Student Life In Chicago
Introduction
Students come from all over the world to live and study in Chicago. This page provides a glimpse into what life is like on campus and in this beautiful city to help your students see themselves here.
Student Life in Chicago
Largest University in the World's Most Vibrant City
Located in the heart of one of the world’s great cities, the University of Illinois Chicago is a vital part of the educational, technological, and cultural fabric of the region.
About UIC
Living On and Around Campus
With a diverse student body and a wide variety of activities on campus, it’s easy to find a place to fit in and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Campus Housing
With housing options all over campus, students can experience all UIC and Chicago have to offer. Many students live on the east side of campus in Commons North, Commons South, Commons West, Courtyard, and the newest residence hall: the Academic and Residential Complex. Students who live here are minutes from lecture halls, Student Center East and the Student Recreation Center.
Students in the residence halls in the south side of campus — James Stukel Towers, Marie Robinson Hall and Thomas Beckham Hall – wake up to views of the Chicago skyline. Students are close to the new Curtis Granderson Stadium, home to the UIC Flames baseball team, and restaurants and shops on Halsted and Maxwell streets.
Many Neighborhoods, One City
Chicago has 178 official neighborhoods and each one is different! The names and populations have changed over the years, but each brings something special to the fabric of the whole. You will be able to experience new cuisine and cultures from all over the world all without ever leaving Chicago!
Off-Campus Housing
UIC sits among many culturally rich neighborhoods, such as Greektown, South Loop, West Loop, Pilsen, Medical Campus, Little Italy and Chinatown. University Village is a revamped community that’s trendy, student-oriented and only a few blocks from campus. On the CTA bus and “L,” most neighborhoods are just a few minutes away from UIC. Many students live in near-by buildings such as Presidential Towers, Tailor Lofts, SCIO, or the Letterman.
Travel to and Around Campus
UIC makes traveling around campus and the city easy. There are over 800 bike racks around campus to make bike commuting easy and convenient. UIC also has many Divvy stations if you don’t own a bike. The Intracampus Bus line helps you travel from the east to west side of campus and vice versa. Intracampus routes are accessible, and additional paratransit service options are available on campus seven days a week.
Walking can be a quick and healthy way to get around campus; you can get from one side of campus to the other in less than 30 minutes! Just remember, when walking in any major metropolitan city, be aware of your surroundings. After hours, students, faculty, and staff can call (312) 996-2830 to request an escort to walk them to their campus destination. Need a ride home after late night studying at the library? Night Ride has got you covered. It’s available when the Intercampus Shuttle does not run, from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. every day, including holidays. Make sure you bring your i-card!
Health and Wellness
As a UIC student, you have access to a wealth of resources to maintain a healthy body and mind. Students are required to be covered by a major medical health insurance, and UIC provides CampusCare insurance so you do not have to worry about getting sick.
Campus Recreation
UIC Recreation and Wellbeing offers state-of-the-art facilities focused on providing our university community a complete recreational experience. The Student Recreation Facility is located on the east side of campus and has fitness, leisure, activity, and adventure, all under one roof!
The Wellness Center
The Wellness Center provides a variety of resources to promote emotional, environmental, intellectual, physical, social and other dimensions of wellness