Illinois State University

What are the popular events and traditions at Illinois State University?

Illinois State's recurring events include Homecoming, the fall involvement event Festival ISU, and performances by Gamma Phi Circus. Each serves a different purpose: alumni and campus celebration, an introduction to organizations, or student-produced performance.

Homecoming typically brings together athletic, student, and alumni activities. Festival ISU gives new and returning students a chance to meet organizations near the start of the academic year. Gamma Phi Circus, founded in 1929, is a distinctive campus tradition involving students who train and perform circus acts. Dates, venues, and event formats change, so a particular year's calendar is the best guide to participation.

What are the student housing and dining options at Illinois State University?

Illinois State offers university-operated residence halls and apartment-style housing. Its residential options include Watterson Towers, Hewett-Manchester, Tri-Towers, and Cardinal Court apartments, with eligibility and room arrangements differing by location.

New students should check the current live-on requirement, its exemptions, and housing application dates rather than assuming that admission automatically reserves a room. Room selection, roommate arrangements, and access to apartment-style housing follow university procedures. Students comparing on-campus and off-campus options should account for lease length, transportation, utilities, and meal costs - not rent alone.

Campus dining includes residential dining locations, such as Watterson Dining Commons and the Marketplace at Linkins, along with other campus food options. Meal-plan requirements and usable locations depend on a student's housing arrangement and selected plan. Students with dietary or accessibility needs should review current dining information before selecting housing and a meal plan.