Student Apartments Chicago - IL

About Chicago - IL

Chicago is located in Illinois - IL, and is one of the most popular destinations among students. Here is a breakdown of the proportion of international students by level of study in Chicago - IL:

• Undergraduate: 31.8%

• Postgraduate: 65%

• Research: 10%

Chicago in IL has 15% international students, making it one of the cities in the US with a high percentage of international students. Three world-class universities are located in the city, including the University of Chicago, Chicago State University, and the University of Illinois at Chicago, contributing to its excellent reputation for higher education.

Popular Student Areas in Chicago - IL 

Popular Chicago - IL areas amongst university students are Lincoln Park, Lakeview East, and Logan Square. There are a few things to keep in mind while searching for the perfect student area to stay in, including transportation, cost, and amenities.

1. Students living in Lincoln Park will be near DePaul University, and purpose-built student apartments would cost around US$750–US$1,200/month.

• Travel time from Lincoln Park  to Chicago Downtown by different modes of transportation:

• Tram- 15-20 minutes

• Bus - 20-30 minutes

• Taxi - 15-20 minutes

• Walking - 45-60 minutes

2. For students living in Chicago - IL Lakeview East, purpose-built student flats would cost approximately US$750–US$1,200/month. In this area, nearby universities include DePaul University and Loyola University Chicago.

• Travel time from Lakeview East to Chicago Downtown by different modes of transportation:

• Tram- 10-15 minutes

• Bus - 15-25 minutes

• Taxi - 10-15 minutes

• Walking - 35-45 minutes

3. For students living in Logan Square, purpose-built student rooms would cost around US$650–US$1,000/month In this area, nearby universities include the Illinois Institute of Technology.

• Travel time from Logan Square to Chicago Downtown by different modes of transportation:

• Tram- 25-30 minutes

• Bus - 30-45 minutes

• Taxi - 20-25 minutes

• Walking - 60-75 minutes

Best Student Off-Campus Housings in Chicago - IL

Chicago - IL has a variety of student room options, and students can explore different areas of the city in proximity to their universities and budgets. 

Popular student Off-Campus Housings in  Chicago - IL, that provide almost every room type are Logan Square - 2852, Uptown, and Chicago - 630 N Franklin St.

Discover Student Room Types in Chicago - IL

The purpose-built student housing in Chicago, IL, typically includes a variety of amenities in the bills; it varies according to the provider's terms and conditions. But broadly, we suggest a student should consider budget, needs, and preferences while making decisions. 

Here, we have categorised the room types given below based on preferences and budget to help you in your decision-making.

Type 1: Affordable off-campus student housing in Chicago - IL:

These cost around US$550–US$1,000/month on average and are recommended for students who are comfortable sharing space. Typically, such properties are houses or apartments. 

• Shared room

  • Amenities: Self-contained apartment with multiple bedrooms, shared bathroom, shared kitchen

  • Lincoln Park avg. Rent: US$600/month

  • Lakeview East avg. Rent: US$700/month

  • Logan Square avg. Rent: US$550/month

  • Recommended Chicago - IL student housing for shared rooms are Pleasant double bedroom in the River North neighbourhood and Trendy double bedroom near the Tribune Tower.

• Triple/ Quadruple rooms

  • Amenities: Private bedroom, Shared bathroom, shared kitchen

  • Lincoln Park avg. Rent: US$600/month

  • Lakeview East avg. Rent: US$700/month

  • Logan Square avg. Rent: US$550/month

• Entire place

  • Amenities: Private bedroom, Shared bathroom, shared kitchen

  • Lincoln Park avg. Rent: US$1,300/month

  • Lakeview East avg. Rent: US$1,400/month

  • Logan Square avg. Rent: US$1,200/month

  • Recommended Chicago - IL student housing for the entire place are Airy Gold Coast Studio close to L, walk to Mariano Park, Mod River North 2BR w/ Gym, W/D, near Magnificent Mile, and Bright Evanston 1BR w/ Pool & Gym, walk to Northwestern.

