Illinois State University Housing: A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing where to live is a significant part of the college experience. Illinois State University (ISU) offers a variety of housing options to suit different needs and preferences. This guide provides information about on-campus and off-campus housing at ISU, move-in procedures, amenities, and important policies.

On-Campus Housing

University Housing Services at ISU provides convenient and affordable living options within walking distance of classrooms, facilities, and athletic venues. Undergraduate housing is primarily located in five neighborhoods across the 850-acre campus:

Hewett-Manchester
Tri-Towers
Watterson Towers
Cardinal Court
Fell Avenue and School Street Apartments

Each area has its own unique atmosphere.

Eligibility and Requirements

To be eligible for on-campus housing, students must be registered at the University and be at least 17 years old at the start of their residence hall occupancy. Students who do not meet the minimum age requirement may submit a request for an exception to University Housing Services. Admission or enrollment to ISU does not guarantee on-campus housing.

On-Campus Housing Policy

ISU has an On-Campus Housing Policy that requires students to live in University Housing for their first two years after graduating from high school. Students may apply for an Exemption to the On-Campus Housing Policy. Students who have been out of high school for two or more years who wish to live on campus may submit a Request to Live in On-Campus Housing. These requests can be submitted through the Housing and Dining Portal. Students who are not required to live on-campus for the 2026-27 academic year may submit a request to live on-campus through the Housing and Dining Portal.

Housing Contract and Payment

To secure housing, students must complete their housing contract and submit their initial payment through the Housing and Dining Portal. Payments can be made using Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover cards. New students who do not complete their housing contract and submit their initial payment by May 1, returning students who miss the March 21 deadline for either their housing contract or initial payment, and transfer students who do not have the opportunity to select their own room will be manually assigned to a residential space and will not be able to participate in roommate matching.

Specific Housing Options

Cardinal Court: This area houses 994 undergraduate students, primarily sophomores, in 227 furnished apartments.
Living-Learning Communities (TLLCs): Some housing options are open only to students qualified to live on TLLCs. For interest-based TLLCs, students must apply in the Housing and Dining portal and be approved.

Room Selection

Some transfer students can participate in Transfer Student Room Selection, but only for apartments.

Room Changes and Cancellations

Room changes are not permitted from the time assignments are received through the first 10 days of classes. To cancel a housing contract, students must submit an Online Contract Cancellation Form. Notification to other university offices does not terminate the contract. Depending on the cancellation date, charges and fees may apply.

Amenities and Services

Linens & Care Packages: The Association of Residence Halls sponsors a Linens Program that provides an easy way to purchase items for residence halls or apartments. The Care Package program allows parents and families to send care packages to their students. These programs are optional.
Loft Kits: Loft Kits can be found in Manchester 102 or the Linkins Basement, depending on the residence hall. Beds can be lofted (only with the lofts provided by the University) at multiple heights to give plenty of room underneath for storage space or other furniture. For a junior loft height (ranges from 10 to 33 inches from the floor) you will not need a loft kit.
Meal Plans: All meal plans are activated on Tuesday, August 12.
Redbird ID: Students should obtain their Redbird ID from the Redbird Card office during Move-In day to access the residence halls after Move-In hours.
Roommate Agreements: Once moved in, students and their roommate(s) will complete a roommate agreement to ensure a better shared living environment.
Waste Disposal: Dumpsters and recycling receptacles are located outside each residential building.

Move-In Information

Move-In Dates

Move-In for Spring 2026 will be on Friday, January 9.

General Move-In Tips

Plan Ahead: If you know that you will be going home over Labor Day weekend or later in the semester, don’t pack all of the clothes that you will need for the entire year.
Security: Do not leave your car or belongings unattended.
Traffic: Watch out for extra pedestrians during Move-In. Look for and follow all traffic and parking signs.
GPS: Because of planned street closures on campus, rely on provided directions rather than directions from GPS or other mobile devices.
Helpers: The number of helpers could affect your Move-In experience. It is suggested having the student plus two helpers.
Overpacking: Don’t overpack; this will make Move-In smoother.

Specific Hall Move-In Instructions

Watterson Towers: Upon arrival, students should go to the canopy tents on the south side of Watterson Towers to check in and receive their keys. Move-in carts will be located outside near the check-in tents or inside the lobby, depending on the weather. All vehicles will be directed to temporarily park in the Watterson Parking lot, where they will unload all of their belongings. Curb Birds (volunteers) can help unload the car and move your belongings to the curb. After all the items are loaded onto carts, you can proceed to get in line for the elevator. Please note that the elevator lines for Watterson will add time to your Move-In process.
- If your room number starts with a “3”, the elevator stops on your floor in your House (your “House” is one of the following: A-North, A-South, B-North, B-South, C-North, C-South, D-North, D-South, E-North, E-South). If your room number does not start with a “3”, you will need to walk up or down stairs to your floor. For example, Watterson C-North Room#203: Take the elevator to the third floor of C-North House and walk down one flight to the second floor of C-North.
Fell-School St.: All vehicles will be directed to temporarily park along Fell Avenue, where they will unload all of their belongings. Curb Birds (volunteers) can help unload the car and move your belongings to the curb. After all the items are loaded onto carts, you can proceed to get in line for the elevator. Housing Staff will be helping to load all items into the elevators as well as control elevator movement to maximize foot traffic flow. Once students have their keys, they can proceed to either 209/211 Fell or 302 N. Move-in carts will be located in the Community Center.
Other Halls: Move-in carts will be located outside by curb or inside the lobby, depending on the weather. Housing Staff will be helping to load all items into the elevators as well as control elevator movement to maximize foot traffic flow.

Guest Policy

Effective August 1, 2025, guests ages 13-17 must have parent/guardian permission submitted in advance via the Minor Guest Registration Form. Guests under 13 are only permitted when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Exceptions may apply during Homecoming or Siblings Weekends.

Read also: Guide to Illinois Educator Pay

Off-Campus Housing

For students seeking off-campus housing, ISU provides resources to simplify the search for apartments and houses near the university. The ISU apartment marketplace allows students to contact landlords of all sizes on one site. All available off-campus housing options in Bloomington and Normal, IL, are approved to ensure a safe and enjoyable college experience. Filters allow you to search by price, style, and amenities, whether you are looking for a 1 bedroom for yourself or looking with roommates.

Read also: Illinois Transfer Application

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