2017
In 2017, many of the 7,500 freshmen at the University of Illinois lived in University Residence Halls, but the vast majority of students lived in apartments. From 2007-2017, Champaign and Urbana saw the greatest boom of apartment construction in their history. This construction transformed Campustown from a small business district into a commercial center that rivaled both downtowns.
Students 150 years ago had very few luxuries, but 2017 student had more than enough. Apartment buildings featured high-end kitchens and appliances, flat panel televisions, pools, fitness rooms, and even indoor golf simulators. While many students continued to cook on their own stoves, like those in the 1860s, many more chose to dine out in the dozens of increasingly diverse restaurants located on campus. By this time, the University of Illinois had consistently ranked in the top two for destinations for international students among public universities.
A Very Different Campustown
More and more students lived in off-campus apartments, many of them in newly constructed mid-rise apartment towers. Since the 2002 reconstruction of Green Street, the student housing boom had been in full force. 2017 students expected a different style of living; one that often included a variety of amenities. Since the 2002 project was completed, nearly half a billion dollars in new construction occurred in the University District and much of that construction in the form of new student apartments.
Clothing
By the start of the 20th century fashion changed every 10 years and by the middle of the century, every two to five years. It could be said that today, it changes daily. Modern college students are much more comfortable in blue jeans and Birkenstocks than skirts and high heels. This outfit depicts typical clothing worn to class, something comfortable, trendy, and easy to care for.
Dining Out
Like the student in 1867, cooking in the dorm room or apartment is still common. Students can easily cook Easy Mac or Ramen Noodles bought at a recently added campus supermarket, or they can buy fresh produce at the weekly farmers' market on campus.
Students often turn to local restaurants, increasingly of the international variety, for their food needs. Those who cook at home may use rice cookers to create quick, filling meals that might be recognized by a student from 1867.
Technology
In 1867, the most complex technology a student would arrive on campus with was a pocket watch. Today, the smart phone, laptop, and tablet are staples of student life. Much of their work is completed digitally, leading to a drastic reduction of bookstores and textbook sales. Keeping up with technology can be a challenge as well, as technology changes with each calendar year.
