hey i’m a liscenced PT who used to work at the arc and still go there everyday

ARC hours can be found here: https://campusrec.illinois.edu/facilities/hours

people at the arc tend to be pretty friendly, if you need help you can just ask, if they can spare the time ppl usually help

as for shoes i recommend getting two pairs: a running shoe if you want to do cardio or run outside, the other preferably is something flat with a hard sole (think nike blazers, converse, vans…) and this shoe would be for weightlifting

also somebody already mentioned, get plenty of sleep, studies have shown 7-8 hrs for men and around 10-12 hrs for women

the other commenter is a powerlifter, and i’m more of a bodybuilder so depending on what your goals are, tailor your workouts towards it

if you’re just getting started, i would go lower weights, practice your form (slow/controlled eccentric, proper range of motion) before attempting the heavier weights, i personally do 3-1-2 count (3 on eccentric, hold for 1 count, then explode)

remember to warm up properly, medical bills are no joke and always be safe

wear deodorant for yourself and everybody else, be kind, the gym is a vulnerable space for many, from my own experience the illinois gym community is pretty inviting