Housing Guide
Download the official Illinois State University App for free from the App Store or Google Play Store for upcoming events, resources, and details on your residence hall.
Move In
Move-In is one of the most exciting times of the year! Moving into your housing area requires planning. If you're approaching your first move-in experience or you're returning to campus, you're in good hands with the University Housing Services staff. We've used our years of experience to make moving to campus smoother than you could ever imagine.
While you can expect to see materials mailed to you, be sure to download the Move-In guide as part of the official Illinois State University app.
Check our How to Load a Cart video tutorial .
Hewett and Manchester, Watterson Towers, and Tri-Towers Move-InWhat to Leave at Home
As a reminder, these items are not permitted:
• Alcohol
• Bottle or can collection
• Candle warmer
• Candles/wick lamps/incense
• Curtains/draperies/blinds
• Electrically lighted window or wall art
• Grill (any type)
• Halogen bulbs and lamps
• Hoverboards/battery-operated scooters
• Microwave or toaster oven (shared microwaves provided in common areas)
• Pets, except fish (nothing larger than a 10-gallon tank)
• Small appliances (toaster, coffee maker, etc.)
About Your Room
Room and Roommate Assignment
Beginning July 19, 2019, you can view your room assignment in the Housing and Dining portal. This includes your building name and room number, room type, floor, Themed Living-Learning Community (if applicable), and roommate (if applicable). Before you arrive on campus, browse the Roommate Bill of Rights so you can experience a smooth transition to residential life.
Room Changes
Room changes are not permitted from the time you receive your assignment through the first 10 days of classes. Changes must be approved by the residence hall coordinator.
Lofting Beds
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. Information on loft kit check-outs and returns will be available through the Move-In Guide in the Illinois State University App. If you reserved your loft kit during contract signing, it will be in your room. If you did not reserve a loft kit, there will be options available at a later time during move-in.
Contract Cancellations
Requests for cancellation must be submitted using the Online Contract Cancellation Form. Notification to other university offices does not terminate the contract. IMPORTANT: Depending on the date you cancel, charges and fees may apply. Please review cancellation dates and information under Housing Contracts.
Room Furnishings
All rooms include:
• Desks
• Desk chairs
• Beds
• Dressers
• Cable TV outlets
• Wi-fi
No furniture may be removed, disassembled, or placed on top of other furnishings. For safety reasons, please do not stack shelves, crates, or equipment on top of air convectors in front of windows.
Move-In Day
We're Here to Help
- View live move-in updates by following @ISUHousing on Twitter.
- Weather permitting, volunteers will be stationed to help unload belongings from your vehicle.
- Police will be directing traffic.
- Cold water stations will be available to keep you refreshed.
- Residence hall staff will check you into your room.
Unloading and Moving In
- Unload your belongings curbside (please make sure someone stays with them).
- Move your car to a designated parking area immediately after unloading (there will be directional signage).
- Check out a cart if needed (Photo-ID required—i.e. driver’s license).
- Follow signs to get in line for an elevator, if needed.
- Allow staff to help load your cart onto the elevator for you.
- Go to your floor or designated check-in area to receive your room key. (Note: If your check-in location is not on your floor, you may want to do this step first.)
- Enjoy Welcome Week activities and your new Redbird home.
FAQ
Why do I have to come at a specific time?
Move-in times reduce traffic and minimize wait time for keys, carts, and elevators. We will only have keys available for your floor during your assigned time.
What if I miss my designated time?
If you miss your move-in time, you may go to the lobby of your building to get your key. There may be a wait time.
Should I use my GPS to get there?
No. The best directions are on the first page of this newsletter, online, or on the Move-In Guide in the Illinois State App. Printable directions can be found above.
What is the best way to get my items to my room?
- Put the sturdiest boxes on the bottom and soft items on top, without packing your cart more than three feet high.
- Make sure everything is stable before you begin to move by using the complimentary plastic wrap.
- Allow our staff to load your cart onto the elevator for you.
