Student Housing Chicago, IL

Based on the river that flows backwards, Chicago is the birthplace of skyscrapers and a major industrial, economic and educational powerhouse in the United States. The city is home to some of the top institutes in the world, including the University of Chicago and Northwestern University. These institutes are pioneers of higher education in Chicago and are known for their affordability and quality of education.

As a result, thousands of students every year choose Chicago as their top study abroad destination. Now one of the major problems these students face even before coming in is finding the perfect student housing Chicago. Therefore, if you are a student looking for accommodations in Chicago, you are at the right place! We, at University Living, boast a decade+ experience in helping students find their home away from home in more than 500,000 cities all across the globe. Scroll to know more about student housing options in Chicago!

Chicago has zillions of options when it comes to student accommodation. These accommodations are broadly divided into two parts, namely: PBSAs and Private Apartments. PBSAs have further been divided into 4 parts to make sure no student misses out on an apartment due to prices or apartment type. These have been explained briefly below:

1. PBSAs (Purpose-Built Student Accommodations): Student Housing in USA are special properties made specifically for student stays,and come with all facilities and amenities that you might need as a student. These have been further divided into 4 types:

• Shared Apartments: These apartments are the most preferred type of student properties in Chicago due to their affordability. Students get to share a room with 2/3 other occupants, a shared washroom, a shared living room and a shared kitchen.

• En-Suite Accommodations: These properties are also loved by students and offer a bit more privacy still being affordable. Students get to have an entire room attached to a washroom to themselves along with a shared living room and a shared kitchen.

• Non-En-Suite Accommodations: These properties are very similar to En-Suite accommodations. The only difference is that these do not come with an attached washroom. It is to be shared among other roommates but costs less than En-Suite properties.

• Studio Apartments: The best student apartment in Chicago is a studio apartment. Students get to have an entire room to themselves along with an attached washroom and a kitchen. These properties do not come with a living room and are a palace for a single occupant.

2. Private Apartments: Private apartments are independent units that are leased out to individuals, mostly working professionals. These units are 2/3 room properties that come with attached washrooms, a living room, and a kitchen. The best part about private apartments is that if you are a student renting out this property, you can share it among your friends.

Unlike PBSAs, Private apartments sometimes come as raw units which require furnishings, furniture, amenities and the rent does not include utility bills. Every expense is an added-on top of the rent!

Chicago, Illinois, famously known as the "Windy City," stands as the bold, architectural heart of the American Midwest. Situated along the southwestern shores of Lake Michigan, it is the third-largest city in the United States and a vital global hub for finance, culture, and transportation. Rising from the ashes of the Great Fire of 1871, Chicago pioneered the modern skyscraper, creating a world-renowned skyline that includes icons like the Willis Tower and the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower.

The city’s identity is defined by its 77 distinct neighborhoods, each offering a unique cultural flavor, from the historic jazz clubs of the South Side to the vibrant culinary scene of the West Loop. Chicago is equally celebrated for its sprawling lakeside parks, world-class museums like the Art Institute, and a legendary sports culture that bleeds blue and red. Whether it’s the reflection of the "Bean" in Millennium Park, the deep-dish pizza tradition, or the bustling elevated "L" trains, Chicago exudes a gritty yet sophisticated charm. It remains a city of broad shoulders, constantly reinventing itself while staying true to its industrial roots.

Chicago is one of the most famous and safest cities in the States and therefore, is very livable and enthusiastic. Chicago’s crime rate has reached historic lows in 2025 and is continuing to reduce it further. Although students can stay in any neighbourhood they wish to stay in, some areas already have an established student community. Staying at such locations make it easier for students to socialize and get along other students from other universities. Some of the best neighbourhoods for student housing in Chicago include:

