Living in Chicago

Where Will I Live?

As the nation’s third–largest city, Chicago is a bustling metropolis with 77 distinct neighborhoods—including the University's historic Hyde Park neighborhood. As a result, Harris Public Policy students have multiple housing options available to them on campus, in Hyde Park, and throughout the city of Chicago.

On-Campus Housing

The University owns and manages several buildings across Hyde Park. These units are conveniently located within walking distance of campus, near public transportation, and offer a variety of restaurants, retail shops, schools, playgrounds, and more.

UChicago manages over 1500 apartments on or near its Hyde Park campus. The University's Residential Properties (RP) assists qualified graduate students, faculty, and staff members of the University and The University of Chicago Medicine in locating a home close to their school or workplace.

Search RP's Listings

Note: Demand is high for on-campus graduate housing. Apartments are listed as they become available and are on a first come, first served basis.

Off-Campus Housing

As the nation’s third–largest city, Chicago is a bustling metropolis with 77 distinct neighborhoods—including the University's historic Hyde Park neighborhood.

Students who wish to pursue housing options elsewhere in Hyde Park or across the city can contact these apartment search services:

• Chicago Apartment Finders (Caldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)

• Mac Properties

• Apartment People

• Brixbid

• Domu

In addition, the University Student Government maintains the UChicago Marketplace, where students rent or sublease apartments and sell furniture and other household items. You will need a University CNet ID to access the site.

Note: that neither the University nor Harris endorse or promote any specific company, vendor or rental agent. All companies mentioned here are offered for informational purposes only.

Let UChicagoGRAD assist you in your housing search.

The UChicagoGRAD Office offers several excellent resources, including a series of webinars in the spring and summer to assist incoming graduate students navigate the search for housing.

How Do I Get Around Town?

Chicago offers a variety of ways to get you where you want to go, including:

• UGo Daytime Shuttles: A free daytime shuttle service around campus and portions of the neighboring communities.
• UGo NightRide Shuttles: A nighttime shuttle service that travels throughout the campus as well as the Hyde Park neighborhood.
• Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) system
• Metra
• South Shore Line

The University also has its own transportation services that offer convenient options for getting around campus.

How Can I Find Out More Information?

As an incoming Harris student, we hope you take advantage of available campus resources to make the most of your time and make the transition as smooth as possible, including:

• Finding employment for you or your spouse
• Getting discounts on the purchase of a new computer
• Accessing the UChicago Marketplace, a self-service online listing specifically for the UChicago community

We also have specific information for spouses and partners.

Be sure to check our Admissions blog – it's a great way to get inside tips on Harris, Chicago, and the Admissions process.

Once you're here, be sure to visit our athletic facilities, the library, and be a part of a campus life that is rich with opportunities for involvement and entertainment.

Visit UChicago

Haven't been to campus? Plan your visit today.