Chicago Semester

Housing

Living in Chicago will be a big change for you, so we want to make sure you are comfortable and able to take advantage of everything city living has to offer! Presently, the building CS works with is located in the Gold Coast neighborhood. This building is chosen for its convenience (close to downtown, grocery stores, public transportation, etc.), safety, and because it offers short-term leases. Students tell us they enjoy living in a community with the other students.

All of the apartments are furnished with beds, tables, chairs, lamps, dressers, and sofas. The suites can range from a studio (for 2) to a one-bedroom suite (for 3). Students are allowed to select their own roommates, though they must be enrolled in Chicago Semester and of the same gender. Most students go “potluck” and the housing coordinator will determine roommate and room assignments. Students will have the opportunity to plan and coordinate belongings and other arrangements with their roommates before they arrive. All students must move into their apartments by the Sunday before orientation week.

Some students prefer to arrange their own housing for the semester, often because of cost or location. You are not required to live in CS housing, but it’s important to consider the pros and cons of your decision – such as potentially higher travel times and less sense of community with other students. If you do not plan to live in CS housing, we require that your address be in the Chicago city limits. Commuting from the suburbs is not permitted.

Suggestions for Living in Chicago

• Keep in mind that word of mouth reports of 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 smaller than in non-urban areas; be prepared to have a higher cost associated with a smaller space.
• When renting most apartments, students can expect to pay, up front, one month's rent. Landlords will accept out-of-state checks.
• If a student chooses to live in housing arranged by CS, the rental agreement will be a contract between the student and building management. CS is not a party to the rental agreement. Students are bound to all terms and expenses of rental agreement, including rent payments, and are responsible for understanding and fulfilling the conditions of the rental agreement.