• Lincoln Park: Lincoln Park is one of the most preferred neighbourhods for student housing in Chicago. It has the highest concentration of students in the city due to its proximity to some of the top university campuses and for its lakefront views. Although Lincoln Park is a bit expensive than other neighbourhoods in the city, the views and convenience it offers is unbeatable. The neighbourhood offers a mix of shared apartments, student housing, and green spaces and is well-connected by CTA buses and the Red/Brown Line trains.
• Hyde Park: Another favorite neghbourhood for students in Chicago is Hyde Park. This neighbourhood houses the prestigious University of Chicago, hence, attracting a strong a student community from UoC. Since there are so many students present in the area, it is much of a quiet, historic area with libraries, bookstores, and cultural attractions. Hyde Park offers easy access to public transport and lakefront paths. The neighbourhood is popular for students seeking a calm, study-focused environment.
• Lakeview: The next neighbourhood on our list is Lakeview. This neighbourhood is one of the most esthetic areas in the city. Located in the north of Chicago, Lakeview is bordered by Lake Michigan on the east. It is a vibrant area with affordable shared housing options compared to downtown. Lakeview provides excellent connectivity via the Red and Brown CTA Lines. Students can find a plethora of options for restaurants, entertainment spots, and can enjoy their leisure time at Wrigley Field!
• The Loop: The Loop is a major neighbourhood near the central business district in Chicago. It is located at close proximity to major universities and corporate office complexes. It has a high density of modern apartments and purpose-built student residences. Since it is located near the city centre, The Loop offers some of the best connectivity to the rest of the city and is the most ideal for students who prefer a fast-paced city-centre lifestyle.

Although students can stay at any of the 77 neighbouhoods that make up the city of Chicago, it is suggested that new students stay in existing student communities so that they can reach to their fellow mates if they face any difficulties while pursuing their education!

Chicago is a competitively affordable city to live in when compared to other major American cities including New York, Boston or LA. There are various restaurants and cafes that provide huge portions of food at jaw dropping low prices that helps students focus on their diet while focusing on their studies. The major expense for students is for student housing in Chicago. Although cost of living is a number that is determined by the type of lifestyle you lead and the choices that you make, the table below underlines the major expenses that you might undertake as a student in Chicago.

Note: These figures are tentative and might change based on the type of lifestyle you lead and the expenses that you undertake. If you plan your budget and follow it strictly, you can expect to spend a month in Chicago in well under $1000.

There are a multitude of options to choose for student housing in Chicago. However, not every property is made for you. The accommodation that you choose must be located at a good location probably near to your university and major public transit hubs. This ensures that your travel time and costs stay reduced and you can make use of the time saved for studying. Therefore, here are the top 5 properties that students absolutely love to stay at in Chicago:

• MILA

• Straits Row

• Arc at Old Colony

• Post Chicago

• Tailor Lofts

These properties are highly regarded properties in Chicago and students can check the out at unbelievable prices only at University Living.

Even when it comes to affordable student housing in Chicago, the city does not let us down. The reason for this is that there are several properties in Chicago that provide exceptional services and facilities without breaking the bank. These properties are located near major universities and are the most value for money options for students in Chicago. Here are the top 5 most affordable student properties in Chicago.

• Infinite Chicago

• Lake Meadows Appts

• Letterman Chicago

• Ion Lincoln Park

These student housing options do not cut costs to make more profits, instead, they focus on providing the best services that students can get to make their lives even better.

Chicago has an extensive network of public transit systems that act as a lifeline to the booming population of more than 2.5 million travel from one part of the city to another. The public transit systems in Chicago are taken care of by the Chicago Transit Authority and includes a robust mixture of Buses, Trains and commuter rail systems that provide last mile connectivity to the residents of the city. These have been discussed below:

• ‘L’ Trains: The L trains are a rapid transit system operated by the CTA, serving Chicago and surrounding suburbs with 8 color-coded lines (Red, Blue, Green, Brown, Purple, Orange, Yellow, Pink) and 146 stations. It connects major student areas like Downtown, Hyde Park, and Lincoln Park. Some of the most important transport hubs for L Trains are State/Lake, Clark/Lake, Roosevelt, and Jackson stations. Students can make use of Student Ventra cards to get discounted fares and easy transfers. This is the best mode of transit for students in Chicago.
• CTA Buses: The city of Chicago has an extensive network of bus routes that reach areas not directly served by the train system. Buses are extremely popular among students and residents who live in suburbs outside of Chicago. Some of the most popular routes run along Michigan Avenue, Clark Street, and Lake Shore Drive. CTA also runs night bus services operate on selected routes for late travel and the best part is, you can track the buses in real-time via transit apps.
• Metra (Commuter Rail): The Metra Commuter Rail services are an alternative to the L train system in Chicago. It is one of the most widely used public transit services that follows a much broader route than bus and L trains. Metra is a regional rail connecting downtown Chicago with suburbs and surrounding towns. Some of the major downtown stations include Union Station and Ogilvie Transportation Center. It is most useful for students living outside the city or commuting from suburban campuses.

