Finding the perfect place to live in Chicago for your summer internship is the key to enhancing your overall experience in the Windy City. Whether you prefer the vibrant nightlife, the serene shores of Lake Michigan, or the bustling streets of lively neighborhoods, there are numerous housing options tailored to meet your needs during your internship. This guide will introduce you to some of the best accommodations available, each offering unique amenities and convenient access to public transportation. These options ensure you can make the most of your time in Chicago, balancing work and leisure in one of the most dynamic cities in the U.S.
University of Illinois Chicago
University of Illinois Chicago is situated in the heart of Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, known as a dining and nightlife hotspot. You can find a variety of international cuisines, along with attractions including the National Hellenism Museum for Greek history, tour The Skydeck for an immersive Highrise view of Chicago from a glass box, and Bottom Lounge live music venue to catch an underground band. UIC is well connected with the CTA buses and trains. Catch the Blue Line to Downtown Chicago, O'Hare International Airport, Midway International Airport, the historic neighborhoods of Chicago, and the western suburbs.
University of Illinois Chicago offers three buildings of residence halls: The Academic and Residential Complex which is the newest housing with traditional dorm-style rooms and communal bathrooms. The James Stukel Towers is another option that has 5-person accommodating suites. Each suite shares a living space and a bathroom. The third option is the Single Student Residences that features apartment-style single person rooms, with a shared kitchenette and bathroom. All housing options have air conditioning and heat, free laundry, fully furnished rooms, and lounges and common areas. Some on-site perks include easy access to the campus gym for $45 per month, a coffee shop, and library access.
Interns staying at UIC have easy access to the following forms of transportation:
Bikes ✓
Bus ✓
Rideshare ✓
Metro ✓
Scooters ✓
Subway ✓
Taxi ✓
Train ✓
UIC’s payment terms require interns to pay a $250 deposit to secure your summer housing, which and is refundable at the end of your stay provided there are no lost or damaged items from your room.
Requirements include a 7-night minimum stay to a 10-week maximum stay during the summer months, age 18+, government issued I.D., proof of COVID-19 vaccination, and proof of internship. Reference UIC’s profile on InternHousingHub.com for more specific details and to apply for housing.
DePaul University Lincoln Park Campus
DePaul University is located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of North Side Chicago. There are many things to do including visit the Lincoln Park Conservatory of exotic plants and flowers, catch a show at the Apollo Theater Chicago, and walk around the Lincoln Park Zoo, even soak in the sun, sand, and water at the North Avenue Beach. When you need to travel to other parts of the city, you can hop the Red, Brown, or Purple Lines to connect you to where you need to be.
DePaul University offers their Sheffield Square Apartments for summer interns. These apartments feature single-person rooms in a two-person shared apartment that comes with a full kitchen, living room, and private bathroom. All apartments are air conditioned, fully furnished, have access to a laundry facility, and Wi-Fi. A major on-campus perk is the state-of-the-art athletic stadiums, arenas, and fields connected to DePaul.
Interns staying at DePaul University have easy access to the following forms of transportation:
Bikes ✓
Bus ✓
Rideshare ✓
Metro ✓
Scooters
Subway ✓
Taxi ✓
Train ✓
Requirements include a 7-night minimum length of stay during their specified dates of available housing, as they run on a tri-mester schedule that makes their availability more restricted than traditional two-semester schedules. Other requirements include proof of enrollment, proof of internship, and proof of renters insurance. Reference DePaul University’s profile on InternHousingHub.com for more specific details and to apply for housing.
Loyola University Chicago – Lake Shore Campus
Loyola University Chicago is located North of Downtown, along the shores of Lake Michigan. In addition to soaking in the Loyola Beach, there are lots of ethnic eateries in Rogers Park to try. If you enjoy outdoor recreation, this is the perfect campus for you, as there are beautiful lakeside parks with bike paths, athletic fields, and golfing. When you want to catch a show, Theater Above the Law is nearby for entertainment. For easy access to Downtown Chicago, there is a rail station on campus offering the Red Line to connect you where you need to go.
