Housing

Campus Residence Halls and Cardinal Court Apartments

• International students who have graduated from high school less than two years ago are required to live in University Housing.
• Students under the age of 17 years old require University Housing Director approval live in University-operated facilities, including the residence halls.
• Information about the different residence halls can be found on the University Housing Services website. Students wishing to pursue this option must go through the housing application process.

For assistance with this process, please contact Matt Schwab at mlschwa@ilstu.edu.

Please Note: Not all University Housing options are open over University break periods (Fall, Winter, and Spring Break). Students choosing this option will be required to make their own housing arrangements during these periods.

• Hewett and Manchester halls offer 9 month housing (through Fall, Winter, and Spring Break).
• Wilkins hall stays open over Fall break.
• Cardinal Court offers 11 month housing (through Fall, Winter, and Spring Break).

Students can sign a summer contract with University Housing Services separate from the academic year contract, but must live in a housing area that is open over the summer term.

The International House Themed Living Learning Community (TLLC) Floors

• International students coming in through exchange programs, the English Language Institute, or who have "Junior," "Senior," or "Graduate" student standing are able to live on the International House TLLC Floors in the Manchester Residence Hall.
• Students under the age of 17 years old require University Housing Director approval to live in University-operated facilities, including the residence halls. Students over the age of 25 years old are also recommended to live in apartment-style housing, as many older students find the dormitory spaces and policies restrictive for students who are used to living on their own.
• The TLLC floors feature a variety of programs and options not available in other areas, including special trips, educational opportunities, and staff to assist international students in transitioning to life in the USA.
• The TLLC floors have limited available space, and room assignments are made on a “first come - first serve” basis for all students not required to live on campus.
• Students living in the residence halls must purchase a meal plan.
• Students interested in this option should contact Matt Schwab at mlschwa@ilstu.edu for assistance.

• University Housing Services at Illinois State University operates several apartment complexes for students’ use, including Fell Avenue and School Street apartments.
• These spaces are ONLY for students that have been out of high school for more than 2 years.
• Because these apartments do not have spaces specifically set aside for international students, students must contact University Housing Services to make arrangements to live in one of these facilities.
• For more information about these apartments or to apply, please visit the University Housing Services website.

Because privately owned apartments are managed by private companies or individuals, not the University, students must make all of these arrangements themselves. In order to assist you in your search for a private off-campus apartment, we suggest the following resources:

• Off-Campus Services is a unit within the Dean of Students Office that helps Illinois State students seeking assistance with off-campus living. Their website offers a variety of services, including a list of frequently asked questions, downloadable worksheets and checklists, and the Off-Campus Housing Database (you will need your ULID and password to login). This database contains listings of vacant apartments, posts from students looking to sublease their apartments, as well as a Roommate Finder tool. If you need additional assistance related to off-campus living, feel free to contact Off-Campus Services at (309) 438-2008 or deanofstudents@ilstu.edu. The below webcast was created by Off-Campus Services to help provide an introduction to off-campus living for international students.

• Illinois State University does not sponsor or endorse any landlord or property management company, however, in accordance with our mission to assist international students and as a convenience, we provide a list of local leasing companies. The links provided are to third-party sites, and Illinois State University is not responsible for their accuracy or content.
  • Leasing Companies
• Networking with current students prior to your arrival on campus can be one way to find out about possible housing options. There are a variety of Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), some of which are cultural and ethnically based, that may be a great resource.
• Networking with other newly admitted ISU international students can be one way to find a potential roommate or hear from other new students about the apartments they have found. Connect with your cohort by joining the ISU Global Redbirds facebook group.

Important Things to Note:

• LEASE REVIEW AVAILABLE : The Students' Attorney is happy to assist you in reviewing a potential lease via phone or in person. Call (309)438-2008 to schedule your appointment.
• Read and understand the terms of the apartment lease BEFORE you sign it. Once signed, an apartment lease CANNOT be terminated! It is a legally-binding document and you will be held to it's terms and conditions.
• Find out exactly where your apartment is located in relation to the University. Some companies may advertise that their properties are close to campus, but that is a relative statement. You can use Google Maps to more accurately see the distance from the apartment to campus.
• Be aware of whether the apartment is furnished or unfurnished. If furnished, make sure you are clear on exactly what furniture is provided.
• You may be responsible for paying separately for utilities such as gas, electricity, water, cable television, internet, etc.
• Students living off-campus may purchase a university meal plan. Off-campus meal plans range in price from $368 to $2236 per semester. Learn more about Meal Plans.

ISSS recommends that international students arrive the weekend prior to International Student Orientation. For students who arrive in the U.S. before their housing is available, there are the following temporary housing options:

Hotels

The two hotels located physically closest to campus are the Hyatt Place and the Marriott Hotel in Uptown Normal. You can view a full listing of area hotels on the Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau website.

Local Organizations

Illinois State University does not sponsor or endorse these organizations. However, in accordance with our mission to assist international students and as a convenience, we provide this information.

International Students Inc. (ISI) is a local organization not affiliated with Illinois State University that provides a variety of services to the international student population including: temporary housing options, host families, furniture, transportation help upon arrival, conversational English groups, bible study, and other special events. You can request transportation help and/or a home stay by completing a Registration Form online.

International Friends of ISU is a local organization not affiliated with Illinois State University that provides a variety of services to the international student population including temporary housing, options, household goods, transportation help upon arrival, welcome dinners, long-term host family matching, and other special events for students each semester. You can request help with transportation, housing, and a host family by messaging the organization through Facebook or by emailing internationalfriends@hotmail.com. You can request a host family by completing this application form.

Registered Student Organizations

There are several organizations on campus that may be able to provide assistance.  View the full directory of registered student organizations (RSOs).

If you have questions regarding any of the above information, please contact International Student and Scholar Services. Visit our Help Upon Arrival page for information regarding transportation assistance after arriving in Bloomington-Normal.