The ultimate guide for moving to a college town in Illinois

PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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SNS - You've got your letter of acceptance in hand for graduate school at the university of your choice or a new job in college town. Are you ready to embark on an exciting adventure in higher education in the coming spring semester or next August?

Moving to a college town is more than just a change of address. Regardless if you are an incoming freshman, transfer student, or graduate student pursuing an advanced degree, moving to a new environment can be a transformative experience. Below is a comprehensive checklist for making that big move to campus and ensuring a seamless transition. This guide was developed with you in mind to help navigate the often-overlooked aspects of college-town life.

Researching the college

Embarking on your college journey begins with a crucial step in our checklist for moving to a college town: thorough research. Picture yourself going on an exciting expedition. Arm yourself with the knowledge to make informed decisions. Explore the campus layout virtually. Trace your footsteps from lecture halls to coffee shops, workout facilities and your college team's stadium.

Next, check out the academic world. What courses resonate with your passions and aspirations? Seek out professors who inspire you and research their work.

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The student union is a great place on campus to meet new people and find organizations that fits your intersts.

PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Finally, explore student organizations and clubs, discovering where your interests align. On campus, there is a niche for everyone, from debate societies to club sports teams to cultural clubs. Here, you will make new friends, too, some for life. Overall, your college experience is as unique as you are, and this knowledge empowers you to find the perfect fit.

Finding suitable housing

From on-campus dorms to off-campus apartments or rental houses, there's a match for your preferences and budget. Consider proximity to classes, amenities, and transportation. Do you prefer the convenience of walking to campus, or are you open to a short commute? Think about roommates, too, whether you're sharing with friends or going room with a complete stranger. Clear communication and shared expectations make for harmonious cohabitation whether it is your BFF from high school or some you just met.

Budgeting as part of the checklist for moving to a college town

Budgeting is the compass that will guide your financial journey as you prepare to move to a college town. Begin by creating a comprehensive and detailed budget that covers all your expenses. Factor in your rent or housing costs, utilities like electricity, water, internet, groceries, transportation, and personal expenses. Don't forget about textbooks, school supplies, and any course-related expenses. Allocate funds for entertainment and leisure activities, too — because, face it, having fun is important.

Track your spending using apps or spreadsheets to monitor every dollar in and out of your accounts. That helps you stay on top of your finances, preventing calling mom or dad for extra cash when those nasty surprises occassionaly pop up. Consider setting up a separate savings account for emergencies or unexpected costs at a local bank. It's your safety net if things don't go according to plan. Be disciplined and realistic about your budget. Adapt and adjust as you go along, making necessary tweaks to ensure your financial well-being.

Planning the move to college town

The first thing you will want to do is create a detailed checklist that outlines every step, from researching housing options to packing essentials. Be proactive and start early to avoid last-minute stress. In addition, consider hiring professional movers, like Beltway Movers Maryland states that this will help your transition go super smooth. It is smart to label your boxes for easy unpacking. Notify your current and future utility providers, if necessary, about your relocation and ensure you have all the necessary services in your new place before arrival.

At the same time, purge unnecessary items during the packing process. It's a great opportunity to declutter and streamline your belongings. Prepare an essentials box with items you will need right away upon arrival. Include toiletries, clothes, important documents, and any daily necessities.

Contact potential roommates or neighbors to introduce yourself and establish a connection before moving in. Keep important documents (like your lease, ID, and financial records) organized and easily accessible during the move.

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Public transit is a student's best friend in many college towns like on the campus of the University of Illinois. The MTD system provides transportation throughout the twin city community.

PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Getting around town and campus

Finding housing and transportation before you move is a key part of the checklist for moving to a college town. Will you rely on your car, or is public transportation more your style? Consider the cost, parking availability, and environmental impact.

If you're considering biking, explore bike-friendly routes and invest in a sturdy lock. It's a fantastic way to stay fit and eco-conscious while getting around.

Public transit is a student's best friend in many college towns: research bus and subway routes, schedules, and passes. Most colleges offer student discounts that can lighten your financial load.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, provide flexibility without the commitment of owning a car. They are perfect for occasional trips or late-night study sessions. Walking is eco-friendly and a great way to discover hidden gems around your campus.

Check out the weather

Start by checking the average temperatures in your college town throughout the year. Will you deal with chilly winters, scorching summers, or mild, temperate weather? Also, rainfall patterns matter. Are you moving to a place with frequent downpours or a more arid climate? Knowing this will help you prepare with the right clothing and gear.

Also, consider the local terrain. Does your college town experience heavy snowfall, and do you need to prepare for icy sidewalks and roads? Or will you need sunscreen for those sunny days? Keep an eye on the area's weather trends and extreme events. Is it prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, or wildfires? Understanding these risks will also help you prepare and stay safe.

Weather apps and local news sources are invaluable for real-time updates. Knowing what to expect means you're always ready for whatever Mother Nature throws your way. So, grab your raincoat or sunscreen and embark on your academic journey in style, come rain or shine.

From researching the college's culture to budgeting wisely, every step of this checklist for moving to a college town contributes to a successful relocation. In your college town, you'll find an academic community and a dynamic environment waiting to be explored. Every experience is a stepping stone toward a bright and promising future, from the classrooms to the local hangouts.

