FAQ
Orientation
What should I bring?
Ideally, as little as possible. You will need to wear business casual clothes during the day at the hotel and business formal clothes to your interviews, but bring casual clothes for the evenings and outings. The hotel has a fitness center, but does not have a pool. Also, don't forget all weather gear and good walking shoes! The hotel has free wireless and a laptop would be helpful if you have one. Remember that everything you have at the hotel you will have to move (by cab or train/bus) to your apartments at the end of the week. See Housing FAQs for more details on what to bring.
Back to topWhere do we live during orientation week?
During the first week of orientation, all students and some staff stay in a hotel in downtown Chicago. At the end of the week you will move into your apartment for the semester.
Back to topWhat is the schedule for the week?
Monday afternoon and Tuesday will be spent in sessions ranging from team building to safety to learning about public transportation to details on your internship and housing options. We will also spend time in small groups and getting to know each other. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are the days to research the sites you will be interviewing at, go to the interviews (usually 2-4), and visit the apartment buildings CS has made contact with. Saturday you will move into your apartment and be able to start exploring the city!
Back to topDo people come to orientation already knowing who they will live with?
Some do, however many of the students come without really knowing anyone on the program, much less who they will live with. Everyone is open to meeting new people and making friends, and we have time set aside for getting to know each other in both large and small groups. As students start making roommate decisions, there will also be informal meetings designed to help those still looking for a roommate.
Back to topHousing
Is there anything in particular I should bring for the semester?
Packing for your semester in Chicago will be similar to packing for a semester on campus, but on a smaller scale. Remember, you are only in Chicago for 3 ½ months so you don’t need to bring everything you own! It’s important to remember you will have limited space for storage, so only bring the necessities. The following are not all necessary, but definitely helpful!
- Linens (i.e. towels, sheets, blankets, pillows)
- Toiletries
- Professional and business casual attire
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Snow boots and outerwear
- Kitchenware
- Iron and ironing board
- Personal computer (CS office has a computer lab for students to use.)
How do I get my personal belongings to Chicago?
You will move into your apartment the Saturday following orientation. Most students only bring enough clothes for the week of orientation and then their parents are able to bring the rest of their belongings on move in day. Another option is to send belongings via UPS. Remember you will be living with roommates who will also be bringing items for the apartment and who may have an easier time bringing items like a television, kitchenware or extra furniture. Students who live far away, sometimes bring everything they need for the semester to the hotel in a couple of suitcases.
Back to topDo I have to live in CS housing?
No. Almost all students will, but you are welcome to locate your own housing. However, CS does require students to live in the city of Chicago; you are not allowed to commute from the suburbs. It’s important to consider the pros and cons of your decision with consideration of potentially higher travel times related to evening program events and less sense of community with other students. You will be asked to tell us your housing intentions approximately three months before the semester begins.
Back to topDoes CS assign roommates?
No. You will have ample opportunity to meet and decide on roommates through team building activities, group meals and informal meetings during orientation. However, we do reserve the right to rearrange students before they move in so that everyone is accommodated and has a roommate. Rarely does CS intervene in this way. Back to top
Are the apartments furnished?
Some are and some are not. One apartment building provides the basics (beds, dressers, couch, desk, table, and chairs) and others only supply large appliances. For the unfurnished apartments there is affordable furniture rental offered or you are free to bring your own.
Back to topWhere are the apartments located?
The apartment buildings vary each semester but they are typically located in the Gold Coast, Near North, Uptown, and downtown neighborhoods. They are close to public transportation, grocery stores, and Lake Michigan.
Back to topWhat if I’m married?
If you are married and want to live in CS housing, you must notify the CS housing coordinator during the application process to ensure that your spouse will be included.
Back to topSeminars
How many seminars will I be taking as a general student?
General students choose 2 seminars to take in addition to the practicum group (which is your third class). All requests and approval for alternate seminar registration must be cleared through the CS executive director, Clinton Stockwell.
Back to topHow many seminars will I be taking as a BSW student?
Bachelor of social worker students (BSWs) are required to take one CS seminar along with their professional seminar (similar to the general students' practicum group) and any other course work assigned by their home campus. All requests and approval for alternate program requirements will be made through the CS executive director, Clinton Stockwell.
Back to topHow many seminars will I be taking as a student teacher?
Student teaching is a full-time experience. Therefore, enrollment in other seminars offered at Chicago Semester is discouraged since it interferes with the student teacher’s responsibilities in their classroom.
Back to topHow much coursework should I expect?
