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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 the city of Chicago web site. 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.
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.
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.
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. CTA is the 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. Some residents will take advantage of Chicago’s central location for travel opportunities outside the city.
Omega Airport Shuttle 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 the University of Chicago's free transportation service to learn more about the service available to University of Chicago students.
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 21. 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 2008-09 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 deadline and are posted on our website.
Late Fees
If any portion of your account balance is outstanding after the deadline, you will be assessed a late fee of $100. If any portion of your account balance is still outstanding two weeks after the deadline, you will be assessed an additional late fee of $100.
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.
New Resident Orientation
For those of you who have not signed up for the orientation here is another chance. 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 me at macosta@uchicago.edu Please rank your session preference by number (1-5) and include the date. 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 confirming the session you are scheduled to attend.
Session B: Friday September 19 @ 1:00pm Coulter Lounge
Session C: Monday September 22 @ 5:00pm Coulter Lounge
Session D: Friday September 26 @ 1:00pm Home Room
Session E: Monday September 29 @ 5:00pm Coulter Lounge
Session F: Friday October 3 @ 1:00pm Coulter Lounge
The orientation is expected to last approximately 90 minutes. A reception will proceed and conclude each session. We look forward to meeting you!
Maria Acosta
Senior Coordinator of Admissions
International House at the
University
of
Chicago
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