Living in Chicago
A City of Neighborhoods
Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and flair. Rent and other costs of living will vary depending upon which neighborhood you choose to live in—typically, living closer to the Loop (downtown) will be more expensive. The following are some of the neighborhoods our students like to call home due to the mix of culture, access to transportation, and entertainment options.
*Descriptions sourced from the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture.
Trendy, busy, and friendly. Residents are mostly college students and young professionals. Public transportation is readily available. Many shops, restaurants, and bars/clubs.
Older, more populated, and many recreation areas. Area includes the Lincoln Park Zoo and a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and bars.
Convenient to campus, more expensive than other areas, and offers lively nightlife. Includes Old Town, Gold Coast, River West, Streeterville, and River North.
Business district south of the Loop. Because this is part of the business district, there are fewer dining and entertainment options in the evening.
Trendy and multiethnic. Populated with working class and young professionals and less expensive. Wicker Park is very artsy. Ukrainian Village is styled like Europe. Housing in the Ukrainian Village, East Village, and Noble Square is less expensive, but amenities are scarcer.
Lincoln Square has a European feel to it and is more family oriented. The neighborhood is becoming increasingly popular, so rent is on the rise and parking may be difficult.
Culturally diverse neighborhood. More rental space for your money and plentiful street parking.
Close to the lake and public transportation. A mix of different cultures, and populated by young professionals.
Probably the most culturally diverse neighborhood in Chicago. Large student population and reasonable rent.
South of the Loop, diverse population, student atmosphere (home to the University of Chicago), and slightly isolated from the lively downtown area.
Housing Resources
Our housing partner, 4stay, helps students connect with local hosts, room providers, and potential roommates near our Chicago Campus location.
You can also search for apartments on your own with these popular services:
- Apartment People: apartmentpeople.com
- Apartment and Home Seekers: aptandhomeseekers.com
- Apartments.com: apartments.com
Things To Do in Chicago
There’s always something happening in Chicago. Whether it’s food, music, sports, nightlife or shopping that entices you, the Windy City has plenty to offer.
Chicago Bears (NFL Football)
Chicago Blackhawks (NHL Hockey)
Chicago Bulls (NBA Basketball)
Chicago Cubs (MLB Baseball)
Chicago White Sox (MLB Baseball)
Chicago Fire (MLS Soccer)
Chicago Sky (WNBA Basketball)
Chicago Hounds (MLR Rugby)
Getting Around Chicago
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) can get you almost anywhere in Chicago with “L” trains or buses. The CTA trains run along eight color-coded lines. For more information on the schedules or locations of these trains, visit transitschicago.com.
Payment Options
Ventra U-Pass: For full-time Chicago School students, Ventra U-Pass is your ticket to unlimited rides aboard all CTA buses and trains. Use your Ventra U-Pass on the CTA bus/rail system anytime, anywhere during an academic term.
Ventra Card: If you are not a full-time student, obtain a Ventra Card. This transit and optional prepaid debit card can be used to ride CTA trains and buses and make everyday purchases. Visit ventrachicago.com for more information.
Shared Transportation
Divvy shared bikes, e-bikes, and scooters are an easy way to explore Chicago on your own. With more than 900 bike stations across the city, you’re never far from transportation.
The Suburbs
If you are interested in living in suburbs and commutating to campus, there are two primary public transit options available.
- Metra: Rail service between the city and suburbs. Visit metra.com to learn more.
- Pace: Buses in and around the suburbs. Visit pacebus.com to learn more.