Ever since June 2, the main Quad has become crowded again.

The first day of the freshman summer Registration Program brought a continuous stream of the University’s newest class to the heart of campus – all clutching orange “I-Start” folders and taking in the sights and sounds of Champaign-Urbana.

The first official day on-campus for the Class of 2012 also marked another important step in the freshman experience – the day University Housing assignments were sent out.

The housing process becomes somewhat competitive for many freshmen seeking the best possible living situation, as most take a number of factors into account when making their decision.

Jennie Aten, a freshman set to major in elementary education, expressed a commonly held approach to housing among incoming classes.

“Most of the concerns were based on location,” Aten said.

Many incoming freshman hear encouraging advice on Gregory Drive and Peabody Drive residence halls. The halls are commonly referred to as the “six-pack,” and include some of the more sought-after halls on campus.

Aten found herself assigned to Van Doren Hall.

“I was gunning for the six-pack, and I think I had Van Doren and Taft as my second choice,” Aten said. “No biggie, it’s right across the way.”

Fellow freshman Alex Gistis, who plans to major in finance, was assigned to a dorm located in the Florida Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue Residence Halls, which sit across the street from each other on the southeast edge of campus.

While Gistis did not list the location as his first choice, his assignment to Carr Hall allowed him to live with a specific roommate, leaving him optimistic about the whole situation.

“I heard (the University dorms) are kind of small, but I know they’re bigger than Wisconsin’s,” Gistis said. “So I guess it’s not too bad.”

Some freshmen may value location, and others, a familiar face, but some decide to sacrifice both in choosing the best setting in which to excel at their studies.

Erik Kaplar, a freshman majoring in landscape architecture, originally planned on living in a standard University Residence Hall. It wasn’t until a conversation with his friend encouraged him to explorea different type of housing, Living-Learning Communities (LLC).

The program’s seven communities, which run out of the residence halls, provide Kaplar with a unique academic opportunity.

“I knew somebody that had gone (to the University) a while before, and they told me it was a good place to stay for my major,” Kaplar said. “I decided I’d check it out, and apparently I got it.”

Serving as a counter to the groups of incoming freshmen perusing the details of their housing situation are students such as Zach Sesterhenn, a prospective business major, who was assigned to Scott Hall.

“Hopefully it’s fine. I mean, I’m not really picky,” Sesterhenn said. “Give me a bed and I’m good for sleeping and whatever.”

The stress and uncertainty associated with finding a fitting living space in an unfamiliar town, surrounded by new people, has left many freshmen uneasy about the fall semester. Still, many feel there are positives to their upcoming situation.

“My biggest concern … probably space, and just being alone, you know, not knowing anyone,” Kaplar said. “But I’ll get used to it.”

A summer day on the Quad may seem a distant memory come fall, when the perceived uncertainty of freshman year becomes a reality for the class of 2012.

For the moment, however, Sesterhenn summed up the optimistic sentiment of many of his classmates as they took in the University.

“I’m sure it’ll be good.”