Student Housing near Columbia College Chicago

Students searching for Columbia College Chicago student housing can choose from university halls, PBSA, private flats, or shared apartments. There are three room types – ensuite, studios, and shared rooms, so that students can select one according to their preference and finances. Rent prices for listings provided by University Living range between $949 and $4,450 per month, and most properties come fully furnished with all utilities included, have Wi-Fi access, designated study rooms, gyms, lounges, laundry services, and are secured.

University Living makes finding student housing near Columbia College Chicago easier by offering all the verified accommodation in one single place. With 10+ years of experience, UL has assisted 12+ million students, caters to 640+ global cities, and offers access to 65,000+ verified properties. Students will be able to choose accommodation according to the cost, proximity to the college, room type, amenities, and more. Students focusing on cost will be able to go for shared accommodation or selected private options.

For students comparing on-campus vs off-campus housing, university accommodation may be advantageous for closeness to campus life, whereas Columbia College Chicago off-campus housing offered by Columbia College Chicago can be a better option due to a variety of choices available in terms of room styles, facilities, location, and living experience. University Living offers you reliable benefits associated with accommodation booking, such as Verified Properties, No Visa No Pay, and booking assistance. ULInfinity assists international students with coordination of travel insurance, health insurance, international SIM cards, and international money transfer for student housing in United States of America.

Columbia College Chicago was built in 1890 and is a private and non-profit organization that specializes in teaching arts, media, and communications. It has a reputation of being practice-oriented when it comes to its creative curriculum and prepares students for their future jobs in entertainment, design, media, and creative industries. The college ranks #133 in Regional Universities Midwest according to U.S. News. Columbia College Chicago has developed a good reputation of graduating industry-ready creative individuals and building a vast network of alumni in various global production centers.

The college has a varied range of students numbering between 4,000 and 5,400, who include international students from various parts of the world. The college is situated in the heart of Chicago and offers its students an atmosphere where there is a thriving creative and cultural industry surrounding them. The career development program of the college focuses more on creative practices, internships, work experience, and portfolio development as opposed to the usual laboratory research. Columbia has a 96% success rate regarding the creative practice or employability within a short while after graduating, with the graduates taking up jobs in major media and entertainment companies such as Disney, NBC, and Warner Bros. Its areas of specialization include arts, media, and communications.

Its campuses include:

• South Loop Campus (Main Chicago Location)

• Semester in LA Program Campus (Los Angeles)

Rent for student housing in Chicago near Columbia College Chicago vary between approximately $949 to $4,450 per month. There are various types of accommodations available for students, including studios, single rooms, shared apartments, private apartments, with amenities like fitness centers, study areas, lounges, furnished rooms, internet connection, laundry, security, and recreational areas. Here are some of the top options for student housing near Columbia College Chicago:

Arc at Old Colony, Chicago

• Address: 37 W Van Buren St, Chicago, IL 60605, USA

• Proximity: Around 6–7 minutes walking or 2–4 minutes by drive from Columbia College Chicago; the property is listed about 0.28 miles from the university.

• Highlights: Fully furnished studios and apartments, 24-hour fitness centre, study lounges, club room, games area, lounge, secure entry, and in-unit laundry.

• Best for: Students who want campus convenience, modern amenities, and a lively South Loop lifestyle.

Infinite Chicago

• Address: 28 E Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604, United States

• Proximity: Around 7–8 minutes walking or 2–4 minutes by drive from Columbia College Chicago; approximately 0.31 miles from the university.

• Highlights: Fully furnished apartments, private study spaces, rooftop lounge, gas grills, on-site coffee shop, 24/7 fitness centre, business centre, free Wi-Fi, and secure bike storage.

• Best for: Students looking for central city living with study, fitness, and social spaces.

Straits Row, Chicago

• Address: 633 S La Salle St, Chicago, IL 60605, USA

• Proximity: Approximately 8–10 minutes walking or 3–5 minutes by drive from Columbia College Chicago; around 0.35 miles away.

• Highlights: Private and shared apartments and studios, co-working hubs, social lounges, heated pool, fitness centre, sky lounge, coffee bar, Wi-Fi, and secure bike storage.

• Best for: Students who prefer luxury amenities, fitness facilities, and an active social environment.

Tailor Lofts, Chicago

• Address: 315 S Peoria St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA

• Proximity: Around 25–30 minutes walking or 6–10 minutes by drive from Columbia College Chicago; approximately 1.28 miles away.

• Highlights: Fully furnished accommodation, study lounge, game room, computer centre, community clubhouse, laundry, conference room, 24-hour fitness centre, Wi-Fi, electricity, and water.

• Best for: Students who want amenity-rich living with easy access to public transport.

2101 S Michigan, Chicago

• Address: 2101 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616, USA

• Proximity: Around 28–32 minutes walking or 7–10 minutes by drive from Columbia College Chicago; approximately 1.38 miles away.

• Highlights: Studios and 1–3 bedroom apartments, skyline views, residents’ lounge, fitness facilities, heated floors, covered parking, 24-hour door attendant, and a CTA station nearby.

• Best for: Students seeking spacious apartments, South Loop living, and convenient CTA connectivity.

