Top 10 Tips for Finding the Perfect Apartment Near UIUC

Finding a new apartment in Chicago can be daunting, whether you are a resident or a student. With so many things to consider, it can be hard to know where to start. Luckily, the students of UIUC have some of the best options on campus and off. The biggest reward of finding a new place is coming home daily happy with where you live. Here are the top 10 tips for finding a new apartment near UIUC. 

Start Your UIUC Apartment Search Early

Starting early could be the key to landing your perfect apartment. Ask around at the end of the school year and see if there are any preferred apartments by other students you know, and see if you can visit some spots before coming home for the summer. The sooner you start considering where and whom you want to live with, the sooner you can sign up for your first choice spot! 

Determine Your Apartment Budget

The price is one of the most important things to consider when moving into a new apartment. Since Urbana/Champaign is a college town, they have tons of affordable housing for students, and rent can easily be only a few hundred dollars a month with roommates. But if you’re willing to spend more and don’t 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 stuff. Having roommates has many perks;d the biggest one is the shared rent.

Prioritize Location on Campus

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 it comes to UIUC apartments, you cannot go wrong, just like any other college town. Everything will be close, and the campus has amenities like shuttles and public transportation to ensure you get to class on time. 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 keep your ideal location in mind when looking. 

Consider Safety and Security 

While UIUC is considered an incredibly safe campus, it’s always good to ensure your building is doing everything it can to keep you safe. Are your apartment’s appliances up to code? Is everything fixed? Are there cameras outside and working locks on the doors? These are all good questions to ask before signing a lease. 

Evaluate Building Amenities and Features 

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? Outdoor space? If you’re trying to get the most bang for your buck, deciding what is necessary for your apartment can easily help you cross apartments off your list. 

Usually, the most important amenities for college students are dishwashers and in-unit laundry, 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. Also, consider whether you will need/want an outdoor space or balcony, a large closet, extra storage, etc. 

Understanding Leases

A lease is a legally binding document, so pay close attention before signing. Get a second opinion from your parents or utilize the school resources for such a thing. By reading your lease, you will know when payment is due and the policies regarding subletting, maintenance, utilities, and more. 

Consider Roommates And Apartment 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 Champaign/Urbana provides. If you have a pet and are looking for an outdoor space or room for them or space for them to run around, make sure that it is at the top of your priority list when looking. If you want more bang for your buck and don’t want to live alone, considering roommates is the best option! You get more space, more amenities, and more times to hangout with your friends. 

View Apartments in Person

While you’re still on campus and not home for the summer, touring apartments can be crucial for securing the one you want. There might be weird hours or scheduling conflicts that can make it hard to fit apartment viewings into your schedule, but trusting the pictures on the leasing websites is never what you want. Make sure to go in person to ensure the apartment meets expectations. 

Check for Maintenance and Management 

Inquiring about maintenance and management can be easy to weed out apartments you don’t like. Checking in about their response times, how requests are handled, and reading online reviews can all help you understand if an apartment will be a good fit for you. 

Review your Options 

Once you have visited everywhere you want, make a pros and cons list for each apartment to see what you like the best. It’s easy to get excited about the first apartment you see, but sitting down to think about what you need in a living space can be hard to do. Finding the perfect apartment is all about balancing your needs with what is available.