’s tempting to let loose your freshman year.  After all, none of your professors will hound you about late assignments; they’ll simply put in a zero and call it a day. If you are used to having someone tell you what to do and when to do it, now is the time to change your habits.  Remember, you’re still getting a GPA. The grades you get freshman year are going to follow you all the way to your diploma, future job interviews and post-undergraduate school if that’s what your future entails.

But as you’ll soon find out, time management is much more than just academics.

Mike Eggerstedt, a senior in LAS, said, “You have a lot more responsibility in college. You have to take care of little things, like go to Wal-Mart and do laundry. All those little things add up to a lot of time.”

On your own really means on your own. Your underwear isn’t going to clean itself, and please, if there is one thing you do not procrastinate on, let it be bodily hygiene.

Eggerstedt added that the key to balancing it all is structure. “When I have more things to do, I structure my time better automatically.”

One of the major problems freshmen have in making the transition to college is an excess of time. As we all know, you need to have time to procrastinate, and if you have a lot of time on your hands, that’s exactly what you’re going to do.  So make sure you put a little variation in your schedule.  You’ll be happier and more motivated to do well.

Organization helps. Maybe you never used a planner in high school. Consider using one now.  With all your assignments in different syllabi and social events all over the place, it’s much, much easier to consolidate everything.

Meng Wu, senior in LAS, said,  “I’m the kind of person who really has to be ahead of the schedule.”

She suggested using a calendar as a visual aid, so you can see what’s due ahead of time. It will take maybe an hour, and will save you the angst of forgetting to turn in things and having to beg for a grace period later. If you don’t like planners, there are other methods to adapt. Post-it notes work well for me, especially color-coded ones.  Plus, you can’t miss them if they’re plastered to your desk. Use a smart phone app. Anything that will remind you of when you need to be doing something will help, and more importantly, it will help you plan ahead. If it’s your friend’s birthday next Wednesday and you have an assignment due Thursday morning, get it done early!  That way, you can celebrate without guilt.

If you’re really feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work you have to do, the University has counseling services that are geared toward academic difficulties. No matter what, you are always in control. There are numerous resources to help, you should you need it.

College is an exciting new chapter to begin. As long as you keep your schedule balanced and lay off on the procrastination, there’s no reason you won’t be enjoying the best years of your life.

XiXi is a senior in LAS.

Students also sometimes forget about all the necessities surrounding them at home kept in drawers and cabinets for the few times they’re needed. Here’s a list of things you might forget to pack, but definitely shouldn’t leave home without:

Basic Kits: Do not leave for college without packing a first aid kit, a mini-tool kit and a sewing kit. While you might think band aids and tape will be enough to get by — trust me, they’re not. Buttons will fall off your clothes, greasy dorm food will upset your stomach and it’s very likely that you’ll need an ice pack at some point. If I had a dollar for every time I’ve needed pliers, I’d have at least enough for a Chipotle burrito, and maybe even chips & guac too. These kits usually include a lot of what you take advantage of having around at home, so you’ll be prepared for almost anything.

Cleaning Supplies: No, U of I dorms do not have a daily maid service, and in a small, shared space, it’s important to keep things clean. Don’t leave home without cleaning supplies because pop will spill, glass will break and dust will accumulate. Most messes can be cleaned up with paper towels, some sort of all-purpose spray or a mini broom and dustpan. And don’t forget garbage bags.

Lock: Whether you need it to lock up your stuff at the gym or keep your klepto roomie out of your stuff, locks come in handy. You’ll want to have a lock (complete with the combination) available.

Waterproof footwear: You’d think by choosing a school in the Midwest you’d be avoiding hurricanes, but that simply isn’t true. Few students are prepared for how much it rains in Champaign and how poorly water drains off sidewalks. Walking to class in the rain is an unfortunate situation as is — you don’t want to ruin your shoes along the way. You can rock rain boots, waterproof sneakers or scuba fins, it doesn’t matter, just be prepared for puddles.

Chip Clips: Do you like stale chips? I don’t. And I’m assuming your roommate doesn’t either. Chip clips might seem like a novelty, but they’re definitely a necessity when you want to keep your snacks fresh and crunchy.

