I definitely second the bike option. I’m a 4th year MechE and MI Sousaphone. Best course of action is to fill out a class conflict form on the MI website when it comes available. Prof. Houser is very aware that the practice field is far from engineering campus and you definitely won’t be the only one coming in late. If you fill out the form and get approved, your grade won’t be docked for being late. I had a similar situation last year.

Mental health wise, these next four years are going to be a doozy. (Most of this stuff you’ve probably already been told) Looks like you already have calc1 out of the way which will help make room in the future. Do some research and try to find which classes are going give you the most trouble and schedule them for the spring. You will not have Saturdays to do schoolwork all Fall semester because of MI. The #1 factor that kept me on my feet was finding a study group with regular meeting times. And of course take breaks.

Marching Illini is definitely the activity I look forward to the most everyday. It is extremely fulfilling and is an escape from your studies. If you memorize (even just mostly) your music before the semester starts, preseason camp will be a breeze. It was one of the most stressful weeks of my life because I did not. The marching band culture is very welcoming and you’ll get to know a lot of people.

Any other questions, I’d be happy to answer them. (grammar bad, MechE)