Navigating your new home: transportation methods on campus
As a high-school student deciding where to attend college, wondering how you’re going to travel and navigate a large campus is likely a concern. The University of Illinois has various ways students get around on campus.
On campus:
Students frequently get to class, events, and destinations on campus by walking. Pedestrians are everywhere and will be more than willing to answer any directional questions if you’re unsure where you’re going your first few days.
Depending on where you live and where your classes are, it can take less than one minute, to more than 20 minutes to arrive at your destination. If you live further away from your classes and want to expedite your travel, you can ride your bike, skateboard, or roller-skate. The University of Illinois has convenient bike paths dedicated to bicyclists that will lead you to your classes. Every campus building has bike racks so you can lock your bike for class.
If you plan to bring or purchase a bike for campus, make sure it’s equipped with lighting equipment on the front and back ends (per the University Bicycle Ordinance) so others can see you at night!
One of the greatest benefits getting around the Illinois campus is the award-winning Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District bus system. It can take you wherever you need to be, on campus or off. These buses run all throughout the day and night and are free to students with an i-card. The buses are simple, reliable, and very helpful, especially during the winter!
Off campus:
Whether you’re trying a new restaurant downtown, going to see a movie in Savoy, or the mall in Champaign, understanding transportation off campus is essential. Walking to these places is likely unrealistic and biking may be exhausting, so knowing how to get around is important.
Like on campus, CUMTD buses will transport you and your friends wherever it is you want to go off campus. Many of these buses run less frequently, but boarding buses available every half hour will take you near your Champaign or Urbana destination. If you bring your car to campus, it is easy to travel to these places. Be aware of one-way streets and don’t forget coins for parking meters. If you’re looking for alternative methods, you can request an Uber, call a taxi, or rent a Zipcar to drive off campus. The University of Illinois is great because there are a variety of ways to travel and explore the community outside of campus.
Traveling home:
Whether you’re an in-state, out-of-state, or international student, it is important to know how you’re going to travel home for breaks or events out of the area.
One of the most frequent ways to travel is by taking a coach bus. Companies like Peoria Charter and Express Air Coach will pick you up from various destinations on campus and shuttle you to many of the large shopping centers in the suburbs and O’Hare and Midway airports. Bus tickets are affordable and provide students with a reliable and safe travel home (the free Wi-Fi is a bonus!).
If you’re looking for other means of travel, you can take the Amtrak train or Megabus from Champaign-Urbana’s Illinois Terminal to your destination. If you’re an out-of-state or international student, you will likely need to fly home. It’s important to be familiar with the University of Illinois’ own Willard Airport, which is minutes from campus and offers access to more than 175 cities. Other airports to consider when planning your trip home include Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Chicago Midway International Airport, and Central Illinois Regional Airport in Bloomington.
Whether you’re on or off campus or going home, ample resources and services are available to University of Illinois students. As a current student, it has taken time to be aware of the various methods of transportation, so I decided to share my knowledge in this post. This way, you’ll enter your freshman year a step ahead!
The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers more than 70 majors and provides a world-class interdisciplinary education that prepares students for lives of impact. Learn more about LAS.