From city to campus
Ella Dame is a recent graduate who majored in communication. Ella is a news intern with the College of LAS and enjoys fashion as one of her hobbies.
When I first made the big move to Champaign, I felt certain that it would be completely unfamiliar and unlike anywhere I had lived before. I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois; living in a big city was all I knew, and I was scared to challenge that.
As I made Champaign my home for the next three years, my perspective shifted greatly. Chicago will always be special to me, but this college town created a soft spot in my heart as I discovered places that reminded me of where I’m from.
Whether you are a prospective freshman, a transfer (like I was!), or a current student struggling with the transplant experience, look no further. I have created a list of my favorite places in Champaign that remind me of my regular go-tos in Chicago.
- Volumes Book Cafe / The Literary
These two cafes are also bookstores which is a niche I personally love. I remember visiting Volumes in Wicker Park to knock out entire books at a time while sipping a sweet latte in high school. I was thrilled to discover The Literary which not only is a cafe but a full-service bar and restaurant. The Literary has become one of my favorite places to go in the country with its inclusive vegan menu, delicious drinks, and incredibly friendly staff. If you’re looking for a place to eat affordable food and drink an artisan latte while doing homework or just enjoy ambiance over a meal, this is the place!
- Village Discount Thrift / Salt & Light
It can be controversial to compare thrift stores because what you find inside is relatively dependent on the area where the store is found, but the employees' eyes for good finds is similar across both. The two stores are also chains which can be fun to bounce around on a free day. While Village Discount tends to have a wider selection, I have found amazing finds at both places!
- Sprouts / Common Ground Coop
Finding healthy grocery stores can be difficult no matter where you live. In Chicago, I would frequent Sprouts and Fresh Thyme for their unique vegan options and fresh food. Common Ground Coop offers similar (if not better) vegan and alternative food options within their store. While it is more on the pricey side, knowing that there is a health food store for cooking nights became a great tool!
- Colectivo Coffee / Caffe Paradiso
Since visiting Colectivo during a visit to Madison, WI, it has been my all-time favorite cafe. Between the bagel breakfast sandwiches and the horchata latte, I will always find time to stop in. One of my favorite aspects of Colectivo, and many other similar Chicago cafes, is the bright and lively ambiance inside. I was elated to find Paradiso and reenter that type of environment. The air in these cafes feels creative with colorful walls, local artwork, and fun coffee or tea combinations to try. Paradiso may not be the perfect Colectivo dupe, but in its own distinctive way it has become a favorite of mine.
Chicago is a major city, and Champaign is a small town so, there will be differences that are cultural, physical, and experiential. But you can find a home and redefine what home means to you as you build a community in this wonderful area at a fantastic university. I hope you check these cornerstones of my own college experience out and make memories of your own!