For those more interested in living close to the UI campus, you can find apartments as close as Green Street that offers that off-campus housing experience without really leaving the campus. Green Street apartments are on the higher rental price end of the spectrum, making this area a good fit for students that can afford it. For instance, Skyline Tower is located close to the main quad and offers two and three-bedroom apartments. The First Column Student Living Apartments are located between Green St. and Healy, also within walking distance to the main quad, and offer two and four-bedroom apartments.

In addition, there are apartments as far back as 1st and John Street, which are right on the campus borders, meaning lower costs for you. The Maywood Apartments, for instance, offers two, three, and four-bedroom apartments at about $700 a month.

For those University of Illinois students looking for a little more nightlife and adventure in off-campus housing, downtown Champaign is a little pricier but offers walking-distance amenities such as high-end restaurants and bars. The 217 South Apartments are located just minutes from downtown Champaign, for example.

Some students will tell you to stay away from Urbana, while others will say it is an affordable living space that is still relatively close to campus. For those interested, Campus Property Management apartments are in the Urbana area for between $600 and $800 a month.

The price ranges of Urbana and Champaign apartments vary exponentially, and spaces range from studios to four-bedroom apartments, so your options will also vary depending upon your roommate situation.

Dining

The University of Illinois is home to some amazing eats, both on and off-campus.

Located on John Street, Fat Sandwich is home to the subs you can fill with whatever toppings you would like, no exaggeration. From chicken tenders to mozzarella sticks to mini corndogs – anything you can think to put on a sandwich can be done here!

Located right on Green Street at the heart of campus is Wingin' Out, the local answer for wings. And, bonus, they are open late!

Have more of a sweet tooth? Insomnia Cookies is open until 2 a.m., and they even deliver! And nothing beats that freshly baked cookie taste when you need a sugar fix.

If you are looking for more off-campus eats, Seven Saints, Maize, and Black Dog Smoke & Ale House are always very highly rated.

Transportation

UIUC has numerous methods of public transportation available to students.

For those looking to travel back home, Greyhound and Peoria Charter are two options that will transport you back to the Chicago area or even down to Carbondale, Illinois.

In addition, the Amtrak is available to students for various destinations.

For on-campus transportation, there are city buses that transport students to and from campus into Urbana and Champaign. There are also numerous bike paths for those that prefer an eco-friendly method of transportation.

Parking

Students that plan to drive to class every day typically obtain an annual parking pass and/or pay for a reserved parking space.

For those UIUC students looking for weekend parking, the garage fees are minimal, but check signage to make sure overnight parking is allowed.

Safety

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign takes safety on campus very seriously, which is why there are numerous methods students can utilize when they need help.

Incoming UIUC students are required to take an introductory course their freshman year to teach them of the various resources available to them on campus.

In addition, students are also taught about the Safe Rides program, in which students can always call the number to be picked up and dropped off at their dorm or apartment if needed.

While crime in the neighboring communities can be concerning for some, on-campus safety is taken very seriously, and students can even receive push notifications on their phones when a crime is committed in a nearby area.

Shopping

UIUC's campus offers numerous shopping opportunities for students.

For groceries, Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, and various stores are available near campus. To visit Walmart or Target, city transportation may be required, as they are off campus.

If you are looking for some fun buys, such as clothing, the Lincoln Square Mall or Market Place Shopping Center are both malls worth looking at.

On campus, you have the Illini Bookstore and other campus outfitters and boutiques, and off-campus you can find some interesting book finds as well in the Jane Addams Book Shop, or maybe even pick up some cool gifts and trinkets from the Walnut Street Tea Company.