A considerable amount. Each seminar typically includes various books and readings, 2-4 essays, and a final paper (8-10 pgs) or presentation. You will also have outside work to complete for your practicum group, which may include journals, reflective essays, readings, and presentations.
Back to topInternships
How will I find an internship?
We help. Our internship coordinator and associate work individually with each prospective student to locate a good site. Placements depend on your interest, your academic background, and occupational demands. During orientation, you'll interview at 2-4 different sites to find the right match.
Back to topAre there internships available for any major?
Yes. We have had students from art, computer science, education, music, history, psychology, graphic design, social work, many business related fields, and numerous others attend CS. We use a database of over 1,200 sites and find other sites as necessary.
Back to topWhere are most internships located?
The majority of internship sites are located within the city of Chicago, and many of those are right downtown in the Loop. Occasionally a student has site options in the suburbs.
Back to topWhat should I wear to my internship?
Unfortunately, there is not a single answer for everyone. Some fields continue to endorse a business formal dress code, while others encourage a business casual atmosphere. Depending on your field, you may want to bring both business formal and business casual clothes for your interviews.
Back to topAre these paid internships?
No. All internships are unpaid. However, you do receive college credit as compensation for your work.
Back to topCan I send CS an updated resume?
Yes. Send them to Judi Zink, Internship Coordinator, at judiz@chicagosemester.org by June 15 for the fall and by October 15 for the spring.
Back to topMiscellaneous
Will attending CS be really expensive?
No. You can easily budget an affordable semester. Students who participate in the CS program are registered at their home campus and remain officially part of that student body. For this reason, you pay the regular tuition rate to your college as though you were a fulltime student. All scholarships and financial aid received on campus for room and board costs typically transfers to Chicago. Total living expenses depend upon the lifestyle chosen by each student; however, one can live in Chicago for almost the same cost as room and board for a semester on campus—sometimes cheaper!
Back to topHow long is the program?
The CS program is a full semester (15 weeks) or term (11 weeks), depending on the calendar of the school you are attending. Graduating seniors attending the spring semester will be allowed to finish the program in time to return for the graduation ceremony.
Back to topWhen does the semester start and end?
The fall semester usually begins on the last Monday of August and the spring semester typically on the last Monday in January. The semester ends 15 weeks (or 11 weeks for term students) after these start dates. Graduating seniors attending the spring semester will be allowed to finish the program in time to return for the graduation ceremony.
Back to topAre there any breaks?
The scheduled breaks are as follows: one day off during the second week of the program, a three day weekend in early October or March, and a four day weekend for Thanksgiving or Easter. Student teachers will follow the calendar of the Chicago Public Schools.
Back to topDoes CS accept Canadian checks?
No. Unfortunately, the fees for processing Canadian checks have become too high for us to accept them. Please make your payment to us using a U.S. traveler's check.
Back to topWho is my campus representative?
Find your CS campus representative on the application instructions page.
Back to topCan I apply even if my college is not one of the 13 participating colleges?
You can apply to be a visiting or guest student at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois and apply to CS from there. Talk with CS's director, Clinton Stockwell, for details.
Back to topWill my financial aid still apply to my costs?
Most scholarships, grants and loans still apply to your costs, mainly because you will pay tuition (not room and board) to your college just as if you were on campus. Obviously, work study and activity based (music, sports, etc.) scholarships will probably not apply. Check with your financial aid office if you have any questions and to find out if you can use aid money for your out of pocket housing costs while in Chicago. There is no additional financial aid available through CS.
Back to topShould I bring a car?
We strongly recommend that you not bring a car. Not only is it expensive, but traffic and parking difficulties are a fact of daily life. Public transportation is convenient, you will have an unlimited pass, and you will quickly learn how to navigate the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) system during orientation.
Back to topIs parking available?
If you bring a car during the first week of orientation, we have researched a couple of options for you (spots will run between $15 and $40 per day). If you choose to keep your car in Chicago during the semester, locating parking is your own responsibility. (A parking spot downtown typically runs between $150 and $250 per month.)
Back to topAre there computers available for student use?
Yes. But the hours of availability will not be as convenient as being back on campus. CS has (15) PCs with internet access and printing capabilities. These computers are available for students to use during office hours (9-6) and two evenings per week.
Back to topWill I have internet and email access while in Chicago?
Yes, both at CS and at the Harold Washington Library, walking distance from CS. You will able to check your campus email accounts.
Back to topWill I have time to get a part-time job?
We do not recommend trying to work a paying job on top of your already packed schedule, however there are usually one or two students every semester who do. Keep in mind that you will have five days and two nights full during the week, along with your coursework.
Back to top