Need guidance for budget student life at UIUC - (start Fall 2015)

[cah284]

An area to consider for apartment rentals is between West Side Park and Prospect Avenue, south of Bradley Avenue, in Champaign. I've lived in a 550 sq ft, 1 bedroom apartment that has cost $550/month. Walking to campus generally took 25 minutes or less if I stopped at the terminal to take a bus.

A bit farther east in Urbana is also acceptable and far enough from campus where noise is likely not an issue.

In terms of utilities, I've payed between $20-$50/month for electricity (when not included in rent). As far as I'm aware, you can find two major internet providers, Comcast and Pavlov. I've heard the latter option is inexpensive (~$20/month), but very unreliable. Comcast is not much better, but acceptable, and usually a bit more expensive. Food is relatively inexpensive. You would likely be able to live comfortably enough on $500-600/month not counting rent.

Finally, it is worth considering how much the rental will cost initially. Generally, landlords require a security deposit equal to one month's rent as well as the final month's rent and sometimes the first as well (or some combination of this). My best experience has been with Smith Apartments, who have only required the first month's rent and a security deposit equal to half a month's rent.

[madpaddy]

$680 for an apartment (Orchard Downs) that includes all utilities may very well be the best option. That said, $1200 a month sounds like a pretty tight budget for a family of 3 to me, even if you find a place to rent for $500. I would be looking for ways to freelance for extra money. We hosted an exchange student who's visa restricted her from working in the US. She supplemented her stipend by writing for websites in her home country. Since the money was paid by a foreign employer into her over-seas bank account, she avoided any visa issues.

[linicx]

Contact HOUSING at UIUC. They have off campus housing for post grad students.