Welcome to UIC

 

Well here you are! Your first year of college! Where you're bound to meet new people, experience new things, and hopefully learn a thing or two. Now, everyone's first year can get overwhelming. Whether its classes, jobs, or even money, one thing is certain: you have a lot on your plate. But guess what? I'm here to make things a little easier for you with a guide to the campus area and all the students’ services it provides.

Sometime or another you're bound to find yourself in the Commons Courtyard area located on the intersection of Halsted and Harrison. Make your way through any of the walk ways and you'll find the Atrium. You may or may not remember this building for holding its club inferno dance at orientation. The Atrium is a rather nice building with windows that keep it well lit all day. In the Atrium you'll find many things, the first of which may be the East Area Office. This is where if you live on East Campus you'll sign in guests, get your mail, and turn in your keys when the time comes. Who knows? You might end up sitting behind one of those desks if you're lucky enough to land a campus job. Right around the corner from the office is the computer lab, which is free for all students. The computers work well most of the time and if you have any trouble there always someone working there to help. If you head downstairs you'll find a nice selection of vending machined filled with all sorts of chips, candies, and drinks. Behind the vending machines is a stage area. Throughout the week practices and events of all kinds are held here, so you’re bound to see people coming in and out of this building all through the day. Outside the Atrium lie numerous benches. Smokers tend to be here a lot but I've seen the occasional dance session as well.

If you head northwest from the Atrium you'll find yourself in the Commons West area. There's really only one way to Commons West from the Atrium that doesn't take you out of your way, but it’s not the cleanest. Some dirt piles line the sidewalks, and parts of the Art and Architecture building are covered in dust and huge spider webs. Right outside the Commons West entrance you're bound to run into some skaters. They like to use the Art and Architecture buildings stair deck to attempt tricks, and from what I've seen they're pretty good. Commons West is one of the older housing buildings, unlike Courtyard. The inside is rather nice but still has an older to feel too it. Luckily for students living here all the buildings in this area are connected, including the Atrium.  Throughout the hallways you’re bound to hear some friendly greetings, as everyone has a rather optimistic attitude. If you find yourself in the Courtyard, but you don't live here, you may be in a sticky situation: There is no way out without keys. Luckily, there always manages to be someone outside who can let you out. The courtyard's garden area is very nice and well kept. The trees keep the area nice and shady for studying and there are always people outside to spark a conversation with. Sadly, the building itself is pretty plain. The designers clearly had a love for bricks, but the inside is very well kept and has a hotel like ambiance.

 Now if you head down Halsted over to the UIC forum building and pass Earl Neal Plaza you'll find yourself at Thomas Beckham Hall. It was named after Thomas Beckham, the dean of the College of Associated Health Profession, in 1982, when the merger of medical center and undergraduate campuses occurred. These residence halls contain apartment-style rooms, housing nearly 450 students. I believe the building has a nursing home look to it, but the inside is far from being full of seniors. Across the street from the Thomas Beckham plaza is the Marie Robinson Hall. This residence hall lies on what used to be known as Maxwell Street but was renamed after the former student affairs administrator. Back in the day you would find people all over the area, shopping for nearly everything, but after a controversial plan to expand the campus southward, the area would change forever. Maxwell Street was once home to the famous Maxwell Street Market, and even famous Chicago blues players like Muddy Waters began their career here. Despite its historical upbringing and numerous attempts from preservationists and community activists the plan ultimately went into effect. This hall also contains apartment styles dorm but also houses Caribou Coffee. All along Halsted you'll find restaurants and stores that all provide a nice UIC discount. Most of all though you'll grow a connection to this area that right now seems like a whole new world. You might even get to calling it home. I hope this has been a helpful guide to some of the areas around campus and hope you have a great first year.