It is in the common areas of I-house that you will fully appreciate the energizing and welcoming spirit of this very special and unique residence. The Main Lounge is very spacious and elegant. It is equipped with a magnificent grand piano. It is not unusual to hear a well-versed pianist playing while residents relax on the many sofas and chairs provided.

If you are looking for a much quieter space to study or relax, the Library is located adjacent to the Main Lounge. Residents settle into a comfortable chair and pick up one of the many books, newspapers, or periodicals from around the world.

When the weather permits, the building's private fountain Courtyard becomes the place to study, snack, and socialize al fresco.

Food always brings people together and the Dining Room is probably the most popular spot at the House. The Dining Room remarkably has the same tables from the 1930's. Equipped with a pool table, foosball, ping-pong table, and large screen satellite television, it is no wonder that residents congregate in this space.

Meals may be purchased at the Tiffin Café, which is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 8pm; the café serves coffee, tea, snacks, and sandwiches.

International House's dining experience is unique and like no other. Residents at International House are able to take advantage of our Community Kitchen. The Kitchen is fully equipped with ranges, microwaves, toasters, walk-in refrigerators, freezers, and lockers that can be rented by the quarter. There are also lockable dry storage lockers for rent on a quarterly basis.

The University of Chicago is surrounded by an array of other dining options. Please visit ChicagoLife's Dining In Hyde Park to obtain further information.

International House provides residents everything they need to make life easier. The Laundry Room is located on the lower level and it is equipped with a coin operated washer and dryer. There are also ironing boards that are available for the residents use and residents can check out an iron at the front desk. The resident must provide his or her laundry detergent, however University of Chicago students may utilize the cash stripe on the UCID to pay for laundry needs.

International House at the University of Chicago is considered a "hotspot" for wireless internet access on the University of Chicago campus. With a CNetID, residents have unlimited wireless access anywhere in the House and in their rooms. There are also hard-wired high-speed data ports in each room.

A Computer Lab is also available at International House for use by residents.

Each room is also equipped with University of Chicago phone service. The phones allow residents to make calls to University of Chicago campus numbers for free. Local and long distance calls require a calling card or University of Chicago AuthCode. Many residents have cell phones or purchase a cell phone once they arrive. However, the phone receives calls from all over the world.

International House residents' rooms were specifically designed as sleeping rooms. The idea was to provide smaller rooms, so that residents would funnel to the first and lower levels of the House where the community experience begins. However, many residents like to optimize their space, for which we have a limited number of loft kits available for rent. Loft kits allow residents to "bunk" their beds and provide much more floor space. Loft kits are available for a fee on a first come first serve basis.

International House has its own Exercise Room. Located on the lower level, this room has weights, mats, yoga balls, step blocks, a television, and DVD player. Many residents find it convenient to have an exercise room close to home on those cold Chicago nights when they just want to "de-stress."

Whether you are preparing for an exam in one of the six private study rooms located on the lower level, the 3rd floor west wing study room or working on your concerto in one of the 2-music practice rooms in the lower level, residents find International House to truly be their home away from home.