Study abroad in Chicago
Housing, transport, universities, language expectations and daily life for exchange students in Chicago.
Country
United StatesStudent Budget
USD 1,800 – 3,500/month
Transport Card
Ventra Card (CTA)
Population
2,665,039 (City) / 9,449,351 (Metro)
City Vibe
A major US city for exchange students who want architecture, food, lakefront culture, and big-city campus life, with serious winter planning required.
Who loves this city?
Lovers of architecture, stand-up comedy, deep-dish pizza, and genuine Midwestern friendliness.
What makes it special
It's the quintessential American city—big, bold, situated on a lake that looks like an ocean, with friendly locals.
Newcomer shocks
- The sheer intensity of the winter wind chill.
- How clean the downtown feels compared to New York.
- The grid system makes it incredibly easy to navigate.
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Weather & Packing
| Season | High / Low | Conditions | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4°C / -3°C | Snow/Rain | Shortest days, brutal winds. |
| February | 6°C / -2°C | Occasional heavy snow | Peak winter conditions. |
| March | 11°C / 2°C | Rainy and windy | Unpredictable transitions. |
| April | 17°C / 7°C | Spring showers | Central Park blooms. |
| May | 22°C / 12°C | Mild, occasional storms | Perfect outdoor weather. |
| June | 27°C / 18°C | Warm, humid | Summer energy begins. |
| July | 30°C / 21°C | Hot and very humid | Concrete heat can be oppressive. |
| August | 29°C / 20°C | Hot and sticky | Often thunderstorms in afternoons. |
| September | 25°C / 16°C | Warm and crisp | Great month for new students. |
| October | 18°C / 10°C | Cool, clear | Autumn foliage peaks. |
| November | 12°C / 5°C | Chilly, damp | Layering required. |
| December | 6°C / 0°C | Cold, early snow possible | Festive season starts. |
The 'Hawk' (winter wind off Lake Michigan) is brutal. You must have heavy winter gear.
Packing checklist
- A heavy down-filled winter coat (parka) that covers your thighs.
- Thick gloves, a warm hat, and thermal layers.
- Good walking shoes for summer lakefront strolls.
Cost of Living
Cost of Living Index
73.2 / 100
Expensive · World avg ≈ 44
| Category | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Room Rent | USD 800 – 1,500/month | Significantly cheaper than NYC or LA, making it great for students. |
Going out & dining
Supermarket basket
Source: Numbeo · Prices approximate, updated periodically.
Housing
Lincoln Park / Lakeview
Varies by street, room type, and season.Vibrant nightlife, safe, close to lake. Commute: Easy access to downtown via Red/Brown lines
Hyde Park
Varies by street, room type, and season.UChicago students. Commute: Walk to campus, bus/Metra to downtown
Where to search
Documents to prepare
Passport or national ID
Admission or exchange confirmation
Proof of funds or guarantor details if requested
Deposit funds and signed lease
Health insurance or local registration documents if required
Timing
Start with university housing as soon as the host opens applications.
Keep temporary accommodation for arrival if the private market is tight.
For one-semester stays, confirm minimum term and cancellation rules before signing.
Red flags
Never transfer money or deposits before signing a written rental contract and verifying the landlord's identity.
Always request a live video tour or physical viewing of the property to confirm it exists and matches the description.
Be extremely suspicious of listings priced significantly lower than the local market average for that neighborhood.
Safety
Safety Index
34.7 / 100
Take extra precautions
Crime Index
65.3 / 100
High crime — be cautious
Source: Numbeo · Lower crime = safer. Higher safety = safer.
Neighborhood-dependent. Downtown and North Side areas are generally very safe. Some South and West side neighborhoods have high crime rates. Use common sense at night.
Top risks
- Extreme cold exposure in winter (risk of frostbite if underdressed)
- Pickpocketing and muggings late at night on quiet streets or empty train cars
- Neighborhood-specific safety boundaries (crime rates vary significantly by area)
Ride in the first car near the conductor if traveling late at night on the L, and keep your phone pocketed near doors.
Transport
🚌 CTA ('The L' Trains & Buses)
Radial transit system centered around the Loop. Trains run 24/7 on the Red and Blue lines.
U-Pass card provides unlimited rides for eligible full-time students during active terms.
🚲 Divvy Bike Share
A massive bike-sharing system with stations all over the city. Great for riding along the Lakefront Trail.
Discounted annual memberships are sponsored by local universities.
🚆 Metra Commuter Rail
Commuter trains connecting downtown to Evanston (Northwestern) and the wider suburbs.
Reduced fare tickets available for students during academic periods.
Events & Activities
Lollapalooza Music Festival
Summer
Expensive (USD 300+ for 4-day pass)
Massive 4-day music festival in Grant Park featuring world-famous headliners.
St. Patrick's Day River Dyeing
March
Free
The city dyes the Chicago River neon green, creating a massive festive parade atmosphere.
Millennium Park Summer Film Series
Summer (July - August)
Free
Outdoor film screenings on the massive screen at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion; students picnic on the lawn.
Lollapalooza
August
4-day pass USD 350; single day USD 115
One of the world's biggest music festivals right in Grant Park — 8 stages, 170+ acts, student vibes
Chicago Architecture River Cruise
April – November
USD 45–55 (~€40–50)
World's best architecture explained on a 90-min boat tour along the Chicago River — essential for arch/design students
Chicago Jazz Festival
August – September
Free
Free 4-day jazz festival in Millennium Park — one of the last major free city festivals in America
Student Perks
Museums & Culture
Food Savings
Too Good To Go
Very active in Chicago; get surplus meals and pastries from popular loops and neighborhood spots at low cost.
Get appThe Ventra CTA U-Pass provides unlimited rides on CTA buses and trains for eligible full-time students. Fares & passes
Universities
University of Chicago
A private research university known for intellectual rigor, economics (Chicago School), and a gothic campus in Hyde Park.
Social Life
What Students Usually Get Wrong
Student Associations
Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Local Section
Coordinates orientation events, social trips, and integration parties for incoming international students.
Central Student Union / Student Representation
The official university student representation providing support, sports clubs, and cultural activities.
Meeting Places 2
Public Groups 3
ESN & International Students Facebook Group
Search for the local group to find flatmates, events, and buy second-hand furniture.
Local ESN Instagram / Linktree
Follow the local section page to access current WhatsApp group chats and event sign-up forms.
UChicago international student initiatives
University-run community and transition support for international students in Chicago.
Forums & Advice 1
Erasmus+ Community
Official network for exchange students — forums, contacts, and city guides.
UChicago IGSAB student resource guide
Public student-authored resource hub covering practical transition topics in Chicago.