A major center for the arts and a campus known for its diversity, both culturally and aesthetically, University of Illinois offers a sea of options to every type of student. Although it is likely most students have heard of our two major performing arts centers, the Krannert Center and the Kinkead Pavilion, there are so many options available for students to escape the normalcy of their everyday routines. Want a night out and away from residence dining halls? Hit up The Great Impasta located off of Race street, in downtown Urbana, for a cozy candle-lit Italian meal accompanied by live jazz piano (on Wednesdays from 6-9pm). Or if you are looking for a more healthy option, check out Red Herring Coffee House in Urbana. This is the perfect spot for starving college students to get a five dollars, all-you-can-eat meal on Mondays.
However, restaurants are not the only localities that make our campus anything but ordinary. If your busy schedule has made attending church a thing of the past, check out Unitarian Universalist Church of Urbana. In a welcoming, open-minded environment, Universalism allows you to choose your own spiritual path, while surrounded by people who uphold similar values. Located on the corner of Birch and Green, opposite of the Unitarian Church, is the perfect place for a night away when friends come into town. At Sylvie’s Bed and Breakfast style Irish Inn, experience one of the area’s finest examples of Victorian Architecture and a cozy continental breakfast, all for a very affordable price.
For art enthusiasts, U of I is the perfect place to roam about and observe numerous examples of modern art placed throughout the campus and downtown Urbana. Finally if you are simply looking for a new hobby and a way to de-stress, check out Amara Yoga studio in downtown Urbana. Without adding another time commitment, students can attain a quiet mind and improved health by taking advantage of daily drop in classes offered by the studio. The relaxing experience starts before you even enter the building. Directly outside of the studio, there are bits of fabric with meaningful messages hanging in the trees.
