UIUC Off-Campus Living: Everything You Need to Know

After your time living on campus comes to a close, moving into your first apartment off campus can be a big step. While it requires careful planning and consideration, it comes with a more independent living style and the ability to decorate and furnish your apartment however you please. Giving you more freedom and privacy, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of preparing to move and finding the best off-campus housing that fits your living style. 

Begin Your Search Early 

The key to finding a good apartment off campus is starting your search early. Everyone searching for apartments will be moving simultaneously, so there is a mad rush to find the best place with the best people. Starting 6-9 months before your move will let you completely optimize your search to find exactly what you need. Before starting, make sure to do the following:

Define Your Budget

 The price is one of the most important things to consider when moving into a new apartment. UIUC has a ton of affordable housing for students off campus, where rent can easily be only a few hundred dollars a month for roommates. Price will also depend on whether you want a fully furnished apartment or will be bringing your own stuff. Whatever your price range or requirements, you will surely find something that checks off all your boxes. 

Identify 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. 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! 

Do Research

Read reviews on local rental companies before choosing where to move. Companies renting to college students are often notorious for bad management, and you want to research which are safe to rent from to protect your future self. Ask your friends to review their last leasing company and see if you can get any intel on the best ones in your area. 

Tour Apartments and Evaluate Options

What to Look For

When touring apartments, make sure to look out for the cleanliness and upkeep of the premises. College students can tend to be hard on the things they use, and these apartments can often become rundown if not properly maintained. Also, be sure to check that appliances are working, locks on doors are working, and other details that rental companies overlook. 

Consider If You Want Roommates

Probably the most convincing perk of living in a studio and the biggest opposition to living in the dorms – no roommates! Living alone is an incredible step in every adult’s life – whether it’s in college or after. But if you’re on a budget or don’t like to live alone, living with roommates can foster community, connection, and friendship with your college pals and make your living environment fun and safe. 

Prepare To Move

Buy Essentials Apartment Items

Make a list of things you’ll need for your apartment ranging from your bed and couch to storage options and decor. Search your area for other college kids moving and graduating and getting rid of couches and bed frames and anything else you might need. By furnishing secondhand you can save money and stick to your budget. 

Set Up Apartment Utilities

Your apartment will usually tell you who to set up gas or electricity with but when it comes to wifi you have some discretion with who you pick. Getting this set up early can be very beneficial to your stress level while moving. 

Packing Your Apartment

The dreaded packing. When you’re done with a long school year and finals and all you want to do is lay… its time to pack. Hiring movers is reserved for when you have a ton of furniture but when its just you and your things, grab your friends and help each other move. The process will go quicker and you’ll have fun while doing it. 

Adjusting To Independent Life 

Budgeting: Tracking your spending closely can be an unfortunate part of living in your own apartment. When you have to pay rent and utilities, it is important to know where your money is going. By keeping a budget you can ensure you can afford textbooks, tuition and a few beers on the weekends. 

Time Management: Without the structure of dorm life and the meal plan that comes with it, it can be hard to adjust to life outside of it. Setting a new routine for cooking, cleaning and school work is crucial for your mental health, relationships and overall well being when trekking into this new journey.