Housing

Living in Chicago will be a big change for you, and we want to make sure you are comfortable and able to take advantage of everything city living has to offer! Chicago Semester differs from many other experiential education programs in that we try to strike a balance between assigning you a place to live and leaving you to wander the city in search of an apartment. During orientation, you will learn about the available options, view the apartments, and decide where you want to live and who you want to live with. Don’t worry if you don’t know any other students going to Chicago! There will be plenty of time to meet other students.

Presently, the buildings CS works with are located in the Gold Coast and Near North neighborhoods (just north of downtown) and within the Loop (downtown). These neighborhoods are chosen for their convenience (close to grocery stores, public transportation, etc.), safety, and mainly because they offer short-term leases. Some apartments are unfurnished and some are furnished (beds, table, chairs, lamps, dresser, sofa provided). If unfurnished, we will provide you with options for affordable furniture rental. Most apartments will be either studio (for two), one bedroom (for 3) or two bedroom (for four).

View the apartments where Chicago Semester students live:

• Studio Apartment
• One Bedroom Apartment
• Two Bedroom Apartment

Suggestions for Living in Chicago

• While your choice of living situations is ultimately up to you, we recommend not making definite roommate and housing arrangements prior to orientation. Community (not cliques!) is something we encourage and new friends made during orientation may affect your housing decisions.

• Consider living with students from other colleges. In the past, students who have chosen to take this step highly recommend it to others who are coming on the program.

• Keep in mind that word of mouth reports of different apartment buildings may not be entirely accurate.

• Students should regard housing during their stay in Chicago as "home base" and not where they will spend most of their time. Apartment space in the city is generally smaller than in non-urban areas, therefore, be prepared to have a higher cost associated with smaller space.