I have couple questions regarding housing options and I would greatly appreciate if current students could help me out.
What are some of the safe, convenient areas close enough to the campus ?
How do people find place to live and roommates?
Would I need a car if I live close to campus?
Would it be a bad idea to commute from downtown Chicago during first two years?
Thank you!
What are some of the safe, convenient areas close enough to the campus ?
-Many people live in Forest Park or Oak Park. Madison street in Forest Park has a ton of great restaurants and bars, and is a common hang out spot for M1s, so a lot of people live in the surrounding neighborhood. Forest Park and Oak Park are about 3ish miles away from school or about 10 minutes or so by car. Very safe neighborhoods in my opinion. I've never felt unsafe walking home from nearby restaurants. Of course, as with any place, use good judgement when walking home alone late at night.
How do people find place to live and roommates?
-Facebook is the best way if you're looking for roommates. Admissions will send out a packet of available places during second look weekend. Essentially 4th years that are moving out of their place as they move away for residency (or 2nd/3rd years who are looking to move to the city) help their landlords find new tenants (aka you guys!). So that packet is a great way to start looking for places (or at least general buildings/locations).
Would I need a car if I live close to campus?
-I would say for the most part, yes. Most people do, and the few that don't usually carpool with their roommates. Some people that live downtown also take the train to school, so that's an option too. Some people do live in Maywood, which technically can be walking distance, and I know a classmate that does walk to school. I don't live in that area though, so I don't know exact distances. Maywood is also considered a less safe area, so walking might not be the best idea.
Would it be a bad idea to commute from downtown Chicago during first two years?
-Many people do. All about preference. If you plan on coming to school everyday, the commute might get old especially if you are commuting during rush hour times. However, several people in my class (I can think of maybe 20?) make the commute and don't seem to mind it. It's about a 20 min drive from West Loop to Loyola with no traffic, 40-45 with heavy traffic. To some that's not a huge deal, so it depends on you!
Hope that helps!