When it comes to Illinois State University’s record-setting fall 2022 class, the numbers are impressive. These new Redbirds represent the largest freshman class in 35 years, one in three students had a 4.0 high school GPA, and it’s the most diverse class in University history. But it’s not just about the numbers.
This exceptional group of incoming students also shapes campus culture, which means Redbirds will be buzzing about Taylor Swift’s upcoming album, it might be hard to find a spare Twix bar in Normal, and the community is going to really benefit from a group of students that who have proved to be heavily engaged in giving back to the places they live.
Among new Redbirds, Swift is the most-listened to band or artist, ahead of runners-up Drake and Kanye West; Twix is the most popular candy, followed closely by Sour Patch Kids and Skittles; pizza is the far-and-away favorite food, well ahead of other popular options like pasta and sushi.
The new class also has broad television interests, ranging from newer hits to binge-worthy crime thrillers and modern classics of comedy. In order of popularity, the most recently watched programs among new Redbirds were Squid Game, Outer Banks, Criminal Minds, The Office, and Grey’s Anatomy.
But students weren’t only couch surfing—they come to Normal with resumes already peppered with extracurricular activities. Fully embracing the University’s core value of civic engagement, two in three freshmen gave back to their communities through volunteering and community service during high school. Nearly as many participated in athletics across 19 different sports, and thousands channeled their artistic side through fine arts.
And as Illinois State’s varsity esports program has quickly established itself as a national force to be reckoned with, this new class will continue to help the esports and gaming community—both competitive and recreational—grow on campus, with nearly 700 incoming Redbirds already involved in that world.
Thanks to a diversity of experiences, abilities, and interests, it won’t be through just sheer numbers that these newest Redbirds leave behind a legacy on Illinois State’s campus. Just make sure you grab your Twix bars now while you still can.
