Frequently Asked Questions

 

Who is eligible to live in University Graduate Student Housing?
All graduate students who are enrolled full-time at the University of Chicago are eligible for graduate student housing. As defined in the Student Manual of University Policies and Regulations, full-time status is “accorded to all students enrolled who undertake an academic workload consisting of any combination of courses, work experience, research, or special studies that is considered a full-time workload”. Student Manual

Full-time graduate students may request housing for themselves and their dependents. A dependent is defined as a spouse, a registered domestic partner*, and/or dependent children.

*The University’s “Domestic Partner Policy,” is located in Student Manual of University Policies and Regulations. Domestic Partner Policy

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When should I apply for housing?
You may apply for housing after you have been accepted into the University. Applications are processed in order of the date they are received, so you should submit your application as early as possible.

Students who have been admitted to full-time graduate programs may request to move in one quarter prior to enrollment. For instance, students who will begin classes in the Fall quarter may request to move in during the Summer quarter.

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How do I apply for housing?
Applications are available here:
  1. Fill out the entire application form, including your preferences.
  2. Submit the completed application with a $300 deposit in the form of a check or money order or by electronic payment, payable to the University of Chicago. Your application will be complete when both the application form and deposit have been received by our office.
  3. The receipt of your application will be acknowledged via email; please be sure to include your email address on the application.

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Can I apply if I do not know my Student ID number?
You may apply before you receive your Student ID number; however, prior to accepting an apartment assignment, you must either provide your Student ID number or a copy of your Letter of Acceptance to the University.

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Is the deposit refundable?
Yes, the deposit is refundable.

If you sign a lease for one of our apartments the deposit is applied to the first month’s rent after you move in.

If you have accepted an apartment and subsequently do not move into graduate student housing, the deposit is forfeited.

If you have not accepted an apartment, you must make the request to withdraw the application and receive a refund for your deposit in writing (within one year of the application date) and you must include your home mailing address. It will take four to six weeks to process the refund check.

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How do I request to live in a specific building?
On the application under the section Specific Requests, you may note the building number(s) or any other features in which you are interested. Please note, while we will endeavor to assign you an apartment that meets your request(s), we are limited by the specific apartments that are available at the time your assignment.

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Are pets allowed?
Certain buildings, generally those that are not furnished or carpeted, allow a maximum of two (2) pets. Please understand that you will be subject to the pet policy. Pets are allowed in building #1, 2, 3, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 29. Kindly refer to the map for buildings that allow pets.

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Which buildings are in the Ray (public) School district?
Buildings #14, 16, 17, 18, 30, 31 are located in the Ray School district. Please refer to the map for building address and features.

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What is included in a furnished studio?
Most furnished studios have a futon that folds down to a full size bed*, a dresser, desk, chair, one bookcase, lamps, an end table, coffee table, and a dinette set (with at least two chairs), a stove, and a refrigerator. There are no dishes, linens, pots or pans. Furnishings may vary according to the size of the apartment.

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What is included in a furnished one-bedroom apartment?
Most furnished one-bedroom apartments have a full size bed*, a dresser, nightstand, lamps, a sofa, end tables, a coffee table, desk, chair, bookcase, a kitchen table and chairs, stove, and a refrigerator. There are no dishes, linens, pots or pans. Furnishings may vary according to the size of the apartment.

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What is included in a furnished, shared two-bedroom apartment?
In most apartments, each bedroom has an extra long twin bed*, a dresser, and nightstand. There is a sofa, end tables, a coffee table, two desks, two chairs, two bookcases, lamps, a kitchen table and chairs, a stove, and a refrigerator. There are no dishes, linens, pots or pans. Furnishings may vary according to the size of the apartment.

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When will I receive an assignment?
Most assignments are made about one month prior to the move-in date requested on your application. However, the timeframe may vary as there are many factors involved with making assignments including available apartments, demand for graduate student housing, and the move-in date requested.

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How do I apply for parking?
Buildings with parking availability are noted in the information packet and on the web site. If you are assigned to a building that has a parking lot, a parking application will be emailed with your assignment letter. If you accept your assignment, please fill out the parking application and return it with your acceptance. You may only apply for parking after you have accepted your assignment. If you would like to apply for Campus Parking, please contact the parking office. Campus Parking

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Where can I get directions to the University of Chicago?
Please refer to Directions. For automated telephone directions, please call 773.702.1234, extension 5.8008.

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When may I move in?
You may request to move-in on any business day (Monday – Friday, closed national holidays), during the hours of 8:30 a.m. to noon, and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm; please plan accordingly. You do not have to move in on the first day of the month; the rent will be prorated from the date you move in until the end of the first month of occupancy.

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What should I know about moving in?
Please refer to your assignment letter for additional important move-in information. To view your apartment and sign the lease, you must arrive during office hours. The first month’s rent is due at lease signing.

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How do I set up utilities?
At lease signing, we will provide you with contact information for Peoples Gas, ComEd, AT&T, and Comcast.

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When can I transfer to another Graduate Student Housing apartment?
We require that you live in your apartment for at least one academic year before submitting a transfer request. There is a $200 transfer fee to transfer to another apartment during the academic year.

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*U.S. Bed sizes:



The University of Chicago does not guarantee the accuracy of any information available on this site, and is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or misrepresentations. Product information including availability, features, floor plans and rent ranges are subject to change without prior notice and should be verified independently with the respective management office.
© 2009 The University of Chicago.

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