You’ll find more than a world-class education at the University of Chicago. The same energy and excitement we have for learning extends throughout the student experience as you connect to the people and pursuits that make this your home. You will join a vibrant and diverse community that shares your passions—and introduces you to new ones. You and your family will find the support you need as you begin the next chapter in your life. And you will find inspiration in one of the world’s most exciting cities, Chicago. Like everything at UChicago, student life is engaging, enriching, and dynamic.

Hyde Park

The University’s neighborhood, Hyde Park, is home to nearly 60 percent of UChicago faculty and the majority of our graduate students. Hyde Park is also home to many amenities and attractions, including museums, theaters, eclectic restaurants and pubs, and diverse shopping.

With its walkable, tree-lined streets and college-town vibe, connected to downtown and the rest of the city by excellent public transportation, Hyde Park offers both the intimacy of a residential neighborhood and the advantages of city life. Affordable housing options for graduate students and their families make it easy to live within walking distance of campus, or you can opt for the free campus buses and shuttles which run throughout the neighborhood.

Once the site of the 1893 World’s Fair, Jackson and Washington Parks to the east and west of campus offer residents relaxing reprieves, including a Japanese garden and the Museum of Science and Industry—one of the world’s largest science museums.

Hyde Park’s beaches and lakefront bike path have stunning views of Chicago’s downtown skyline, and its cultural scene boasts the famed Hyde Park Jazz Festival, DuSable Museum of African American History, 57th Street Art Fair, Hyde Park Art Center, and many more venues and events, including some right on campus. With nonstop activities and a warm community feel, Hyde Park is perfect for students and their families.

Learn More About Housing in Hyde Park & Chicago

Chicago

The nation’s third–largest city, Chicago is a bustling metropolis with nearly 80 distinct neighborhoods. Students enjoy the city’s famed sports arenas, internationally renowned dining scene, vibrant night life, and ubiquitous parks and beaches.

In Chicago, you can eat our famous deep dish pizza, go for pierogis in Avondale, South Asian cuisine on Devon Avenue, or Szechuan in Chinatown. View the country’s first skyscraper and two of its tallest on architecture tours down the Chicago River, which snakes through the city’s downtown. Catch an improv show at the Second City—where the likes of Tina Fey and Mike Myers got their start—or take in a Chicago Bulls game at the stomping grounds of Michael Jordan and Derrick Rose. Shop the Magnificent Mile, dance at the Chicago Blues Festival, tour the Museum of Contemporary Art, or splash in Lake Michigan. In any pursuit or pastime, you’ll find a city that inspires and invigorates, a city that’s home.

The University offers many services to ensure you and your family have everything you need in your new home. Whether you need guidance in your relocation, daycare for your child, or recommendations on where to find the best food, University staff and support are here to help.

Housing

A wide array of residential options are available to UChicago students, from lakefront highrises to walk-up buildings with playlots. Several local management companies serve the area, some even offer roommate matching services, a great option that allows you to take advantage of the cost savings of sharing an apartment. Our Graduate Housing Resources website provides information on these options, as well as detailed resources for how to navigate your housing search.

Health

Student Health and Counseling Services at the University of Chicago Medical Center provides a number of student health services.

• Student Health Service
  On–campus preventive and acute medical care.
• Student Counseling Service
  Consultations, workshops, and individual, couples, and group counseling.
• Health Promotion and Wellness
  Coordinates services and programs related to preventive health matters and overall well-being.
• University Student Health Insurance Plan (U–SHIP)
  A health insurance plan that students are automatically enrolled in unless they choose to waive this coverage.
• For students with dependents, primary pediatric care is available through Comer Children’s Hospital. Visit their Pediatric Care website for more information.

Dining & Shopping

There are many dining options on campus, as well as a variety of nearby restaurant options in the Hyde Park community. On-campus dining offers food courts, cafes, all-you-can-eat cafeterias, including halal and kosher stations, as well as choices for those who have dietary restrictions or food allergies. There are also a number of student-run coffee shops, and food trucks frequent our campus. Neighborhood restaurants include many student-budget friendly options, and more upscale alternatives as well.

Retail options in Hyde Park include necessities like supermarkets, hardware, office supplies, and drug stores, as well as more unique offerings and a full range of services, from bike repair to pet care.

Students With Families

Resources for Student Parents

The Family Resource Center (FRC) is one of the many services provided by UChicagoGRAD. The FRC provides a welcoming space where families from the University community can access resources, information, and supportive programming and services. Doctoral students may also apply for a need-based childcare stipend through the FRC. The Center is free and open to University-affiliated families. They also offer a range of other resources, including a downloadable handbook with more information on schools, daycare co-ops, and more.

Childcare and Schools

The University of Chicago and affiliated organizations and institutions provide a variety of childcare resources, including schools, preschool education, daycare services, and recreation for children of all ages. There are a number of public and private schools in Hyde Park, including the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and Charter Schools. If you plan to enroll your child in the local Chicago Public Schools (CPS), be aware that where you live will typically determine which school your child will be eligible to attend, and that enrollment takes place over the summer.