Places to Live
The University’s undergraduate housing is clustered in five neighborhoods located across Illinois State’s 850-acre campus: Hewett-Manchester, Tri-Towers, Watterson Towers, Cardinal Court, Fell Avenue and School Street apartments. Convenient and affordable, University Housing Services locations are all within walking distance of campus, with easy access to classrooms, facilities, and athletic venues. Check out our At a Glance informative document for additional information about all of our areas.
Questions about parking? All parking rates and information are on the Parking and Transportation website.
Living in Residence Halls
All residence halls are within walking distance from the University’s picturesque Quad. Each area provides its own unique feel. No matter which area of campus you live in, you can expect a sense of community, individual attention, support services to help you succeed, and a connection to Illinois State University that is second to none!
Living in Cardinal Court
Cardinal Court houses 994 undergraduate students (primarily sophomores) in 227 furnished apartments. It provides a unique opportunity to experience apartment-style living with the benefits of living in university housing.
Living in Apartments
Owned and managed by the University, Fell Avenue and School Street apartments offer affordable, conveniently-located housing for international, upper class, undergraduate students, and graduate students without dependents.
Living Off-Campus
If you wish to live off-campus but close to Illinois State, our off-campus database lists nearby housing options. Please contact the Dean of Students Off Campus Services at (309) 438-2008.
Amenities for All Residence Halls and Cardinal Court
UHS offers a plethora of amenities, including the following:
- 24/7 front desk service
- Fitness centers
- Free washer and dryer access
- Basketball courts
- Print services
- Free bus service with Redbird ID
- Sand volleyball courts
- Study spaces
- Conference meeting rooms
- Reflection Rooms
Laundry Facilities
Laundry facilities are available in all residence halls, with washers and dryers free for student use in every building. Most washers are top-load, with a limited number of front-load options available for accessibility. Dryer types vary by location: Watterson and Cardinal Court use electric dryers, while Tri Towers and Hew/Man offer mostly electric dryers along with a few larger, steam-powered units. To get the best results and keep machines running well, avoid overloading washers and dryers. Clothes need room to move and tumble, overfilling machines can lead to poor cleaning, longer drying times, and equipment issues. Use a small amount of detergent, as high-efficiency machines clean effectively with less and too much detergent can leave clothes smelling musty.
Large items like comforters should not be washed or dried in residence hall machines, as they can damage the equipment. Before starting a dryer, be sure to clean out the lint trap. Most machine breakdowns are caused by overloading, so running two medium-sized loads instead of one large load is recommended. If a machine is not working, submit a work order using the website listed directly on the machine.
Hosting Minor Guests in UHS Buildings
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. Review the new University Housing Services Guest Policy for more details.