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Aurora University Weekend Student Get-Aways

Want to get away for the weekend with your AU friends but not familiar with the area? Here's some ideas!

Kylie M Knur

Jun 27, 2016

Aurora University

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If you live in Aurora or in the Kane county area and want to get away for the weekend, but don't want to drive more than three hours, here are some weekend getaways you must try.

We all know how stressful school can be. By the time the weekend comes, you can't wait to get away for a while. In high school this was an easy task because you knew what was in the area. When you go off to college you could move from hours, even states away. Being from the area, I will let you in on some weekend destinations that I think are worth the drive.

Times based on leaving Aurora University.

1. Starved Rock, 1hr 14 min

With waterfalls, the Illinois River and 13 miles of walking or biking trails, what more could you ask for? Cabins to stay the whole weekend? They have those too; book your trip with some friends to spend the whole weekend. You could even rent a boat, and check out what the local towns have to offer. If the cabin isn't your thing for the whole weekend, there are also hotels, one of which includes an indoor water park.

2. Lake Geneva, WI. 1hr 40min

This is home to Aurora University's George Williams campus. This isn't without good reason. Lake Geneva can be enjoyed in any season. While it contains an eight square mile lake in the center of town, this isn't all it has to offer. You could enjoy the walking path that follows the outer banks or take a tour on boat to see the beautiful mansions surrounding Lake Geneva. Downtown is filled with cute shops, bars, and souvenir shops to keep you busy. If you like horses, they also have a stable about 15 minutes from town that offers trail rides.

Lake Geneva Contains many hotels to stay for the weekend, some of which include indoor water parks, to others which have poolside bars walking distance from the lake.

Be sure to try the Popeyes on the lake if you go!

3. Chicago,1hr 36 min

As you likely know, Chicago is Illinois' largest city, though Aurora is the second. These cities have many differences. Chicago has many things to offer, such as the free Lincoln Park Zoo, The Bean, Navy Pier, Wrigley field, Solider Field, North Ave. Beach and many city events. Be sure to check out the "Free Days" for some of the Chicago Museum before you head that way!

Chicago is home to many hotels for overnight stays, or the entire weekend. You can always just take the train here for one day as well. (If you go on the weekend, your train ticket is good all weekend!)

4. The I and M canal, 30min

The I & M canal is a bike trail located in Ottawa Illinois. The Illinois and Michigan State trail is good for both walkers or bikers. This is more of a day trip than a weekend, but they also have camping opportunities. This 70 mile scenic route runs along the I & M Canal at water edge.

This place could be a biker's dream.

5.Sycamore Speedway, 35min

The Sycamore Speedway is never a bad way to spend a Friday or Saturday night, and at only 35 minutes from Aurora, this is a great destination for the night. Maybe if you like it enough by October, you can get involved in the "run what you bring night." A demolition derby is never a bad choice either. Spend the night watching dirt fly!

6. Joliet Speedway(Chicago Land), 51min

If you liked the last destination, I'm sure you will love this one.

Even if you're not into racing, this can make for a cool day experience, or even weekend if you're interested in their camping options.

7. New Buffalo Beach, Mi. 2hr 7min

This cute town of New Buffalo makes for a good weekend trip. With New Buffalo Beach offering fishing trips, wine tasting and boat rentals, this would be a good weekend get away on the water.

8. Six flags Great America, 1hr 28min

Located in Gurnee Illinois. More than just an amusement park, Six Flags also includes a water park for guests. You can enjoy 304 acres of fun at this park. Check out Coke cans to save while buying tickets.

KeyLime Cove is a hotel located in Gurnee, along with Six Flags, if you wanted to make this a weekend trip.

(Inside KeyLime Cove)

9. Route 34 Drive in, 49min

Located in Earlville, Illinois, this is a great way to see a new movie. This theater shows two movies a night starting at dusk. So grab a friend with a truck bed or some lawn chairs and make your way out to see some movies, look at the stars, and enjoy their food options!

10. Sandwich Fair, 45min

Wednesday, Sep 7-11, 2016, don't miss this fair! Being only 45 minutes from Sandwich, this is a must at the beginning of the school year. The fair offers tractor/truck pulls, big-name country concerts, demolition derbies and much more. The fair is a great place to come out to get a funnel cake and ride some awesome carnival rides.