Note: Ready to move closer to campus? Book your verified student housing near Columbia College Chicago with University Living!

The cost of living in Chicago near Columbia College Chicago can vary approximately $1,570–$2,850 per month, depending on your accommodation, lifestyle, and daily spending habits. This includes $950-$1,800 monthly expenditure on rental costs and $350-$500 for food. Additional $70-$130 can be spent on utilities, with $50-$90 needed for internet and mobile expenses. Thanks to transit discounts for students, the monthly expenditure on transportation can be as low as $0-$30. Other miscellaneous expenditures for entertainment and other personal expenses can cost up to $150-$300 per month. Overall, students should budget for living expenses, making careful budgeting important when choosing student housing in Illinois.

Note: These figures are only estimated and may vary based on your lifestyle and spending habits. To get a more personalised and accurate picture of your monthly expenses, try the Cost of Living Calculator by University Living and plan your student budget with greater confidence.

The tuition fees at Columbia College Chicago are estimated at around $35,498 per year for the programmes listed in the table. Students should consider this annual tuition cost alongside accommodation, food, transportation, utilities, and other personal expenses when planning their overall study budget.

Columbia College Chicago is surrounded by some of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods, offering students a variety of accommodation options. From the South Loop, right next to the campus, to Pilsen, each locality provides a different lifestyle, budget, and vibe. Here are four of the best neighborhoods near Columbia College Chicago for students:

1. South Loop

The South Loop is the closest neighborhoods to Columbia College Chicago and thus perfect for students seeking convenient accommodation in an environment bustling with other students. It is just a 10 minutes’ walk from the campus. Students can visit Grant Park, have their coffee at Cafecito or Metropolis Coffee and enjoy themselves at Kasey’s Tavern or Reggie’s Music Joint. Some popular pubs in South Loop are The Scout Waterhouse + Kitchen and Wabash Tap and some attractions include the Shedd Aquarium and South Loop Farmers Market (seasonal). Average rent is $1,800–$2,200/ month for a 1-bedroom.

2. The Loop

The Loop places the students in the middle of Chicago’s skyscrapers and provides an exciting urban experience. Columbia College Chicago is only about 5-15 minutes walking distance, or one can catch the CTA L for quicker travel. Millennium Park and Cloud Gate are definitely attractions. One can study and unwind at Hero Coffee & Bagel Bar and Intelligentsia Coffee, and then visit Cindy’s Rooftop or The Berghoff Bar. Miller’s Pub and Plymouth Restaurant & Rooftop Bar are great places to be, along with the Art Institute of Chicago and Daley Plaza Farmers Market. Rental prices start from $2,000-$2,500/month for a 1-bedroom apartment.

3. Pilsen

Pilsen is a vivid, creative community characterized by its Mexican-American culture, mural art, music, and relatively cheap apartments. The location of Columbia College Chicago is about 15–20 minutes away via CTA Pink Line or #18 bus. Students can visit such places as the National Museum of Mexican Art, Cafe Jumping Bean or Pilsen Portal, as well as Punch House and Skylark. There are also some pubs in the area, like Harbee Liquor & Tavern and Simone's, and Thalia Hall. Average rental price is about $1,300–$1,600 monthly for a 1 bedroom apartment.

4. River North

River North is ideal for those who wish to reside in an upscale community with art galleries, restaurants, and nightclubs. Columbia College Chicago is located about 15-25 minutes from here via the CTA Red or Brown Lines. The Merchandise Mart (THE MART) is the most recognized landmark in the area. For cafe stops, there is Dollop Coffee Co. and Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea. Students can spend time at Three Dots and a Dash or Joy District. There is Rossi’s Liquors and O’Brien’s River North for pub stops. Other attractions include Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise and River North Farmers Market. Monthly rent is about $2,200-$2,700/1-bedroom.

To navigate through Chicago for Columbia College Chicago for students since there are trains, buses and even Metra that connect the college to various parts of Chicago and its suburbs. The CTA U-Pass offers full-time students the chance to enjoy free unlimited rides on CTA buses and L trains throughout the school year at no extra cost.

1. CTA “L” Trains

The CTA “L” trains are among the fastest means of transport for students to use when navigating through Chicago. The cost of a one-way ride is $2.50 although Columbia College Chicago full-time students will have unlimited rides through the use of U-Pass. There are normally available between 4:00 AM and 1:00 AM daily while the Red and Blue Line runs 24/7.

2. CTA Buses

The CTA buses cover a large area within the city of Chicago and are convenient to use when traveling to areas which are not covered by the L. The fare is usually $2.25 but students can travel free using the U-pass on all the CTA buses. Major bus lines near the campus run from about 5:00 AM till midnight while some lines run round the clock. The important stops include Michigan Avenue & Congress/Ida B. Wells Drive and State & Harrison.

3. Metra Commuter Rail

Metra commuter rail service is perfect for students commuting between Columbia College Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. It charges based on zones and the fares vary from $3.75-$6.75 per journey. Students will enjoy a 75% discount if the program is verified by the institution. The trains run from 5:00 AM till 12:30 AM and the important stations include Van Buren Street Station and LaSalle Street Station.