I-House E-ssentials #5: Sept 1, 2006
Hello Incoming Resident,
The fall quarter is just around the corner and I am sure you are looking to living in Chicago with us here at International House. To that end, we have put together some useful information about the city along with some important administrative information in this edition of e-essentials.
Living in the Windy City
Chicago is a big city with many interesting and diverse things to do for fun. There is something for all interests and budgets! If this will be the first time you will be in Chicago, I would direct you to www.ci.chi.il.us/city/webportal/home.do. This is an excellent website to learn about the City you will be calling home.
When looking for something to do, the first place to look is in one of our local newspapers:
Local Newspapers
The Chicago Tribune is delivered to International House at the University of Chicago and is located at the Front Desk. On Fridays, the “Trib” publishes a guide to all events going on in Chicago for the next week. This includes everything from art galleries to zoos, movies, music, sports, neighborhood festivals, and theater. (www.chicagotribune.com)
The Chicago Sun-Times is also delivered daily to I-House. Much like the Trib, the “Times” also prints a weekend guide section. (www.suntimes.com)
The Chicago Reader is a free newspaper, which is distributed all over the city, including campus. The “Reader” comes out on Thursday afternoons. It is usually found at bookstores and some local restaurants and grocery stores. It contains a very comprehensive listing of clubs, theaters, music, and films. (www.chireader.com)
New City is much like the reader and it is typically found in the same location. Unlike the reader, New City is delivered to I-House and you can generally pick up a copy near the mailboxes.
Transportation
Now that you have found exactly what you want to do, how will you get there you ask.
CTA is Chicago’s bus and rapid transit rail system, which provides service to the city of Chicago and 40 neighboring suburbs. It is the nation’s second largest transportation system. www.transitchicago.com is the “CTA” official website. I will encourage you to visit the website and familiarize your self with its contents. Bus schedules, train schedules, system maps, and even trip planners are some of the many links you can explore.
I-House is located less than a block away from the Metra. On Metra, you can reach Chicago's beautiful lakefront, museums, zoos, sporting events, shops and restaurants, concerts, special events, schools and colleges as well as quaint, historic suburbs and small towns. In some cases, Metra can take you practically to the front door - in other cases, your destination is easily in reach via Pace buses, and/or CTA buses and trains. The Metra is most commonly used by I-House residents as the quickest way to get downtown. (www.metrarail.com)
Some residents will take advantage of Chicago’s central location for travel opportunities outside the city. Omega Airport Shuttle www.omegashuttle.com service provides convenient and reliable airport transportation service from the South Side (where I-House at the University of Chicago is located) to either Midway or O’Hare Airports. Fortunately for I-House residents, you can board and be dropped off right at the I-House’s front steps, for we are one of many regular pick up and drop off stops for Omega Airport Shuttle.
Finally, I would recommend a visit to www.uchicago.edu/uchi/resources/travel.html to learn more about the free transportation service available to University of Chicago students.
Satellite Service
On those really cold and windy fall evenings, you may choose to cuddle under your new “Campus Linen” blanket and some satellite cable. We are pleased to offer satellite service at International House through CAL Communications. The easiest way to sign up once you have received your room assignment is via the internet. Please visit CAL Communication’s sign-up site to begin the process http://www.calcommtv.com/ . In addition to starting the registration process, you can view the various rate plans offered and the channel line-up at this site. Finally, a chat room is available Monday through Friday between 9am and 3pm CDT to answer your questions regarding satellite service at International House.
Room Assignments
The room assignment process is now complete. You should have already received your room assignment letter via email from me. While we do our best to accommodate room request preferences, we were not able to accommodate everyone’s first choice. Please be aware that we do attempt to accommodate room change requests during the year and additional information regarding the room change process will be available later. Should you have any questions or concerns about your room assignment, do not hesitate to stop by and see me after you arrive.
Payment Policies and Deadlines
Rent payments are due at International House on a quarterly basis. Fall quarter invoices will be distributed during the week of September 18. Your invoice will be placed in your mailbox here at International House unless otherwise specified by you. If you would like your invoice sent to a different address, please let us know via email.
Please note the applicable payment deadlines for each quarter of the 2006-07 housing year below. Payments can be made at the front desk between the hours of 7:00am and 11:00pm any day of the week and can be made over the phone if you are paying by credit card. We accept checks (personal or bank), money orders, credit cards (MasterCard or Visa), and cash. Checks or money orders should be made payable to International House or the University of Chicago.
Payment Deadlines
Friday 09/29/06 @ 12:00 noon (Fall Quarter 2006)
Friday 01/12/07 @ 12:00 noon (Winter Quarter 2007)
Friday 04/06/07 @ 12:00 noon (Spring Quarter 2007)
Late Fees
If any portion of your account balance is outstanding after the deadline, you will be assessed a late fee of $75. If any portion of your account balance is still outstanding two weeks after the deadline, you will be assessed an additional late fee of $75.
As always, please refer all questions and concerns directly to macosta@uchicago.edu I look forward to meeting you later this month.
Maria Acosta
Senior Coordinator of Admissions
International House at the University of Chicago