Quick Stats
Undergrads in Off Campus Housing
50 %
Best Time to Look for a Place
October/November (beginning of first semester)
Average Rents
- 1 BR - $600.00
- 2 BR - $800.00
- 4 BR - $1,600.00
- Studio - $500.00
Popular Areas
- Fourth Street
- Green Street
- Mattis Avenue
- Wright Street
College Prowler Take
Most students at U of I will tell you that off-campus housing is the only way to go after freshman year—if you're not already living in a Greek house, of course. Living in the dorms for four years is just not an option for most people, not just because of the “dork” stigma, but also because it is not necessary or financially smart. There are housing options all over campus, and most of them are closer to the Quad than the dorms are—and virtually all are much cheaper This housing generally comes with a parking space and air conditioning. Most importantly, it gives residents the option of hosting parties and offers residents more space and privacy.
Even if you are still sharing a room, you won’t have to wear flip-flops in the shower or eat with 300 other people. Some people might still choose to buy a meal package, but most people are more than willing to cook their own meals for a change. On the other hand, the newest, nicest apartments can be costly. You might have to choose between a cheap, ugly apartment and a chic but expensive one. The only thing you should not settle for is a bad landlord. The Student Tenant Union is there for this very reason. Before you even rent an apartment, you should check with the Tenant Union to see if the apartment or landlord has had complaints filed against them. If so, you probably don’t want to live there. Also, if you do end up with a bad landlord, you can go to the Union and complain. They will tell you your rights and help you with any housing questions.
Students Speak Out
Love your school more than free food? Hate your school more than term papers?
Somewhere in between? Show the world what YOU think of YOUR school:
Anonymous says:  |
Housing off campus is generally...
Housing off campus is generally convenient as long as you make a decision early. I would say it is worth it. It is cheaper to live in an apartment than the dorms. |
Anonymous says: |
Many students appreciate having...
Many students appreciate having their own room after living in the dorm and sharing such a small living space, but others choose to continue to live in dorms because they enjoy the convenience of the dining halls and computer labs. |
Anonymous says: |
Having an apartment is valuable...
Having an apartment is valuable because the student can cook whatever she or he wants without waiting for it to appear on the dining hall menu, and some apartment complexes allow pets, which is also important to some students. |
Anonymous says: |
I think that housing off campus...
I think that housing off campus can be very convenient. However, depending on the area and location where you live, the price can be outrageous for some people. |
Anonymous says: |
Many students choose to get...
Many students choose to get apartments off campus. It can be fairly inexpensive to do so, especially with roommates so that utilities are split between people. Price does not necessarily correspond to location, as one can find a decent apartment for $250–$300/month in the same block as a $450+/month apartment. |
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