An Iron or Wrinkle Release: Even though sweat pants are pretty much always acceptable dress in college, you don’t want to look like a slob all day, every day. And if your favorite shirt just so happens to magically end up in a ball on the floor after you (or your roommate) decide not to wear it, you don’t want to have to wash it again. Doing your own laundry also comes with the whole cleaning up after and taking care of yourself thing, so you should be prepared to keep clothes wrinkle free too.

Overnight bag: Even though it’s sad to say goodbye to high school friends, it’s awesome having an excuse to visit other college campuses. Don’t forget to have a medium-sized bag for weekend or overnight travel. Oh, and they’re also useful for when you want to go home to see your family.

Sam is a senior in Media.

Packing tips:

• You don’t have to pack clothes for the entire year. Space is precious in a dorm room and should not be wasted with sweaters or coats you won’t wear until November. You can always exchange stuff during a weekend trip home, or have your parents ship it later.
• Open and unwrap everything before you pack it. Having new things still in the box or plastic will only be a time-suck and makes move-in day an even bigger mess.
• Leave valuables at home. Anything that cannot be replaced, like a family heirloom or expensive gift, should not be brought to college, where it may be stolen or lost.
• Champaign has stores too, so don’t pack a years supply of everything. Again, space is a precious commodity and should not be wasted with a 12-pack of paper towels or a 36-pack of microwave popcorn.

Here is a list of items that could slip past your standard college-bound checklists:

Small desk lamp: This is good for when you have to stay up late doing work while roommates are sleeping.

Shower sandals: A lot of students don’t think of this when making the move to public showers.

Quarters: Laundry for two semesters adds up, so you can use as many quarters as you can get. Putting money on your i-card is another option, but those machines don’t always work.

Duster: This is particularly necessary for those living in dorms near construction. With construction comes dust, and if you have your window open, you can count on that dust getting into your room.

Batteries: These come in handy for use with everything from remotes and video game controllers to your iClicker.

Pins for bulletin board: Most dorms have a bulletin board but no pins. It’s a good place to hang schedules or course syllabi.

Something to store/carry laundry: Having a place to toss dirty laundry will not only help keep your room clean, but give you something to carry it to the laundry room in.

Extension cords: Depending on the size of your room, there may only be very few ways to arrange it. An extension cord can help broaden your options when you want to put that mini-fridge in the corner just out of reach of the nearest power outlet.

Umbrella: Because nobody enjoys sitting through a 50-minute lecture with wet clothes.

Container for recycling: Dorm rooms usually come with a trash can, but nothing for recycling.

Stamps and envelopes: You may not know what yet, but eventually you will probably have to mail something during the school year. Whether for a birthday card or internship application, stamps and envelopes are good to have on hand.

Garbage bags: Lining your trash can with a garbage bag is necessary to keep it clean.

Air freshener, Febreze, etc.: Most dorm rooms also come equipped with their own unique musty smell. Bringing along a few of these things can help change that when you don’t want to open the window.

Screwdriver: Mostly used when you’re moving in and out, but nonetheless helpful.

Vacuum: Essential for keeping your dorm room clean.

Fan(s): Although it’s cold for most of the academic year, tossing a fan in your window can go a long way toward cooling your room down during the hot months.

It’s not entirely under the rug, as plenty of people around here might claim.

Assembly Hall (Campus): Yes, it’s a basketball stadium. But, similar to the United Center, the Assembly Hall pulls through with some ridiculously giant concerts: Ben Folds, Passion Pit, Wiz Khalifa, Rise Against and Bad Religion just to name a few this past year. They’re huge, they’re somewhat expensive, and the shows are totally worth it if you can fork out the cash.

Krannert Center (Campus): Home to some of the most ridiculous theaters in the world, Krannert Center has played host to several internationally recognized orchestras and performers like the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and bigger. Every two years, Elnora Guitar Festival comes by and you’ll get a chance to watch some of the world’s best guitar players have at it right here on campus. Last festival, Elnora brought in The National to close out. This year, get ready for Americana legends, Calexico. Last year, Pygmalion brought Cap’n Jazz to perform a free concert on Stage 5 in the lobby. Needless to say, the stage needed repairing once Tim Kinsella was through with it, but it’s all in the effort to keep up one of Illinois’ greatest venues.

The Canopy Club (Campus): This is where the big guns come to play (and the not-so-big guns). The main stage can hold up to 750 people, while the stage by the entrance holds a more intimate 150. So, it can definitely support acts like Snoop Dogg and the New Pornographers as it did this past year. Or, it can get cozy for bands like Wye Oak (pre Civilian) and its free admission Monday nights for local bands.

