Student Accommodation Champaign (Illinois)

Finding top-tier student accommodation in Champaign, Illinois, is simple with University Living. Whether you’re attending the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) or Parkland College, our experts help you secure a comfortable home.

We offer affordable student housing in Champaign, prioritizing safety and convenience. Rent often includes utilities, avoiding surprise costs. Choose from private studios, shared apartments, or ensuite rooms, tailored to your budget and preferences.

Our accommodations are located near UIUC’s campus and other key areas, ensuring short commutes. Properties feature modern amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, study spaces, fitness centers, and social lounges, all meeting high-quality standards for a great living experience.

With University Living, explore housing options from vibrant flats in Campustown to quiet studios in Urbana. Contact us today to find your ideal student accommodation in Champaign and enhance your university journey!

Student accommodation in Champaign, Illinois, caters to diverse needs, with most options clustered near UIUC for easy campus access. Here are the top types of housing available:

1. University Halls

UIUC’s residence halls, like Illinois Street Residence Halls or Allen Hall, are popular for freshmen and sophomores. They offer community-focused living with dining halls, study rooms, and events, ideal for campus immersion.

2. Student Housing

Purpose-built student accommodations (PBSAs) are affordable and safe, located near UIUC. Fully furnished with desks, beds, and kitchens, they include social spaces. Options include:

• Studio Rooms: Private units with a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen, perfect for independence.
• Ensuite Rooms: Private bedroom and bathroom with shared kitchen and lounge, balancing privacy and socializing.

3. Shared Apartments

Shared apartments provide private bedrooms with shared kitchens and living areas, common in Campustown or Green Street. They’re budget-friendly and social, near eateries like Black Dog Smoke & Ale House.

4. Private Apartments

Private apartments offer spacious living for students seeking independence, found in areas like North Champaign. With full kitchens and parking, they suit upperclassmen or groups.

5. Homestays

Homestays deliver a family-like experience, great for international students wanting cultural immersion. Often including meals, they’re affordable and accessible to UIUC by bus or bike.

These options ensure students find a comfortable home in Champaign. Explore University Living’s listings for top picks near UIUC!

Champaign, Illinois, attracts over 10,000 international students, primarily to UIUC, due to its academic prestige, vibrant community, and affordability. UIUC alone enrolls ~12,000 international scholars from 110+ countries, contributing ~$300 million to the local economy.

UIUC ranks among the top U.S. public universities, excelling in engineering, computer science, and agriculture, with a diverse, welcoming campus. Champaign’s micro-urban vibe blends small-town charm with urban perks—think global cuisines at Sakanaya, live music at The Canopy Club, and festivals like the Urbana Sweetcorn Festival. Outdoor spots like Allerton Park offer relaxation, and the city’s safety enhances its appeal.

Champaign’s cost of living is 13% below the national average, with student accommodation starting at ~$500/month via University Living. Free MTD buses and bike-sharing make commuting easy. Chicago, 130 miles away, is accessible for weekend trips.

What Is the History of Champaign?

Champaign’s past shapes its identity:

• 1855: Founded as West Urbana, tied to railroad growth.
• 1867: UIUC established, driving development.
• 20th Century: Grew as an academic and cultural hub.
• Today: A diverse, student-driven city with global reach.

What Are Some Interesting Facts About Champaign?

• UIUC’s Alma Mater statue is a campus icon.
• Champaign hosts the Ebertfest film festival, founded by Roger Ebert.
• Over 60 languages are spoken, reflecting diversity.
• The Krannert Center for the Performing Arts is world-class.
• Champaign’s bike lanes span 40+ miles.

Champaign’s academics, culture, and affordability make it a top pick for international students. Find your accommodation with University Living today!

Choosing student accommodation in Champaign, Illinois, depends on affordability, safety, and proximity to UIUC and Parkland College. The city’s neighborhoods offer purpose-built student accommodations (PBSAs) with modern amenities, enhancing the student experience. Here are five top areas, featuring housing from University Living.

1. Campustown – Student Epicenter

• Campustown, around Green Street, pulses with UIUC life, offering eateries like Maize, bars, and shops. Walkable to classes, it’s ideal for social students.
• Ideal for: Those craving campus energy.
• Top accommodation: HERE Champaign – Studios and ensuites with rooftop terraces, steps from UIUC.

2. Urbana – Quiet & Academic

• Urbana, east of UIUC, is calmer, with tree-lined streets and cafes like Flying Machine. Bike or bus to campus, perfect for focused students.
• Ideal for: Students seeking peace.
• Top accommodation: Illini Tower – Furnished studios near Urbana’s parks, close to UIUC.

3. North Champaign – Affordable & Modern

• North Champaign offers budget-friendly PBSAs near County Market, with bus routes to UIUC. It’s great for cost-conscious students.
• Ideal for: Thrifty commuters.
• Top accommodation: The Village at Colbert Park – Ensuites with fitness centers, near Northside amenities.

4. Downtown Champaign – Urban Vibe

• A few blocks from UIUC, Downtown boasts bars like The Blind Pig and cultural spots like the Art Theater. It suits artsy students.
• Ideal for: Urban explorers.
• Top accommodation: 309 Green – Modern flats with study lounges, walkable to campus.

