Illinois State University - The Inside Scoop

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Facts

Slang

BBC - The Bowling and Billiards Center.
Ta - Teaching assistant
The Bone - The Bone Student Center, the main student center on campus.
The Crack House - An old house near the Pub II that is in the process of being torn down.
The IlSTU - Another term students use for ISU.
The Pub - Best known for the Pub II, while the real Pub is located in Bloomington.
The Zoo - The student section of the football stadium.
Townie - A student who was raised in Normal or Bloomington.

Things I Wish I Knew Before Coming To School

Always keep your student ID on you.
Don’t go out every night.
Everyone looks forward to the weekends.
Frat parties rarely get broken up.
Know the difference between healthy and unhealthy foods.
Learn the public bus schedule.
Learn to manage free time better.

Tips to Succeed

Become close with your major’s class professors.
Become friends with people in your classes.
Become friends with your roommate.
Eat breakfast before going to class.
Get an internship your senior year.
Go to class.
Hang out at Watterson Food Court freshman year.
Hang out on the Quad.
If you get a job, work on campus.
Join clubs that relate to your career.
Read before class, even lecture classes.
Talk to your adviser whenever you are unsure of a class.
Tempting as it may be, don’t go out every night.

Urban Legends

Williams Hall is haunted by past librarian Ms. Milner and was featured on the Travel Channel’s Haunted Campuses.

Traditions

Battle Bird - Before each home athletic game, each athlete will touch the Battle Bird. This Battle Bird symbolizes the bond between all of ISU’s past and present student-athletes. This is convenient for many ISU sports fans as there will never be two home games at the same time since the Battle Bird needs to be present.
Bradley Bash - Each year, the men’s basketball team plays its state rival, Bradley University. Students come prepared to “bash” Bradley while chanting and holding up signs. This game normally sells out, so for all the fair-weather fans, this is one game to attend.
ISU Fight Song - After each home football game, the football team will run to the “Zoo” and sing the ISU fight song along with the fans. The women’s soccer team also runs to the stands after each home game to sing the fight song with fans. Therefore, it is a must to know the school’s fight song if you want to participate in this tradition.
May Day - The first weekend in May is considered May Day at ISU. This is where numerous fraternities come together and throw a huge party. Local bands and DJs are present, and the entire event is normally free of charge. One of the drawbacks is that students who are under the age of 21 must be on the lookout for cops.
Relay for Life - In May, at the end of each school year, ISU holds the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Students who participate will spend the night camping out on the Quad and walking to raise money for cancer research. Many students and student organizations participate. Throughout the night, games are played and local bands perform.

School Spirit

School spirit may not be present during every athletic event, but students are proud to represent ISU wherever they go. One of the main reasons school spirit is low is because many do not attend football and men’s basketball games. Those who do attend are bursting with spirit, while the ones at home tend to not care. ISU does receive a lot of support and school spirit if there are rallies held on the Quad. A few past rallies have included raising money for Hurricane Katrina relief, Remembering September 11, and ISU’s Relay for Life.

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