The results are in for the 2026 Best of UIS and Beyond Contest! Organized and hosted by The Observer, the contest is an opportunity for UIS students, faculty and staff to make their voices and opinions heard, and to be entered to win one of several prizes, such as gift cards to local businesses.

In March, the UIS community weighed in to nominate entries for each category and in April they cast their votes. This list highlights the winners and gives a shoutout to those who placed second and third for each category.

                  The full list of results will be released over the next few days.

Best Place to Study Off Campus: Hae’s Bakery & Coffee

Its cozy atmosphere and easy access to baked goods and caffeine have won Hae’s Bakery & Coffee the title of Best Place to Study Off Campus. Hae’s beat out Lincoln Library and Washington Park.

“To the UIS community, we just want to say thank you. Your support, whether it’s stopping in for a quick coffee or spending hours studying, is what makes Hae’s what it is. We’re grateful to be a part of this community and look forward to continuing to serve you,” said Hae’s owner, Amy Benad.

Best Place to Study On Campus: Brookens Library

For the second year in a row, Brookens wins best campus study spot. Not only does the library offer an atmosphere free of most outside distractions, but it also contains many academic resources and collaborative spaces for groups to study together. The Student Union and the Learning Hub took second and third place, respectively.

Student Who Best Represents the UIS Spirit: Anh H. Nguyen

Nguyen, a biology major, has been selected by her peers as the student that best represents the UIS spirit. Braden Nuttal and Emily Lupi placed second and third, respectively.

“I feel pretty surprised and happy that I was nominated and won. I hope the UIS campus community will grow even stronger and become more interconnected with each other,” said Nguyen.

Best Meal at the Student Union: Panini

The panini from World Flavors in the Student Union has won the best meal for the second year in a row. This comes as no surprise to anyone who has passed the cafeteria when paninis are on the menu and seen the line stretching out the door. Second and third place were taken by the rotating specials and the California chicken.

Best Campus Feature: Koi Pond

The UIS community voted the koi pond outside the Health & Sciences Building as the best campus feature for the second year in a row. The Student Union placed second and the Colonnade placed third.