The ultimate guide for moving to a college town in Illinois

PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
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SNS - You've got your letter of acceptance in hand for graduate school at the university of your choice or a new job in college town. Are you ready to embark on an exciting adventure in higher education in the coming spring semester or next August?

Moving to a college town is more than just a change of address. Regardless it you are an incoming freshman, transfer student, or graduate student pursuing an advanced degree, moving to a environment can be a transformative experience. Below is a comprehensive checklist for making that big move to campus and ensuring a seamless transition. This guide was developed with you in mind to help navigate the often-overlooked aspects of college-town life.

Researching the college

Embarking on your college journey begins with a crucial step in our checklist for moving to a college town: thorough research. Picture yourself going on an exciting expedition. Arm yourself with the knowledge to make informed decisions. Explore the campus layout virtually. Trace your footsteps from lecture halls to coffee shops, workout facilities and your college team's stadium.

Next, check out the academic world. What courses resonate with your passions and aspirations? Seek out professors who inspire you and research their work.


The student union is a great place on campus to meet new people and find organizations that fits your intersts.

PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Finally, explore student organizations and clubs, discovering where your interests align. On campus, there is a niche for everyone, from debate societies to club sports teams to cultural clubs. Here, you will make new friends, too, some for life. Overall, your college experience is as unique as you are, and this knowledge empowers you to find the perfect fit.

Finding suitable housing

From on-campus dorms to off-campus apartments or rental houses, there's a match for your preferences and budget. Consider proximity to classes, amenities, and transportation. Do you prefer the convenience of walking to campus, or are you open to a short commute? Think about roommates, too, whether you're sharing with friends or going room with a complete stranger. Clear communication and shared expectations make for harmonious cohabitation whether it is your BFF from high school or some you just met.

Budgeting as part of the checklist for moving to a college town

Budgeting is the compass that will guide your financial journey as you prepare to move to a college town. Begin by creating a comprehensive and detailed budget that covers all your expenses. Factor in your rent or housing costs, utilities like electricity, water, internet, groceries, transportation, and personal expenses. Don't forget about textbooks, school supplies, and any course-related expenses. Allocate funds for entertainment and leisure activities, too — because, face it, having fun is important.

Track your spending using apps or spreadsheets to monitor every dollar in and out of your accounts. That helps you stay on top of your finances, preventing calling mom or dad for extra cash when those nasty surprises occassionaly pop up. Consider setting up a separate savings account for emergencies or unexpected costs at a local bank. It's your safety net if things don't go according to plan. Be disciplined and realistic about your budget. Adapt and adjust as you go along, making necessary tweaks to ensure your financial well-being.

Planning the move to college town

The first thing you will want to do is create a detailed checklist that outlines every step, from researching housing options to packing essentials. Be proactive and start early to avoid last-minute stress. In addition, consider hiring professional movers, like Beltway Movers Maryland states that this will help your transition go super smooth. It is smart to label your boxes for easy unpacking. Notify your current and future utility providers, if necessary, about your relocation and ensure you have all the necessary services in your new place before arrival.

At the same time, purge unnecessary items during the packing process. It's a great opportunity to declutter and streamline your belongings. Prepare an essentials box with items you will need right away upon arrival. Include toiletries, clothes, important documents, and any daily necessities.

Contact potential roommates or neighbors to introduce yourself and establish a connection before moving in. Keep important documents (like your lease, ID, and financial records) organized and easily accessible during the move.


Public transit is a student's best friend in many college towns like on the campus of the University of Illinois. The MTD system provides transportation throughout the twin city community.
PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Getting around town and campus

Finding housing and transportation before you move is a key part of the checklist for moving to a college town. Will you rely on your car, or is public transportation more your style? Consider the cost, parking availability, and environmental impact.

If you're considering biking, explore bike-friendly routes and invest in a sturdy lock. It's a fantastic way to stay fit and eco-conscious while getting around.

Public transit is a student's best friend in many college towns: research bus and subway routes, schedules, and passes. Most colleges offer student discounts that can lighten your financial load.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, provide flexibility without the commitment of owning a car. They are perfect for occasional trips or late-night study sessions. Walking is eco-friendly and a great way to discover hidden gems around your campus.

Check out the weather

Start by checking the average temperatures in your college town throughout the year. Will you deal with chilly winters, scorching summers, or mild, temperate weather? Also, rainfall patterns matter. Are you moving to a place with frequent downpours or a more arid climate? Knowing this will help you prepare with the right clothing and gear.

