Students filled the I-Rooms at the Illini Union on Friday night for “Illinite Me, Illinite Me Not,” a Valentine’s Day-themed edition of Illinites hosted by the Illini Union Board.
The late-night event ran from 7 to 11 p.m. and featured hands-on crafts, free snacks, karaoke and prize giveaways. Illinites takes place one Friday each month with a different theme, offering students a free alternative to campus nightlife.
Lillian Voudrie, freshman in Social Work, said she discovered the event online and decided to attend with her roommate and a group of friends.
“I think the Illinites provide a great opportunity for something that’s cheap and accessible to all students,” Voudrie said. “It’s easy to invite people — especially ones that I am not super close with — to build that connection while also doing something creative.”
This month’s event centered on creativity and connection. Students lined up to make custom candles, paint flower pots and string friendship bracelets. Others gathered around tables of Legos, card games and board games, while some twisted pipe cleaners into flowers.
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A “Stuff-a-Plush” station drew one of the longest lines of the night. Participants spun a wheel for a chance to win and stuff emoji-themed pillows to take home. Those who didn’t land on a plush still walked away with Valentine’s Day-themed heart tins or Ring Pops.
Across the room, there were a few prize opportunities.
Eleven students competed in musical chairs for a chance to win a Lego set, while every attendee was automatically entered into a raffle to win a heart-themed Jenga or Squishmallow.
Soleil Salgado, sophomore in LAS, said chatting and socializing with others was her favorite part of the night.
“I think these types of events really foster the type of environment to just meet new people,” Salgado said.
Organizers kept the Valentine’s theme strong with chocolate-covered strawberries, heart-shaped cookies and a sweet punch, available throughout the evening as students moved between activities.
Groups of students also rotated through the karaoke station throughout the night, belting out pop hits, Disney duets and even songs in different languages.
David Noreen, retired University faculty member, tries to make it to all the Illinite events, particularly to sing karaoke.
“I told an administrator that karaoke is something that would be a good activity for students to do because it doesn’t involve drinking,” Noreen said. “So many people go out to bars here on campus. In karaoke, you can do it, and people make fun without drinking.”
The Illini Union Board announced that next month’s Illinites will feature University Bookstore prizes ranging from $50 to $150, adding to the anticipation for the next themed night.
By the end of the night, students carried their crafts, plushies and cookies out the door, serving as a reminder that a Friday night can be lively without stepping into a bar.
