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 are complete. 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 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. You will not be able to receive a room assignment until you have an accepted application, agreement, and $300 deposit on file. If you did not get your preferred room type, do not worry as we do have a room change process that all residents are eligible for after move-in. Should a room type that you wanted become available, you may be able to upgrade. Additional information about room changes will be communicated via email after the start of the fall housing term.
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 Package
We have collaborated with a company to offer customized linen packages to incoming residents. However, this company was recently acquired and we are working with the new company to roll out the program details shortly. Please watch for the next edition of E-ssentials.
Early Arrival Reservations
The fall housing term will begin September 16, 2007 and many of you have already made arrangements and will be arriving early. If you need an early arrival reservation, it is not too late. Please contact me as soon as possible. You will be required to pay for the entire length of your early arrival stay at the time of your check-in. The current rate is $30 per night. If you do not have a confirmed early arrival reservation and show up the room you were assigned to you may not be available.
Mail and Packages
All International House residents are assigned a mailbox. This mailbox coincides with your assigned room. Which means, when you have packages or other mail delivered to the House make sure to include the room number. This will ease any delays and the possibility of misplacing important packages and letters. The following is an example of how your address should appear on all your mail items to ensure proper delivery:
Last Name, First Name
International House at the University of Chicago
1414 East 59th Street, Room (your room number)
Chicago, Illinois 60637-2997
Check-in Process
The 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 with your name. At that time, if you are arriving early the front desk staff will require payment of the early arrival. Once they have officially checked into the computer, they will hand you a set of three keys. The first key will provide you with access to the front door and the east and west wings. The second key will be the actual room key and the final key will be the mailbox key. The front desk staff will also provide you with directions on how to reach your room. In addition, 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 and you will be required to provide an ID until you return the moving cart back to Front Desk. The carts will help make the moving process easier and more efficient.
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
1414 East 59th Street
Chicago, Illinois 60637-2997
773-753-2280 Phone
773-753-1227 Fax
macosta@uchicago.edu
http://ihouse.uchicago.edu |