New and Returning Student Information
Living Off Campus
Electricity and Natural Gas
Ameren-Illinois Power: 800-755-5000
Refuse Collection and Recycling Service
Maintaining an attractive neighborhood means making sure that trash and litter around your home is picked up, secured in a proper container, and left out for pick-up by your garbage collector. Containers must be removed from the street by no later than 10 a.m. on the day following your collection. The City of Urbana provides collection of recyclable materials, including these items. Please place your recyclables out on your designated pickup day found here. Fall and spring leaf collection is available on designated days.
- City of Urbana Licensed Garbage Haulers
- Landscape Recycling Center: 217-344-5323
- U-Cycle (City of Urbana curbside & multifamily recycling programs): 217-384-2302
Sewer
Urbana & Champaign Sanitary District: 217-367-3409
Water
Illinois-American Water: 217-352-1420
Transportation
With a size of just under 12 square miles and flat topography, getting around in Urbana is very easy. Urbana is accessible by car, air, train or bus. Once here, there are a variety of transportation options, whether they are by foot, bike, Zipcar or public transportation.
BikeShare
The new dockless bikeshare program in Urbana called VeoRide completely alleviates all of that, and has been successful all across the United States. First, on a smartphone, download the VeoRide app. Next, find a bike, which is easy. Either spot a bike and start the process or locate one of these GPS-equipped bikes with the app. Next, unlock the bike’s self-contained wheel lock by scanning a QR code with your smartphone.
Parking in Urbana
Parking permits are required in some neighborhoods bordering the University due to high demand. Residents may purchase parking stickers and guest passes at the Finance Department, City Hall, 400 South Vine Street. Be sure to park no closer than five feet from either side of a driveway. Parking on grass or dirt is prohibited, so please don’t park in your yard.
Housing
A variety of Housing alternatives exist in Urbana. As you consider your options, please keep in mind the following:
Rental Registration and Occupancy
Urbana requires registration and code inspection of all residential rental properties. No more than four unrelated persons may occupy a dwelling unit. If you are renting a unit with more than three other unrelated roommates, you may need to move. Free confidential assistance is available for students from the University Tenant Union at 217-333-0112 and for non-students at the C-U Tenant Union at 217-352-6220.
Noise Considerations
By ordinance, noise may not be heard beyond the property limits of your home. If you are bothered by unreasonable noise, please call 217-384-2320.
No Indoor Furniture on Porches
After a 2010 house fire caused the death of a young woman, Urbana banned the use of indoor upholstered furniture on porches.
Complaints
- Safety or maintenance concerns about the apartment or house you are renting, call 217-384-2436, or seek help from the Tenant Union (students: 217-333-0112; others: 217-352-6220).
- Improperly parked or abandoned vehicles: 217-328-8253
- Animal control issues: 217-384-3798
- Trash, debris, or overgrown yards: 217-384-2416
Alcohol
The drinking age in Urbana is 21. Laws against underage drinking, whether at a bar, restaurant, or party are strictly enforces. Selling alcohol in residential neighborhoods is illegal. Urbana prohibits selling cups or charging a cover at a party where alcohol is served. Carrying open containers of alcohol in public is illegal.
Neighborhood Groups
Most of Urbana’s neighborhoods are served by an active neighborhood group. Please call the City’s Community Development Services Department at 217-384-2444 for contact information.
About Your New Home
Urbana is a smart, innovative, and globally connected micro-urban community. Among the many attractive attributes Urbana boasts are an internationally diverse population, a strong technology base, and a vibrant arts, culture, and entertainment scene.
- Find out about the many community resources available to you
- Check out all the places your family and guests can stay while visiting the area
Urbana Information
Please visit our calendar of events, City documents, and information on City programs, departments, and governing bodies. Agendas and items being considered by the City Council at their regular Monday evening meetings also are posted. You can watch public meetings and other community programs on UPTV, on YouTube.
Your Safety Is Important!
Register Your Bicycle
Click here to access the form which you can complete and return to the City’s Finance Department. Click here to access City of Urbana bicycle maps and learn more about bicycle safety tips.
Take A Bite Out Of Crime
Don’t be a victim of crime. The Urbana Police Department offers a number of services to help enhance your quality of life. Consider joining a Neighborhood Watch Program. If you’re leaving town for vacation or break, request Vacation Watch Service while you are away.
- The Urbana Police Department is accessible for more information by calling their non-emergency number, 217-384-2320. Dial 9-1-1 for all emergency police, fire, and emergency medical calls.
- The University of Illinois Public Safety Department works closely with the Urbana Police Department. If you are living on campus, call the U of I Police non-emergency number, 217-333-1216, for assistance or information. Dial 9-1-1 for all emergency police, fire, and emergency medical calls.
Fire Prevention and Emergencies
Urbana Fire Rescue helps you in emergencies and through effective prevention programs. This department, one of the highest-rated in Illinois, has trained all of its firefighters as Emergency Medical Technicians. They have an excellent history in fire prevention and are recognized leaders in education efforts with children. Dial 9-1-1 for all emergency police, fire, and emergency medical calls. For information, or to schedule a free home fire life safety visit, please call 217-384-2420.