Choosing where you’ll make your home, whether you’re in C-U for a few months or a few years, is an important decision and C-U has a variety of options: on-campus and off-campus, homes and apartments, modern and historic.
Find a place that suits your needs, tastes, and budget while making Illinois your academic home. Because the university is located where Champaign and Urbana meet, both cities are convenient to campus. There are neighborhoods in each that are within walking or biking distance of your campus hub, and many are accessible by public transportation.
University Housing
The university offers Family and Graduate Housing in three different apartment communities and two graduate/upper-division residence halls.
University housing has many advantages: units are located on campus, are convenient to bus lines, include utilities, offer furnished and unfurnished options, and provide community programs.
For more information or to submit an application, visit the University Housing website.
- Explore the unique apartment communities: University Apartments at Orchard Downs, Goodwin-Green, and Ashton Woods.
- Learn more about the graduate upper-division halls, Daniels Hall and Sherman Hall, which offer welcoming, diverse communities, with great amenities and convenient locations.
Off-Campus Housing
For those preferring off-campus living arrangements, privately owned housing is plentiful in Champaign and Urbana. The University offers Privately Certified Housing in that is part of the University’s housing program. You can also search for apartment leasing companies in the CU area to explore their availability, or use real estate listing sites to find places that suit your needs.
The Off-Campus Community Living office has tips to help you with your housing search, and a detailed Apartment Hunting Checklist.
If you have questions about security deposits, leases, navigating relationships with landlords, or anything else related to your housing experience, schedule an appointment with the Off-Campus Community Living office or visit their website for additional information.
Housing Tips
- Start searching for housing early since some housing options get booked in the spring and early summer.
- If you’re not familiar with the area, ask current graduate students in your department to suggest potential neighborhoods.
- Walkscore.com can help inform your housing search. Enter a potential address and quickly see what grocery stores, restaurants, libraries, and more are located within walking distance.
- Some graduate students take advantage of the low housing costs by purchasing a condo or home.
- Consider purchasing renter’s insurance to protect your personal property.
- Visit the Off Campus and Community Living Office website for tips on setting a budget and an apartment hunting checklist. They are also available to meet with you if you have questions.
- Student Legal Services has resources to help you navigate your lease. Visit their website to learn more tips before you move in, information about online lease scam, and resources to help you more fully understand the terms of your lease.