Illinois State University adapts housing to meet student demand
Written by Kaitlyn Witas on August 22, 2025
Image courtesy of Illinois State University
NORMAL, Ill.- Potential concerns of overpopulation have been expressed at some of Illinois State University’s on-campus living spaces.
Admission rates at ISU have risen in recent years, and Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications Hillary Campos clarified that the admissions and housing departments operate independently.
With high numbers of students being admitted to the university, housing services have adopted a strategy similar to other schools across the country.
“I would say that Illinois State obviously maintains a strategy to ensure that housing needs are met for students,” Campos said. “Due to requested transitions, we are usually able to empty our temporary spaces.”
Temporary spaces are most commonly known as the “lounge,” found on each floor of the dorm buildings. Students assigned to live in lounges receive the same amenities as other residents, including beds and desks, along with a $250 credit. They were also given the option to move off campus as an alternative to lounge housing.
“Essentially, students got to choose and self-select their move in date and time. Once they arrived, we had our Curb Birds assist and help unload,” Campos said.
Student volunteers known as Curb Birds, Resident Assistants and other members on the housing team were able to assist students and families in the move-in process by operating elevators and carts, as well as other tasks.
“We’re really proud of what we saw and the interactions we got to see with students and families and parents, but also with staff and our Curb Birds as well,” Campos said.
Residence hall move-in took place over a span of six days.
Throughout the year, residence hall students can expect regular communication from RAs about dorm life, nightly security checks with keys and IDs between midnight and 6 a.m., and the opportunity to build community with fellow residents.
The goal for the housing department is to clear the temporary living spaces completely within the first six weeks of the semester, with over 50% having already been cleared, with an additional goal to assist students transitioning out of those spaces.
