FAQs: Student Life at Chicago
Where do students live?
Approximately 80 percent of first-year students live in Hyde Park because of the abundance of affordable housing and convenience to the Law School. The availability of affordable housing and reasonable cost of living in Chicago compared to other major cities is one of the great advantages to attending law school at Chicago. Some students will choose to move up north to other Chicago neighborhoods during their second and third years. We usually have students living in the South Loop, River North, Lincoln Park, or Lakeview. Our housing page contains more information.
What is the atmosphere like among students and faculty?
Our students and faculty are extremely collaborative in their approach to learning. Because of our small class size and the seriousness with which our faculty approach teaching, our faculty engage with students in ways uncommon in academia. Our faculty and students work together to solve problems in the Chicago Policy Initiatives, interact outside of class during our weekly Coffee Mess, and faculty host students in their homes for our Greenberg seminars and roundtable dinners. Our students work together in study groups and share class notes. While our students work hard, the Law School does not have a published class rank and the wealth of employment opportunities for Chicago students facilitates a collegial and cooperative environment.
How would you describe the academic culture at the Law School?
We firmly believe that our learning experience is unparalleled. Our students and faculty are excited about ideas. At Chicago, students and faculty challenge each other. There is no single viewpoint, ideology, or style of thought imposed upon or shared by all students. Instead, all ideas are welcome. Our faculty expose students to contrasting views and challenge students on their ideas. Read more about our academic culture to find out why Chicago is such a unique place to study law.
Do law students have fun?
Our students definitely have fun. There are approximately 60 student organizations that are very active - they bring in speakers, plan social events and service projects, and much more. Our students write and direct their own annual Law School Musical, play intramural sports, and gather for Coffee Mess (a weekly breakfast) and Wine Mess at the end of the week. TweetChicago is a great way to get a sense of what life - both social and academic - is really like as a Chicago law student.
Are the campus and neighborhood safe?
While the University of Chicago is an urban campus, Hyde Park is actually one of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago and crime rates are lower in Hyde Park than in most Chicago neighborhoods. Campus is actively monitored by both the University of Chicago police and the City of Chicago police department. The University offers several safety resources, including late night transportation services, safe ride services, umbrella service, and safety alerts. Many of our own faculty and administrators live in Hyde Park with their families.
