<p>what is the difference between these and the normal dorm rooms? are they just nicer and more expensive or what?</p>
<p>private certified housing halls are not owned by the university; they are owned by private entities. hence they tend to be expensive, but they may make up by having a kitchen in your room (illini tower does this). personally i would not go for private housing; one reason is that meals can be only eaten at your private housing hall. if you live in a university dorm, you can eat at any of the 7 dining halls throughout the campus; which is nice because you never know where you will be when. i speak from experience</p>