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Aurora University Weekend Student Get-Aways

Want to get away for the weekend with your AU friends but not familiar with the area? Here's some ideas!

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Or at least try to do.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

2. I will look decent for class.

3. I will go to the gym more.

4. I will go to the library and study more.

5. I will meet new people.

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

2. Disappointed you let it get this bad

3. Distracted: When a 10-Minute Break Becomes an Hour

4. When the Yearning for Sleep Sneaks Up

5. In the words of Lorelai Gilmore "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee"

Oh, so done.

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1. When it's December 1 and you have seven things due, three exams, and haven't slept in three days.

2. So you stress.

3. And cry.

4. Then call your mom to cry some more.

5. After the pep talk, you feel determined to get everything done.

6. But, now you're tired.

7. And really hungry.

8. Suddenly, it's 2 a.m. and you have only written three sentences and your paper is due in the morning.

9. You've made it to Friday... somehow.

10. Then Sunday hits and you find yourself back at the Lib.

11. So you cry some more.

12. But, you fight through the tears to get everything done because you're determined.

13. In the end, you feel on top of the world because you made it through the last week of class alive.

14. But, now it's finals week so good luck.

The ultimate list and gif guide to a college student's brain during finals.

What does the world outside the library look like?

Can I read this entire book tonight?

I should have gone to class more often.

Did the professor even teach this?

What is the lowest grade I can get on this exam and still pass the class?

Should I just drop out of school now?

Finals are ruining Christmas.

Just wrote three sentences so time for a break.

Need. More. Coffee.

What is sleep?

I'm too stupid for college.

Brain hurts.

Time for a Facebook Break.

I think I'm dying.

When will I ever need this information in the real world?

I can't read any of my notes.

I need my mom.

When was the last time I showered?

I need study snacks.

The struggle is so real right now.

"I want to thank Google, Wikipedia, and whoever else invented copy and paste. Thank you."

1. I'm so tired. I need a nap. Maybe I can sleep with my eyes open in class? Or pretend I'm not napping?

2. We have a test today? Why didn't anyone tell me? Did I know this?!

3. Can I quit school yet? It's only October, and I need a vacation.

4. The struggle is so real.

5. I'm so broke. SOS.

6. Stressed? Eat everything you own in your pantry and stuff your face with all your feelings.

7. "Did we have anything due in class today? Homework? Quiz? Test?" "Not that I know of..."

8. I need food. Where is the closest place to get food? I need it stat.

9. This is the longest day of my life. I need a drink, or two, or three.

10. Sleep? What is sleep? What a foreign concept.

11. When someone suggests going and studying in the library, let alone studying in general.

12. When the cafeteria or student center is packed and you can't find a seat anywhere so you literally have to sit in an abandoned corner.

13. When you see someone you used to hook up with. They see you, and approach you; so you have to pretend like everything is normal.

14. When you get your exam and realize you didn't study as much as you should have.

15. When you crush it on an exam or paper that you totally bullshitted.

16. I need a grande, extra strong coffee to get me through today.

17. When the professor announces you have a project due the following week with no instruction on what it's on and how to do it.

18. Is it Friday yet? Where's the weekend when you need it most?

19. It's freezing in here. I feel like I'm sitting in an igloo. I should have brought a jacket or worn long pants.

20. Did I remember my book? Damn, I forgot the book, and of course I need it for that quiz in class.

21. I would pay a million dollars to not go to class today; or actually never again.

22. I need a hoverboard to ride to class. Maybe then I wouldn't be running 15 minutes late to class every day.

23. Oh she/he's cute! I wonder if they're single. Who are they texting? They're BF/GF? I wonder if they think I'm cute. Could they be a potential new bae?

24. Why is there never any parking? I pay thousands of dollars a year for one parking spot to be open.

25. When it feels like you've been in class for an hour and you look at your phone and it has only been five minutes (I'm crying on the inside).

26. When the professor asks if there are any more questions at the end of class and someone raises their hand.

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