UIUC Neighborhoods Guide: Which Area is Right for Your Off-Campus Apartment?

The search for the perfect apartment can be more difficult than you think. You may have specific perks and amenities you need or want, but that all falls to the wayside when it comes to location. A tale as old as time, apartments are all about their location. Depending on where your classes are and the locations you need to access quickly, this is at the top of the list of places to consider living. When talking about property rental, location is a key factor. 

But don’t let that stress you out – When it comes to UIUC apartments, you simply cannot go wrong, just like any other college town. Everything will be close by, and if you have a car, it will be easier than ever to get around. If you don’t, many complexes offer shuttles to campus. Start by identifying where you will need to be most often, and start your search in that area. Expand if you can’t find exactly what you need, but you won’t have a hard time finding something in your desired area! 

Campustown 

If you want to be in the center of all student life and have the easiest access to your academic needs, Campustown will be your best bet. Since the location is ideal, the apartments in Campustown tend to be on the pricer end but are worth it due to their location and amenities. 

Located adjacent to the Main Quad, Campustown offers unbeatable proximity to your classes, student hubs, the library, and more. There are also a ton of student favorites when it comes to dining in the area, including Bangkok Thai and Burrito King for those late-night cravings. You will also find coffee shops, bubble tea spots, and cafes in the area that make it easy to find a nook to take over and get your study on. Campustown is also the hub for many of the college bars along Green Street, making it easy to grab a few drinks, meet up with friends, and then walk home at the end of the evening. 

Campustown has something for every style of living, from classic/retro apartments that students have been living in for many years to newer luxury apartments. 

Urbana

A quiet and budget-friendly option, it’s farthest away from campus and filled with families and students alike. Students living in Urbana can easily commute to class by bus, bike, or even on foot. The housing in this area tends to be older, with tons of rental properties, duplexes, and more. You will be close to some of the beloved community events, such as the Urbana Farmers Market, the Krannert Center for Performing Arts, and Crystal Lake Park. 

Downtown Champaign 

If you prefer more of a city vibe, living downtown is for you. A little further out than Campustown, downtown offers a different aspect of college life. Accessible by a short bus ride from campus, it has a more vintage feel than living in student housing. The streets are lined with bricks and small businesses that have been open for decades. It radiates with small city charm – tons of stuff to do and see, and tons of places to eat, drink, and explore. 

Some local favorites downtown are 

• Maize Grill – They are in the Top 10% of restaurants in Champaign and are worth checking out for a meal with margaritas. According to one of their rave reviews, “There’s no contest—Maize serves, hands down, the best Mexican food in town. It’s fresh, flavorful, and perfectly simple.”
• Hamilton Walkers – A student favorite for when your parents are in town, according to their website, they were “founded by three long-time residents of Champaign, this modern steakhouse with a chic 1940’s Hollywood vibe is an inviting backdrop for meeting, dining, and socializing; for friends, family, and business; for toasting special events and celebrating life.” 
• The Virginia Theatre –  Home of some of the best entertainment in the area, their website boats that “The Virginia Theatre is a historic performing arts center and movie palace that hosts concerts, stage plays, dance, spoken word, children’s events, films, comedy, private parties, corporate events, the Roger Ebert’s Film Festival, meetings and more”. 

With a mix of loft-style apartments, townhomes, and traditional student housing, living downtown offers the flexibility some people might need when it comes to finding close options to campus while still creating a separation from being in student-heavy areas. 

South Campus 

One of the most desirable areas to live on or off campus, living in South Campus has its perks. The housing here is big and spacious, offering student-centered amenities like pools, study lounges, fitness centers, and more. Many of these complexes offer shuttles to and from campus to easily move between classes and home. It is practical and fun, located near essentials like grocery stores, restaurants, bars, and gyms. No matter your neighborhood, there is something for everyone on and off campus at UIUC.