Student Housing Champaign, IL

Champaign is one of the top choices for international students to pursue higher education, and therefore, every year, thousands of students come to the city to study at some of the top universities in the US. However, one of the main problems that students face is finding the right student housing in Champaign.

Since the number of students coming to the city is rising, the availability of student rooms is decreasing. Therefore, it is in such situations that University Living comes into the picture. With over a decade of rich experience, we have helped millions of students find their home away from home. If you are a student who wishes to pursue higher education in Champaign, you are at the right place. Reach out to our property experts to grab your best housing in Champaign.

Champaign is home to some of the top universities in the United States, and therefore, several thousand students come to the city every year to become a part of the vibrant student community of Champaign. These students fly in from all across the world, and therefore, one of the major problems they face even before coming to the city is finding the right student housing in Champaign. Student housing in the USA are divided into 2 major types, namely, Student Housing and Private Apartments. These have been explained briefly below:

Student Housing

Also referred to as Purpose-Built Student Accommodations (PBSA), these are special properties that are built specifically for students. The best part about these properties is that most of them include utility bills like electricity, water, and gas in their rent. Plus, several other amenities are provided that a student might require while pursuing their education in the city. These properties are further divided into 4 types which have been explained below:

• Shared Apartments: These are the most affordable student rooms in Champaign and are mostly preferred by first-year students who are new to the country. This not only helps them socialize but also makes sure that students always have someone to rely upon while coming to a new country. In a shared apartment, students get to share a room with 2/3 other occupants along with a shared bathroom, living room, and kitchen.

• En-Suite Accommodations: These are the most preferred type of student housing in Champaign, as students get to have an entire room for themselves along with an attached bathroom, a shared living room, and a shared kitchen. These cost a bit more than a shared apartment but offer better privacy and comfort.

• Non-En-Suite Accommodations: These properties are very similar to an En-Suite Accommodation. The only visible difference between the two is that in a Non-Ensuite Accommodation, students do not get a bathroom with their room. They only get a personal room, and the bathroom is shared among other occupants of the property.
  

• Studio Apartments: These apartments are the best properties for students who wish to have a high level of privacy and comfort. A studio apartment is an independent unit in which students get to have a bed, bathroom, and a kitchen. These are also one of the most expensive options for student accommodation in Champaign. However, every single penny spent is worth it!

Private Apartments

A private apartment is one of the best properties that you can get as a student in Champaign. Students get to have an entire apartment with 2/3 rooms, along with attached bathrooms, a living room, and a kitchen. All of this is for just one person.

However, these properties are best suited for working professionals and 3rd or 4th year students who know about the city and can manage their expenses properly. This is because, unlike PBSAs, the rent in Private Apartments does not include utility bills like electricity, water, gas, and Wi-Fi bills. Every expense that you make is an extra on top of the rent. Also, these properties might come with some or no furnishings at all!

Champaign, Illinois, is a friendly Midwestern city located about two hours south of Chicago. It is best known as the home of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a major university with over 50,000 students. Unlike sunny coastal cities, Champaign experiences four distinct seasons, hot summers, cold snowy winters, and colorful springs and falls. The city has a classic Midwestern feel: people are polite, traffic is light, and the cost of living is very affordable. This means students and residents can live comfortably without spending too much money.

Despite being surrounded by flat farmland, Champaign has a lively downtown with local breweries, coffee shops, live music, and diverse restaurants. The university brings in art, concerts, and Fighting Illini sports events. The area is walkable and bike-friendly, especially near campus. Champaign may not have beaches or mountains, but it offers a strong sense of community, good education, and a relaxed pace of life. Its motto could be: friendly people, real seasons, and big opportunities in a small package.

In terms of affordability, Champaign does not let you down. There are several student housing in Illinois that provide affordable rental options to students. However, every affordable property might not be for you. It is important to note that most of the low-cost property is not necessarily the cheapest. It means that the rent of the accommodation should be fair enough in comparison to the services and facilities provided. Some of the best properties under $800 per month in Champaign have been mentioned below:

• The Suites at Third

• South 3rd Lofts

• 501 S Sixth

• The Tower at Third

• Onyx Apartments

• The Linc Apartments

• Urbana Illinois

• Campus Circle

• The Village at Colbert Park

Note: Book the most affordable student properties under $800 only at University Living!

When it comes to student apartments in Champaign, there are a plethora of options to choose from. However, not every property is best suited for you. It is important for students to understand that choosing the right property is essential. The property that you choose must be located in close proximity to the university and major points in the city so that you can save on travelling expenses. The rent for student housing in Champaign ranges between $525 and $1150 per month!

• The Dean Campustown

• 307 E Daniel

• HERE Champaign

• Octave

• 309 Green

• Burnham 310

• 908 S. First

• Pacifica on Green

• 1008 S. First

• Latitude

Note: Book the top properties for student housing in Champaign at the best prices, only at University Living!

Champaign is considered to be one of the most affordable cities in Illinois, owing to the lower population and greater space. There are a variety of budget student housing options available in the city. Although the cost of living depends upon the lifestyle that you try to lead, if you live on a strict budget, you can expect to spend a month in the city for well under $1000. The table below highlights some of the major expenses that you might undertake as a student living in Champaign.

