Where do I even begin? My friends and I started the apartment search pretty late in the game and were concerned that we wouldn't be able to find an apartment that we loved. However, what I appreciated about CC is that management here is super friendly, helpful, and accommodating in getting us housed for next year.
Of course, CC isn't the only apartment with competitive features. However, here are some features that really won our hearts:
Fantastic Amenities: 20 study rooms with screens and open tables? This is a student's dream, and as a telecommuter, I'm even more impressed with how every floor has a handful of conference rooms for group or individual studying. The clubhouse, gym, etc. are really nice, but the sheer number of conference rooms far exceeded any that we saw in other apartment complexes.
Location, Location, Location: Proximity to the Engineering library on campus is key. You can bike, bus, or walk to campus in a matter of minutes.
Super responsive management: Shout out to ZACH! Every email, phone call, question, etc. was fielded promptly and with a friendly willingness to help. Zach even stayed after hours to help clear up any of myriad of questions and get through the application/lease signing process. I saw other residents pop in and out of the leasing office for random requests, and there were always a handful of staff that jumped on to help them.
Diversity & Community: It's no big secret that UIUC hosts a rich demographic of students from various backgrounds. It feels friendly, community-like, and safe and I see really cute decorations hung up around people's doors celebrating their cultural background. Every resident I've run into has been nice, and I see various people walking their dogs around. It feels like a nice dorm experience but with an upscale swing.
Parking: CC has way more affordable parking than other vendors out there. And during the winter when it snows, you'll want covered parking if you own a car.
Layouts: The units that we visited (and I visited friends' non-model units as well for a "real look") were pretty clean and comparable to the ones we saw online through pictures. I like the kitchen island space since I do plan on cooking a lot, but the furnishings are convenient if you don't want to move in/out a lot of items.
I can't speak much for the roommate selection process since I'm moving in with friends I already know, but each one of the rooms can lock according to a keyfob so it seems to be reasonably safe & private if that's your thing.
Needless to say, my friends and I are super stoked to be able to move in :) Good luck on your apartment...
   Read moreI recently completed a year of living at Campus Circle Apartments and I couldn't be more thrilled with my experience. This modern, well-designed community offers a perfect combination of convenience, luxury, and top-notch amenities that cater to students and young professionals alike.
Location: Campus Circle is ideally situated within walking distance to the university campus, making it a breeze to get to classes, events, and study sessions. The surrounding neighborhood is vibrant, filled with various shops, eateries, and entertainment options that make it easy to enjoy a balanced lifestyle.
Apartment Features: The apartments themselves are spacious, with contemporary design elements and high-quality fixtures. The full-sized kitchen, complete with stainless steel appliances, provided me with everything I needed to prepare my meals. In-unit washer and dryer were a lifesaver during busy weeks, and the abundant storage space made organization a breeze.
Amenities: Campus Circle truly shines with its amazing amenities. The 24-hour fitness center is well-equipped, clean, and allowed me to maintain my workout routine without any hassle. The study rooms and computer lab were perfect for focused work sessions, while the resort-style pool, outdoor grilling areas, and clubhouse provided opportunities to relax and socialize.
Staff & Management: The staff at Campus Circle are professional, friendly, and always eager to help. They made the move-in process seamless and were prompt in addressing any maintenance requests or concerns. The management also organized regular community events, fostering a sense of camaraderie among the residents.
Safety: The security measures in place, such as controlled access gates and well-lit common areas, made me feel secure throughout my stay. The presence of surveillance cameras and attentive staff contributed to an overall sense of safety.
Weekly Events: One of the highlights of living at Campus Circle Apartments was the fantastic weekly events organized by the management team. Sushi Night and Taco Night were delicious and fun ways to unwind with fellow residents, offering a delightful opportunity to sample different cuisines and bond over a shared love of food. The Easter Egg Hunt added a festive touch to the spring season, bringing joy to residents of all ages. The Earth Day Dirt Cups event was a delightful and eco-conscious celebration that not only satisfied our sweet cravings but also promoted environmental awareness. These events truly enhanced the living experience at Campus Circle, fostering a warm and friendly community atmosphere where it's easy to make lasting...
   Read moreThe parking garage gates broke 5 times in the first month I lived here before they stopped getting repaired. Management blamed it on a delivery driver, but that doesn't excuse it happening so many times and it doesn't excuse poorly designed gates (you can easily drive in after a resident who has a gate tag, and then be trapped in the garage with no way to open the gate and no clear signage for delivery drivers that the gates operate by tag only). Management has "contacted their vendor," but that was months ago and there's been no update.
The key fob entry for the exterior building doors doesn't work anymore, leaving most exterior doors fully unlocked. Happened around the same time as the garage gates, and management gave the same answer. "We've contacted out vendor." Either their vendor is incredibly slow or they never did contact them, because the doors still don't work.
The key fob entry for my unit stopped working, meaning I couldn't lock the door from the outside. And for some reason the doors don't have physical keys for redundancy. It took several maintenance requests, emails, and calls for us to finally get it fixed so we could lock our door when we go to class. Campus Circle may claim that holiday hours were to blame for the delay, but on the day they were supposed to be fully open we still could barely get a hold of the office. And also, shouldn't they have some manager on hand for emergencies like this? Especially considering that the exterior doors STILL don't lock anyone off the street could have walked into my apartment when I was gone.
Not to mention the other issues mentioned in these reviews. The pool hasn't been open since I got here. The package pickup is slow at best so I just order my packages to amazon lockers. There's been a spilled pint of ice cream hidden behind a hallway door since October that custodial staff hasn't cleaned. They advertise internet and cable, but the internet is a single public network (so I just set up my own router anyway) and the cable signal looks absolutely garbage. The parking garage is so narrow and has blind turns, which is made worse by a lack of mirrors and center lines, resulting in near head on collisions every week.
They'll certainly have excuses related to their vendors, other residents, and delivery drivers. But the fact of the matter is that the building and its facilities are poorly thought out and poorly maintained. If it weren't for the rent concession I got for signing early this year, I could easily get better for cheaper.
At least the front desk staff...
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