December 01, 2023
SIU offers on-campus lodging for 2024 eclipse
CARBONDALE, Ill. – Southern Illinois University Carbondale is offering a limited number of rooms for eclipse enthusiasts visiting the area during the days surrounding the April 8 event.
University officials have opened University Hall, a four-story residence hall on the east side of the SIU campus for a five-day, four-night stay running from Friday, April 5, through Tuesday, April 9. The on-campus housing will provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy the area and the many events leading up to the total solar eclipse that begins at 1:59 p.m. that Monday, April 8. Reservations are being accepted now.
Sarah Vanvooren, director of events and outreach at SIU, said the total eclipse will put a strain on local lodging, so the university wanted to help as many people as possible to be on-hand for the celestial event.
“As we are doing a lot of eclipse events and activities on campus, we wanted to step in and provide opportunities to stay on campus directly,” Vanvooren said. “People and groups staying on campus will have the opportunity to be within walking distance of all eclipse events on campus. This is a great addition to the eclipse experience, with having the opportunity to stay in a campus residence hall.”
University Hall was constructed in 1967 as a privately owned, off-campus facility and was originally called Wilson Hall. In 1987, the facility changed its name to University Hall and was allowed to house SIU freshmen. SIU purchased University Hall in 2004.
Rooms at University Hall offer two twin beds and include linens, two sheets, pillow, pillowcase and blankets. Guests may provide their own inflatable mattresses and sleeping bags for a maximum of three people per room, including children. Extra and rollaway beds will not be available, and at least one person per room must be at least 18 years old.
The facility features community-style bathrooms with private showers and toilet stalls within each bathroom and will include towels and washcloths for two people and extras for up to three people if needed. It also features common areas and lounges throughout the building.
Lodgers will receive commemorative SIU eclipse glasses for up to three people per reservation.
The five-day/four-night package costs $750 plus tax. Parking passes for University Hall are an additional $25 per vehicle. Meals at nearby Trueblood Dining Hall cost about $12.50 each.
Check in starts at 3 p.m. Friday, April 5, with final checkout set for noon Tuesday, April 9. Lodgers with have access to come and go at will during their stay.