University Of Illinois: On-Campus Living Experience For Students

The University of Illinois offers a variety of housing options for its students, including on-campus and off-campus residences, apartments, and residence halls. With such a wide range of choices, it is important for students to consider the pros and cons of each option to determine which one best suits their needs and preferences. While some students may prefer the convenience and community feel of on-campus housing, others may opt for the independence and privacy of off-campus apartments. This paragraph aims to explore the experiences of students living in PAR at the University of Illinois and whether it is a popular choice among the student body.

Pros and cons of PAR compared to other on-campus housing

The Pennsylvania Avenue Residence Halls (PAR) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign remain open during breaks, and students can stay in their own rooms over the break by signing a break housing contract. This is a great option for students who want to stay on campus during Fall, Winter, or Spring breaks.

Pros

• Students can stay in their own rooms during breaks without needing to sign a break housing contract.
• PAR is located on the Pennsylvania Avenue Residence Halls, which is close to campus amenities and facilities.
• Students have the option to choose from four meal plans, providing flexibility and convenience.

Cons

• PAR may have double or triple rooms, requiring students to share living spaces and restrooms.
• The need to sign a break housing contract for staying during breaks may be seen as a hassle or an additional step compared to other housing options.
• The older buildings may have issues with soundproofing, and students may experience noise disturbances.

Overall, the decision to choose PAR as on-campus housing depends on individual preferences and needs. Students should consider their plans during breaks, their desired level of privacy, and their tolerance for potential noise disturbances when making their decision.

Meal plans and dining options

Dining with University Housing at the University of Illinois offers a variety of dine-in, carry-out, and catering options to meet your dietary and budgeting needs. There are four all-you-care-to-eat dining halls and six retail locations spread across the campus.

Undergraduate Halls

Undergraduate residence hall residents are required to have a meal plan, which can be used at all ten dining locations. There are four dining options to choose from, including a plan with 12 Classic Meals and 15 Dining Dollars. Classic Meals are for all-you-can-eat carry-out or dine-in meals at any of the four dining halls. Dining Dollars can be used to purchase food items at any of the six retail locations or an additional Classic Meal.

Graduate Upper-Division Halls

Residents of the Graduate Upper-Division Halls, such as Daniels and Sherman, are not required to purchase a meal plan. However, many opt into the meal plan because of the flexibility, quality, and convenience it offers. There are two meal plan options for these halls: 6 Classic Meals or 6 Classic Meals with 25 Dining Dollars.

University Apartments

Residents of University Apartments, such as Ashton Woods, Orchard Downs, and Goodwin-Green, are not required to have a meal plan. Still, they may choose to purchase one and take advantage of the various dining options available on campus.

Dining Locations

The four all-you-care-to-eat dining halls include the Ikenberry Dining Center, Illinois Street Dining Center, Lincoln Avenue Dining Hall, and Pennsylvania Avenue Dining Hall (PAR Dining Hall). Each dining hall offers a variety of meal options, with micro-style restaurants serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The six retail locations offer convenience foods, beverages, grab-and-go items, and prepared hot foods. Some of these locations include InfiniTEA, TerraByte, Urbana South Market, and the Corner Café.

Room options

For those who choose to live on campus, there are several residence halls with different features and amenities. Some residence halls, such as Bousfield Hall, offer suite-style floor plans with double and single room options and semi-private bathrooms. Undergraduate halls provide a variety of room types, bathroom types, and special living options, including living-learning communities.

Additionally, the university offers upper-division living options for sophomores and above, with a choice of residence halls, apartments, and meal plans. These options include halls with single rooms, semi-private bathrooms, and break housing, allowing students to stay in their own rooms during breaks. Graduate upper-division halls like Sherman and Daniels also offer single rooms and private bathrooms, with the added convenience of optional meal plans.

The University of Illinois also has on-campus apartment options. Ashton Woods Apartments, for example, offers furnished and unfurnished two-bedroom apartments and is pet-friendly. On-campus apartments provide more privacy and the opportunity for students to cook their own meals, inviting friends to taste their signature dishes.

Living on campus offers several benefits, such as proximity to lecture halls, student centers, and recreational facilities. The university also offers Living Learning Communities (LLCs), enabling students with similar majors and interests to live together and fostering a sense of community.

Overall, the University of Illinois provides a diverse range of room options to cater to different student preferences, budgets, and needs, allowing them to find a place that feels like home.

Amenities and facilities

The University of Illinois offers a range of amenities and facilities for students living in PAR (Pennsylvania Avenue Residence Halls).

Housing Options

PAR is one of the residence halls that remain open during Fall, Winter, and Spring breaks. Students who live in these halls can stay in their own rooms by signing a break housing contract.

Dining Options

The University Housing dining hall provides meals for students, which is convenient for those who don't want to wait for food delivery, go out to eat, or cook for themselves. Additionally, UIC offers meal plans that can be purchased and used at cafeterias across the campus, including All-You-Care-To-Eat dining options at designated locations.

Social and Community Events

University housing typically holds special events each month, providing opportunities for residents to meet new people and build a sense of community.

Security and Package Delivery

The 24-hour front desk ensures security and helps students receive packages.

Living-Learning Communities (LLCs)

LLCs offered by Campus Housing allow students to live with others in their major and with similar interests, fostering a sense of community through programs, conversations, and faculty interaction.

Recreational Facilities

The Student Recreation Center is easily accessible for students living on campus. Additionally, the Commuter Student Resource Center provides a comfortable and friendly environment for commuters to relax, study, and use various amenities like the lounge, kitchen, lockers, showers, and multipurpose room.

Transportation

The University makes getting around campus and the city convenient with over 800 bike racks, Divvy stations for those without bikes, and the Intracampus Bus line for travelling between the east and west sides of campus. The CTA Ventra U-PASS provides unlimited use of CTA trains and buses for students exploring Chicago during the school year.

Student Jobs

The University offers student job openings within University Housing, providing opportunities for students to get involved, make friends, and develop valuable skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, time management, and leadership.

Safety and security

The safety and security of students living on campus at the University of Illinois is a priority for the university. The University of Illinois Police Department provides 24-hour security and emergency services to the campus community. They also offer safety escorts for students, faculty, and staff who need to walk to their campus destination after hours. Additionally, the Night Ride service is available for students who need a ride home after late-night studying at the library during the hours of 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. every day, including holidays.

The University of Illinois also provides resources to help students stay safe while living on campus. The Commuter Student Resource Center offers a comfortable and friendly environment for commuter students to relax, study, and use the kitchen, lounge, and shower facilities. The center also provides information on housing and transportation resources. Furthermore, the university offers a mobile app that helps students find their way around campus, discover great places to eat, and connect with others to form study groups.

In terms of on-campus housing options that promote safety and security, the University of Illinois offers a range of choices. Students can choose from residence halls, apartments, and graduate upper-division halls. For example, Bousfield Hall features suite-style floor plans with both double and single room options and semi-private bathrooms within each suite. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Avenue Residence Halls (PAR) are an option for students who wish to remain on campus during breaks and vacations.

The University of Illinois also provides Living Learning Communities (LLCs) as a housing option, which allow students to live with peers who share similar majors and interests. This creates a sense of community and support, which can enhance safety and security. Campus Housing also offers free tutoring for all students living on campus.

While the University of Illinois prioritizes the safety and security of its students, it is important to note that on-campus criminal offenses, including illegal weapons possession and drug and liquor law violations, have been reported. Prospective students and their families are advised to do their own research and evaluate the safety of the campus and its surrounding areas.

Frequently asked questions