Type 2: Affordable off-campus student apartments in Chicago - IL with privacy: These rooms cost around US$500 – US$800/month 

1. Single Room

   1. Amenities: Private bedroom, Shared bathroom, shared kitchen

   2. Lincoln Park avg. Rent: US$720/month

   3. Lakeview East avg. Rent: US$835/month

   4. Logan Square avg. Rent: US$660/month

   5. Recommended student single rooms are Chicago - 630 N Franklin St, Wicker Park, and East Ukrainian Village.

2. Flatshare 

   1. Amenities: Private Bedroom in a shared house or flat, shared bathroom, shared kitchen

   2. Lincoln Park avg. Rent: US$700/month

   3. Lakeview East avg. Rent: US$800/month

   4. Logan Square avg. Rent: US$600/month

   5. Recommended student-shared flats include Pilsen.

3. Twin Rooms

   1. Amenities: One room with 2 single beds, Shared bathroom, shared kitchen

   2. Lincoln Park avg. Rent: US$660/month

   3. Lakeview East avg. Rent: US$770/month

   4. Logan Square avg. Rent: US$605/month

4. Double Rooms

   1. Amenities: One bedroom with double bed, shared bathroom, shared kitchen

   2. Lincoln Park avg. Rent: US$720/month

   3. Lakeview East avg. Rent: US$835/month

   4. Logan Square avg. Rent: US$660/month

Room Type 3: Chicago - IL Off-campus student rooms with privacy, quiet space, and near the Downtown cost around US$800– US$1,200/month. 

5. Student Flats 

   1. Amenities: Private bedroom, private bathroom, private kitchen

   2. Lincoln Park avg. Rent: US$600/month

   3. Lakeview East avg. Rent: US$700/month

   4. Logan Square avg. Rent: US$550/month

   5. Browse through Chicago - IL student flats such as Chicago - 405 N Wabash Ave.

6. Student En-Suite Rooms 

   1. Amenities: Single bedroom, Private bathroom, shared kitchen

   2. Lincoln Park avg. Rent: US$840/month

   3. Lakeview East avg. Rent: US$980/month

   4. Logan Square avg. Rent: US$770/month

   5. Browse through students' en-suits in Chicago - Illinois, such as Stunning apartment near AMC NEWCITY 14, Spacious Styled Apt. w/ Workspace, and Comfortable Stunning House.

7. Student Studios

   1. Amenities: private bedroom, Private bathroom, private kitchen

   2. Lincoln Park avg. Rent: US$1,300/month

   3. Lakeview East avg. Rent: US$1,400/month

   4. Logan Square avg. Rent: US$1,200/month

   5. Popular student studios in Chicago - Illinois include Letterman Chicago.

Room Type 4: Students who prefer amenities over budget

Student Penthouse in Chicago - IL, costs around US$3,000/month.

These are suitable for students who prefer to have private bedrooms, a private balcony, a terrace, privacy, spacious rooms, and a top floor which is more over budget.

Cost of Living in Chicago - IL for Students

It varies depending on students’ lifestyle choices, but overall, keeping your Chicago - IL student housing rent apart, some additional expenses around are overlooked. We have curated a list of such necessary items along with some tips to help you reduce the cost of living in Chicago - Illinois, as a student:

1. Food Expenses:  US$350/month on average. 

   • We suggest buying groceries that cost around  US$250/month and cooking your own meals. 

   • Shop from grocery stores that offer student discounts on grocery items such as.

     • Trader Joe's: Store available in Chicago - IL, which frequently has sales and special offers, making it easy to score good deals on essentials like produce, frozen food, and pantry staples.

     • Target store: The store is available in Chicago, IL, which runs weekly sales and promotions on groceries alongside other household essentials, including food, and also offers RedCard for additional discounts.

     • Aldi: Store available in Chicago - IL  which is popular for rock-bottom prices on grocery items.

     • Walmart: The store is available in Chicago, IL, and offers a student-focused Walmart Student program for free shipping on grocery orders over US$35 and access to exclusive discounts.

     • Costco: Store available in Chicago - IL, which offers student membership-based discounts on bulk buying groceries, including fresh produce, meat, and pantry staples.

     • Chicago - IL Food Banks: Offers groceries/food for free or at the lowest prices possible. To find such local food banks and their eligibility criteria visit Feeding America's website or by calling 211.

