Frequently asked questions about student life in Champaign-Urbana

Thinking about making the move to Urbana Champaign University? Then you probably have lots of questions you’d like answered.

So to help you make the decision, Yugo has put together some of the most frequently asked questions about student life in Champaign-Urbana to help you decide if it’s the right college for you!

What are the best student activities in Champaign-Urbana?

Champaign-Urbana has lots of different activities for students to enjoy, from fantastic restaurants and fun bars to visit to more active activities like the Elevate Trampoline Park and UI Ice Arena. Check out our student’s guide to Champaign-Urbana here, with all the best places for food, drinks, and fun with your college friends.

What other US cities are easy to travel to from Champaign-Urbana?

How big is Champaign-Urbana?

The two cities of Champaign and Urbana are often grouped together as the metropolitan area of Champaign-Urbana or Urbana-Champaign. The metropolitan area has a population of 223,247 so while the two cities individually are considered rather small, combined it’s considered a big area.

But despite the two cities being separate it’s easy to get around Champaign-Urbana, even if you don’t have a car! There’s lots of options for public transport such as the MTD which is free for students with their i-card! MTD also offers SafeRides, as well as an on-demand van service that offers rides if you’re struggling to get home safe.

Is Champaign-Urbana a safe city for students?

Overall Champaign-Urbana is a safe area for residents, but no city is completely crime free so it is always a good idea to follow standard safety precautions such as always locking your door and your car and never leave valuables in full view. The campus’ SafeWalks is a free service provided to help students avoid walking alone at night so utilising this service when necessary is a good way to stay safe too.

How close are the Champaign and Urbana apartments to campus?

Yugo Urbana Illinois is located just an 8-minute walk away from the UIUC campus and the South 3^rd Lofts in Champaign are located just a 9-minute walk away. So both locations are super convenient for students!

What facilities are available in the Yugo Apartments?

The South 3^rd Lofts have some excellent amenities including a coffee and snack bar that’s a great area for meeting up with friends and socialising, as well as a community courtyard with a firepit that’s perfect for chilly evenings! There are also ping-pong tables available to use if you feel like playing your friends or even setting up a tournament.

Yugo’s Urbana apartments are great for more active students who enjoy living life on-the-go. The facilities include a fitness centre and yoga room as well as a swimming pool. There’s also a games room, study lounge, café and even a conference room all available to students.

Is there onsite parking?

Yes, there are dedicated parking garages at both locations. However, there are only a limited number of parking spaces available so we recommend booking sooner rather than later to secure your space!

Where are the best places to eat in Champaign-Urbana?

Champaign-Urbana is a vibrant area with a wide variety of food to choose from. Here are some of our favourites below:

• Legends – Located in the heart of campus town, Legends is a popular sports bar with classic American pub grub, an outdoor beer garden and a pool room.
• Bentley’s Pub – A downtown bar with a neighbourhood vibe, Bentley’s Pub has a delicious range of cocktails on offer
• Seven Saints – A stylish American tavern with great food and booze.
• Watson’s Shack & Rail – A fine-casual dining chicken shop with southern comfort food and a whole lotta chicken on the menu.
• Big Grove Tavern – Farm-to-table American grub with cocktails, beer and a rustic touch.
• Papa Del’s – An iconic pizzeria serving classic deep dish pizza Chicago style with a huge range of toppings to choose from.
• Black Dog Smoke & Ale House – Serving delicious classic BBQ food from brisket and ribs to burgers set in an old train depot.

Is Champaign-Urbana a college town?

The two cities of Champaign and Urbana form a rich and vibrant community that is perfect for students. The diverse collection of individuals make for a really enriching and fulfilling college experience for those that choose to attend UIUC.

Why Yugo?

Our student housing is more than just a place to live and learn. It’s a holistic living experience with great spaces across the US, as well as across Europe, the Middle East, and Australia.

We give our students a supportive place to grow on and off campus. When you choose Yugo, alongside your desirable accommodation, you’ll experience the great lifestyle that Yugo Urbana and the South 3^rd Lofts provide.

So, there you have it! Our top FAQs about life at Columbia District Flats. We hope you found the answer you were looking for – but if you didn’t, please check out our USA FAQs or simply get in touch.