These public transit systems make commuting easier in the city while keeping transport costs low!

Chicago is a gorgeous city that has a lot of places that students can visit. These locations attract millions of tourists from all across the world and are such a delight to be at! Ranging from museums to magnificent buildings to historical locations and world-famous food joints, Chicago shall not bore you if you are a new student in the city. Some of the best places to visit in Chicago include:

• Millennium Park: Millennium Park is an award-winning centre for art and architecture. It is also home to Cloud Gate (The Bean), an iconic reflective sculpture that anchors the views of the city's skyline. The park also features the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, a stunning outdoor concert venue designed by Frank Gehry, and the interactive Crown Fountain. It is a completely free public space that hosts massive festivals and film screenings throughout the summer months.
• The Art Institute of Chicago: Located in Grant Park, the Art Institute of Chicago is consistently ranked as one of the top museums in the world and houses the largest collection of Impressionist art outside of Paris. Some of the most famous masterpieces on display include Grant Wood’s American Gothic and Georges Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte. The Modern Wing, designed by Renzo Piano, offers a light-filled space for 20th and 21st-century art with views overlooking Millennium Park.
• Navy Pier: This tourist spot is a 3,300-foot-long pier on the shoreline of Lake Michigan that serves as Chicago’s most visited lakefront destination. It features the Centennial Wheel, an IMAX cinema, the Chicago Children's Museum, and a massive botanical garden within the Crystal Gardens. In 2026, the pier remains the primary departure point for architectural river cruises and Lake Michigan dinner tours.
• Skydeck Chicago (Willis Tower): Located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), it offers 360-degree views extending across four states. The main focus of attention is "The Ledge," a series of glass-bottomed balconies that extend four feet outside the building's facade, 1,353 feet above the ground. The attraction includes a recently renovated multi-media museum on the lower levels that details the history and personality of Chicago's various neighborhoods.

These locations sometimes also provide free or discounted tickets to students. Therefore, don’t forget to get your student ID for better discounts and pricing.

Chicago is home to some of the top universities in the United States and these universities invite several thousand students every year to help them pursue their higher education in the city. This city’s education system has been shaping global leaders, from centuries-old institutions to innovative modern universities. With all these driving industries and the arts, Chicago offers an unparalleled educational space. Let’s dive deeper into some of the top universities in the Chicago:

• University of Chicago (UChicago): The University of Chicago is world famous Ivy League institution located in Hyde Park, which is famous for its rigorous "Core Curriculum" and influential research in economics and sociology. In 2026, it remains one of the top-ranked universities globally, boasting more than 90 Nobel Prize laureates among its faculty and alumni.
• Northwestern University (Chicago Campus): While the main campus of Northwestern University is in suburban Evanston, the downtown Chicago campus houses the elite Pritzker School of Law and the Feinberg School of Medicine. The school is a leader in journalism, performing arts, and business, with its Kellogg School of Management consistently ranking among the best in the world.
• University of Illinois Chicago (UIC): UIC is Chicago’s largest public research university and a major hub for healthcare, hosting the largest medical school in the United States. It is recognized as one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse campuses in the nation, serving as a primary engine for social mobility in Chicago.
• DePaul University: This is the largest Catholic university in the United States, with its two main campuses located in Lincoln Park and the Loop. The institute is world famous for its focus on experiential learning and its strong programs in drama, business, and computer science. The university is deeply integrated into Chicago's business district, offering students extensive internship opportunities with Fortune 500 companies.

These are some of the top institutions in the United States, and students compete head-to-head to become a part of these universities.