Apartments students actually rent
Every community below is real and was checked against its own website in August 2026 — the links go straight to each property's site and floor-plan page so you can compare layouts and current rates.
| Community | Distance | Units & sizes | Rent | Furnished? | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Social on Hovey Covered garage parking and WiFi included; $500 gift card on Fall 2026 leases | ~5-min walk | 2x2 and 4x4; private bath per bedroom 909-1,520 sqft | 4x4 $689-$749/bed; 2x2 $979 | Yes | website · floor plans |
| The Social at Illinois State Private bath and walk-in closet per bedroom; in-home W/D | Steps from campus | 4BR/4BA townhomes 1,500 sqft | $699/bed | Yes | website · floor plans |
| The Social Normal The only major ISU student community with a resort-style pool | East of campus (drive/transit) | 1BR, 2x2, 4x4 535-1,255 sqft | 4x4 $659-$679/bed; 1BR $1,095 | Yes | website · floor plans |
| CollegePlace Uptown In-unit W/D and private garage; almost sold out for Fall 2026 | One block from campus | 1BR and 2x1 | 2x1 from $845 | Yes | website · floor plans |
| The Flats at ISU Utilities, garage parking and bike storage included; listed via ISU's official marketplace | Two blocks (~6-min walk) | 1BR-4BR; 2x2, 3x3, 4x4 townhomes 829-1,545 sqft | 1BR $735; others call | Yes | website |
| Class Act Realty (S. Walnut St.) Local landlord rather than a national operator; gas, heat and water included | Near campus, Normal | 1BR/1BA and 2BR/1BA 815-875 sqft | 1BR from $833/unit; 2BR from $425/bed | No | website |
Rates and availability change every lease season — verify everything with the property before signing.
How this compares with living on campus
Illinois State's cheapest on-campus option is Fell Ave & School St Apartments at $3,183/semester at double occupancy ($6,366/year). Remember that campus rates often bundle things an apartment does not — and an apartment lease usually runs 12 months instead of the academic year.
See on-campus rates & what's included
What you'll need
Furnished units still need bedding, kitchen basics and cleaning gear; unfurnished rentals add the big anchors — mattress, bed frame, sofa and a table. Our checklist filters by furnished vs unfurnished so you only pack what your unit is missing.
Apartment checklist Apartment shop