Moving to Chicago for your studies? You’re definitely in for a good time. The city’s packed with energy—iconic skyscrapers, deep-dish pizza (of course), lakefront views, and a whole mix of cultures that make it feel like you’re walking through five cities at once. But here’s the catch: finding housing as a student in Chicago isn’t always simple.
Between rising rent prices, tricky lease terms, and too many options that somehow feel like not enough, it can get overwhelming really quick.
So, if you’re planning to head to the Windy City for college, here are 5 real challenges students usually face while finding a place to live—and a few ideas on how to deal with them.
1. Where Do You Even Start Looking?
Chicago’s huge. And that’s part of the problem. If you’ve never been there before, choosing the right neighborhood feels like shooting in the dark.
- Do you go for Lincoln Park because it’s lively?
- Or Hyde Park because it’s closer to the University of Chicago?
- Or maybe Pilsen for something more affordable and artsy?
It’s hard to figure it out when you’re booking from miles away. Students often waste days (or weeks) scrolling listings that all start blending into each other.
Pro Tip: Use verified student platforms like University Living that specialize in helping students find trusted properties close to campus. Saves time and reduces stress.
2. Rent Can Be a Real Shock
If you were expecting Chicago to be cheaper than New York or LA, well, you’re not wrong, but it’s not that cheap either. Especially when it comes to student-focused areas, rent can still eat up a big chunk of your budget.
- Studios can range anywhere between $1,200–$1,800/month
- Shared apartments may cost less, but you’ll likely have to compromise on space or privacy
- Some buildings include utilities, others don’t, so budget accordingly
Many students start out with low expectations and still end up surprised. Finding affordable apartments in Chicago without compromising on location, safety, or amenities is a real challenge.
3. Lease Agreements Can Be Complicated
Here’s something international students in particular aren’t always ready for—lease terms in the U.S. can be long, strict, and full of fine print.
- Most landlords want a 12-month lease
- Breaking a lease early usually means a hefty penalty
- You might need a co-signer or guarantor if you don’t have a U.S. credit history
- Some rentals don’t include basic furniture, which adds to your initial setup cost
Also, the paperwork can feel endless. If you’ve never rented before, it’s easy to miss something important.
4. Commute vs. Comfort: Tough Trade-Off
Students always dream of living right next to campus. But reality? Those places are either booked out months in advance or way out of budget. That leaves you with a big decision: Do you go for convenience or comfort?
- Some students end up living 30–45 minutes away just to save on rent
- But then daily transport costs (and time!) start piling up
- Others try to go for a compromise and land in areas with decent bus/train access, but even that can vary a lot depending on the neighborhood
And let’s be honest—after a long day of lectures, nobody wants to wait 25 minutes for the Red Line during rush hour.
5. Not All Listings Are What They Seem
You’ve seen the pictures: glowing sunlight, spotless kitchen, trendy furniture. But the truth hits when you move in and the sink leaks, there’s no Wi-Fi, and the furniture smells like it’s from 2008.
Yes, scammy or misleading listings are still a thing, especially on platforms that aren’t curated or verified.
- Always check reviews
- Ask for video tours
- If a deal looks too good to be true- it probably is
One of the safest ways around this is to stick with student-focused platforms that vet their properties. That way, you’re not just trusting random photos.
So, What Can You Actually Do About It?
The challenges are real, but they’re not unbeatable. You just have to start early, ask questions, and stay informed. Here’s what helps:
- Research neighborhoods before shortlisting anything
- Connect with current students via Reddit, Instagram, or your uni’s forums
- Make a list of must-haves vs. nice-to-haves
- Compare prices using multiple platforms, but stick to ones with verified listings
- And most importantly, don’t rush into signing anything without reading the fine print
Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect place to live in a big city like Chicago can feel like solving a puzzle blindfolded. But once you understand the common challenges—and plan—it gets a lot easier.
From dealing with rent hikes to decoding lease terms, every student goes through the same learning curve. Luckily, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Trusted services like University Living can take a lot of the pressure off, giving you access to curated student housing in Chicago that’s designed with international students in mind.
So yes, the housing hunt might be tricky—but with the right info and a bit of patience, you’ll be unlocking your front door in Chicago before you know it.