Champaign is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of Illinois. It is renowned for its rich cultural tapestry, thriving academic scene, and dynamic community spirit. As the proud home of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. You’ll find various house for rent in Champaign IL, to suit every lifestyle and budget. Whether you’re looking for a cosy apartment downtown or a spacious family home in the suburbs. And with the help of innovative rental platforms like uhomes, finding your dream home has always been challenging.
Terms you need to know
On Campus VS. Off-campus
On-campus refers to the houses within the campus. UIUC covers a wide area, and the colleges are scattered over a long distance from each other. Inside the school are scattered commercial streets, post offices, banks, supermarkets, various residential apartments and student dormitories. University Ave is the northern border, Lincoln Ave is the eastern border, Second Street is the western border, and Windsor is the southern border. The main advantage of On-campus houses is that they are close to the school. It is relatively convenient for studying and living, and you can walk to various places. Disadvantages: the houses are usually tiny or old, and the price is high. If the house is new and sound, the price is sometimes too high. And there are cheap houses, but the house is older and smaller.
Off-campus: The so-called off means off-campus apartments. Several large off-campus apartments near the school are within 3 miles or so from the school. Off-campus rooms are generally larger and cheaper. And many large communities have their gyms and clubhouses. The disadvantage is that they are far away from the school. So you have to look at whether they are on the bus route and whether there is a shuttle service to and from the school.
Furnished VS. Unfurnished
Furnished means self-furnished apartments. One should carefully browse their furniture list if it is a self-furnished apartment. It should typically include a dining table and chairs in the living room, a couch, a bed, cabinets and desk in the bedroom, and a refrigerator in the kitchen. Some apartments with better amenities will also offer in-unit washer-dryers, televisions, etc.
Unfurnished refers to unfurnished apartments. Despite being unfurnished, they all have basic appliances, such as refrigerators, ovens, and even washer-dryers. All you need to do is buy a simple desk, chair, bed, etc. There are also a lot of second-hand furniture sales at the school, so you can still get good furniture at a cheap price.
House for Rent Types in Champaign, IL
1. Student Residence Halls
Usually, for the first year of studying abroad, the school recommends living in the student dormitory. UIUC is also recommended and is mandatory for first-year students to live in the dormitory. The benefit of living in a dormitory is having a unified arrangement. By the way, you can see the city and the schools around you. And you can understand the second is that the dormitory is relatively standardized management, and security is also guaranteed. Third, the dormitory will be close to the campus, saving the distance to school. The inconvenience is that, because of these guarantees, the student dormitory may be expensive. Or the degree of freedom is not enough, and they do not feel like their own “out of the house”.
2. Student Apartment
This option should be more common. Most students will look for various listings on the official rental website. They will find the house of their choice through their contacts or the contacts of reliable agents. The benefits of this off-campus apartment rental:
- The choice of house for rent in Champaign, IL can be more personalized, according to their preferences, and more accessible.
- Most international students who rent apartments can cook for themselves, thus saving a lot of money on eating out. The biggest concern of renting an apartment together is whether your roommate is compatible with you. And it takes a lot of time to find out.
- It would help if you also considered the distance between the location of the house and the school.
Only spend a little time travelling to and from school on the cheap. The safety and quality assurance of the environment of the house needs to be considered.
3. Homestay
In some local neighborhoods in Champaign, some families would like international students to live in their homes. This list may come with the offer, and sometimes, the American family expects the student to do some household chores, such as babysitting or housework. In exchange, the family offers the student free housing or reduced rent. Living with an American family will surely be an intimate and enriching experience. At the same time, you can quickly practice your language skills. Integrate into the local environment. But it would help if you were very careful about the family and the arrangements they have made. Make sure you know what is expected of you. At the same time, you may feel less accessible yourself. These are all things to consider as well.
Factors of House for Rent in Champaign,IL
1. Location
Location is very important to focus on, not just on-campus or off-campus:
- Whether it is on a bus route. Whether there is a bus stop nearby. And whether there is a shuttle bus directly to the campus.
- The distance to your university college.
- How far is the distance to the supermarket, is there a bus to go directly to the neighboring supermarkets, and is it convenient to go to the supermarket for shopping.
- The security conditions in the neighborhood.
