I just finished my first year at urbana.
Do not stay at university commons (the manager is very nice however and was able to take care of apt needs very punctually) unless you like loud neighbors and shady looking people. I had to change my sleep patterns as a result of the craziness down there. You may handle noise better than i can...but only by God's grace was i able to maintain some sanity while down there...I am so grateful i don't have to return there ever.
Also, melrose place is also somewhat of a noisy place i've heard...ironically just down the street from university commons.
I have heard nothing but pretty nice things about the grad housing (daniels (?)) down there. it is quieter although it is a lot smaller than other apt complexes. Honestly, you'll spend a lot of time studying out of your apt that it'll only be used for sleeping.
since u of i is a big ten party school, noise is definitely something that cannot be avoided. also be weary of places that house parkland community college students...'nuff said.
hope this helps
