The Vivian, Chicago

Student housing in Chicago offers a diverse selection of room types designed to match every student’s budget, lifestyle, and comfort requirements. Whether you prefer complete independence or a shared social environment, Chicago student accommodation market has something for everyone. From modern studios to spacious shared apartments, each room type is built to support both academic focus and day-to-day convenience.

1. 1 Bedroom Apartments

1-bedroom apartments in Chicago provide a private and comfortable living space with a separate bedroom, bathroom, and access to a kitchen or lounge area. These units offer more independence and personal space than shared housing while remaining practical for students. They are ideal for those who prefer a quiet environment and the freedom to manage their schedule without disruptions.

2. 2 Bed and 3 Bed Apartments

2-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartments feature private bedrooms along with shared spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms. These layouts are perfect for students who want a balance of privacy and community. They allow roommates to share expenses while still enjoying personal space for study and relaxation.

3. Studio Apartments

Studio apartments in Chicago are fully self-contained units that include a private bedroom, private bathroom and kitchenette. They offer complete independence, making them an excellent option for students who value privacy and minimal distractions. Studios are ideal for focused study sessions and maintaining a routine without shared living dynamics.

4. Shared Apartments

Shared apartments provide students with private bedrooms within a larger apartment while sharing common areas such as the kitchen, living room, and bathroom. This setup is great for students who enjoy a social lifestyle and want to connect with peers while living in a comfortable, budget-friendly setting.

5. Private Rooms in Shared Flats

Private rooms in shared flats offer a personal bedroom combined with communal spaces shared with other students. This option is one of the most affordable forms of student accommodation in Chicago and is perfect for those who want a mix of privacy, cost-saving, and social interaction. It’s a practical choice for students who want to make friends while keeping housing expenses manageable.

Chicago is very well known to be one of the most affordable cities in the US compare to other cities, especially for students. Affordable student housing Chicago includes Lake Meadows Apartments, Post, Tailor Lofts, Fullerton Avenue and others are available for a variety of preferences. The cost of living for an international student in Chicago depends on various factors such as food, public transport, and average rent for student apartments in Chicago. Here is a list of all the associated costs including utility bills, apart from the rental costs for your student housing in Chicago:

1. Food & Beverages: $90-$160/ per week

2. Entertainment & Leisure: $45-$130/per week

3. Transportation Charges: $80-$100/ per week

4. Stationery & Course Books: $15-$30/ per week

5. Gas & Electricity: $55-$75/ per week

6. Mobile Recharge Bills: $35-$45/ per week

7. Miscellaneous: $45-$60/per week

Finding student accommodation in Chicago that is closer to universities like Erikson Institute and DePaul University becomes a bit difficult given the population of students and the student housing in demand. Although, the city has a systematically laid out transit structure to make the connectivity throughout the city more seamless, especially for students. Public transportation in Chicago includes buses, trains, Divvy bikes, and taxis. Chicago has a massive public transportation system operated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). The CTA, or Chicago Transit Authority, helps in running this complex network of public transportation within the city. A few more transportation options include:

1. Bus

Pace is one of the most prominent bus service providers in Chicago, covering 284 municipalities city-wide. It runs through various routes, especially among universities, to airports and other tourist destinations. The average fare of a single bus ride cost around $2.50 in Chicago. To pay for buses in Chicago, students can avail of discounts and use the Ventra Card. The CTA provides night owl bus services running late into the night on core routes.

2. Metra Rail

Another efficient way to travel across Chicago is the Metra Rail, which can take you across the multiple suburbs in the city. It has around 11 lines and connects 240 stations laid across the city. The fare depends on the distance you travel, a single ride starting from $2.50 to the maximum being $ 9.50 to travel from Zone A to Zone J.

Pro Tip - The U-Pass program offers unlimited travel on CTA buses and trains during the academic year for qualifying students.

3. Taxis & Cabs

Taxis and cabs are a great alternative if you wish to reach somewhere point to point. Cabs can help you get to your desired exact location without much hassle. The fare for taxis and cabs in Chicago starts from $3.50 and keeps adding on for every extra mile you travel.

4. Water Taxis

Being one of the most unconventional options to travel from your student apartments in Chicago, it is still one of the many experiences that you might not be able to grab everywhere.. The fare ranges from $6-$7 for a one-way ride, and is definitely worth exploring.

Chicago IL is a lively city with various attractions for expats. Hosting popular neighborhoods like Avondale, Wrigley Field, West Loop, Chicago, Rogers Park, there are various Chicago student accommodation options to explore. Chicago is well-known for its haute couture, and Oak Street is the main attraction for fashion stores. The city has sandy beaches along with Lake Michigan. The most preferred Beaches are Ohio Street Beach and 63rd Street Beach. The city comes with numerous dining options suitable for every taste bud. Some of the must-visit restaurants for students in Chicago IL are Lou Mitchell’s, Wildberry Pancakes & Cake, Portillo’s, Sweetgreen, 5411 Empanadas, and many more!

The days are pleasant, but as the nights draw in, students must experience the city's nightlife. The famed nightclubs, bars, and public attractions in Chicago IL provide a safe evening for you to enjoy. Some of the top pubs for soft drinks, margaritas, and mocktails are The Underground, Berlin, Five Iron Gulf, and Kirkwood. There are a number of museums and galleries to visit, like the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry. The theater scene is vibrant and buzzing, and it includes places like the Goodman Theatre and Steppenwolf Theatre Company, where students can enjoy performances. There are no fewer party spots to enjoy on weekends and burst out all the stress. Explore listings of some more student housing in Gold Coast, with options like Post, Tailor Lofts, Lake Meadows Apartments, The Buckingham and other great choices for student housing in Chicago available to make your stay comfortable.

With a beautiful view of skyscrapers, the city also comprises museums and multiple tourist dining options. Off campus student accommodation Chicago options provide freedom to students and allow them to enjoy the student life and various other attractions in Chicago. Following are some fascinating tourist attractions of Chicago:

1. Millennium Park ( one of the largest park )

2. Art Institute of Chicago

3. Riverwalk beside Chicago river

4. The Magnificent Mile

5. Navy Pier

6. Field Museum

7. Shedd Aquarium

8. Cloud Gate

9. Lincoln Park

10. Lake michigan

There are a number of esteemed universities in Chicago that attract students from all over. With amazing faculty and top-notch education, here are some of the best universities in Chicago:

1. University of Chicago

2. School of the Art Institute of Chicago

3. University of Illinois (UIC)

4. Illinois Institute of Technology

5. Loyola University

6. Rush University

7. DePaul University

8. Moody Bible Institute