Also, consider the local terrain. Does your college town experience heavy snowfall, and do you need to prepare for icy sidewalks and roads? Or will you need sunscreen for those sunny days? Keep an eye on the area's weather trends and extreme events. Is it prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, or wildfires? Understanding these risks will also help you prepare and stay safe.

Weather apps and local news sources are invaluable for real-time updates. Knowing what to expect means you're always ready for whatever Mother Nature throws your way. So, grab your raincoat or sunscreen and embark on your academic journey in style, come rain or shine.

From researching the college's culture to budgeting wisely, every step of this checklist for moving to a college town contributes to a successful relocation. In your college town, you'll find an academic community and a dynamic environment waiting to be explored. Every experience is a stepping stone toward a bright and promising future, from the classrooms to the local hangouts.

So, embrace this exciting chapter with enthusiasm and confidence. You're equipped with knowledge and insight to make informed choices, ensuring your college experience is fulfilling and rewarding.

EIU ranked #3 in the country for affordable college education

Finding a college that offers a solid academic education that won't put students under a mountain of school debt is a growing concern parents and their college-bound offspring. College Consensus has curated a list of schools ranked according to the most recent out-of-state tuition & fee information published by the National Center for Education Statistics.
Photo: Xin Wang/Unsplash

According to College Consensus, Eastern Illinois University in Charleston ranks #3 out of 100 schools across the country for an affordable college education.

Pursuing a college degree is now, more than ever, an expensive, but necessary journey. On average across most career fields, adults with college degrees stand to rake in a lot more money, more than 60% more according to NCES data, than those who don't continue their education after high school. Regardless of one's age, gender or race, a college degree is crucial to earning potentially more money during your lifetime.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average tuition rate for public universities in 2017-2018 academic year was more than $20,000; by contrast, 30 years earlier, the same education would have cost $3800. But everything was cheaper in 1985 – except that, adjusted for inflation, 1985 tuition was less than $8500 in 2018 dollars. Tuition continues to rise faster than inflation.

Education debt is second largest consumer debt class in the Unite States behind real estate mortgages. The average recent graduate is more than $37,000 in student debt.

This alone makes it a priority to find college programs that are reasonably priced and focuses on teaching market-ready skills for current in-demand professions.

The top three schools in the Best Value Colleges and Universities ranking for 2021 are (1) Brigham Young University--Provo, (2) North Dakota State University, and nearby Eastern Illinois University at #3. The next 97 ranked schools can be found here.

To create their ranking of the 100 Best Value Colleges & Universities, College Consensus created a list and ordered schools based on the most recent out-of-state tuition & fee information published by the National Center for Education Statistics.

EIU, which offers Bachelor’s Degrees, post-baccalaureate Certificates, Master’s Degrees and Doctorates in over 60 programs, scored well due to both in-state and out-of-state tuition runs $10,000 less than the average cost of all the 4-year schools that were evaluated.

Also making the list was Illinois State University at #93 and the University of Missouri - St. Louis at 100.

Emmert, Mabry earn academic honors at EIU

Abigail Emmett and Samantha Mabry were two of more than 700 undergraduate students named to Eastern Illinois University’s Fall 2018 Deans' List.

Emmert, a music education major with a focus on teaching and 2016 graduate from St. Joseph-Ogden High School, served as a student ambassador for the EIU music department, held the role as principal chair flute of Concert Band and performs with several bands as a student-musician.

A drum major the SJO Marching Band, she also earned the same title and responsibilities with the Panther Marching Band. In May of last year she was awarded the Errett & Mazie Warner Presidential Award and the Helen J. Krehbiel Music Scholarship.

Mabry, who was a four-year veteran cross country and track athlete in high school, is an English major at EIU.

She finished her prep career as a member of last spring's state championship track team. The 2018 SJO alum is continuing her athletic career with the Panthers. A red-shirt freshman in cross country this past fall, she is listed as a middle distance specialist on the university's track & field roster.

The Deans’ List at EIU recognizes undergraduates with a declared major whose academic performance has been excellent. Eastern Illinois University students who achieve a GPA of 3.80 to 4.00 (on a 4.00 scale) while completing a minimum of 12 graded semester hours, excluding credit/no credit grades, are honored each semester.


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Photos: Sentinel/Clark Brooks