So, embrace this exciting chapter with enthusiasm and confidence. You're equipped with knowledge and insight to make informed choices, ensuring your college experience is fulfilling and rewarding.

Students develop more energy efficient school buses

Photo: Jean Woloszczyk/Unsplash

by Terri Dee
Illinois News Connection

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CHICAGO - What started as a school project for students in one Illinois district has led to the successful changeover to more energy efficient school buses.

The path to zero-emission buses began in 2014, when STEM students at Williamsfield High School started a science project for a solar-powered microgrid on their rural campus. And last year, the transportation transition began when the new standard 'C-72' school buses were ordered. Six of the eight buses have arrived this month.

Tim Farquer, superintendent of Williamsfield Schools and administrative lead for the bus initiative, said the key is the buses' ability to use the solar power.

"And now our buses are, in theory, fueling with energy produced here on site. And not only giving kids clean air on the buses and lowering our emissions - not just due to switching out of internal combustion engines for an electric motor - but getting our electricity for those motors from the sun," he said.

Farquer added they've received inquiries about the project from some Peoria schools. The district received an additional $13 million Department of Energy grant to work with 16 other area school districts to include an electric bus and a vehicle-to-grid charger as part of a campus microgrid.

The Illinois General Assembly amended legislation in March to require that all new school buses, purchased or leased, be electric by 2028. They must operate in equity investment-eligible communities by 2030, and all school buses operating statewide must be electric by 2035. Farquer sees these requirements as a win-win for the environment and the school districts.

"The funding source for this transition has been part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that funded the Clean School Bus program, and has resulted in direct-pay incentives for school districts to electrify commercial vehicles and add charging infrastructure to their site," he continued.

The EPA's Clean School Bus Program provides $5 billion over five years to replace bus fleets with zero-emission and low-emission models. Farquer added school buses are perfectly poised to be an energy storage solution, because their trips are predictable.

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Infective endocarditis death rates declined overall in the U.S. over past 21 years.

Our study findings raise a public health concern, especially since the deaths in younger age groups are on the rise ...

by American Heart Association

DALLAS - Death rates related to infective endocarditis declined in most adults across the U.S. within the last two decades, yet accelerated among young adults ages 25 to 44 years old, according to new research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association.

Infective endocarditis, also called bacterial endocarditis, is an infection caused by bacteria that enter the bloodstream and settle in the heart lining, a heart valve or a blood vessel. The disease is rare, however, people with previous valve surgeries, heart valve abnormalities, artificial valves, congenital heart defects or previous infective endocarditis have a greater risk of developing it. It can also be a complication of injecting illicit drugs.

“Our study findings raise a public health concern, especially since the deaths in younger age groups are on the rise,” said study lead author Sudarshan Balla, M.D., an associate professor of medicine at the West Virginia University Heart and Vascular Institute at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia. “We speculate that this acceleration was likely, in the most part, due to the opioid crisis that has engulfed several states and involved principally younger adults.”

Researchers examined death certificate data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Multiple Cause of Death dataset, which contains death rates and population counts for all U.S. counties. They looked for national trends in deaths caused by infective endocarditis, plus differences in deaths related to age, sex, race and geography among states from 1999-2020. Researchers also analyzed the association with substance use disorder, considering the emergence of the opioid epidemic during the study’s time frame.

The analysis found:

• In the 21-year period analyzed, infective endocarditis death rates declined overall in the U.S.
• Death rates increased significantly for young adults, at an average annual change of more than 5% for the 25-34 age group and more than 2% for the 35-44 age group.
• In the 45-54 age category, death rates remained stagnant at 0.5%, and there was a significant decline among those aged 55 and older.
• Substance use disorder associated with multiple causes of death increased drastically – between 2-fold and 7-fold among the 25-44 age group.
• Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia showed an acceleration in deaths caused by infective endocarditis in contrast to other states with either a predominant decline or no change.

“We found that substance use was listed as a contributing cause that could explain the higher death rates in the younger age groups and also in the states in those who died due to endocarditis,” Balla said.

The study researchers call the rise of infective endocarditis as the underlying cause of death in adults 25-44 years old “alarming” and recommend more investigation to identify the reasons for these trends among young adults and in the three states noted. Researchers speculate the increase is connected to the opioid crisis that has engulfed several states and involves primarily younger adults.

“Comprehensive care plans for those treated for infective endocarditis should also include screening and treatment for substance use disorder,” Balla said.

To address intravenous drug use, some states have started harm reduction programs, which are public health efforts to reduce the harm from substance use and drug abuse, such as increased risk of infectious diseases like HIV, viral hepatitis, and bacterial and fungal infections. “Whether these programs make an impact is yet to be determined,” Balla said.

Researchers were limited in the medical details they could collect because of the use of death certificate data, which may contain inaccuracies, such as errors in diagnosis, data entry and cause of death. For similar reasons, researchers could not determine a direct cause-and-effect relationship between the rise in deaths caused by infective endocarditis in younger adults and substance use disorder.   

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