2. Lease Term
Most houses are rented for 12 months. There will also be some houses that are available for 6 months. This depends on everyone’s academic program. There are some 1.5 year programs that have to consider the rental period. Also, you have to consider the problem of the house being vacant if you go back home for the summer vacation. Generally, the more flexible the rental period is, the more expensive it is. Because you need to pay extra premium.
3. Price
You should feel more than just the current rent when considering the price. It is also essential to look at what is included in that rent. As well as the approximate cost of your monthly utility. Sometimes, you may need to add the application fee and other expenses. Some apartments are very cheap, but the utilities must be included. Then, you may need to pay more than 100 dollars a month after adding these costs. Some apartments are expensive, but all utilities are included, making it more cost-effective. Do some math to compare the rent for a year. Housing is a function of location, type, and age. In any case, UIUC houses are very cheap. The main costs to consider are utilities and parking.
4. Neighborhood
Choosing the right neighborhood to live in Champaign is crucial for students. As it can significantly impact their overall college experience. Each neighborhood in Champaign offers its unique blend of amenities, atmosphere, and proximity to campus. And making it essential for students to consider their priorities and preferences carefully. Whether seeking a lively urban environment with easy access to campus amenities. And nightlife or a quieter residential area conducive to studying and relaxation. The students should explore the various neighborhoods to find a house for rent in Champaign, IL to meet the perfect fit for their needs. Additionally, safety, affordability, and transportation options should be considered when selecting a neighborhood. It can ensure a comfortable and fulfilling living experience throughout their time in UIUC.
Recommend House for Rent in Champaign, IL
1. Burnham 310
Burnham 310, a luxury student housing in Champaign that modern living meets unparalleled convenience. Our luxurious apartments offer a sophisticated urban oasis for students and professionals alike. Each meticulously designed unit features contemporary finishes, sleek stainless steel appliances, and expansive windows that flood the space with natural light. There’s something to suit every lifestyle with various floor plans available, from cosy studios to spacious four-bedroom layouts. Residents will enjoy access to an array of upscale amenities. The amenities including a state-of-the-art fitness centre. A rooftop terrace with stunning city views, and a vibrant community lounge perfect for socializing or studying. Just steps from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. And surrounded by a wealth of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, Burnham 310 offers the ultimate luxury living in Champaign.
2. 212 East
212 East, a contemporary student housing in Champaign. Our stylish apartments offer a modern living experience with thoughtfully designed layouts and upscale finishes. Each unit boasts sleek stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and expansive windows that fill the space with natural light. Residents can unwind in the rooftop lounge with panoramic city skyline views or stay active in the state-of-the-art fitness centre. With a prime location steps from downtown Champaign’s vibrant dining, shopping, and entertainment scene and easy access to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus, 212 East offers the ultimate in luxury and convenience.
3. Here Champaign
Here Champaign is a modern student housing in Champaign. Our contemporary apartments offer a stylish retreat for students and professionals, with sleek finishes and thoughtful design elements. Each unit features spacious layouts, gourmet kitchens with stainless steel appliances. And expansive windows that fill the space with natural light. Residents can use our resort-style amenities. It including a sparkling pool, state-of-the-art fitness centre, and stylish clubhouse perfect for socializing or studying. With a prime location just minutes from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. And a wealth of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, Here Champaign offers the ultimate upscale living.
Yes, Champaign, IL is generally considered a good place to live. With its diverse community, vibrant cultural scene. And its strong educational opportunities thanks to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. It offers a rich and dynamic quality of life. Additionally, the city boasts a relatively low cost of living compared to other metropolitan areas. And making it an attractive choice for residents seeking affordability without sacrificing amenities.
The average house rent in Champaign, IL varies depending on factors such as location, size, and amenities. However, as of recent data, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Champaign is around $800 to $1,000. Larger apartments or houses with multiple bedrooms may have higher rental prices, typically ranging from $1,200 to $1,800 per month.
Many UIUC students choose to live in off-campus housing options located in the neighborhoods surrounding the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. Popular areas include Campustown, where students can find a mix of apartments, townhomes, and shared houses within walking distance of campus. Additionally, some students opt to live in nearby communities such as Champaign and Urbana, which offer a wider range of housing options and amenities while still providing easy access to campus via public transportation
