Grad Student Housing Guide: Quiet, Affordable Options Near Campus

Searching for the perfect housing as a grad student seems like it would be just as easy as when you’re working on your undergrad. But between teaching, research, and class responsibilities, finding a peaceful, affordable, and convenient environment might seem like finding a needle in a haystack.

In our guide, we will walk you through the best housing options near campus, with budget-friendly options that will support a chill environment to help you get through grad school and all the work that comes along with it. 

Prioritize What Matters as a Graduate Student

Before you start your hunt, it’s important to figure out what kind of environment you need to support your grad school life. Is a quiet, chill environment the most important thing? Or do you need a cheap place to get you through school? Here’s what to decide on before your hunt commences. 

Peace and Quiet: 

• Essential for those writing a thesis, focusing on research, and who tend to stay up late studying.
• Properties with good insulation and lower foot traffic will indicate good locations for this. 

Affordability: 

• Since grad stipends are limited, finding an apartment that totals about 30% of your monthly income is the smartest direction to go. 
• Make sure to budget for utilities, internet, and other home essentials. 
• If you know people in your program, maybe consider having a roommate to split costs.

Amenities: 

• Do you need or prioritize a washer and a dryer, or a dishwasher? Or maybe you care more about central A/C and heat? Limit your search to include what amenities you need most to live comfortably. 
• If you choose student housing, some might offer quiet hours specific to people needing a quiet space to work. 

Close to Campus: 

• Depending on how often you need to be on campus, prioritizing an apartment closeby can make commuting easier than ever.
• If you bike or drive to class, make sure to factor that in. Do you need a parking spot or a place to store your bike?

On-Campus vs. Off-Campus

There are a ton of affordable and reliable options through student housing that might suit a grad student, but the availability is often limited and is usually prioritized for undergrads. If you don’t want to be under the thumb of the university, finding a place off-campus might be better for you. 

On campus housing certainly has its pros, though. With it being steps from campus and coming with a built-in community of students, it can be nice to round out your college experience by staying on campus. There are, of course, more limits when it comes to student housing, including noise level, roommates, and the general rowdiness the campus can bring. 

If you want to go with off-campus living, UIUC’s surrounding neighborhoods offer a mix of different housing styles, from student complexes, single-family homes, and mature residential areas. Whatever you need, you can find off campus.

MHM Apartments – A Smart Choice for Grad Students

MHM stands out as a quiet, affordable option for students pursuing a graduate degree at UIUC. Known for bang for your buck, excellent location, and a peaceful and calm environment, you will be in good hands at MHM.

Why choose MHM:

• Reasonable rent prices compared to student housing, options for all different types of living styles, including studio, one bedroom, and two bedrooms. 
• A quiet community that is conducive to studying, research, and generally your own private and relaxing environment. 
• Close to campus, with biking, driving, and walking all options to get to classes.
• Excellent management, responsive and prompt. Happy to fix any issue that may arise and ensure your apartment feels like home. 

Tips for Finding the Best Apartment 

Determine Your Apartment Budget: 

The price is one of the most important things to consider when moving into a new apartment. Rent can be as low as a few hundred dollars a month with roommates or under $1000 a month without. Price will also depend on whether you want a fully furnished apartment or will be bringing your stuff.

Prioritize Location on Campus:

Depending on where your classes are, location is at the top of the list. Everything will be closed, and the campus has amenities like shuttles and public transportation. Start by identifying where you will need to be most often, and start your search in that area.

Start Your UIUC Apartment Search Early: 

Starting early could be the key to landing your perfect apartment. Ask around at the end of the school year and see if there are any preferred apartments by other students, and see if you can visit some spots before coming home for the summer.

Consider Safety and Security

While UIUC is considered an incredibly safe campus, it’s always good to ensure your building is doing everything it can to keep you safe. Are there cameras outside and working locks on the doors? These are all good questions to ask before signing a lease.