If You Don't Feel like Studying at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, I've Got a Few Suggestions

If you're going to attend Southern Illinois University at Carbondale be warned, there's a lot to do. Having spend seven and a half years at this fine institution (I earned three degrees while there), I learned where to go for a good time.

On campus if you're looking for something to do, the logical stop would be the Student Center. The Student Center features a bowling alley and billiard hall. There's a few video games and pinball machines thrown in for good measure. If you're a more artsy person, there is a full service craft store in the building as well. If you're hungry the Student Center features several restaurants from fast food to full service, Mexican to Chinese. There's also a book store in there, too, in case you decide to read something.

Also on campus is the 40 acre Campus Lake featuring excellent bass and bluegill fishing. There is also a trail around the lake for jogging or biking. Boats are available for rental and you can swim in there if you're feeling particularly brave.

Assuming you're an underclassman, you probably don't have a car. Fortunately there's plenty to do within walking distance of campus. A great place for live music, Hangar 9 was a staple hangout to see great local music. If you're just looking to play pool and maybe throw some darts, swing by Stix. Some people complain that the music there is pretty bad, and the staff can be a bit nasty, but you take what you can get.

If you plan on eating off campus, you would be a fool to not stop by Quatro's for their Monday night whole wheat crust pizza. Deep pan with extra garlic and pepperoni is a heartburn inducing delight. As a bonus, large drinks get you a free plastic cup! I must have had about 600 of these things by the time I left Carbondale. Another must-eat is Winston's Bagels. Winston has been running his bagel cart for as long as I can recall. For a couple of bucks you can get a bagel loaded with cream cheese, butter, cucumber, apple slices, sunflower seeds, onion, cinnamon, and who knows what else. After a night of partying on the strip, it's more or less a legal requirement to end the evening with a Winston's Bagel.

Finally is a bit of fun for the nerd in all of us. Head down to Castle Perilous for all your gaming needs. I'm not talking poker or blackjack, I'm talking Dungeon's and Dragons, Magic: The Gathering, Axis and Allies, just about any tabletop game you could want. They also have books, dice, paints and accessories for decorating miniatures. There is also space available to sit down and have a game. This place holds a special place in my memories of Carbondale. I shudder to think about how much cash I dropped in Castle P.

Well there you have it, a fine selection of activities to keep you busy during the time you should probably be spending studying and going to class. Carpe Diem!

Sources

http://www.siucstudentcenter.org/

http://www.fishingworks.com/lakes/illinois/jackson/carbondale/campus-lake/

http://www.thehangar9.com/

http://www.yelp.com/biz/stix-bar-and-billiards-carbondale

http://www.quatros.com/customer/home.php

http://www.yelp.com/biz/winstons-bagels-carbondale#hrid:O6BWKSYO2Bb_ov6RV9Gahg

http://castleperilous.com/index.php