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| Living in Champaign-Urbana * 
1. Weather On average, the warmest month in Champaign-Urbana is July (average high 85F) and the coldest month is January (average low 16F). The maximum average precipitation occurs in May and "tornado warnings" can be in effect during spring and summer. In Champaign-Urbana, winter starts early (and suddenly) around November and lasts until March. One must be ready especially for the wind chill (i.e. get a warm coat and expect higher electricity bill) and take your automobile for a checkup in advance. Although the local governments remove the snow on the road promptly, one should expect icy driving condition at any time. 2. Living: university and community housing options The University offers four housing options for graduate students of two residence halls and two apartments. Many students who come to campus for the first time choose one of these options for convenience's sake and location, but the University also offers Certified Housing that might meet your needs better. For community landlord listings, links, and helpful search options, visit here. There are more than 31 apartment-leasing agencies, and should you decide to sign a contract with any of the leasing agencies it is in your best interest to consult with the University Tenant Union prior to making a final decision. Some leasing agencies offer various roommate-matching services as well. 3. Transportation: parking, public transportation, and university airport You may purchase a daily meter parking permit or different types of permits that are valid for the entire academic semester at designated parking areas for students at the Parking Department in Public Safety Building. You may also use the conventional meter parking, using coins, which have various time limits and rates. However, you will find it most convenient to walk, ride a bike, or take one of the MTD buses to school because of the scarcity of parking spaces. MTD buses have convenient routes around the campus and are free for students with valid university ID. All buses are equipped with bike racks and are wheelchair accessible. The University of Illinois Willard Airport's website is another place you might like to look into when you make your first flight to campus, or you can choose to reserve a shuttle bus from either of Chicago's airports. 4. Communications: local telephone and postal services To set up your local telephone account, contact with Ameritech (800-244-4444) or McLeod (800-500-3453). The University residence halls are already equipped with free local telephone access. However, in order to have a long distance or international access, you must contact a long distance service provider such as AT&T, Sprint, or MCI. Another thing to take a note of is that you need to press 9 before making phone calls from a university telephone. Press only the last five digits for a university telephone number. Moreover, there is an office in Altgeld Hall in the northwest corner of the Quad that serves as the United States Postal Office. 5. Health Care: immunization and insurance All students are required to show proof of immunity within one semester of enrollment by Illinois State Law. McKinley Health Center provides various vaccinations on walk-in bases for a small fee for some vaccinations and medications. You can also get allergy injection and flue shots free of charge (contingent upon availability) during walk-in hours. In addition to McKinley Health Center, there is a McKinley Resource Center (217-244-5994) on the first floor of Illini Union located in the Quad. The University Student Health Insurance plan provides worldwide coverage, with the student's choice of provider including basic dental and vision. The fee is automatically assessed with other tuition and fees, and you may apply for an exemption from the Student Insurance fee. In many cases, individual doctor's offices in Champaign-Urbana will be able to assist you with the insurance procedures with your Social Security Number. 6. Social Security Card If you are not a United States citizen, you need to register yourself as an international student at the International Student Affairs Office (a.k.a. OISA located at 400 Student Service Building 610 E. John St. Champaign, IL 61820, Phone: 333-1303). Take your passport, I-20 ID copy, I-94, and other necessary documents for identification purposes. The OISA will report your arrival to the Immigration Bureau. However, make sure all official and legal procedures are completed for your best interest. Another thing you should obtain upon your arrival is a Social Security Number. You will be required to provide your SSN should you like to get a driver's license, open a bank account, or complete your I-9s (Employment Eligibility Verification Forms). To apply, students should go directly to the Social Security Administration Office. Contact OISA for more information and assistance. Social Security Administration Office 7. Banking Many students choose to bank at University
of Illinois Employee Credit Union located on Illini Union
main level (Southwest side) or TCF Bank (locations), which has partnered with the University to offer student checking accounts linked to the i-card. There are major grocers such as Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, Meijer, Schnucks, and IGA for your grocery and general merchandise needs. Also, small as it is, the city of Champaign does have a major shopping mall, electronic stores, restaurants, even wedding shops and such. There should not be anything you cannot purchase in town although many of them are not within walking distance from campus. If you live on campus and do not drive, Walgreens is a good choice for you (located on Green and 5th). There are also a number of Asian grocers that might interest you. Please consult the print version of graduate student handbook for more information and see "Professor Kelsky's Best of Champaign Urbana" for a glimpse of this town. 9. Restaurants Dining experience in Champaign-Urbana can be an enjoyable one, and you can have decent breakfast, lunch, or dinner even if you never leave campus. The following list consists of ethnic restaurants located only within walking distances from campus and of course does not represent all of the choices limited to three maximum per category. The short review that follows each restaurant location is written very subjectively to say the least. Please consult the print version of graduate student handbook for more information and see "Professor Kelsky's Best of Champaign Urbana" for a glimpse of this town. 10. Leisure and Culture Ice
Arena (406 E. Armory) 11. Legal Services The University offers legal services to registered students for
free of charge. The office of Student Legal Services can provide
in-court representation (priority given students who are financially
unable to hire legal services) and other informative legal advises
and referrals to better serve your particular needs. For more information
visit: 12. Important Telephone Numbers (Local area code: 217) Emergency from campus phones 9-911 |