Living and Studying in Chicago

UIC is located near the center of Chicago and offers students an opportunity to experience the city itself as part of the campus in a way a “college town” campus cannot.  Read on to see why!

Chicago is a city of many neighborhoods with rich histories that embody the diverse ethnic and cultural fabric of the city. Every neighborhood has a distinct feel and appeals to residents and visitors.

Each neighborhood is linked by substantial public transportation through the railway and bus systems (CTA), which full-time students ride for free! Neighborhoods along the CTA rail lines (Blue, Red, Brown, Orange, and Pink) are accessible and within commuting distance from campus. The Blue Line has two stops directly on campus. All other rail lines are easily accessible by bus or transfer from the Blue Line train.

All neighborhoods in Chicago have their own characteristics. Each has its own culture, language, and diverse footprints. Fortunately for UIC students, all these neighborhoods are easily accessible through the CTA. From the north side of Chicago down to the south side, CTA has facilitated the commute of UIC students.

Chicago, a vibrant metropolis nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, is a beacon of diverse entertainment, world-class dining, and rich cultural experiences. Renowned for its architectural marvels like the Willis Tower and Millennium Park’s iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, the city offers a dynamic blend of modernity and history.

Entertainment in Chicago thrives with a spectrum as broad as the city itself. From Broadway shows at the historic Chicago Theatre to cutting-edge performances at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, the cultural landscape caters to every taste. Music aficionados flock to venues like the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the lively blues clubs of the South Side, while sports enthusiasts rally around teams like the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, the White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field, the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena, or the Bulls at the United Center.

Dining in Chicago is a journey through culinary excellence. The city’s food scene is a melting pot of flavors, from Michelin-starred restaurants to humble hot dog stands. Sample deep-dish pizza in its birthplace, savor gourmet creations in West Loop’s trendy eateries or explore ethnic neighborhoods like Chinatown and Little Italy for authentic global cuisines.

Chicago’s culture is woven into its neighborhoods, each with a distinct personality. Explore the Art Institute of Chicago’s vast collection or stroll through Pilsen’s colorful murals. Festivals like the Chicago Jazz Festival and Taste of Chicago celebrate music and food, embodying the city’s festive spirit year-round.

Whether it is museums, a free public zoo, public parks, or street festivals, you’ll never be bored in the Windy City!

Chicago boasts an efficient and extensive public transportation system integral to its urban fabric. Managed by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), it encompasses iconic features like the ‘L’ train, which navigates downtown and outlying neighborhoods quickly and reliably. The bus network complements this, offering convenient routes across the city and its suburbs.

Students and visitors can easily access major landmarks such as Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and the Magnificent Mile using the CTA, making it an accessible and eco-friendly way to explore Chicago’s diverse attractions. Additionally, Chicago is positioned at the center of a regional and global transportation network. There are two international airports, AMTRAK and Greyhound hubs, and a suburban rail network, METRA.

With a commitment to sustainability and accessibility, Chicago’s public transportation system serves residents’ daily commute needs, and it enhances the experience for our students, ensuring seamless navigation and connectivity from campus to neighborhoods throughout the city.

The Chicago area hosts numerous research institutions that cater to diverse scholarly pursuits. The Newberry Library stands out as a hub for humanities research, housing extensive collections in history, literature, and culture. NARA Great Lakes, part of the National Archives, preserves vital records and historical documents crucial for understanding the region’s past. The Pritzker Military Library specializes in military history, offering unique insights into global conflicts and strategies. Additionally, the Chicago Public Library is a vital resource for residents and researchers alike, with its extensive catalog and numerous branches throughout the city.

UIC students enjoy access to the Richard J. Daley Library, the Louis L. Biro Law Library, and the Library of the Health and Sciences. All institutions have a Special Collections section and use the I-SHARE system, which allows students to check out books, microfilm, recordings, etc., from libraries throughout Illinois and the nation. Together, these institutions contribute significantly to Chicago’s intellectual landscape, fostering learning, exploration, and the preservation of knowledge across a wide array of disciplines.

UIC is the only major public research university in the Chicago area, but there are several other colleges and universities in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. Through conferences, lectures, and other events, UIC students can become part of a larger community of scholars. For advanced graduate students, these public and private colleges may provide part-time teaching opportunities.

UIC is part of the Chicago Metropolitan Exchange Program (CMEP)  which permits graduate students in doctoral or supported training programs to enroll at one of three participating institutions—University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and University of Illinois Chicago. This allows them to access academic courses unavailable at their home institution. Approved applicants become Exchange Scholars, benefiting from cross-institutional academic opportunities tailored to enrich their educational experience and research pursuits across Chicago’s renowned academic landscape.