2. Transportation Expenses: US$100/month on average. Tips to save some money on daily transportation in Chicago - IL, while living as a college student. According to your preferences and the university's distance from your residence, you may choose whichever option suits you.

• Rent Bicycles: A few companies offer Docked Bike Sharing, and Dockless Bike Sharing at discounted prices for students. Also, the students can look for Campus Bike Rental Programs offered by their university. Search for such companies near your student accommodation.

• Buses & Metro Passes: Many transit agencies offer student discounts on transportation fares. Generally, you can visit PassFinder or the American Public Transportation Association (ATA) website to find student discount passes and their Terms and Conditions.

• Trains: Amtrak Intercity trains connect major cities across the country and can be a good option for weekend tours. It offers student discounts for people aged between 12-25 years.

• Ridesharing: As an alternative to taxis, companies like Uber and Lyft offer student discounts. Just ensure that their services are available in Chicago - IL.

• Carpooling: Some universities and colleges offer carpool matching programs for students.

• Electric Scooters: These are a flexible option for short trips within the city. Many companies such as Bird, Lime, Spin, Lyft, Skip, Voi, Tier, Bolt, and Neuron offer student discounts or reduced fares for certain plans. Just ensure that their services are available in Chicago - IL.

3. Kitchen Essentials: They cost you between US$140 and US$440. However, it depends upon your student room regardless of on-campus and off-campus apartments if kitchen essentials are included in the rent or not. Check the property page you are interested in, is recommended. Cost may vary according to the City.

   • Basic cookware set (pots, pans, skillet): $30-$100

   • Utensils (spatulas, spoons, forks, knives): $20-$50

   • Plates, bowls, mugs: $20-$40

   • Cutting board, knives: $20-$50

   • Small appliances (microwave, toaster, coffee maker): $50-$200

   • Tips for international students to save money on Kitchen essentials

     • Thrift stores and consignment shops

     • Reuse utensils of former students leaving the city. Join international student groups or ask your friends for someone who is ready to give away their utensils or lend them to you.

     • Online marketplaces are helpful for buying secondhand items at affordable prices. Ensuring to personally check the item is recommended.

     • Check if your university has any College campus rental programs for Kitchen utensils.

     • Search for Appliance rental companies nearby in the city to rent out the Kitchen essentials.

     • Cook in groups: If you are a group of students moving together, Divide the selected rental utensils bill with them. It will reduce the cost way more than expected.

4. Bedding, Bathroom, and Cleaning Essentials: would cost you approximately US$250 - US$1000 approximately.

   • Bedding Essentials would cost you approximately US$220 - US$85.

including

• Mattress and box spring: $150-$500 (Some properties already include it in rent; checking before buying yourself is recommended )

• Comforter: $30-$200 (Some properties already include it in rent; checking before buying yourself is recommended )

• Sheets: $20-$50

• Pillows: $10-$50

• Blanket: $10-$50

• Bathroom Essentials would cost you approximately US$36 - US$160.

Including

• Toothbrush: $2-$10

• Toothpaste: $2-$10

• Bar soap: $1-$5

• Body wash: $3-$15

• Shampoo and conditioner: $5-$20

• Razor: $5-$15

• Shaving cream: $3-$10

• Towel: $5-$20

• Bathrobe: $10-$50

• Cleaning Essentials: would cost you around US$30 - US$80 approximately.

Including the items shared below. Generally, cleaning essentials are required for living in studio apartments and private rooms.

• Dish soap: $1-$5

• Sponges: $1-$5 for a pack of 2-3

• Trash bags: $5-$10 for a large roll

• Laundry detergent: $5-$15 for a small bottle

• Cleaning wipes: $2-$5 for a pack

• All-purpose cleaner: $3-$10

• Toilet bowl cleaner: $2-$5

• Mop and bucket: $10-$20

• Tips for international students to save money on Bedding & Bathroom essentials

  • Shop during sales, promotions on special occasions

  • Buy in bulk from the stores that offer student discounts.

  • Reuse Bedding essentials of former students leaving the city. Join international student groups or ask your friends for someone who is ready to give away their bedding essentials.