How can I avoid long elevator wait times?
- In order to reduce wait time and maximize space, staff will help move your belongings onto the elevator.
- Pack all of your carts into the elevator backward so you can pull them straight out when you get to your floor.
- Fill the corners of the elevators first with the largest carts, fill in the rest with people and small items.
- Unload people and small items from the middle of the elevator first.
- Pull your carts out from the elevator one at a time.
Resources
Laundry
Washers and dryers are available in all residence halls and are paired with an internet application that allows you to monitor use at laundryview.com.
Internet
Direct and wireless internet access is available in all residence halls. Visit Resnet.IllinoisState.edu or call (309) 438-8334 for additional information.
Student Housing Staff
The front desk is a resource for you and is the heart of each residence hall. Each desk is staffed with front desk managers 24 hours a day and provides various services.
Resident Assistants
Your resident assistant (RA) is essential to your move-in experience. RAs are in contact with each resident and are there to provide leadership, assistance, advice, and support to meet the needs of residents and the community, while also serving as role models and enforcing housing and university policies.
Security
You will need to have your ID with you at all times in order to enter your building and must register all guests at the front desk.
Hewett and Manchester Halls Move-InDirections to Hewett Manchester
Because of planned street closures on campus, please rely on these directions rather than directions from GPS or other mobile devices.
Hewett & Manchester Halls Driving Direction Map
Traveling on I-55 North |
Traveling on I-55 South |
|
1. Exit 167-Veterans Parkway |
1. Exit 167-Veterans Parkway |
Move-In Cart Access
If you have a cart, use the Vrooman entrance between Hewett and Manchester Halls (in the Circle Drive). Once you enter the doors to the lobby, the far left door leads to Hewett Hall and the far right door leads to Manchester Hall.
Carry-Up Entrance
The carry-up only entrance for Hewett Hall is on the east side of the building and on the north side for Manchester Hall. If you choose to carry up your belongings, you can enter and exit through these side doors.
Stairs to Exit
Stairwell doors on your floor that say Exit Only will lead you directly to the outside door and eliminate wait time for the elevators.
2019 Hewett and Manchester Halls NEW Resident Move-In Schedule |
||
|
Floor (both buildings) |
Day & Date |
Time |
|
5, 6, 7, 13 |
Wednesday, August 14 |
8 - 11 a.m. |
|
4, 10, 11, 12 |
Wednesday, August 14 |
1 - 4 p.m. |
|
3, 14, 15, 17 |
Thursday, August 15 |
8 - 11 a.m. |
|
2, 8, 9, 16 |
Thursday, August 15 |
1 - 4 p.m. |
Hewett and Manchester Returning Students:
Check-in dates are available for Monday, August 12 and Tuesday, August 13. Returning residents who cannot move in on Monday or Tuesday are encouraged to move in on or after Friday, August 16.
Returning residents will need to schedule a move-in appointment at least 24 hours prior to arriving on campus. Residents are able to schedule this appointment by using the online appointment system (enter your ULID and password to log in). Link will be emailed. Need to cancel and reschedule a different time? Return to the appointment site and choose the cancel button. The scheduling option will return.
Tri-Towers (Haynie, Wilkins, Wright) Move-In
Directions to Tr-Towers
Because of planned street closures on campus, please rely on these directions rather than directions from GPS or other mobile devices.
Tri-Towers Driving Direction Map
Traveling on I-55 North |
Traveling on I-55 South |
|
1. Exit 165A-Main Street |
1. Exit 165-Main Street |
2019 Haynie, Wilkins, and Wright NEW Student Move-In Schedule |
||
|
Floor (all buildings) |
Day & Date |
Time |
|
2, 7, 8 |
Wednesday, August 14 |
8 - 10 a.m. |
|
4, 10, 11 |
Wednesday, August 14 |
11 - 1 p.m. |
|
3, 6, 12 |
Thursday, August 15 |
8 - 10 a.m. |
|
5, 9 |
Thursday, August 15 |
11 - 1 p.m. |
Haynie, Wilkins, and Wright Returning Students:
Check-in dates are available for Friday, August 16 through Sunday, August 18.
