On my 21st birthday, I looked forward to floor seats at the Justin Bieber concert — anxiously awaiting the moment where the Biebs would invite me on stage while singing the reformed version of his hit song “One Less Lonely Boy.” As much as I tried to keep complete composure, it was probably unapparent from my self-made T-shirt splattered with his name, my name and more hearts than you’ll see in a 12-year-old girl’s notebook.  

If you aren’t half as excited for your first year at the University as a 21-year-old was for a pop sensation’s concert — you probably don’t know enough about this University. From a senior who still gets giddy (OK, who still squeals) on his first day of school, here are some things to look forward to this fall for new and incoming students:

Return of Alma Mater

She’s no cougar, but that doesn’t mean I can’t think Alma looks exceptional at over 90 years of age. But we all knew it was time for a full-on makeover — or a special episode of “What Not To Wear.” And so Alma was whisked away last summer for restoration, leaving the Class of 2013 graduates with nothing but mini-me replicas to take pictures with. You can breathe now; she’ll be back for the 2013-14 school year. With open arms and sleeves a bit too big, she will continue welcoming incoming classes and parting with the outgoing. What to do with an immobile 10,000 pound sculpture? Well, you’ll probably find students climbing her for a spot on her throne or dressing her up in more modern robes. And for the late-nighters, taking a dip in her flower bed or uploading a series of Instagram photos in suggestive poses with Alma seem to be popular.

It’s not high school

That’s right ladies and gentlemen, time to part from the years of impersonating your parents to get called out and bypassing the school Internet to use Facebook. Don’t get me wrong, high school is a great time to explore interests and prepare for college, but that’s about it. College is a chance to reinvent yourself — or maintain. Leave the ego and immaturity at home (I got you, moms and dads), because you’re about to step into a much realer world. After high school did you ever think you would have discretion in your class schedule or the ability to go to the bathroom at will? Just appreciate the end of eight-hour day every day and a curfew that you can actually abide by — none.

Renovated dorms

If you asked me where Forbes Hall was, I would probably shrug because I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen the marquee complete with all 10 letters. Luckily, the Ikenberry Commons — better known as the “Six Pack” — is undergoing a much-needed facelift. Eventually, all six residence halls will be demolished and replaced with eight new buildings. In 2010, the new Ikenberry Dining Hall was completed, which is basically an enormous food court with a sweets station that you’ll love as much as your first crush and hate as much as when your first crush dumped you. That same year, Nugent Hall — the first new residence hall in nearly 40 years — was finished. Bousfield Hall, set to open in Fall 2013, will incorporate suite-style and co-ed suites. Increased accessibility, rooms larger than your closet at home, no flip-flops in the showers for a while and untainted amenities — yes, that is what victory feels like.

Campustown

Freshmen, meet Campustown. Campustown, go easy on ‘em. To start, avoid Green Street at all costs if you are indecisive or easily overwhelmed by options. Within a few blocks, you can drool over Noodles & Company, Chipotle, Za’s, Wendy’s, Panera Bread, Potbelly and more pizza joints than you care to know exist. Several high-rise buildings equipped with retail and apartment space are also in the works. And yes, there is an Urban Outfitters on campus if you’re unlike most college students — broke. You’ll see Campustown in another light once you turn 19, the legal bar entry age in Champaign. Check out Murphy’s for a laid-back atmosphere, Red Lion if you want exactly the opposite, White Horse for karaoke night and Kam’s for, well, I’m not quite sure. My favorite perk? Campustown is walkable from nearly every part of campus.

You’re about to attend the best school in the country

OK, let’s do this: One of the world’s largest public university libraries with nearly 24 million items. More than 2,000 faculty members and 40,000 undergraduate and graduate students. 17 colleges offering over 150 majors. Home to Division 1 sports and 10 men’s and 11 women’s NCAA sports teams. State-of-the-art facilities such as the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, State Farm Center and Memorial Stadium. Top Engineering and Graduate School of Library and Information Science programs in the country. Seventy-three percent of graduates find jobs within six months of graduation. Two hundred and thirty-two major buildings on 1,458 acres. Fourty-sixth best university in the U.S. Conclusion: We rock. 

Adam is a senior in ACES. He can be reached at [email protected].