The Highdive (Champaign): Decorated more like a club, the inside is pretty rad. It’s clean and well-decorated with an interestingly narrow shape by the main stage. You’ll normally catch DJs there, but it will quite often bring in some great indie acts like St. Vincent or Ezra Furman and the Harpoons. This year, the Highdive will host the super-epic 15th anniversary show for Polyvinyl featuring Braid.

Mike n’ Molly’s (Champaign): A more locally oriented bar-venue, most concerts are held outside in the Beer Garden. This is where you’ll typically find smaller touring acts with local support. Quality, cheap shows with free bingo for silly prizes every Wednesday.

Cowboy Monkey (Champaign): Very similar to Mike n’ Molly’s with regards to the types and sizes of acts it hosts. It just opened a nice-looking beer garden in April, and it’s definitely seeing some well-deserved attention. Every Tuesday is an open mic night, and you’ll find a good dose of DJs and local rock bands at your ears’ disposal.

The C-U Independent Media Center (Urbana): The IMC is most notorious for hosting the C-U Folk and Roots Fest. You’ll find a lot of gnarly folk, bluegrass, gypsy jazz and strange but rad combinations of any of those and more.

But if they are as savvy as their University acceptance letters indicate, then the wide-eyed campus newbies will do everything in their power to avoid this one question: What the heck am I going to do with all of this stuff?

For starters, incoming students should bear this question in mind before they hit the road. If they can avoid bringing excess items in the first place, they will not have to worry about cramming it all into their dorm room.

“Hold off on bringing a bunch of additional stuff until you live there a while, take a look at the space and decide what you want to add,” said Kirsten Ruby, assistant director of Housing for Marketing at the University. “You don’t want to be fighting with a big piece and be scooting around it until Mom and Dad come to take it home.”

Then again, there are those must-have items like a hair dryer, your favorite little league T-shirt that finally fits you after all these years, or that retro floor lamp that matches perfectly with your bedspread.

So for those things that you just can’t leave at home, there are plenty of ways to organize your space so that you can still bring what you want and actually have room to move.

“By second semester, I ended up bringing lots of bins and things to keep organized and put in my drawers or under my bed,” said Irini Losoff, sophomore in LAS and former Allen Hall resident.

Though she admits she may not have needed to pack her entire wardrobe, Losoff found ways to use the space under her bed.

“Bunking is the best way to maximize floor space,” Ruby said. “But mid-loft or loft position also can create more floor space by allowing storage space underneath.”

Her only reservation about the lofted or bunked beds is that students who choose these options should also request a safety rail.

“Don’t feel like you’re 10 years old at a sleepover — please request one if you need it,” she said.

Another way to create some extra living space is by using the walls and vertical storage.

“There are some great products out there for vertical organizing,” said Catherine Gentile, spokesperson for Bed Bath & Beyond. She sums up the strategy for organization as “Hang it, Hide it, Hold it.”

Bed Bath & Beyond is not the only place with items to execute this game plan; sophomore in AHS and former Lincoln Avenue Residence Hall resident Taylor Nootbaar found a way to “hang it” using a hanger from Wal-Mart that is designed to organize her jewelry. She could then “hide it” by putting it into her closet.

“It’s all a matter of looking at your closet and trying to create more space than what you are ‘blessed’ with,” Gentile said.

For example, you might only see one bar for hanging things in your closet, but you can purchase a second bar and you’ve doubled your storage space, said Rachael Risinger, public relations manager at Bed Bath & Beyond. You can even scrounge up some more shelving room by buying extra drawer units to “hold it,” and hide them in the closet or purchasing multi-purpose ottomans with a removable top that serve as a foot rest, a storage container and extra seating.

A bed caddy is another ideal storage tool because it slips under the mattress and can hold anything from a water bottle to an alarm clock or a flashlight.

Especially for those braving a ladder every time they go to bed, the bed caddy can keep you from waking up your roommate in the middle of the night, Gentiles said.

All in all, the most practical thing an incoming freshman should do to organize their living space is exactly the same as what they are told to do with their education: Limit the amount of baggage you bring, use the right tools and do not be afraid to experiment with a few things to make it just right for you.