Like it or not, DeKalb will be much quieter in a few weeks

By DESMOND LAWE

Next week, the annual migration out of DeKalb for summer break will begin. However, some students who live in apartments off-campus will remain as DeKalb returns to a quiet rural town.

Those who choose to remain may find this small town feels remarkably different.

“It’s like a ghost town here beginning the second week after finals,” said senior marketing major Dave Moore, who has spent three summers in DeKalb. “You pretty much need to do whatever you can to combat boredom.”

One of the activities that Moore has picked up is frisbee golf, or “frolf.” Over the summer he can be found frequenting the frisbee golf course at Prairie Park off Gurler St. in DeKalb.

“I started frolfing out of necessity,” Moore said. “Other than that, I pretty much hang out with whoever else happens to be here.”

Anthony Ianno, a junior engineering technology major, is preparing for his second summer in the area, and is better prepared to handle the downtime.

“Last year whenever I went into town for groceries I noticed that the park district pool was packed,” Ianno said. “I am definitely going to get a membership there for the summer because it looked like such a good time.”

On-campus summer activities are limited, however. Campus Activities Board does not have any activities planned for the summer at this time, and does not anticipate any being added. Guest speakers do occasionally make trips to NIU.

“I went to see a guest speaker once last summer,” Moore said. “Unfortunately, when I got to the auditorium I was the only person there besides the speaker and the tech guy. It turned into an awkward two-hour one-on-one conversation.”

But while DeKalb may seem like a ghost town to some, other students enjoy the quiet time over the summer.

“I split my time between home and here over the summer,” said junior psychology major Sean Foley. “Whenever I need to get away from my hectic work schedule at home I come to NIU to relax at my apartment with my friends.”

Senior psychology major Anastasia Wiltgen, uses the time to catch up on one of her favorite hobbies.

“I spent a lot of time last summer hitting up the library,” Wiltgen said. “I love to read and the peace and quiet was a great atmosphere.”