Frequently Asked Questions
Housing Applications
How do I apply for Housing?
When you are admitted to the University, you will receive a letter in a packet of information from the Admissions Office. This information is in the form of a booklet and folder. In the booklet you will find information about applying online. Fill out the application, paythe $150.00 online or send a check to the Housing office as soon as possible. For more information, go to Apply for UIC Housing.
What is a priority date?
A priority date is the date your application is started online. If you are not yet admitted to the University, the priority date will become active the date you are admitted to the University.
How will I be billed for housing?
Campus Housing charges are billed once per semester according to the contract dates.
How can I cancel my application?
You can cancel your application in writing by e-mail (housing@uic.edu), fax (312-355-6304) or regular mail. Our postal address is:
- Campus Housing (MC 579)
- 818 S. Wolcott Avenue
- Student Residence Hall, Second Floor
- Chicago, Illinois, 60612
- USA
Wait List
When will I get my Housing Assignment/Contract?
Assignments begin during the month of May for applications received prior to March 1. The first round of contracts go out around June 1 and are offered continuously as spaces open up.
I heard there was a shortage of housing. What about the wait list?
Housing on campus at UIC is at a premium. In the past there have been many more students who would like to live on campus than there have been available spaces. We work to house everyone as quickly and fairly as possible.
Applications are processed on a first come, first served basis. We recommend you return your application for housing as soon as possible—after you are admitted to UIC to insure your first choice of room. Should we fill up, wait lists will be available for both semesters. Please contact the Housing Office for more information about the wait list.
Roommates/Room Changes
How can I find out about my roommate?
When you receive the contract packet in the mail, it will include a roommate letter with details about your roommate. If you don't get the roommate letter with your contract, feel free to contact the housing office to inquire about your assigned roommate.
Can I live with my friend?
When you fill out your application, be sure to note your friend's name and UIN (if known) on your application. Check with your friend to be certain they do the same thing. After the March 1 priority date, Campus Housing will check for roommate matches. Available rooms will be assigned to roommate pairs in priority date order.
How can I get a single? Can I change my room?
Single rooms are in high demand by our current residents and they sit on a waiting list to get into any single room that comes open. If all current residents on the single waiting list have been offered a single, new applicants may be offered a single.
If you have a contract for the current academic year, and wish to request a room change, visit Room Change Request.
Building/Room Amenities
What comes in the room?
Rooms traditionally come with the following items of furniture per person residing in the room: bunk-able bed, mattress, desk, desk chair, and wardrobe or closet.
Each residence hall includes:
- Air conditioning and heat
- Free laundry for residents
- Kitchenettes and vending machines
- Computer lab
- Lounges and common areas
- Walking distance to cafeterias and recreational facilities
Each residence hall bedroom includes:
- Extra-long twin bed, desk and chair, clothes closet and storage drawers
- Telephone jack, cable TV connection and high-speed internet connection (including wireless)—additional fees may apply
MRH and TBH apartments also include:
- Kitchen – Refrigerator, microwave, stove/oven
- Dining/Living Room – Dining table and chairs, couch, two living room chairs, coffee table
JST suites also include:
- Couch, two living room chairs, and three tables
Can I loft my bed?
Unfortunately, it is against university policy to loft beds due to safety reasons and possible damage to the structure.
Do I need Twin XL sheets for the mattress?
Yes. UIC mattresses measure 80 inches in length and thus require longer than normal sheets. You will receive information to order through a vendor or you may choose to purchase in the “college section” of any linen store that carries twin XL sheets.
Can I bring a microwave?
Microwaves are not permitted in the residence halls (with the exception of SSR, MRH and TBH) unless they are MicroFridges. Huskie Rentals at 1-815-757-6869 is the exclusive authorized supplier of MicroFridges and mini-refrigerators to UIC students. A MicroFridge is a combination unit including a refrigerator, small freezer and microwave. Visit your Area Office for information.
Does the room have Wi-Fi?
Yes. The Academic Computing and Communications Center (ACCC) provides Internet access to each residence hall room managed by UIC Housing via a wired or wireless connection, on a semester basis. This service is known as Res-Net (Residential-Networking). Detailed and up-to-date information about this service is always available at the Res-Net homepage. For other ACCC services, see the ACCC homepage.
