Getting Around

I find that many students walk to and around campus...it's cheap and it's good exercise. Roller blades and skateboards are also very popular modes of transportation. However, probably the most efficient way to travel on campus and around town is by bus:

C-U Mass Transit District (MTD)

(www.cumtd.com)

801 E University, Urbana 384-8188 open 8am-5pm Monday - Saturday

As a student, you are entitled to ride the MTD for free (you actually pay for this privilege with part of your student fees), including shuttle buses and Niterides. You must present your I-card as your bus pass.

Shuttle buses around campus run regularly and often, throughout the school year. Niterides are available after normal working hours throughout the school year.

Non-students pay $1.00 a ride, with one free transfer.

Schedules are available: on buses, at Illini Union, at MTD, on-line, and in Biophysics office.

A lot of students also ride bicycles. There are many bike paths around campus. Just remember to ride defensively, and watch for other bikes, other vehicles of the 2 or 4+ wheel varieties, and especially pedestrians. You will need to register your bicycle with Campus Parking.

Bikes
Durst Cycle (www.durstcycle.com) 1201 S Mattis, Champaign 352-3300 1112 W University, Urbana 367-3600	Champaign Cycle (www.champaigncycle.com) 506 S Country Fair, Champaign 352-7600
Kohlmann's Bike Shop 802 Westfield, Champaign 352-6348	Bikeworks 1103 W Main, Urbana 328-2001

You can also pick up used bikes, which are usually much less expensive than new at:

Police Auctions -- The Champaign, Urbana, and Campus Police departments hold auctions each year to get rid of impounded/stolen/lost bicycles. Call the police stations for auction dates. You can get some very good deals on almost new bikes at these auctions.

Garage sales and newspaper ads -- Look in local papers for sales. If you are patient and are diligent, you can get some real bargains!

Scooters and motorcycles are also becoming quite popular forms of transportation due to the rising fuel costs. I strongly suggest before investing in a 2-wheeled vehicle, that you take the Motorcycle Rider Program (www.mrp.illinois.edu) offered through the University of Illinois. The class is very popular, so you should register early, or try to come in as a walk-in. I began the course several years ago, but soon realized I was not cut out for two-wheeled driving. The course did make me a better passenger when riding motorcycles. If driving to campus, there are motorcycle-designated parking spaces in most lots, though you do have to register all vehicles parked in University lots (see Parking below)

Driving your car to campus is not recommended. It is very hard to find parking on campus; parking meters range from $.75-$1.00 for 1/2 hour; and the cities of Champaign and Urbana, along with Campus Parking, love to give parking tickets (with prices ranging from $7-$20 a ticket)! If you are lucky enough to get a University rental spot, it will cost you over $400 a year to park. Additionally, you must register your car with Campus Parking. Here are some addresses you may find helpful should you decide to drive anyway.

Division of Campus Parking

(www.parking.illinois.edu)

1110 W Springfield, campus 333-3530

In the Public Safety Building, corner of Goodwin & Springfield

Register cars, bikes, motorcycles. Purchase parking permits.

Driver's License Examination Station

(www.sos.state.il.us)

2401 W Bradley, Champaign 278-3344

hours: 8-5:00pm Wed-Fri (till 6pm Tu). 8-12:00pm Sat.

You must present 3 forms of acceptable identification in order to apply for a license, one of which must be a birth certificate. ID must prove name, date of birth, SS#, and signature. If you plan to take a driving "road" test you must arrive at least 2 hours before closing.

*Hint* If you want faster service, call the Rantoul (892-8773), Tuscola (253-2813) or Monticello (762-2841) offices!

Car Repair

If you have your own car, chances are you will need regular maintenance, or something repaired at some point. Here are a few places I have used over the years:

Neil Auto Parts & Service 807 N State, Champaign 351-6993 A small shop in an older section of town. My family has used them for years. They don't work on all makes and models, so call ahead. If it doesn't need fixing, they won't try to talk you into it!	CarX Auto Service (www.carx.com) 601 University Ave, Champaign 352-0124 906 W Bradley, Champaign 352-9700 2216 S Neil St, Champaign 531-3900 I’ve had brakes and exhaust systems repaired here.
Twin City Auto Body 102 E Springfield, Champaign 352-0299 Tires, oil changes, etc.	Sammy's Auto Electric Service Inc 1907 B W Springer Dr, Champaign 398-3864 Alternators, starters, generators, etc.

There are many 'quickie' oil change places in town.

Speed Lube (www.speedlube.com) 710 N Cunningham, Urbana 328-4800 901 W Springfield, Champaign 355-6682 307 E University, Champaign 352-8353	Wal-Mart (www.walmart.com) 2610 N Prospect, Champaign 352-0700 100 S High Cross Rd, Urbana 344-6148 505 S Dunlap, Savoy 355-5845 Oil/tire changes this location only.
Farm & Fleet (www.farmandfleet.com) 2701 N Cunningham, Urbana 367-1354 Also offers tires and other vehicle repairs.