It is important to apply for housing as soon as possible after you receive notification of acceptance from UIUC. There are three options for housing.

*We have no control over private housing and cannot assist with any lease cancellations due to COVID, or any other reason, should you need to depart before your lease ends. Private housing companies can hold you responsible for the entire balance of the lease, even if you leave early or never arrive. No matter what housing you choose, know the cancellation policy and all lease terms before you sign a lease. We strongly suggest using university housing for more flexibility should changes arise.

University Housing (Undergraduate and Graduate Residence Halls):

These properties are traditional dormitories for college students. Students who are at least 20 years old can choose to live in graduate housing, even if taking undergraduate classes. Typically, two students share a room. In some cases, you may be assigned to a suite, where there would be three or more students to a room. Sherman and Daniels halls are the only two Graduate Residence Halls and are geared towards undergraduate and graduate students. There are 20+ undergraduate halls which include a meal plan. Students cannot apply for University Housing until they receive their acceptance letter.

You cannot cook in dorm rooms but are permitted to rent a small refrigerator for snacks, cold drinks, etc. The bed in the dormitory comes with a mattress cover but you will need to bring or buy sheets (extra-long twin), pillows, blankets, and towels.

To apply for university housing visit: http://www.housing.illinois.edu/apply-now . You will need your netID and UIN. If you are attending during the fall semester only, still choose housing for the academic year. Prior to your departure, you should cancel your contract. The study abroad office will provide a letter to housing if needed.

To get your University housing assignment once you have paid your deposit, go to https://housing.illinois.edu/Tools/MyHousing. Do NOT put down any money to hold accommodations while you decide. It may be very difficult to get a refund. Deposits should only be made once you have made your decision. If you choose university housing, the remainder of the balance for housing will be charged at the start of the semester. If you have any questions regarding university housing, please contact housing directly at housing@illinois.edu.

Private Certified Housing:

An alternative to the University Residence Halls are Private Certified Housing. These halls are managed by external property companies, but have been "approved" by the University of Illinois. The rooms in these halls are typically bigger, but are more expensive. Several of these are also religiously affiliated.

To find certified housing options visit: http://certified.housing.illinois.edu/

Off Campus Housing:

If you seek a more independent living environment, you may consider sub-leasing an off-campus apartment from an Illinois student who will be studying abroad. 

• Sublet from an Illinois student who will studying abroad the same semester you will be in Illinois: illinois.edu/blog/view/208 

• Other sublets can be found through the UIUC Tenant Union. You will need to do some research if you wish to live in off-campus housing. http://tenantunion.odosdev.illinois.edu/

For additional information look at the ISSS (International Student and Scholar Services) website for housing. http://www.isss.illinois.edu/students/incoming/pre_arrival/housing.html

Tips for off-campus apartment hunting:

• Do NOT put down any money to hold an apartment while you decide. The landlord is not obligated to hold the place but can keep your money. Deposits should only be made once you have made your decision.

• Do not sign a full year lease if you will only be in Illinois for one semester. It can be difficult to find someone to sublease from you. Consider subleasing from an Illinois student for your semester in Illinois instead.

• See the EXACT apartment you will rent, not one that is supposed to be the same (unless it is university housing).

• Consult the Tenant Union’s landlord complaint list, to help guide your apartment search (this does not apply to campus housing).

• Bring a copy of your lease to the Tenant Union office BEFORE you sign it. A trained counselor can go over the lease with you (this does not apply to campus housing).

Regardless of what housing you choose, be sure to arrange it before arriving on campus. Most of the business courses will be in the Business Instructional Facility and Wohlers Hall. This is a large campus, so you will want to note where the dorms/apartments are located.

If you have questions regarding housing, it is best to contact your housing provider directly first. The study abroad office has no control over housing or housing policy.

Prior to your arrival to campus, check with your housing provider to see when the earliest move-in date is. If you plan to arrive early and are using university housing, you may be required to pay an extra fee for early move-in.

If your dorm room is not available, you might be able to stay at the Illini Union (this is the University’s on-campus hotel and student center). For booking information visit: https://union.illinois.edu/stay/illini-union-hotel/book-now. If there are no rooms available, the Illini Union will suggest other options including hotels in town. You can email them at iu-hotel@illinois.edu.