Lauren Castaldo

1 month ago | dailyillini.com | Anna Ceja |Bryana Perez |Maaike Niekerk |Lauren Castaldo

Seven sophomores at the University have worked diligently since October to develop an innovative app and website to help fellow students discover the best deals around Champaign-Urbana. Nathan Zhang, sophomore in Business, leads this ambitious project. Zhang initially pitched the idea to his friends as a way to increase engagement on campus. The project channeled their creativity into something that could benefit the entire student community.

Dec 18, 2024 | dailyillini.com | Jessie Wang |Lauren Castaldo

During warmer months, students can be spotted crowding the bus stops in cowboy boots, flannels and denim attire. No, there is not a new microtrend, a missed day of Halloweekend or a failed attempt at implementing Southern culture into our Midwest campus: These students are preparing for a time they can only hope to remember by dancing the night away in a barn. Barn dances, also known as bances, are an important rite of passage for every University student.

Nov 13, 2024 | dailyillini.com | Laura Mendes |Sahil Mittal |Maaike Niekerk |Lauren Castaldo

Last Saturday, Illinois Vintage Fest hosted its second event in Champaign-Urbana. Over 50 vendors and many attendees were present, hoping to score some vintage finds. The halls of Lincoln Square Mall in Urbana were buzzing with eager shoppers, students and locals, who were all hoping to find unique merchandise. Illinois Vintage Fest started during the pandemic in 2020 after founder Shayne Kelly lost his job and sought a new, unique business model to attract customers.

May 2, 2024 | dailyillini.com | Qaasim Jatoi |Maaike Niekerk |Lauren Castaldo

The class of 2028 is not the only new thing we are looking forward to this upcoming school year, as many exciting restaurants, cafes, public spaces and more are coming to Champaign-Urbana as well. The C-U community, especially Green Street, has many restaurants that students, faculty and community members enjoy — both chains and some exclusively unique to the area.