Questions? We Got Answers
Here are a few of our most commonly asked questions. We believe in transparency, and are here to help you whenever you need.
A. When you’re ready to secure your spot at The Social Normal, you can fill out one of our online applications on our website. After you submit your application, we’ll email you our online lease to electronically sign. Our spots are first come, first served, so when you’re ready to sign, we encourage you to begin our online leasing process promptly! Please contact the office if you have any questions.
A. Rent includes internet, parking, trash, and access to all our community amenities. The power and water will be split among your roommates and charged to your Resident Portal account each month. The price for utilities will vary based on usage.
A. Visit our website or download the app to log in to your Resident Portal. In case of a maintenance emergency, please contact our office as soon as possible.
A. We do! If you don’t have a roommate in mind, we offer this program for free. On your application, you will fill out an in-depth questionnaire to help our team match you with the best roommate we can find.
A. Yes, we require all residents to have renter’s liability insurance. You have the option to enroll in renter’s insurance with your chosen provider and provide proof of coverage. If insurance is not provided, a monthly fee of $10.95 will be applied for enrollment in the Resident Liability Insurance Program. This program meets our insurance requirements but offers no coverage for your personal belongings. Please contact our office for more information.
Yes, furry friends are welcome! They are roommates, too. Simply add your pet’s information on your application to register. There is a monthly pet rent for pet owners and breed restrictions. The pet maximum is no more than 2 per apartment/lease, with a maximum weight allowance of 100lbs per pet. Please note, that all pets must be approved by the office before an animal can be brought on property.
Aggressive Breed Restrictions: Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, Doberman Pinscher, Rottweiler, Presa Canarios, Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Wolf-Hybrid, Mastiff, Chow Chow, German Shepherd, or any mixes of these breeds. Please contact the office for more information.
A. We are a smoke-free community. Smoking within 25 feet of any of our buildings is prohibited.
A. Illinois State University provides the Redbird Express shuttle system that serves various routes throughout Normal and Bloomington. You can check the current routes and schedules on ISU’s transportation website to see which stops are most convenient to our community.
A. Yes, you can walk to ISU from The Social Normal, though the distance makes biking or driving more practical for daily classes. We’re approximately a mile and a half from central campus, which translates to about a 25-30 minute walk depending on which building you’re going to. Most residents choose to bike (10-15 minutes), drive (5-7 minutes), or use the Redbird Express shuttle for convenience.
A. Late fall or early spring is the perfect time to start your housing search for the upcoming fall semester! Student apartments in Normal typically begin leasing for the next academic year as early as October and November, with prime units and floorplans filling up by late winter or early spring. Starting your search early gives you the best selection of apartments, roommate matching options, and time to arrange financing or find cosigners if needed.
A. Yes, The Social Normal offers fully furnished apartments designed specifically for student living. Each apartment comes equipped with essential furniture including beds, desks, chairs, sofas, and dining tables, so you can move in with just your personal belongings and decorations. Our furnished options make moving to campus housing hassle-free, especially for out-of-state or international students.
A. The Social Normal is located in a convenient area with several shopping and dining options within a short drive or bike ride. The nearby Constitution Trail offers great opportunities for walking, running, and biking, while Shoppes at College Hills shopping center is just minutes away with grocery stores, restaurants, and retail options. For everyday essentials, you’ll find fast food, gas stations, and convenience stores easily accessible from our community.
A. Normal has several excellent coffee shops perfect for studying, with popular options like Coffee Hound and Fusion Brew within a short drive of The Social Normal. Downtown Normal’s Uptown area, approximately 10 minutes away, features additional cafés and study-friendly spots where ISU students regularly gather. Many residents also take advantage of our community spaces and amenities for studying without leaving home.
A. The area around The Social Normal features a healthy mix of students, young professionals, and families, creating a balanced residential neighborhood. This mixed community atmosphere often appeals to graduate students, older undergraduates, and those seeking a quieter living environment while still maintaining easy access to campus and Normal’s amenities.
