The Smile Politely Editors are comprised of Justine Bursoni, Seth Fein, Joel Gillespie, Doug Hoepker, Brian McGovern, Ryan Neaveill and Dan Schreiber. They, along with the website designer Mason Kessinger and founding Editor-in-Chief Chris Maier, decide to highlight certain events going on in Champaign-Urbana in a democratic fashion, without bias, in order to best bring to you the finest information on the entertainment around town.
This is a pretty simple one.
Come mid-May, the students hightail it outta here like the plague's near, eager to get back home to family, significant others, summer jobs and the good old-fashioned R&R. That leaves Champaign-Urbana with about a third less population in the summer than during the spring and fall semesters.
So, what's your preference? Do you like C-U when the streets of Campustown are swarming with students or do count the days until the towns take on the feel of Smalltown, USA?
Comments (5)
Friday, May 23, 2008 5:50 PM
Being a recent graduate who's stayed around, yet still has a few friends among the upperclass of the undergraduates, summer's both incredibly great and a little sad. However, since my social circle's pretty expansive nonetheless of everyone who lives here year-round like I do, I think summer's great! It means getting to actually have a seat at the bars and restaurants without having to get there obnoxiously early or make reservations.
Saturday, May 24, 2008 10:13 AM
The more, the merrier. Having a population of young, reasonably intelligent people to contribute to the culture of the community is certainly a plus in my book. Also, some of those student dollars go to support locally owned businesses, which is always a plus.
Sunday, May 25, 2008 9:21 AM
I think it's mistaken for people in a college town to think that things are better without the students, as if all the good cultural stuff that comes with living in a college town could be had without the presence of students.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008 1:39 PM
I agree with the above comment. Although I enjoy the student-free months, Chambana would be a sad little town without the students/university and all that they bring. I prefer not to think of the summer months as good or bad, but merely acknowledge that for this brief time, we get to have it all. The kids are gone and we get to play with their toys.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008 9:04 AM
Which is better:
1. A slice of rhubarb pie
B. Snorkeling
Show your work.