The rumor goes something like this: Underneath NIU’s campus, there is a complex tunnel system that can be used to move about from one point on campus to another.

Unlike most campus myths, there is some truth to this one. Everyday students are walking above an underground tunnel system that runs across campus; however, the tunnels are not intended for people to use.

“[The tunnels] are for authorized people, and for safety reasons, no one else should be in there,” said Kevin Vines, the NIU Heating Plant’s chief engineer.

The main purpose of the tunnel system, which dates back to the late 1950s, is to carry and protect steam pipes from building to building on campus to reduce the need for individual heating systems in each building. Vines said the tunnels are used to benefit the longevity of the heating system by not only making repairs and maintenance easier, but also by protecting the pipes from deterioration.

Many students have only heard of the tunnels via word of mouth.

“All I thought was they were used to move people around in case of really cold weather, or they were built during the Cold War; like it was top secret or something,” said senior accountancy major Jon Banes.

Banes said he heard the myth before and was shocked to find out what the tunnels are really for.

“There are people that like to explore them,” Vines said. “We don’t encourage that. People could get hurt badly.”

Vines said while in the tunnels, a person can hit their head on the low clearance ceiling, trip on a variety of obstacles on the ground or easily burn themselves on pipes that reach temperatures of 300 degrees.

Vines said he is unaware of any incidents involving students getting hurt while exploring the tunnels or any incidents about finding a corpse in the tunnels. However, Vines said there is evidence that homeless people have broken into the tunnels, though none have ever been caught.