5 Things to Consider When Choosing Your First UIUC Apartment

Whether you’re moving from the dorms or somewhere else, the task of finding an apartment that is the perfect fit for you can seem daunting. When there are so many things to consider, sometimes it’s hard to tell where to start! Luckily for the students of UIUC, there are a variety of awesome options for students on and off-campus. No matter your requirements, we’re sure you will find the right fit. And when you’re starting your journey, we compiled the perfect list of things to cross off to ensure you get exactly what you want and need. 

Location 

Depending on where your classes are, and the locations you need the quickest access to, location is at the top of the list of where to consider living. When talking about apartment rental or buying, you might have heard “location, location, location!” as it is often regarded as the hardest decision to make and the most important. 

But don’t let that stress you out – when it comes to UIUC apartments, you simply cannot go wrong, just like any other college town. Everything will be close, and if you have a car it will be easier than ever to get around. If you don’t, many complexes offer shuttles to campus. Start by identifying where you will need to be most often, and start your search in that area. Expand if you can’t find exactly what you need, but you won’t have a hard time finding something in your desired area! 

Size 

If you’re coming from the dorms, any apartment off-campus will feel like a mansion! Use that to your advantage and admire the space Urbana/Champaign provides because as soon as you move to a big city, you’ll have to get used to that 500 square foot room again. If you have a pet and are looking for an outdoor space or room for them, make sure that it is at the top of your priority list when looking.

Commonly apartments near UIUC are between 800 and 1200 square feet, but you can find something even bigger if you’re lucky. And if you’re looking to move with roommates, especially more than one you will get more space for the same amount of money. You might have to choose a location or size over each other – make sure you know what you need and what is most important! 

Parking

People transitioning to their own apartment after the dorms often forget to consider parking and transportation. With a large portion of students walking everywhere, we often forget UIUC is a college that is accessible in numerous ways. When searching for the perfect place, consider the street parking vs, a private parking spot, etc. Make note if there’s room for friends and family to come visit, too! We’re aiming for the skies. 

Perks 

To some, this may be the most important part. Forget location and size; does the apartment have an in-unit washer and dryer? Do they have a dishwasher? A backyard? If you’re trying to get the most bang for your buck, deciding what kind of things are necessary for your apartment can easily help you cross apartments off your list. 

For college students, usually dishwashers and in-unit laundry are a luxury compared to the dorms, but tons of other perks come along with apartment life. For one, a full kitchen so you can finally cook and avoid the dining facilities. If an updated kitchen is important to you make sure you put that at the top of your wish list when searching. Also consider whether you will need/want an outdoor space or balcony, a large closet, extra storage, etc. 

Price 

Last but not least – one of the most important things to consider when moving into a new apartment is the price. Since Urbana/Champaign is a college town, they have tons of affordable housing for students where rent can easily be only a few hundred dollars a  month with roommates. But if you’re able and willing to spend more, and dont want roommates, you can easily find a decent apartment for under $1000 a month. Price will also depend on whether you want a fully furnished apartment or will be bringing your own stuff. There are tons of perks to having roommates and the biggest one is the shared rent. Whatever your price range or requirements, you will surely find something that checks off all your boxes.