5. West Champaign – Family-Friendly

• West of UIUC, this area has newer apartments and parks like Kaufman Lake, a short drive to campus. Ideal for graduate students.
• Ideal for: Those wanting space.
• Top accommodation: Yugo Champaign – Spacious rooms with gyms, near Westside trails.

These areas provide safe, comfortable student housing in Champaign. Explore with University Living for a smooth move!

Champaign, Illinois, offers a student-friendly cost of living, averaging $1,100–$1,500/month for essentials, excluding tuition. About 13% below the national average, it’s affordable for UIUC and Parkland students. Here’s a breakdown with savings tips.

Breakdown of Student Expenses in Champaign:

• Rent for Student Housing: $500–$1,100/month. PBSAs via University Living start at ~$500/month, often including utilities.
• Food & Groceries: $150–$300/month. Cooking with Harvest Market groceries costs ~$150; dining at Murphy’s Pub hits $300.
• Gas & Electricity: $80–$150/month. Many PBSAs cover these; off-campus splits average $100.
• Internet & Mobile Phone: $40–$120/month. Wi-Fi’s often included in PBSAs; mobile plans run $25–$60.
• Dining Out: $80–$200/month. Budget spots like Papa Del’s keep costs low; frequent dining adds up.
• Laundry: $20–$50/month. PBSAs include laundry (~$1.50/load); laundromats cost more.
• Stationery & Textbooks: $40–$100/month. Renting or buying used at Illini Union Bookstore saves cash.
• Clothing & Shopping: $80–$150/month. Thrift shops and Market Place Mall discounts help.
• Travel Costs: $0–$50/month. Free MTD buses or biking cut costs; rideshare adds ~$50.

How Can Students Save on Living Costs in Champaign?

• Choose Affordable PBSAs: University Living’s options near UIUC, starting at $500/month, save on rent and transit.
• Cook at Home: Shop at Aldi to keep food at ~$150/month, saving $100+ over eating out.
• Use Student Discounts: UIUC IDs unlock deals at Krannert Center and eateries, saving ~$50/month.
• Ride Free Transit: MTD buses or VeoRide bikes mean $0 transport costs.
• Share Utilities: Split bills in shared ensuites via University Living to drop costs to ~$50/person.

Budgeting wisely lets students enjoy Champaign’s festivals and Illini games affordably. Find PBSAs with University Living to optimize your budget!

Champaign, Illinois, offers student-friendly transit, making it easy for UIUC and Parkland students to navigate affordably. Free buses, bike programs, and trains keep mobility flexible. Here are the top options and savings tips, with housing insights from University Living.

Transportation Options:

• MTD Buses: Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) offers free rides with a UIUC student ID, covering 20+ routes to campus, downtown, and Urbana. Buses run daily, ideal for PBSAs in Campustown.
• VeoRide Bike-Sharing: UIUC’s bike program provides rentals across 40+ miles of bike lanes, like Green Street. Free for short trips with a student ID, upkeep costs ~$30–$80/year, great for Urbana residents.
• Amtrak at Illinois Terminal: Downtown Champaign’s train station connects to Chicago (~$15–$30) and St. Louis, perfect for weekend trips. A short walk from Downtown PBSAs.
• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): For late-night outings to Joe’s Brewery or errands, rides cost $5–$15. Useful for West Champaign PBSAs when buses are less frequent.

Are There Student Discount Cards for Travel in Champaign?

• UIUC Student ID: Grants free MTD bus rides and VeoRide access, saving ~$50/month. No extra card needed.
• MTD Student Pass: Non-UIUC students (e.g., Parkland) get discounted fares (~$1/ride), but UIUC’s free access is broader.

Budgeting for Transport in Champaign

• Monthly Cost: $0–$50. Buses and biking keep costs at $0; rideshare adds ~$50.
• Housing Tip: Choose PBSAs near UIUC via University Living to walk or bike, cutting transit to $0. Studios start at ~$500/month with bike storage.

Champaign’s transit lets students explore its vibrant scene effortlessly. Find housing with University Living to stay connected!

Champaign, Illinois, blends academic energy with cultural and natural gems, perfect for UIUC and Parkland students to explore. These attractions showcase the city’s vibrant spirit. Here are five must-visit spots, with housing tips from University Living.

1. Krannert Art Museum

On UIUC’s campus, this free museum displays 10,000+ works, from ancient art to modern pieces, with student exhibits.

Why Visit?: A cultural escape for art lovers.

2. Memorial Stadium

Home to the Fighting Illini, this 60,000-seat stadium hosts thrilling football games. Tours (~$5) reveal its history.

Why Visit?: Feel Illini pride up close.

3. Allerton Park

A 1,500-acre retreat 20 miles southwest, with gardens, sculptures, and trails. Entry is free, ideal for hikes.

Why Visit?: Nature’s serenity near campus.

4. Japan House

UIUC’s cultural gem offers tea ceremonies and gardens, free to visit, fostering peace and reflection.

Why Visit?: A unique cultural experience.

5. Downtown Champaign

With bars like The Blind Pig, eateries like Seven Saints, and the Art Theater, Downtown buzzes with life.

Why Visit?: Urban fun steps from UIUC.

These spots capture Champaign’s charm, ideal for students. Affordable housing starting at ~$500/month via University Living keeps you close to the action!