According to the University Housing website, staying in a double room in an air-conditioned residence hall with the most popular dining plan will cost $13,354 for the full 2023-24 academic year. Including additional room and board-related expenses, the University estimates that a year of sustenance and shelter will run a first-year student around $13,938.

The 10/45 dining plan covers 10 meals per week and 45 dining dollars. The 10 meals included in the plan can be redeemed at any of the four traditional dining halls while the 45 dining dollars can be used at all dining halls and any of the seven retail locations throughout campus.

Generally speaking, renting an apartment with roommates and cooking at home is less expensive than living in University housing and eating at the dining hall. Still, the convenience of on-campus living and “all-you-care-to-eat” meals lures some students into the dorm lifestyle beyond the one-year requirement.

For those students opting to live in private certified housing or an off-campus apartment, room and board costs can vary greatly. 

Opting for cheaper housing makes a large difference. Factors that affect apartment prices in Champaign-Urbana are proximity to Green Street and the Quad, number of roommates, age of the apartment building, renovation status and the leasing company renting out the unit.

For some students, the price of on-campus living is a worthwhile investment in their academic success. For others, it is an optional luxury that is not worth the extra dough.