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Dean of Students Office
Students sitting in the uptown circle at Normal, IL

Off-Campus Services

Off-Campus Services provides support and services to Illinois State University students living in privately owned apartments in Bloomington-Normal and surrounding communities.

Off-Campus Services

Announcements

Heading home for winter break?

Keep your possessions and residence safe during winter break, consider these safety tips:

  • Save money on heat but leave it on! Set your heat to the lowest setting allowed by your landlord (check your lease).
  • If you will be gone for an extended break, consider having the post office hold your mail.
  • Avoid packing your car the night before you leave.
  • Make sure all windows and doors are closed and locked.
  • Keep a master list of larger, valuable items, with make, model, and serial numbers: or take pictures!
  • Ask a friend to keep an eye on your residence while you are away.
  • Remove any perishable food items and take our your trash and recycling.
  • Unplug television, computer, toaster oven and other appliances to protect them from power surges but keep your refrigerator plugged in.
  • Take all medications, contact lenses, and important documents with you.
  • If you have a pet, take it with you or board it. If you leave it with a friend, get a signed contract for care to ensure you get your pet back and that it is cared for properly.
  • Do not leave your car or other vehicles parked on the street during break. It will be towed, and you will be charged for tow and daily storage fees.
  • Pay close attention to parking bans regarding snowfall to avoid receiving a ticket!
  • For those living in a house off-campus, you can request that the Normal Police Department stop by and check on your residence by calling their non-emergency number at (309) 888-5030.

If you have questions, contact Off-Campus Services at (309) 438-8621.

Off-Campus Housing 101

OC101: An Orientation to Living Off Campus

Before you begin searching for off-campus housing, check out this OC101 video! Learn valuable information about apartment searching, finding roommates, paying utilities, budgeting, signing a lease, and more.

To skip ahead in the video to a specific topic, you can use the links below (or go to the timestamp as noted).

University Housing Policy [0:13]

Things to Keep in Mind [1:07]

Off-Campus Housing Marketplace [2:03]

Questions to Ask a Landlord [4:48]

Roommates [5:38]

Leases [7:39]

Costs/Expenses [14:06]

Moving In/Out [18:46]

Parking [21:17]

Belonging and Safety [24:12]

Students' Attorney [28:15]

Myth Buster Activity [30:01]

Contact Information [32:36]

Additional Links

Dean of Students Office Directory