I-House E-ssentials #3: July 31, 2006

Hello Incoming Resident,

You are only a couple of months away from taking part in a 75-year-old experiment in global understanding known as "life at I-House". You have avoided the inconvenience of apartment-hunting, off-campus living, and commuting; in exchange you will enjoy the comfort of having everything you need under one roof. I-House gives residents from different nations an opportunity to meet, to gain a greater understanding of one another, and to enjoy a supportive environment while engaging in intellectual pursuits. Educational and cultural programming, the global voices lecture series, social hours, as well as a variety of musical and dance performances are just some of the many events at the House.

Room Assignments

The room assignments process has begun and room assignments will be distributed soon. I know how anxious you must be to find out what type of room you have been assigned. Please remember that room assignments are based primarily upon the date of the resident application, receipt of $300 deposit, and receipt of housing agreement. Specific room assignments based solely upon a resident's request are neither guaranteed nor implied. If you do not receive your preferred room type, remember I will be happy to reassign you when the preferred room type becomes available. If you have not submitted a completed Housing Agreement, please do so as soon as possible. Admission to International House is a 2-part process. The Application for Residence and the Housing Agreement are both required to obtain a room assignment. I have attached a copy to this email. You will not be able to receive a room assignment until you have an accepted application, agreement, and $300 deposit on file.

What to Bring

On the topic of room decor, you may wonder what else I should bring. Each resident may choose to bring any number of items to personalize their rooms and make their room feel like home. The following is a list of items, which have been identified by previous residents as important to their overall comfort. If it is not convenient for you to bring these items from home, it is easy to acquire any of these items in Chicago. The following is a list of suggested items, desk lamp or other lighting apparatus, an alarm clock, radio or stereo. A small TV (rooms are satellite ready and residents can purchase packages), a personal computer and printer (rooms are wired and have wireless access). Cookware, dishes, silverware, a window fan, a small 5x7 rug, toiletries, pictures of family and friends, favorite books, and last but not least, an open mind.

Linen Program

In more related news, we are close to finalizing the details with a company to offer bedding and other accessories to you for your stay with us. Please watch your email as additional information will be distributed soon.

As always, please refer all questions and concerns directly to macosta@uchicago.edu

Maria Acosta
Senior Coordinator of Admissions
International House at the University of Chicago