#BirdofMouth student blogger Tim Young is a senior public relations and information systems major.
You say tomato, I say tomato … because have you actually ever heard anyone say ta-MAH-to? However, if you say SCHROH-der, people will know you are a total Illinois State noob.
Like any community, Illinois State has its very own lingo. For new students, this might all sound a little foreign, but don’t worry, we’re here to help. With a little vocab lesson, you’ll go from newbie to seasoned Illinois State veteran in no time.
Let class begin!
SCHROEDER (SCHRAY-der) HALL
Pronouncing the name of one of our largest academic buildings properly is a rite of passage for new students. Despite our best efforts to spread the word, I still manage to hear at least one new student per semester horribly butcher this pronunciation.
Remember, friends don’t let friends mispronounce Schroeder.
THE ILSTU (ILL-stew)
Illinois State University doesn’t quite roll off the tongue and can be a mouth full for our hashtagging, shorthand generation. So we shortened it to this kinda-sorta acronym. It’s most commonly used as a part of your university email address, but it has made its way into our vocabulary when referring to our favorite university.
For example: Where do you go to school? The ILSTU.
CLUB MILNER
Where is this fabled nightlife destination? What kind of music do they play? What about a bouncer at the door?
Sorry to shatter your hopes and dreams, but Club Milner is what we affectionately call Milner Library. You will quickly learn that the library will be an important part of your nightlife here at Illinois State. During finals week the library goes into overdrive by staying open 24/7 for all of your late night studying needs. They even have study break dance parties, so it really is like a club.
THE BONE
Where can you go to buy books, get your Redbird ID, and eat some deliciousness? The Bone Student Center of course! While some students will go to the Bone Student Center, most will go to The Bone, and if you are really hip you’ll go to ’da Bone. Unfortunately I do not fall into that category.
Fun fact: The Bone also holds many events and concerts all year long. Did you know that Iggy Azalea is performing in Braden Auditorium (that’s in the Bone) on October 18? Well, now you do.
WATTY
The tallest building on campus by far and home to one of the best dining centers, Watty is known by all. You guessed it; it’s residence hall Watterson Towers. Even if you don’t live there, it’s a landmark used for many directions on campus. You don’t even need a GPS because Watty will always guide you to your Redbird home.
#BirdofMouth student blogger Tim Young is a senior public relations and information systems major. Read more #BirdofMouth posts.
