I-House E-ssentials #6: Sept 8, 2006

Greetings Incoming Resident!

The slight chill in the air is a reminder that the start of the school year is just around the corner.  This edition of E-ssentials includes information information on our New Resident Orientation program as well as other important reminders.

New Resident Orientation

We’re pleased to announce the New Resident Orientation schedule for fall of 2006 (see below).   The purpose of our New Resident Orientation (NRO) program is three-fold:  to help you acclimate to life at International House by learning about our traditions, expectations and resident guidelines;  to give you an overview of the physical layout of the House; and to provide an opportunity for you to meet staff members and other new residents.  Attendance at an orientation session is considered mandatory for all new residents.

To sign-up for the New Resident Orientation, please send an email to Maria Acosta, Senior Coordinator of Admissions, at macosta@uchicago.edu   Please rank your session preference by number (1-5).  Please be aware that each session’s attendance is limited and that reservations will be made on a first-come, first-serve basis.  You will receive an email from Maria confirming the session you’re scheduled to attend.

Session A: Wednesday September 13 at 3pm
Session B: Wednesday September 20 at 3pm
Session C: Wednesday September 27 at 3pm
Session D: Wednesday October 4 at 6pm
Session E: Wednesday October 11 at 6pm

All New Resident Orientation sessions will be held in the Coulter Lounge and will last approximately 90 minutes.  A reception will immediately follow each session.  We look forward to meeting you!

Early Arrival Reservations

The fall housing term will officially begin Sunday September 17 at 12:00pm and many of you have already made arrangements and will be arriving early.  However, if you still need an early arrival reservation, it is not too late.  Please contact Maria Acosta at macosta@uchicago.edu as soon as possible.  Please plan to make payment for your early arrival reservation at the time of check-in.  The current rate is $30 per night. 

Linens, Mail and Packages

If you haven’t done so already, it’s still not too late to order your linens.  Many incoming residents have already placed their orders and have their linens waiting for them in their assigned room.  Please refer to the August 12th edition of E-ssentials (link below) for addition information on ordering your linens.

All International House residents are assigned a mailbox.  This mailbox coincides with your assigned room.  Accordingly, please make sure to put both your name and assigned room number on any packages or other mail that you will have delivered to the House. This will ease any delays and the possibility of misplacing important packages or letters. The following is an example of how your address should appear on all your mail items to ensure proper delivery:

Your Name, Room #(your room number)
International House
at the University of Chicago
1414 East 59th Street
Chicago, Illinois 60637-2997

Check-in Process

Our check-in process is very easy!  All new residents are expected to come to the front desk and provide the front desk staff with a picture ID that has your full name listed on it.  At that time, you will be asked to make payment for your early arrival reservation if you’re checking in prior to September 17.   Once your record has been updated in our housing system, you’ll receive a set of three keys. The first key will provide you with access to the front door and to the East and West Wing security doors. The second key will be your actual room key and the third key will be to your mailbox.  The front desk staff will also provide you with directions on how to reach your room. Additionally, you may check out either flat carts or two wheel dollies for your use in moving out of your room during this period. These items are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis. These may be signed out at the desk by providing an ID for deposit until you return them. The carts will help make the moving process easier and more efficient.  If you live on the East Wing, you will find it easiest to roll your cart from the elevator lobby up the temporary ramp by Coulter Lounge and down the other ramp into the Dining Hall to then travel through the kitchen on to the Loading Dock.  Residents on the West Wing will not find an easy path to roll a cart all of the way out of building but may also use the Dining Hall ramp to access the Loading Dock.

Previous Editions of E-ssentials

All of this year’s previous editions of E-ssentials are available on our website for your reference.  Please click here to view them.

As always, please refer all questions and concerns directly to Maria Acosta at macosta@uchicago.edu  We look forward to meeting you later this month!

Brian Davis
Director of Finance & Administration
International House
at the University of Chicago
1414 E. 59th Street
Chicago, IL 60637 USA
(773) 753-2277
(773) 753-1227 (f)
bjdavis@uchicago.edu
http://ihouse.uchicago.edu