Illinois State University - Campus Housing

B-

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On-Campus Housing Available?		Yes
Campus Housing Capacity		6,599
Average Housing Costs		$4,326
Freshmen Required to Live on Campus?		Yes
Undergrads Living On Campus		33%
Freshmen Living On Campus		97%
Number of Dormitories		8
Number of Campus-Owned Apartments		2
Best Freshman Dorms		Hewett Hall Manchester Hall
Best Upperclassman Dorms		Watterson Towers Wilkins, Haynie, and Wright Halls (Tri-Towers)
Worst Freshman Dorms		Watterson Towers Wilkins, Haynie, and Wright Halls (Tri-Towers)
Worst Upperclassman Dorms		Watterson Towers Wilkins, Haynie, and Wright Halls (Tri-Towers)

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

Dorm life is difficult for most students, but Illinois State University helps ease the transition. There are eight main dorms for students to choose from, all of which include a number of different amenities. Students are required to live in the dorms for two years, so it is not uncommon to see freshmen and sophomores meandering about. Most of the dorms at ISU have been newly remodeled within the past few years and contain new furniture. Many students complain that the rooms are small and that it is difficult to live in such a tight space with someone you do not know. There are ways to get around the space issue, such as lofting your bed to add more floor room. While students may find it difficult to live with another person, each floor has a large lounge for studying, relaxing, or escaping.Overall, all of the dorms are located on campus and are within a 10-minute walk to class, which makes them convenient for students.

Most student athletes live in the Tri-Towers (Wilkins, Haynie, and Wright Halls) because the athletic facilities are within the same vicinity. Watterson Towers, the 28-story, twin-tower complex, is the most popular place to live on campus. However, Watterson can be confusing to get around in because the elevators do not stop on every floor and each wing is called by a different president’s name (example: "Monroe"). Atkin-Colby and Hamilton-Whitten are the only "wet" dorms, which mean people over the age of 21 are allowed to bring in alcohol. However, these dorms are set to be torn down after the summer of 2012.

Illinois State Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Campus Housing at Illinois State University

mydugas

'15

Communications

B+

Campus Living

The dorms are very nice. The school is tearing down some of the old dorms and are providing students apartment-sytle university housing.

Feb 07, 2012

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Campus Housing at Illinois State University

amangas1

'12

Registered Nursing (RN)

A

Food and Rec Center

Illinois State has many food establishments near campus. On campus, there is Mcallisters which is like a Panera, a Burger King, Freshens smoothie place, Einstein's Bagels and coffee, and Pizza Hut. Near campus, there's a Noodles, Potbelly's, Chipotle, Meathead's, Jimmy Johns, Dominos Pizza. The campus also has an excellent Rec Center to work out at, the machines even have TV's on them! There is also a Jamba Juice inside the rec center for if you need a boost of protein or energy afterwards.

Dec 05, 2011

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Campus Housing at Illinois State University

ashleycurry

'15

Computer and Information Systems Security

B

College Life

College is really fun. The dorms are very comfortable and the people are nice. there are a lot of helpful people around. Of course college is expensive, but it will be worth it in the end.

Nov 17, 2011

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Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate campus housing on the following subjects

Facts

Types of Housing Offered		Apartments for married students Apartments for single students Coed dorms Fraternity/sorority housing Special housing for disabled students Special housing for international students Theme housing Wellness housing Women's dorms
Room Types		Doubles Singles Super-singles Triples
Bed Types		Bunkable beds Twin extra-long
What You Get		Basic cable Bed Closet Desk and chair Dresser Fitness center Internet connection Laundry facilities Lounges Phone (except Wilkins) Recreation areas Study areas Study lamp Window drapes
Also Available		Special interest or academic lifestyle housing is available in Atkin-Colby and Manchester Halls. Lifestyle housing is available in the Tri-Towers and Watterson Towers.

Available for Rent

Mini-fridges, lofts

Cleaning Service

Public areas are cleaned at the same time daily. Cleaning is done thoroughly, but if extra cleaning is required, the floor will be fined.

