Eastern Illinois University (EIU) offers a variety of on-campus housing options to its students. These options include traditional residence halls, apartments, and Greek housing. Each type of housing has its own unique advantages and disadvantages.

Traditional Residence Halls
Traditional residence halls are the most common type of on-campus housing at EIU. Students live in shared rooms, which typically have two or four beds. Residence halls also have shared bathrooms, study lounges, and kitchens.
Advantages:
- Traditional residence halls are the most affordable on-campus housing option.
- Students get to live with other students who are in the same year and have similar interests.
- Residence halls are close to academic buildings, dining halls, and other campus amenities.
Disadvantages:
- Students may not have much privacy in traditional residence halls.
- Rooms can be small and cramped.
- Students may have to share a bathroom with many other people.
Apartments
Apartments are another popular type of on-campus housing at EIU. Students live in individual or shared bedrooms, and each apartment has its own private bathroom, kitchen, and living room.
Advantages:
- Apartments offer more privacy than traditional residence halls.
- Students have more space to themselves.
- Apartments have their own kitchens, so students can cook their own meals.
Disadvantages:
- Apartments are more expensive than traditional residence halls.
- Students may have to share a bedroom with a roommate.
- Apartments may be located further away from academic buildings and other campus amenities.
Greek Housing
Greek housing is available to students who are members of a fraternity or sorority. Greek houses are typically located off-campus, but they provide a sense of community and camaraderie.
Advantages:
- Greek housing offers a sense of community and belonging.
- Students get to live with other people who share their interests and values.
- Greek houses often have their own social events and activities.
Disadvantages:
- Greek housing can be expensive.
- Students may have to follow certain rules and regulations.
- Greek houses may be located further away from academic buildings and other campus amenities.
Choosing the Right On-Campus Housing Option
When choosing the right on-campus housing option, students should consider their budget, their personality, and their lifestyle. Students who want to save money and live close to campus may want to consider a traditional residence hall. Students who want more privacy and space may want to consider an apartment. Students who are looking for a sense of community and belonging may want to consider Greek housing.
Costs of On-Campus Housing
The cost of on-campus housing at EIU varies depending on the type of housing and the meal plan. The following table shows the average costs for each type of housing for the 2022-2023 academic year:
| Type of Housing | Cost per Semester |
|---|---|
| Traditional Residence Hall | $2,500 – $3,500 |
| Apartment | $3,000 – $4,500 |
| Greek Housing | $3,500 – $5,000 |
Meal Plans
Students living on-campus at EIU are required to purchase a meal plan. The following table shows the different meal plans available and the cost of each plan:
| Meal Plan | Cost per Semester |
|---|---|
| 10 meals per week | $1,000 |
| 15 meals per week | $1,200 |
| Unlimited meals | $1,500 |
Tips for Living On-Campus
Here are some tips for living on-campus at EIU:
- Get involved in campus activities. This is a great way to meet new people and make friends.
- Take advantage of the resources available to you. EIU offers a variety of services to help students succeed, including tutoring, counseling, and health care.
- Be respectful of your roommates and neighbors. On-campus housing is a community, and everyone needs to work together to keep it a positive environment.
- Keep your room clean and tidy. This will help you stay organized and reduce the risk of getting sick.
- Be mindful of noise levels. Your roommates and neighbors may be trying to study or sleep.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Keep your doors locked and be aware of who is around you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when living on-campus at EIU:
- Not getting involved in campus activities. This can make it difficult to meet new people and make friends.
- Not taking advantage of the resources available to you. EIU offers a variety of services to help students succeed, but many students don’t take advantage of them.
- Being disrespectful of your roommates and neighbors. This can create a negative environment for everyone.
- Not keeping your room clean and tidy. This can make it difficult to study and can lead to health problems.
- Not being mindful of noise levels. Your roommates and neighbors may be trying to study or sleep.
- Not being aware of your surroundings. This can put you at risk of being a victim of crime.
FAQs
Here are some FAQs about on-campus housing at EIU:
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What is the deadline to apply for on-campus housing?
- The deadline to apply for on-campus housing is May 1st.
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How do I apply for on-campus housing?
- You can apply for on-campus housing online at the EIU website.
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What is the cost of on-campus housing?
- The cost of on-campus housing varies depending on the type of housing and the meal plan. The average cost for a traditional residence hall is $2,500 – $3,500 per semester. The average cost for an apartment is $3,000 – $4,500 per semester. The average cost for Greek housing is $3,500 – $5,000 per semester.
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What meal plans are available?
- EIU offers three meal plans: 10 meals per week, 15 meals per week, and unlimited meals. The cost of the meal plans varies depending on the number of meals.
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What are the rules and regulations for on-campus housing?
- EIU has a number of rules and regulations for on-campus housing. These rules and regulations are designed to maintain a safe and positive environment for all students.
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What if I have a problem with my roommate?
- If you have a problem with your roommate, you should talk to your RA. Your RA can help you resolve the problem.
Eastern Illinois University is committed to providing quality on-campus housing to its students.
