One of the most well-known study abroad locations in the US is Chicago, Illinois. Many students come to this beautiful city because of its friendly atmosphere, academic standards, and plenty of fun activities. Recent data show that every year, the US takes in about a million international students. Major cities like Chicago, New York, California, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania see a large influx of visitors from foreign nations.
For young minds, moving to Chicago for school might be scary despite all of the advantages. Prior to relocating, international students take into account a number of aspects, including top institutions, transportation, safer student accommodation Chicago, and now even sanitization. The majority of students experience living away from home for the first time when they attend university, so choosing the appropriate housing is crucial. All of your questions about moving to Chicago as a student can be answered in our comprehensive information on student housing.
The selection of the ideal student housing Chicago is entirely up to you because there are so different kinds options available. Living on campus in resident halls or renting privately from a landlord are frequently the most chosen options. While first-year students are typically given preference when it comes to housing, there are situations where you can live in university-owned housing for the duration of your studies.
Types of student accommodation
There are several options for student living. The most common options are:
Halls of residence
These facilities are typically located on or near campuses and are owned or associated with educational institutions. While some universities may provide apartment-style rooms with private bathrooms and kitchenettes, most students rent a single bedroom and share amenities like kitchens and baths.
Internet access is often available in every room, though it might not be included in the accommodation rate. All utilities (water, gas and electricity) are included in the housing cost. While residence halls may provide students with greater independence—many allow residents to prepare their own meals in communal kitchens—colleges typically offer a wider range of student amenities, such as academic tuition and daily meals in a formal dining room.
Keep in mind that costs differ significantly based on the institution and the area (for instance, metropolitan versus regional). For an estimate, get in touch with the housing department at the university of your choice.
Private accommodation
Since accommodation on campus isn’t generally guaranteed to students after their first year, renting privately is typically the best course of action. The most common options for students are to rent a house or apartment with friends, move into an already-existing house or apartment share, or rent a single room.
After locating a rental property that meets your needs, a deposit must be paid. This is often refunded at the end of the tenancy, but the landlord will use it to cover any damage or missed payments.
When paying letting agents or landlords, always ask for a written receipt. You should also request an inventory of the house’s items and their state when you move in.
Homestay
Living with a local family is also a common option. You can benefit greatly from this experience, which makes them “less homesick.” It is a sense of familiarity. The cost of the lodging also includes the cost of the meals. Universities match up foreign students with housing-appropriate families. This kind of student housing Chicago is popular with students and their parents because it offers home-cooked meals, the cosiness of living with a family, and a sense of security.
Ensuite lodging
The term “en suite accommodation” describes a room with a private bathroom that is usually found in a student housing complex. Compared to common restrooms, this toilet offers occupants more privacy and convenience because it is directly accessible from the room.
Renting
This could entail moving out on your own or living with friends (or even strangers) in a shared home or flat. Share houses can be found via student noticeboards on campus, newspapers, real estate websites, and word-of-mouth.
The price of renting a place varies a lot based on where you live and the kind of place you select (a home or flat, for example). To get a sense of prices in the regions you are thinking about, check out the Study destinations section and real estate websites.
How can you locate the best place to stay?
Before moving into any kind of housing, you should take into account the following points.
- Are the necessities of life, like furniture, provided or not?
- Are there any available study desks for laptops or computers?
- Is there a kitchen with the standard cookware and appliances?
- Are there laundry facilities accessible and are the bed linens hygienic and clean?
- Are there extra fees associated with any particular services?
- Does your phone have internet connectivity, and if so, does it cost extra to use such features?
- What are the accommodation fees and document requirements?