If one were to visit the University of Illinois the weekend before spring break, they would witness lively crowds clad in green and armed with BORGS. Unofficial could be known as the phenomenon contributing to hundreds of gallons of water being sold in one weekend, but the weekend that began as a campus tradition 30 years ago quickly became a widespread event celebrated by non-University students as well.
Often, students invite their friends and loved ones who don’t go to the University to experience Unofficial. The varied opportunities to let loose and party offer a unique slice of life to those visiting Illinois.
Unofficial celebrations take place in many forms. Bars on Green Street, day parties — or “darties” — at various fraternities and intimate apartment parties all present themselves as opportunities for those who attend the University and those from out of town to celebrate.
Dominic Little, first-year student at Elgin Community College, said that he first heard about Unofficial from his girlfriend, who attends the University. Little said his plans for the weekend were to spend time with his girlfriend and party with their friends.
According to Little, the reason why people come in droves to the University for events like Unofficial is due to the campus’s large size and its reputation as a top 10 “party school.”
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Ayleen Hernandez, first-year student at Harper College, said University social life offers a sense of independence along with other opportunities that those coming from out of town can’t find at home.
“It’s a very free atmosphere,” Hernandez said. “I feel like the nightlife here, the ambience is so fun. I feel like I can just go out.”
In contrast to many nightclubs in Chicago and other big cities with strict 21-and-older entry policies, most bars on campus allow 19-year-olds to enter without serving them alcohol, though bars’ enforcement of this rule isn’t always strict.
“With the 19-plus (rule), I feel like it’s just so freeing for people to come here,” Hernandez said. “It’s more accessible than what we can do down there in the city.”
Evelyn Hernandez, first-year student at Harper College, said she feels particularly excited to participate in Unofficial for a more personal reason.
After attending community college and visiting the University with her parents, Evelyn decided she wanted to transfer to Illinois and major in journalism. She said what finalized her decision to transfer was her experience visiting campus by herself for Unofficial.
Evelyn felt she had more free rein at Illinois on her own and with her friends. She said she feels able to take advantage of what Illinois has to offer on a night out, without her parents nearby.
“I’m here with my friends now, and I’m lowkey having the time of my life,” Evelyn said. “I feel like I just have more freedom and I can have fun here.”
Whether you seek to find yourself, or simply a place to share a night out with friends, Unofficial offers campus up as a world of possibilities to visitors and students alike.