Monthly Fees
- Network Connection: $40/semester (charged by Housing)
- Server Services: $5/month (charged by ACCC)
What about cable?
Each room is wired for cable and over forty channels are available for an addition fee. Cable is billed per active cable jack and not per resident, which means each person in the room is responsible for a portion of the bill (unless you opt out of cable by notifying the Campus Housing Department in a timely manner). For more information about cable TV go to the HTV webpage on the Housing site.
Where can I do laundry?
Laundry rooms, equipped with washers and dryers, are available in each hall. The University is not responsible for damaged clothing or items left unattended. Keep in mind that any fraudulent use of or damage caused to washers and dryers is a criminal offense. These facilities are available for the use of residents only: others will be asked to leave the premises immediately.
New washers and dryers were installed in every laundry room on campus. These machines are activated using a UIC i-card and use of these machines is without charge to resident students.
Guests
When is curfew?
Campus Housing at UIC views each of our residents as responsible, growing adults and therefore there is no imposed curfew. However, security measures are put into place to ensure a safe living environment for all.
How many guests can I have at a time?
Each resident is allowed up to three (3) guests at a time in their room,
as long as the guests are abiding by the Guest Hosting policy in the current
Resident Student Handbook. For more information about Campus Housing
policies, please read the Resident
Student Handbook (PDF).
Can my guest sleep over?
According to the Resident Student Handbook, “an overnight guest must be a member of the same sex as the occupant(s) of the room, and must be at least 10 years of age (with the exception of the Family Housing floor in SSR).
- Overnight guests may stay no more than three nights in any two-week period in Campus Housing facilities
- Only one overnight guest is permitted per room
- No overnight guests are permitted during final examination week
Housekeeping
Who cleans the bathrooms and how often?
At UIC, we have a wonderful staff of Building Service Workers (BSWs) that are responsible for the cleaning of common areas and shared bathrooms. In traditional style halls, such as CMW, CMS and SRH, the bathrooms are cleaned on a daily basis. In cluster and suite-style housing, such as CTY, JST, and PSR, bathrooms are cleaned on a weekly basis.
Where do we place our trash?
Each residence hall is equipped with a number of trash rooms throughout the building. Please see your RA to find the closest trash room to your room. If you have items that are too large to be placed in the trash room, please take these items to the dumpster located outside of your building.
Who cleans our rooms?
You do! As previously stated, you are considered adults and therefore responsible for the cleanliness of your own living space. This also helps us to better respect your privacy, although Health and Safety inspections may be done on occasion. To better assist you, each Area Desk provides a free vacuum check-out service.
Meal Plan
Am I required to have the meal plan?
Residents not living in apartment-style buildings (SSR, MRH, or TBH) are required to have a meal plan. (Apartment residents can add a meal plan if they choose.) Visit Meal Plans for more information.
What is the difference between the 5-and 7-day meal plan? Can I change meal plans if I change my mind?
The most up-to-date information—including an explanation of each meal plan, dining hall locations, hall hours and an FAQ—can be found at Campus Dining Services.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
Our Campus Dining Services Program can accommodate your special dietary requirements. For more information, visit Sodexo’s Special Dietary Needs page.
Transportation
How do I get between campuses?
The two campuses are a walkable distance apart, but if you need to get from East to West quickly, the UIC Shuttle and various CTA routes (7, 8, 12, 38 and 60 are closest) are the best option. The Blue Line "El" service also moves between both sides of campus. UIC also provides parking, but this is charged separately from Housing.
- Campus Maps
- Campus Shuttle Routes
- Campus Parking Services
- Chicago Transit Authority
- RTA Trip Planner
Can I bring my bike to campus?
Bicycles may be stored in a resident's room, but may not be kept in residence hall public areas such as corridors or lounges. Bicycles must not be locked to any part of the buildings, but rather stored and locked to bike racks only. MRH, TBH & JST have indoor bike rooms; access can be given by the Area Residence Life Office.