Did You Know?

Watterson Towers is not only the tallest residence hall on campus, but it's also one of the tallest in the world and the highest vantage point between Chicago and St. Louis.
The 11th floor of Atkin-Colby (which no longer houses students, but is used for storage) is believed to be haunted.
Atkin-Colby and Hamilton-Whitten are the only "wet" dorms on campus, which means alcohol is allowed for residents over the age of 21.

DormitoriesWhat's This?

Atkin-Colby Hall
Floors: 10
Number of Occupants: 250–499
Bathrooms: Communal
Coed: Yes
Residents: Freshmen and upperclassmen
Room Types: Singles, doubles
Special Features: This hall offers nine-month housing and remains open during University breaks. Most floors are designated for special interest or academic lifestyles.

Hamilton-Whitten Hall
Floors: 10
Number of Occupants: 250–499
Bathrooms: Communal
Coed: Yes
Residents: Upperclassmen and graduate students
Room Types: Singles, doubles
Special Features: This hall offers nine-month housing and remains open during University breaks.

Haynie Hall
Floors: 11
Number of Occupants: 250–499
Bathrooms: Communal
Coed: Yes
Residents: Freshmen and upperclassmen
Room Types: Singles, doubles
Special Features: In August 2006, renovation was completed on Haynie Hall. It is part of West Campus (or Tri-Towers) along with Wilkins and Wright Halls.

Hewett Hall
Floors: 17
Number of Occupants: 750–999
Bathrooms: Communal
Coed: Yes
Residents: Freshmen and upperclassmen
Room Types: Singles, doubles
Special Features: Hewett is close to Milner Library and Bone Student Center.

Manchester Hall
Floors: 17
Number of Occupants: 750–999
Bathrooms: Communal
Coed: Yes
Residents: Freshmen and upperclassmen
Room Types: Singles, doubles
Special Features: Manchester is close to Milner Library and Bone Student Center.

Watterson Towers
Floors: 28
Number of Occupants: 1,000+
Bathrooms: Suite
Coed: Yes
Residents: Freshmen and upperclassmen
Room Types: Six-room suites (singles, doubles, and triples)
Special Features: Watterson Towers is one of the world’s tallest residence halls, and it features a food court that offers a wide variety of items and venues.

Wilkins Hall
Floors: 11
Number of Occupants: 250–499
Bathrooms: Communal
Coed: Yes
Residents: Freshmen and upperclassmen
Room Types: Singles, doubles
Special Features: In August 2005, renovation was completed on Wilkins Hall. It is part of West Campus (or Tri-Towers) along with Haynie and Wright Halls.

Wright Hall
Floors: 11
Number of Occupants: 250–499
Bathrooms: Communal
Coed: Yes
Residents: Freshmen and upperclassmen
Room Types: Singles, doubles
Special Features: In August 2007, renovation was completed on Wright Hall. It is part of West Campus (or Tri-Towers) along with Haynie and Wilkins Halls.

Campus-Owned ApartmentsWhat's This?

Cardinal Court
Floors: 2
Number of Units: 100–249
Bathrooms: Private
Coed: Yes (single-sex by unit)
Residents: Upperclassmen and graduate students
Room Types: One- and two-bedroom apartments (unfurnished)
As of January 2011, this building is under construction, with a new housing project moving forward. Questions about the future of Cardinal Court can be directed to University Housing Services at (309) 438-8611.
Special Features: Monthly rent includes water, basic cable TV, and broadband Internet.

Shelbourne Drive
Floors: 2
Number of Units: 100–249
Bathrooms: Private
Coed: Yes (single-sex by unit)
Residents: Upperclassmen and graduate students
Room Types: One- and two-bedroom two-story town homes (unfurnished)
Special Features: There are two modified apartments for people who use wheelchairs. Monthly rent includes water, basic cable TV, and broadband Internet.

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Hometown: Lake Zurich, IL

Major: Journalism

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