URBANA — Unlike last year, when Uni had a whopping 12 transfers, this year the school has only two new students (not including subfreshmen). A month into the school year, some of their classmates have already gotten to know freshman Andrew Graham and sophomore Nikita Dutta fairly well. For the rest of us, here's a brief introduction to Uni's 2009-10 transfers.

NIKITA DUTTA

Nikita Dutta moved to C-U from Ann Arbor, Mich. Gargoyle photo (click to enlarge)

If Nikita had a million dollars, she would take a vacation to Australia. When asked what she would do in the land down under, the sophomore says she would go to the desert and find kangaroos.

Where are you from?

Ann Arbor, Mich.

What was the name of your old school?

Huron High School.

How old are you?

Fourteen.

What's your old school like? How does it differ from Uni?

My old school was much bigger than Uni, something like 2,250 students. The hallways were packed and our lockers were tiny, but I still liked it. Our proud mascot, believe it or not, was the "River Rat" (because we were near the Huron River), and our colors were green and yellow.

Why did you come to Uni?

I came to Uni because my family moved to Illinois at the beginning of August.

Do you like it?

I like it so far, but it will take some getting used to.

What's your favorite class and who's your favorite teacher?

As of now, my favorite class is English with Ms. [Suzanne] Linder.

Who's your role model?

My role model is my mom.

Other Favorites

• Color: Red
• Singer: Jason Mraz
• Food: Mashed potatoes
• Movie: "My Big Fat Greek Wedding"
• Book: "My Sister's Keeper"
• Actor/actress: I don't really have one
• Sport: Soccer
• Hobby: Playing with my puppy
• Drink: Just water
• Article of clothing: Jeans

ANDREW "DREW" GRAHAM

Drew Graham transferred from St. Thomas More in Champaign. Gargoyle photo (click to enlarge)

When Eunjung and Nancy met Drew on his transfer orientation day, the freshman appeared calm and collected, with absolutely no anxiety about being a newcomer.

What was the name of your old school?

St. Thomas More.

What's your old school like? How does it differ from Uni?

[My] old school was a Catholic school, and they had strict uniform policies.

Why did you come to Uni?

I came for the great education and the overall great learning environment.

Do you like it?

Absolutely.

What's your favorite class and who's your favorite teacher?

[My] favorite class would have to be yearbook, just because I enjoy using computers. For my favorite teacher, I'd say I like the way Mr. Russell [math teacher Craig Russell] teaches the most.

Who is your role model?

My role model would have to be my dad.

Other favorites

• Color: Dark green or dark blue
• Singer: [I] don’t really have one, but I enjoy the band I Fight Dragons
• Food: Sushi
• Movie: Any well-done zombie movie
• Book: Anything from Neil Gaiman
• Actor: Anyone who is good at acting
• Sport: To watch, football; to play, paintball
• Hobby: Finding music no one has ever heard of
• Drink: Naked Juice
• Article of clothing: Probably pants