Loyola University Chicago offers two apartment-style halls for summer interns. Bellarmine Hall provides on-campus convenience with an off-campus feel. This building offers multiple room sizes from single, double, and triple occupancy living, with a lounge area on each floor. While Fordham Hall offers single and double occupancy rooms. Both buildings come fully furnished, have free laundry access, private bathrooms, kitchens, elevators, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi.
Interns staying at Loyola University have easy access to the following forms of transportation:
Bikes ✓
Bus ✓
Rideshare ✓
Metro ✓
Scooters ✓
Subway
Taxi ✓
Train ✓
Loyola University’s payment terms require interns to pay a $1,500 reservation deposit and a $500 damage deposit. The $1,500 will be applied to your total cost and will not be refunded in the event you cancel. The remainder of your balance will be due 72 hours prior to arrival. The $500 will be refunded to you at the end of your stay if there is no damage, and the apartment is in the same condition it was at the start of your stay.
Requirements include a 30-day minimum stay to a 68-day maximum stay during the summer months, age 18+, government issued I.D., proof of internship, and proof of renters insurance. Reference Loyola University’s profile on InternHousingHub.com for more specific details and to apply for housing.
The Flats Student Housing
The Flats at East-West University is located in South Loop. There are a variety of attractions nearby including the Field Museum of Natural History, the Shedd Aquarium which is the third largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere, and the ShowPlace ICON Theatre when you want to catch a movie. If you enjoy outdoor activities, there are plenty of parks within reach and the Grant Park Pickleball Courts to play a match in your free time.
The Flats Student Housing offers studio, two, and three-bedroom floor plans that come with a private bathroom and kitchen. Apartments at The Flats are luxurious feeling with modern architecture. All rooms have Wi-Fi and cable included, they come fully furnished, and the building has 24/7 secured access. Additional perks to living at The Flats include access to the basketball court, fitness center, computer lab, and common areas.
Interns staying at The Flats have easy access to the following forms of transportation:
Bikes ✓
Bus ✓
Rideshare ✓
Metro
Scooters ✓
Subway ✓
Taxi ✓
Train ✓
Requirements include a 2-week minimum stay during the months of September through May and proof of internship. Reference The Flats’ profile on InternHousingHub.com for more specific details and to apply for housing.
University of Chicago
University of Chicago is centrally located Downtown amongst varieties of restaurants and coffee shops to try. Some nearby attractions include the famous Millenium Park known for “The Bean” (Cloud Gate) sculpture along with summer concerts held there, take a walk or bike ride on the scenic Lakefront Trail at Grant Park, and explore the State Street Shopping Corridor to do your fashion shopping.
University of Chicago offers private room suites that are newly renovated and studio apartments with come with a full kitchen and dishwasher. Both housing options come fully furnished, free laundry facilities, and free high-speed Wi-Fi. Other perks to living on-campus include access to their game room, fitness center, dance yoga studio, bike room, and lounge.
Interns staying at UC have easy access to the following forms of transportation:
Bikes ✓
Bus ✓
Rideshare ✓
Metro
Scooters ✓
Subway ✓
Taxi ✓
Train ✓
UC’s payment terms require a $200 prepayment that is applied to your rent and a $15 application fee for summer housing.
Requirements include a stay only during the summer months and interns must have a government issued I.D. Reference University of Chicago’s website for more specific details and to apply for housing.
Choosing the right summer housing in Chicago can make your internship both comfortable and memorable. The city offers a variety of living arrangements that cater to different preferences and needs. With convenient access to public transportation, numerous on-site amenities, and vibrant neighborhoods to explore, each option provides an excellent base during your internship to enjoy everything Chicago has to offer. You can find the perfect accommodation to enhance your professional journey and overall experience in this dynamic city.