Returning residents will need to schedule a move-in appointment at least 24 hours prior to arriving on campus. Residents are able to schedule this appointment by using the online appointment system (enter your ULID and password to log in). Link will be emailed. Need to cancel and reschedule a different time? Return to the appointment site and choose the cancel button. The scheduling option will return.
Watterson Towers Move-In
Directions to Watterson Towers
Because of planned street closures on campus, please rely on these directions rather than directions from GPS or other mobile devices.
Watterson Towers Driving Direction Map
Traveling on I-55 North |
Traveling on I-55 South |
|
1. Exit 165A-Main Street and |
1. Exit 165-Main Street and turn left (south) |
Finding Your Room
If your room number starts with a 3, the elevator stops on the floor of your House (your “House” is one of the following: Smith, Jefferson, Monroe, Randolph, Adams, Pickering, Clay, Marshall, Madison, or Van Buren). If your room number does not start with a 3, you will need to walk up or down stairs to your floor. For example: Room #203 Pickering: Take the elevator to the third floor of Pickering House and walk down one flight to the second floor of Pickering. Feeling a little confused once inside? Ask ANY of the staff members, we will help you understand the lay of the land!
2019 Watterson Towers NEW Student Move-In Schedule |
||
|
House & Floor |
Day & Date |
Time |
|
Randolph and Pickering |
Wednesday, August 14 |
8 - 11 a.m. |
|
Monroe and Marshall |
Wednesday, August 14 |
1 - 4 p.m. |
|
Madison |
Wednesday, August 14 |
4 - 6 p.m. |
|
Jefferson and Clay |
Thursday, August 15 |
8 - 11 a.m. |
|
Adams and Smith |
Thursday, August 15 |
1 - 4 p.m. |
|
Van Buren |
Thursday, August 15 |
4 - 6 p.m. |
Watterson Returning Students:
Check-in dates are available for Friday, August 16 through Sunday, August 18.
Returning residents will need to schedule a move-in appointment at least 24 hours prior to arriving on campus. Residents are able to schedule this appointment by using the online appointment system (enter your ULID and password to log in). Link will be emailed. Need to cancel and reschedule a different time? Return to the appointment site and choose the cancel button. The scheduling option will return.
Cardinal Court Move In
Directions to Cardinal Court
Because of planned street closures on campus, please rely on these directions rather than directions from GPS or other mobile devices.
Cardinal Court Driving Direction Map
Traveling on I-55 North |
Traveling on I-55 South |
| 1. Exit 165A-Main Street and continue south on Main Street 2. Turn right (west) onto Gregory Street 3. Turn right into Cardinal Court entrance |
1. Exit 165-Main Street and turn left (south) onto Main Street 2. Turn right (west) onto Gregory Street 3. Turn right into Cardinal Court entrance |
Packing
Did you know we have a packing checklist? Find it in the Move-In Guide in the Illinois State University App or visit the move-in page on Housing.IllinoisState.edu. Be sure to talk with your roommates to coordinate shared items.
