Moving to college can be jarring if you’re from a small town. There’s so much to do, see, and get used to compared to most small towns. SIU campus is no different. The campus has more to offer than my hometown of less than 5,000, and it was almost overwhelming (in a good way). So here I have a list of things you should get used to while staying at SIU.
1. Noise
Now, I can’t speak for those that live on the west side of campus, but at the towers, it is loud. You can always hear people outside, and if you can’t, you can hear the band, and if you can’t hear that, you can hear someone in your hallway, or someone moving furniture. If you can’t hear any of that, consider seeing an audiologist. Then, there’s the trains. I pity the light sleepers out there because there’s a train almost every night around midnight. Earplugs are recommended. That being said, it can serve as some white noise and it’s sometimes fun to hear some of the crazy things people argue about outside.
2. RSO Events
If you’re bored at SIU, you aren’t looking hard enough. There is ALWAYS something going on. The registered student organizations always have something cooking and some have entire months of events back-to-back. There are movie nights, cook-outs, and so much more, so get involved!
3. People People People (Overwhelming Edition)
There are a lot of people here; it is a college campus, after all. It can be a bit much sometimes. Places get crowded, loud, and uncomfortable. Try keeping your distance (flu season is coming up) and maybe get some earbuds.
4. People People People (Friendly Edition)
The people at SIU are so friendly! I have yet to meet a staff member, faculty member or Carbondale resident who comes here to visit who doesn’t seem to genuinely care for the well-being of others. I have met far more kind people than rude people here. The bus drivers are warm and understanding, the professors routinely check to see how their students are doing, and overall, SIU is just a generally nice place to be.
5. Wildlife
If I had a nickel every time I saw a squirrel on campus, I’d have a lot more nickels than anyone should have. The campus has an abundance of wildlife that many (me included) love to observe. Deer, turtles, and squirrels are everywhere here, and I have never been happier. There is just something so serene about watching a squirrel do a little army crawl in the grass. Outside is a great space to study. I’ve never felt closer to being a Disney prince than sitting outside, studying, and seeing squirrels chase each other. I guarantee my friends are sick of the squirrel pictures, and I will NOT be stopping.
Going from a small town to Carbondale is a thrilling, terrifying, beautiful experience that I wouldn’t trade for the world. It may be loud, crowded, and busy, but this campus holds a special place in the hearts of many for good reason.
