Life after graduating college is a mystery for some, for others, their lives are planned out for the next five years. But that does not stop everyone from asking seniors “What is your next step?” I bet their immediate answers weren't working at Millikin as Senior Admission Counselor, Success Coach, or Coordinator for Student Engagement and Leadership Development. But for some of Millikin’s newest alumni that is where they ended up. Five of Millikin’s best let us inside to see

The Millikin Caf Millikin’s cafeteria is a place that nearly every student has a love-hate relationship with. Many students love the atmosphere that the Caf provides, but many do not prefer the food that is offered, especially after freshman year, when students can make their own food in an apartment. Sometimes, the food is excellent (usually when potential students are visiting campus), but it does get quite repetitive when eating there every single day. In my first two year

‘Tis the time of year that our schedules are insanely loaded, stress is through the roof, exams are towering over us, and family members and friends keep asking for our Christmas list. Amidst all this stress, it is always a friendly reminder for us when we drive through town and notice the heartwarming Christmas spirit of the community. Christmas lights are a huge tradition all around Decatur, and there are plenty of spots to visit on your next study break.  People around tow

Attending Millikin means living in Decatur, IL, for at least nine months of the year for four years. Now, if you are not from Decatur, that can be a hard transition, but you learn to adapt. Sometimes you adjust so well that you consider sticking around post-graduation. Living in Decatur after graduation has its pros and cons. Depending on where you are from, it can be a lot cheaper. The average cost of a one-bedroom one-bath unit in Decatur is roughly $800 a month. That is a

I don’t know about you, but academic burnout always hits me really hard the week or two before finals week. It is ruthless, draining, and never fails to affect my mental health.  But burnout doesn’t have to be the end of the world. There are ways to get through it. First, it is important to identify what burnout is. Student Wellness Coach Ecila Deransburg-Cook says that one way to identify burnout “would be [by] noticing a lack of interest or low energy level in someone who u

Living off-campus can be a great alternative to living in The Woods, especially for incoming seniors who may be fed up with that style of living and looking for something larger, more independent, and significantly cheaper.  One of the most convenient and commonly sought after routes for off-campus living is Fairwood Student Housing, which has a number of 3-6 room houses located just outside of campus on W Wood St across from the DISC. With these houses being so close to camp

In the 90’s, an infamous deal was signed that altered the fate of students for years to come. From then on, an agreement was made between Millikin and the lovely apartment complexes, The Woods. And what a deal it was…  After their freshman year, all students (unless in otherwise very specific approved housing) have to live in The Woods. What a privilege it is! This time of year is everybody’s favorite, actually. It is much more fun navigating an obstacle course of snow and th

With the Holidays fast approaching, and deadlines and finals looming on all of us, it is easy to put shopping for gifts for the important people in our lives on the back burner. However, before making a panicked search on Amazon, there are a number of small local stores which might carry exactly what you need. With that said, here are just a couple of the spots in and around Decatur where you might find just what you’re looking for: Giggles of Decatur Located on Merchant Stre

The life of any type of performer hardly comes easy—even after studying the art at an academic level. The market has rarely been on the side of those who are considered the highly experienced, educated, or even most authentic. Not many students realize the type of resilience that one must acquire when having to deal with not only the waiting and rejection process, but also the opportunity of an accepted role  For many students who major in the arts, exposure to the resources

As finals approach, Millikin students are probably looking for a nice place to cozy up and study. There are amazing places on and off campus to finish that term paper or study for that grueling cumulative exam. Whether you like a place that is dead quiet, bustling with people, or a quaint place off campus, this list has something for you. River Coffee Outside of River Coffee River is a typical hipster coffee shop. It has an amazing atmosphere, a dull color scheme, and plenty

Getting around Decatur without the convenience of a car can be challenging for a lot of college students here at Millikin. For the students living in dorms, off-campus housing, or The Woods, having a car would be very beneficial. Without a car, there are still many reliable transportation options available in Decatur, with one particular option becoming a favorite amongst students and faculty. Decatur Moves, the city's $2 on demand ride service that works very similarly to Ub

From the moment you set foot into SugaFix Designer Dessert Studio, you can’t help but smile. The space is bright and beautiful, with a friendly staff waiting to help you, and the smell of baked wonders in the air. The shops’ bold splashes of vibrant colors make you feel like you’ve entered a world created by Roald Dahl. A row of shiny pink gumball-style dispensers lines one wall, and below them, white café tables rest on a black-and-white checkered floor that adds a splash of

Fast food might be quick, but the same old places get tiring. The usual suspects—McDonald’s, Dairy Queen, or Taco Bell — lose their appeal after a while. You get the same fries, the same burgers, the same drive-thru voice asking if you want to “make it a combo.” Luckily, in Decatur, we have our own fast-food joint that has been breaking the cookie-cutter mold for more than 60 years. Krekel’s isn’t just fast food; it’s a vibe. The place has that old-school charm that makes you

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, everyone is anticipating a break from classes to relax, laze around, and enjoy food. Some college students might go home during break, but for some, they stay in on-campus housing like dorms. Celebrating Thanksgiving in your dorm doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the food you’d get at home. Even if you only have a mini fridge and a microwave at your disposal, it's still possible to put together a spread of food for a memorable

With Black Friday looming, the question on the front of every college student staying in Decatur’s mind for Black Friday is, “Where can I go shopping, and where can I get the best deals?” If you had asked a Millikin student this same question 20, maybe even 10, years ago, the answer would have likely been to go to Hickory Point Mall in Forsyth to shop in a variety of stores. However, several important clothing stores have closed in the mall since then, leaving shoppers out to

Thrifting is a great way to build your wardrobe while staying fiscally responsible and environmentally conscious. As thrifting becomes more popular, demand grows and the number of businesses expands. So, where are the best thrift spots in the Decatur area? Below is a list of my three favorite places to shop second-hand.   *Please note: Thrifting is sometimes the only option people have for clothing. Being considerate of others while shopping is essential; visit   this link  t

Map of all of the countries that have Fulbright Programs The Fulbright program, originally founded by Senator J. William Fulbright in 1946, is the United States’ premier international exchange program. Its student program offers graduating seniors, grad students, and young professionals the opportunity to further their studies, conduct research, and teach English abroad. And, although applications are closed for the 2026-2027 cycle, it is still an avenue which Millikin studen

The fall semester is coming to an end, and it is easy to check out as a student and community member. However, students have been working hard all semester to create quality performances for our enjoyment. Below is a list of most, if not all, of the upcoming performances on campus this semester. Skim through, pick out a show, and see the talent we have here at Millikin. It could be the pick-me-up you need to finish this semester strong.   Student Organizations:   Physical Gra

On your hardest days, the last thing you want is to walk into the cafeteria and be disappointed by the options, or go home and microwave an equally disappointing TV dinner. Knowing the best places to eat around town is the best thing for you when all you want to do is rot in bed and forget about the day. Finding the best spot for a satisfying meal that will not break the bank is important for college students.  Sometimes driving a far distance is not in the cards, or you are

MTC Music Bingo Creating an RSO involves a lot of time management skills and dedication that will help transform your organization into the best and most long-lasting one possible for other students to take part in. An RSO stands for a “registered student organization” that essentially can act as a club for students here on campus to get involved in. The first step is signing up through a form they fill out through Millikin’s website. On the form, a student will list who thei