The semester starts off with a week long stay in a downtown hotel with students and staff. The days are full of sessions on internship preparation, how to navigate the city and urban safety. The evenings are spent getting to know other students as you explore local restaurants and entertainment. By the end of the week you will have signed a lease with an apartment and decided on an internship. The CS staff will be available at the hotel at all times to help you with your decisions.

Chicago Semester covers the cost of the hotel stay and most meals for the week. Students are responsible for some of their meals that will cost $6.00 to $15.00. You will not have any transportation costs besides the initial cost of your U-Pass. Entertainment events that are part of orientation week are paid for by CS.