Returning Resident: How to Apply

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Starting to plan where to live next year? We hope you keep us in mind and choose to Live the Illini Life!

Step 1: Have your EnterpriseID and password ready.

You will need both of these to log on to the Housing Portal. In most cases, your EnterpriseID is the same as your NetID. However, the passwords for each of these are set separately and can be different. You will also need the UIN or NetID of your preferred roommate(s).

Step 2: Take Time To Review.

Pay close attention to the Housing Sign-Up dates and deadlines. Remember, that we will have a cap to the number of returning resident contracts that we will accept. We will offer a waitlist once we reach the cap, but keep in mind that if on the waitlist, a space in University Housing is not guaranteed.

To lock in your spot in University Housing, you must complete the online University Housing Contract. The contract is a legally binding document, so please take the time to review the 2025–2026 University Housing Contract. Read through all of the terms and conditions so you fully understand your rights and requirements before you sign.

Step 3: Check the box.

At the end of your Housing Sign-Up session, you will be asked to check a box that serves as your electronic signature and indicates you have read and agree to the University Housing Contract. If you do not check the box and do not receive a confirmation email afterwards, you do not have a completed University Housing Contract.

If you are under the age of 18, you will send your parent/guardian an email through the contract requesting their signature. Please communicate with your parent/guardian to look for the email and reply as soon as possible.

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Living the Illini Life means ...

More Time.

The services and amenities we provide save you from having to shop, cook and clean, and allow you more time for friends with our built-in communities and social events.

Easy Access.

With our convenient locations, you're already close to classes, campus buildings and bus stops. You'll always have access to a full array of campus resources, including study spaces, health and well-being services, supportive staff and mentors.

Food Options.

All 10 of our dining locations feature a wide variety of dishes made by award-winning chefs and inclusive dietary choices. Want food on the go? Grab a quick, hot meal at our retail locations or use the Good2Go Carry-Out option in one of our all-you-care-to-eat dining halls.

Value.

With 6 different meal plans and 26 residence halls, we’ve got options that meet your budget. Not to mention you will only pay one bill per semester, have no additional laundry, utility or grocery costs, or a steep security deposit and application fee. Did we also mention we also have flexible living terms, with our 9-month academic year contract? Looking to study abroad? We will release you from your housing contract spring semester.

Did You Know:

Bousfield Hall: Home to exclusively sophomores through seniors, these halls feature more single room, suite-style living and semi-private bathrooms, as well as gender-inclusive communities.

Wardall and Townsend Halls: Halls feature new paint and flooring, new room furniture, in-room climate control, individual-use bathrooms and additional gender-inclusive rooms.

Sherman and Daniels Halls: These graduate-upper division halls feature more single rooms and semi-private bathrooms and do not require residents to have a meal plan.

Prefer an Apartment?

Returning residents are also eligible to submit an application for a 12-month lease at Ashton Woods Apartments. A pet-friendly complex with furnished and unfurnished two-bedroom apartments, Ashton Woods is home to a mix of graduate students and upper-division undergraduate students. Parking and some utilities are included in the rent.

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Questions?

Contact the Housing Information Office - we’re happy to help!