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Greetings
I-House Resident,
The start of the fall quarter is just around the corner and I am sure you
are looking forward to living in Chicago
with us here at International House. We have put together some useful
information about the city along with some important administrative
information in this edition of E-ssentials.
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 your first time
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.
When
looking for something to do, the first place to look is in one of our local
websites dedicated to Chicago
residents:
Websites
for Chicagoans
The University of Chicago has a user’s guide dedicated to exploring the
cultural, intellectual, and commercial vibrancy of the City. It includes
everything from art galleries to zoos, movies, music, sports, neighborhood
festivals, and theater. (http://chicagolife.uchicago.edu/city/)
Metromix is a website sponsored by
the Chicago Tribune (one of our local newspapers). It provides an easy to
use search engine. If you are looking for what to do or where to go on a
weekly basis, this is the website to visit. (http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/)
Craigslist is a
widely used website by many visitors and Chicago natives. It is a virtual garage
sale. You will find many items to personalize you room, part-time
employment, and forums to voice your views and meet new people. (http://chicago.craigslist.org/)
Transportation
Now that you have discovered what you want to do, how will you get there?
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 encourage you to visit this 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, you may board
the shuttle and be dropped off right at the I-House’s front steps. 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
We
are pleased to offer satellite service at International House through CAL
Communications. The quickest 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.calcomtv.com/.
In addition to starting the registration process, you can view
the various rate plans offered and the channel line-up at this site.
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 17. Your invoice will
be distributed to 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 20007-08
housing year below. All payments should 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
10/05/07 @ 12:00 noon (Fall Quarter 2007)
Friday 01/18/08 @ 12:00 noon (Winter Quarter 2008)
Friday 04/11/08 @ 12:00 noon (Spring Quarter 2008)
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.
Previous
Editions of E-ssentials
All of this year’s previous
editions of E-ssentials are available on our
website for your reference.
Maria Acosta
Senior Coordinator of Admissions
International House at the University
of Chicago
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