A. When you’re ready to secure your spot at The Social Normal, you can fill out one of our online applications on our website. After you submit your application, we’ll email you our online lease to electronically sign. Our spots are first come, first served, so when you’re ready to sign, we encourage you to begin our online leasing process promptly! Please contact the office if you have any questions.
A. Rent includes internet, parking, trash, and access to all our community amenities. The power and water will be split among your roommates and charged to your Resident Portal account each month. The price for utilities will vary based on usage.
A. Visit our website or download the app to log in to your Resident Portal. In case of a maintenance emergency, please contact our office as soon as possible.
A. We do! If you don’t have a roommate in mind, we offer this program for free. On your application, you will fill out an in-depth questionnaire to help our team match you with the best roommate we can find.
A. Yes, we require all residents to have renter’s liability insurance. You have the option to enroll in renter’s insurance with your chosen provider and provide proof of coverage. If insurance is not provided, a monthly fee of $10.95 will be applied for enrollment in the Resident Liability Insurance Program. This program meets our insurance requirements but offers no coverage for your personal belongings. Please contact our office for more information.
Yes, furry friends are welcome! They are roommates, too. Simply add your pet’s information on your application to register. There is a monthly pet rent for pet owners and breed restrictions. The pet maximum is no more than 2 per apartment/lease, with a maximum weight allowance of 100lbs per pet. Please note, that all pets must be approved by the office before an animal can be brought on property.
Aggressive Breed Restrictions: Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, Doberman Pinscher, Rottweiler, Presa Canarios, Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Wolf-Hybrid, Mastiff, Chow Chow, German Shepherd, or any mixes of these breeds. Please contact the office for more information.
A. We are a smoke-free community. Smoking within 25 feet of any of our buildings is prohibited.
A. Illinois State University provides the Redbird Express shuttle system that serves various routes throughout Normal and Bloomington. You can check the current routes and schedules on ISU’s transportation website to see which stops are most convenient to our community.
A. Yes, you can walk to ISU from The Social Normal, though the distance makes biking or driving more practical for daily classes. We’re approximately a mile and a half from central campus, which translates to about a 25-30 minute walk depending on which building you’re going to. Most residents choose to bike (10-15 minutes), drive (5-7 minutes), or use the Redbird Express shuttle for convenience.
A. Late fall or early spring is the perfect time to start your housing search for the upcoming fall semester! Student apartments in Normal typically begin leasing for the next academic year as early as October and November, with prime units and floorplans filling up by late winter or early spring. Starting your search early gives you the best selection of apartments, roommate matching options, and time to arrange financing or find cosigners if needed.
A. Yes, The Social Normal offers fully furnished apartments designed specifically for student living. Each apartment comes equipped with essential furniture including beds, desks, chairs, sofas, and dining tables, so you can move in with just your personal belongings and decorations. Our furnished options make moving to campus housing hassle-free, especially for out-of-state or international students.
A. The Social Normal is located in a convenient area with several shopping and dining options within a short drive or bike ride. The nearby Constitution Trail offers great opportunities for walking, running, and biking, while Shoppes at College Hills shopping center is just minutes away with grocery stores, restaurants, and retail options. For everyday essentials, you’ll find fast food, gas stations, and convenience stores easily accessible from our community.
A. Normal has several excellent coffee shops perfect for studying, with popular options like Coffee Hound and Fusion Brew within a short drive of The Social Normal. Downtown Normal’s Uptown area, approximately 10 minutes away, features additional cafés and study-friendly spots where ISU students regularly gather. Many residents also take advantage of our community spaces and amenities for studying without leaving home.
A. The area around The Social Normal features a healthy mix of students, young professionals, and families, creating a balanced residential neighborhood. This mixed community atmosphere often appeals to graduate students, older undergraduates, and those seeking a quieter living environment while still maintaining easy access to campus and Normal’s amenities.

