Some property owners furnish water for their tenants as part of the lease agreement. No deposit is required to have electricity or gas connected in Carbondale. The telephone company requires a deposit to connect phone service in a residence. Food expenses range widely and depend on many things, such as whether the student often eats in restaurants, shares food costs with roommates, or shops for food bargains. The cost of books and school supplies varies among programs.
Some courses require that students purchase special materials.
SIUC's current undergraduate catalog provides information about such requirements in its course descriptions. All students will need funds for such things as clothing, shampoo, movies, postage stamps, and transportation to and from home. Monthly Payment Plan SIUC offers an installment plan to assist students and families in managing educational expenses. The payment plan shows possible billing amounts for students who will not receive any financial assistance. A monthly statement of account is issued listing University charges including tuition, fees, on-campus room and board, and any other balance due.