Living in Chicago
Chicago is one of the most livable cities in the country. Some of the residents and staff choose to live in Hyde Park in close proximity to the University. Others have turned to the Near North side of the city, an area with a seemingly endless array of restaurants and entertainment spots. A typical commute from the Near North side is 20-30 minutes on the scenic Lake Shore Drive. The near suburbs are also accessible by car or rail. Temporary housing can be arranged through the University at the International House and Regents Park (5 minutes from campus). Permanent housing is also available through the University Housing Services.
An international hub of commerce, transportation, finance, and industry, Chicago is also a sophisticated center of culture and nightlife. Many of its cultural aspects—the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Art Institute of Chicago are world renowned. The city is home to a number of exceptional and varied theaters.
While skyscrapers clearly define the bustling downtown, on weekends the pulse of the city shifts to a patchwork of distinct ethnic neighborhoods. During the summer months, the streets and lakefront are alive with a host of music and ethnic festivals, including the popular Jazz Festival, Blues Festival, Gospel Festival and the annual July food-fest, the Taste of Chicago, and Venetian Night. The Chicago lakefront has been maintained as park land and invites residents and visitors for jogging, bicycling, swimming, and sailing. Chicago is also the home of many world famous sport teams including the Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, Blackhawks and, of course, "da Bears."