Because the Champaign-Urbana is a collegiate place, we have implemented a grading system for the definitions of important UI terminology given by University students. These responses and answers will give you the opportunity to learn some of the lingo that floats around campus before you even make it to your residence hall for the first time. Unfortunately, some of our responders forgot to study…

The Japan House

What they thought:

“Um, is it one of the cultural houses on campus? Or maybe a restaurant?”

Patrick Hackett, sophomore in LAS.

“Is it like a private dormitory?”

Dan Higgins, 2007 alumnus.

Grade: B for Patrick and F for Dan

Well, Patrick was half right. According to the University Web site, the Japan House offers the public an opportunity to learn about traditional Japanese culture through tours, tea ceremonies and special events throughout the year. Sadly for Patrick, it is not a restaurant, and Dan might want to brush up on his University facts.

Unofficial

What they thought:

“The biggest holiday at U of I where everyone gets up at like eight in the morning and starts binge drinking. They also wear green all day and everybody can pretend they’re Irish.”

Danny Shah, senior in Engineering.

Grade: A

Unofficial is a tradition at the University where many students spend the day doing things to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. It is not a holiday condoned by the administration.

The Morrow Plots

What they thought:

“The cornfield by the undergrad. The Other Guys sing about it and you aren’t allowed to walk on it or you get in big trouble.”

Emily Zider, junior in Communications.

Grade: A-

Emily knew the basic gist of the Morrow Plots. According to the University Web site, the Morrow Plots are the oldest continually used experimental agricultural fields in the United States and also the first soil experimental plots by a United States college. They are also the second oldest in the world, second only to the Rothamsted Field, founded in 1843 in England. The Other Guys are a men’s a cappella group at the University.

Station

What they thought:

“It’s a loud, frat and sorority bar.”

Kevin McLoughlin, junior in LAS.

“I’ve never been, but I would guess it’s a step up from KAMS. Maybe a lateral step!”

Mat Tallman, senior in Engineering.

Grade: A- for both

This is a purely arbitrary grade. Station is indeed a bar in Campustown located at the corner of Green and Third streets. Like all of the bars, people have very mixed opinions about it, but there is almost always a line to get in. Popular bar nights at the University include Friday and Saturday, Thursday, Wednesday, and Tuesday. And sometimes even Monday or Sunday.

Krannert

What they thought:

“Krannert is kind of like a center for performing arts. Just like a cultural center, kind of.”

Catherine Fontana, junior in LAS.

Grade: A

Catherine nailed it. Krannert Center for the Performing Arts is the full name of this building, which according to the University Web site, has served as one of the nation’s premier educational and professional performing arts complexes since 1969.

Laughran Hall

What they thought:

“It is the oldest hall at the University of Illinois.”

Greg Peterson, junior in LAS.

Grade: E

Greg gets an E for effort as this is not a real place at the University. I made it up to see who would pretend to know. Greg was one of the few people who attempted to give me a definition and tried to play it cool before admitting he had no clue. Nice try!