PS: Students must note that these figures are tentative and might change based on their actual consumption and expenses in the city! In case you want a better understanding of the cost-of-living in Champaign, you can use University Living’s exclusive cost of living calculator!

Champaign is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States. The city has calm and serene neighborhoods that feel like home. Although there are several great neighborhoods in the city, and students can stay anywhere they feel good, it is recommended that they stay in the neighborhoods that already have an established student population. This is because in case of any concerns or emergencies, students can reach out to their peers immediately. Some of the top areas for student housing in Champaign have been explained briefly below:

Campus Area (Campustown)

Located directly adjacent to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), one of the top neighborhoods for student housing in Champaign is the Campus Area! This locality is just a short 2-minute walk from the UIUC. Campus Area is a very convenient area, and everything a student might need can be found in close proximity to the university! This neighborhood is home to one of the most legendary pubs in the city, Murphy’s Pub, which has been serving the city since the 1930s, and is known for cheap beer, pool tables, and Murphy’s Burger. If you love to study during the night, Expresso Royale is going to be your most frequent spot as it stays open 24/7 and is one of the most aesthetic study cafes in the city! The average rent for student housing in the Campus Area ranges between $900 and $1150 per month!

Downtown Champaign

Located just 1-mile away from the main quadrilateral, Downtown Champaign is another one of the major neighborhoods for student apartments in Champaign and is located just 10 minutes away from the university main campus! Downtown is famous for its renovated historic buildings with exposed brick and high ceilings, and excellent transport links. This neighborhood has the highest concentration of bars and cafes in the town, and one of the major spots for students is Bacaro, a classic chic wine bar and restaurant offering a Monday “Market Menu” (seasonal tasting plates) and is also famous for its craft cocktails. One of the best hangout spots downtowns is the Virginia Theatre, a historic 1920’s theatre that still conducts events almost every week. The rent for PBSAs in this neighborhood ranges between $700 and $1000 per month!

West Champaign

Strategically located between Neil Street and extending to Mattis Avenue, West Champaign is a major area for student rooms in Champaign. This neighborhood has the highest concentration of students in the city and therefore has everything a student might require while pursuing education in Champaign! It is a short, 10-minute bus ride to the university. The best part about West Champaign is the Kaufman Lake, which has a small lake and a park with walking trails, perfect for a cool morning walk! This locality also houses the award-winning Black Dog Smoke & Ale House, which is famous for its Central Texas-style BBQ (brisket, burnt ends, pulled pork). Students can expect a long wait time during the weekends, but it is absolutely worth it! The median rent for student housing in West Champaign ranges between $600 and $900 per month!

Urbana

Located around Springfield Avenue, Urbana is another one of the most affordable neighborhoods for student housing in Champaign and is located on a short 15-minute bus ride to the university! Urbana is a quiet, quirky, and artsy neighborhood and is one of the most liberal and laid-back neighborhoods in Champaign! Some of the best places to enjoy a hot cuppa coffee are the Caffe Paradiso and the Square Mall, which also houses some great cafes and bars in the city. A place that is most frequented by students is Papa Del’s Pizza, which is known for its Iconic deep-dish and Pan pizza with a thick buttery crust. This is one of the oldest pizzerias in the city and was founded in 1968! The average rent for student properties in Urbana ranges between $550 and $750 per month!

Champaign is home to over 80,000 people, out of whom more than 50% are students. Therefore, in order to make daily commute easier for these people, the city boasts an extensive network of public transit systems that act as a lifeline for the residents of the city. The city boasts a vast network of bus services that provide last-mile connectivity throughout the city. Let’s discuss these in brief.

Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) Buses

The primary and only mode of student transport in Champaign is the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) Bus services. MTD runs 114 buses with the primary hub being at the Illinois Terminal in downtown Champaign. The best part about these services is that UIUC students get unlimited access to these services for just $59 per semester! The annual ridership of the MTD bus services exceeds 10 million rides!

Train Services

One of the main modes of intercity travel in Champaign is the train services, and these operate from the Illinois Terminal Station. Located in Downtown Champaign and around 1km away from the University of Illinois campus. Illinois Terminal Station also serves as the primary hub for regional and local transportation. These services provide great connectivity to Bloomington-Normal, Danville, Chicago, and Indianapolis. The train services offer the Amtrak Student Advantage program, which offers aa 15% discount on most fares. These services are used by students for weekend gateways to nearby cities!

Champaign is one of the most gorgeous towns in Illinois and is famous for its great architecture. Every year, thousands of students visit the town to have a look at these great tourist spots. The best part about these tourist attractions is that students get discounted or free tickets to access them. Here are the top 3 tourist attractions for students in Champaign:

Virginia Theatre

One of the best theatres in the state is the Virginia Theatre. Started in 1920, this was a movie palace and is now a performing arts venue located in Downtown Champaign. It is the most famous for its iconic marquee and restored interior, which gives it a fresh look! The Theatre now hosts films, concerts, and live performances. It is also the home to the annual Roger Ebert's Film Festival (Ebertfest). Therefore, if you are a theatre enthusiast, this is your best place to visit!

Krannert Art Museum

One of the largest fine arts museums in Illinois and the US, the Krannert Art Museum is one of the most visited places in the city. The best part about this museum is that there is no entry charge, and it is located right on the UIUC campus! This museum features over 10,000 works that showcase 5000 years of global art history! This museum is a must visit for those interested in fine arts!