Living at Illinois
Q&A
Why is housing an important part of the college experience, especially for freshmen?
Housing provides the smooth transition from high school to college. Education is not limited to the classroom. It’s about embracing diversity, navigating conflict, and learning to live with other people. Whereas high school is very structured with somewhat limited options, college is needs-based and interest-based with a variety of opportunities. These opportunities allow students to grow personally, professionally, and academically. Housing is one place for that personal development.
How should new students choose between University Housing and Private Certified Housing?
Choosing between University and Private Certified Housing depends on what you’re looking for. With Private Certified Housing, students have a dining program that limits them to eating in their hall. There is much more of an apartment feel; students live with multiple people in a suite-type room. With University Housing, students can eat in any University residence hall. There can also be a greater community living feel; two or three people live in a room. It provides an environment for a close-knit community.
What is your advice when choosing University housing?
Each and every dorm holds value for students. There is a common misconception that the Urbana South halls are farther from the main areas of campus but Urbana South and Urbana North, as well as the dorms in Champaign, are actually located the same distance from the Quad. Various residence halls offer Living Learning Communities, which are specialized environments focused on creating a more personal experience with your fellow residents. Whatever your interest, there is a hall for you.
What events or activities are offered by housing?
Our mission is to supplement the academic education. We provide a wide range of programs that are on an as-needed basis. What are you interested in? What do you want to know more about? We tailor our programs depending on student feedback. The events and activities are for students so we want to make them as beneficial as possible for students.
How can new students have the best housing experience?
Get involved through activities hosted through housing and across campus. Utilize resident directors, resident advisors, professors, and fellow students as resources. The University is large, but it can feel as big or as small as you want it to be. Housing is one area where you can personalize your experience and form a small community within the larger University.