Eastern Illinois University may have a modest-sized campus, but some students may find themselves lost in the hustle-and-bustle of academia life.

These helpful hints to honing your way around campus should ease the troubles of looking like a freshman in front of your peers.

Dining Dollars

Dining dollars are clutch for a student’s diet.

According to http://www.eiu.edu, “Students can use their Dining Dollars to purchase meals/items in any of the four Panther Dining Centers, Carman & Thomas Convenience Centers, Food Court, and Java B & B . provide a 20% discount off the cash/guest meal price in the dining centers.”

Where one can purchase these meal points can be tricky. Despite what the Web site says, Dining Dollars, for the next few weeks can only be purchased in the vending lounge of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

Allow Enough Time Before Class.

The oldest building on campus can also be the furthest building on campus. Don’t underestimate the walk to Old Main (the castle-looking building) especially if you’re sauntering from Carman Residence Hall. The Physical Science building can be just as far. Allow yourself 10-15 minutes prior to the start of class if you’re walking, 7-10 minutes if you’re riding a bike.

Lumpkin, Klehm and Coleman Halls

Just to clarify, Klehm Hall is the one closest to 7th Street. Lumpkin Hall is in between Klehm and Coleman halls. It has entrances facing both halls. Coleman Hall is the one that faces 4th Street. If you’re having trouble locating a building, visit http://www.eiu.edu/map.

Foundations Classes

The EIU 1111 Foundations classes are always held in Taylor, Thomas and Carman residence halls. Don’t waste your time looking for this class in Coleman because it’s just not there.

Hard to Find Restrooms

The Biological Sciences building is by far the trickiest. While it has two restrooms on the first and second floors, they are inconsistent. The first floor has two men’s restrooms and the second floor has two women’s lavatories leaving one men’s latrine on the third floor.

Old Main currently has a men’s restroom under construction on the first floor, however, there is an operational women’s latrine there. The second floor has not one but TWO men’s restrooms up there.

The Booth Library has restrooms on the first, third and fourth floors. These lavatories are tucked away in the far corners of the rooms as well.

And when all else fails, pick up the phone and dial 581-HELP (4357).