What to Bring |
What to Leave at Home |
What's Nice to Have |
| • Alarm clock • Bathrobe • Bedding • Cleaning supplies (See a recommended checklist online or on our app) • Computer • Cookware • Cutlery • Desk lamp (No halogen lamps or bulbs permitted) • Dishes • First aid kit • Garbage can • Groceries • Headphones • Iron • Ironing board • Shower curtain (liner is provided) • Toilet paper • Towels • Umbrella |
As a reminder, these items are not permitted: • Alcohol • Bottle or can collection • Candle warmer • Candles/wick lamps/incense • Cinder blocks • Curtains/draperies/blinds • Electrically lighted window or wall art • Grill (any type) • Halogen bulbs and lamps • Hoverboards/battery- operated scooters • Microwave or toaster oven (Shared microwaves provided i n common areas) • Pets, except fish (Nothing larger than a 1 0-gallon tank) |
• Bathroom mats/rugs • DVD player/stereo • Room decorations (Holes may not be put in walls.) • Small appliances (Toaster, coffee maker, etc.) • Storage containers • Television |
About Your Apartment
Furnishings
Apartments are fully furnished and mini blinds are included on all windows. Living rooms have a couch, end table, coffee table, side chair, and TV stand. Bedrooms include a bed, dresser, desk, chair, and nightstand for each student. Single beds in shared bedrooms may be bunked. Full-size beds are provided in single rooms. Kitchens have stools and all major appliances including dishwasher, microwave, stove, and a refrigerator with an ice maker. Residents provide dishes, cookware, cutlery, small appliances, and cleaning supplies.
Alcohol
As in the residence halls, Cardinal Court is a dry complex. Possession or consumption of alcohol is not allowed on the premises, regardless of age. Those who violate this policy place their academic standing in jeopardy.
Room and Roommate Assignment
Beginning July 21, 2019, you can view your room assignment in the Housing and Dining portal. This includes your building name and room/apartment number, room type, and floor. Roommate(s) contact information (if published) will also be listed. Before you arrive on campus, browse the Roommate Bill of Rights so you can experience a smooth transition to residential life.
Room Changes
Once assigned, room/apartment changes typically will not be made until the following academic year. Requests for current-year changes will not be considered until after the first 10 days of classes and will be reviewed based on a number of criteria. Talk to your Cardinal Court staff for more information.
Contract Cancellations
Requests for cancellation must be submitted using the Online Contract Cancellation Form. Notification to other university offices does not terminate the contract. IMPORTANT: Depending on the date you cancel, charges and fees may apply. Please review cancellation dates and information under Housing Contracts.
Resources
Laundry
Washers and dryers are available within Birch and Fir units. Community laundry rooms are available in Cypress, Dogwood, and Evergreen. They are paired with an internet application that allows you to monitor use at laundryview.com. You must provide laundry supplies.
TV and Internet
Cardinal Court provides direct and wireless Internet access, and each room is equipped with cable TV outlets. You must bring your own Ethernet cable and TV cable cord. Visit Resnet.IllinoisState.edu or call (309) 438-8334 for additional information.
Community Center
The Community Center features a fitness center, Subway restaurant, gymnasium, game area, theater room, meeting rooms, staff offices, resident mailboxes, and reception desk. There are also outdoor basketball and sand volleyball courts.
Security
You will need to swipe your student ID to enter your building and will only have access to your building. Contact the central Housing office from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at (309) 438-8611 for assistance.
Trash and Recycling
Dumpsters and recycling receptacles are located outside each residential building. Residents are responsible for regularly removing trash and recycling from their apartments.
Cardinal Court Move In
Residents of Cardinal Court will need to schedule a move-in appointment prior to arriving on campus by using the online appointment system (enter your ULID and password to log-in), which will be available on our website beginning mid-July. Move-in for Cardinal Court begins on August 12 and continues through August 18. Please be sure to set your appointment at least 24 hours in advance of your planned arrival so that our staff members have time to prepare. Need to cancel and reschedule a different time? Return to the appointment site and choose the cancel button. The scheduling option will return.
Returning Students are encouraged to move in on August 12 and 13, or after Friday, August 16.
Fell Avenue and School Street Apartment Move In
Residents Fell Ave. and School Street Apts will need to schedule a move-in appointment prior to arriving on campus by using the online appointment system (enter your ULID and password to log-in), which will be available on our website beginning mid-July. Move-in begins on August 5, and will continue through August 18. Please be sure to set your appointment at least 24 hours in advance of your planned arrival so that our staff members have time to prepare. Need to cancel and reschedule a different time? Return to the appointment site and choose the cancel button. The scheduling option will return.
2019-08-12T11:18:44.708-05:00
2019