FAQs: Student Life at Chicago
Where do students live?
Approximately 80 percent of first-year students live near campus in Hyde Park because of the abundance of affordable housing and convenience to the Law School. 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.
Is it difficult to find housing in the city?
Not at all. There is an abudance of both private and University-owned housing near campus in Hyde Park. The cost of living in Chicago is very affordable compared to other major cities. 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 students work together in study groups, share class notes, and enjoy casual conversation with their professors outside of class on a daily basis. 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.
What is it like to study law at Chicago?
We firmly believe that our learning experience is unparalleled. Our students and faculty are excited about ideas. 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?
Hyde Park is one of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago and enjoys one of the lowest neighborhood crime rates in Chicago. Campus is actively monitored by both the University of Chicago police and the City of Chicago police department. As we are an urban campus, the University takes a proactive approach to safety and 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.
