Congrats, see you in the fall.

Is anyone living in the ''on campus'' area? I am not bringing a car to Champaign and am looking at apts that are within 10-12 blocks of school.

I will PM you with some info in a few minutes...

Could you PM that to me as well?

Thanks.

+1

Anyone know someone who has lived here? The apartments look really nice. Newly opened in Nov 2008. in unit washer/dryers, large gym, club room, etc. The rent is $200-300 more per month for the studios than the avg rent in Champaign but the location seems really convenient. I will be visiting on Monday.

any input appreciated!

http://www.burnham310.com/

+1 Didn't see it on the website but how much were they asking for a studio?

It's a big new highrise with a grocery store on the ground level (Country Market). Haven't heard any complaints but I only know of two law students who live there. It's 100% guaranteed that it will be full of undergrads so if you're looking for quiet, this is most likely not the place to go. It's probably about a 20 min walk from the law school, but driving would take no time at all, not sure if there's a convenient bus route (especially because they may be changing the bus routes completely so they don't go directly past the law school - still not sure how that will play out)

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It's a big new highrise with a grocery store on the ground level (Country Market). Haven't heard any complaints but I only know of two law students who live there. It's 100% guaranteed that it will be full of undergrads so if you're looking for quiet, this is most likely not the place to go. It's probably about a 20 min walk from the law school, but driving would take no time at all, not sure if there's a convenient bus route (especially because they may be changing the bus routes completely so they don't go directly past the law school - still not sure how that will play out)[/quote]


That's stupid and annoying! In the even that I get off the waiting list, I was looking forward to being able to take at least 3 different bus routes that drop off directly in front of the law school, one of which also picks up right on the corner from my future apartment!

(I've got it all planned out! lol)

I wonder why they're changing the routes, though? Are they doing renovations or building something?

I don't have the whole story, but there is a proposal by the MTD to alter some of the routes, including the one that drops off in front of the law school. I don't know the status of these changes since I don't think a proposed budget increase was approved by the school. Also I know there was a petition circulating to keep the current route. One of the rumors I heard (and I don't know how true this is) is that the re-routing has to do with the street width which is understandable. The buses literally don't fit on Peabody when there are cars parked on either side - although I think they run into that problem with a lot of the streets on campus, not just Peabody. If you're concerned I would recommend keeping an eye on the MTD site for updates http://www.cumtd.com/aboutmtd/ViewNewsArticle.aspx?id=124 There are also maps of the proposed changes. I mean it's really only a block away, (Fourth and Gregory would be the closest stop) but it's certainly less convenient than the current route.

I will be putting my deposit down on Monday, and I look forward to meeting everyone in the fall!!

Well I just put down my deposit to join all of you next year in Chambana a few days ago, and then today, got into WashU with a little $$. I'm still about 90 percent sure I want to be at UIUC this Fall, as my future plans are to work in Chicago after graduating. Anybody have any biased pro-UIUC opinions for me?

I still have UIUC, as well, along with Virginia, NU, UCLA, Georgetown, WUSTL, UNC, Wisconsin, Ohio State, and a few other top schools...

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if you recently decided to come to Illinois and have not started visiting apartments, don't bother looking at the on campus ones that Roland Realty has. The tenants union told me they have had no complaints, but the apts were so filthy, old, and felt like dorms. It really was horrible. There were even unmentionnalbe things on the kitchen counter. (I just visited these apartments yesterday)

Avoid Roland Realty on-campus apts!

are there bike racks in front of the law school building?

I'm still thinking about purchasing a home in Champaign or Urbana this summer. I know it might be too late to get resident tuition for 1L, but still am interested in buying. Is anyone else considering this option? Also, do any of the 1L's or 2L's have any advice from personal experience with this, or have any friends that have bought a place?

I am not from Champaign nor do I know the real estate market in the area. I do however have experience with home purchases both for primary residence and investment property and would caution against buying a SFR (single family residence) for 3 years. The math can make sense, just make sure you do your homework and work with a qualified lender.

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True, and that will definitely effect the decision as he would in effect be saving $7k a year in tuition. I was looking into this myself but decided it wasn't worth it. Again I don't know the Champaign market very well but it looks (based of craigslist and zillow.com) that you could get a 2BR for around $120k. Interest payments, assuming a 20% down payment, will be around $500 a month, then add another $200 for taxes and insurance and your looking at $700. You could rent a comparable house for $750-$850 a month and not have to worry about the added maintenance, down payment and the closing costs on both ends of the sale. If you think the $14k your saving in tuition is more than the cost of buying then go for it, otherwise just rent and save yourself the stress of home ownership.

Sorry for the rant, but IMO if you want to buy, get a 2-4 unit place, rent the other spots out and you will be cash flow positive. And if you don't want to sell the property right after graduation you have a property that will generate income. Just my $.02.

Would be good to get perspective from someone who actually did this though.

Same... it was disgusting.

I rented with Royce & Brinkmeyer. If anybody else is thinking about renting with them, let me know. If you say I referred you, then I get a $100 rent credit. And I'll take you out for a beer or something. =)

Hey guys, I'll be going into Champaign for a visit on Thursday, plan on looking at apartments all day long. Anyone have any last minute suggestions on places? I've got a basic list here, but anyone find a gem they didn't get?

Also, if somebody wants/needs me to, I can check out an apartment for them, or check out something else if they want. Just send me a PM.

I'm also a 0L, and I'll be at The Pointe in the fall. They have furnished apartments, are on the campus bus line, and are relatively cheap. A lot of undergraduates live there, but I'll gladly sacrifice quiet for the convenience of a furnished place (I don't want to move a crapload of furniture from Texas).

The Pointe is a nice complex with furnished apts. If you've committed to living there, I wish you luck.

Almost ALL apartments in Champaign come furnished. Like seriously, its a little more difficult to find an unfurnished apartment than it is to find a furnished one. This is what makes me like Champaign better than most as a college town.