The capital of Illinois, Chicago, is one of the biggest cities in the US and by far the biggest in the Midwest. Sitting on Lake Michigan and surrounded by the Great Lakes, Chicago is a modern, dynamic city that is becoming increasingly popular among international students. Chicago has amazing dining options, many neighborhoods, stunning architecture, a world-famous comedy and theatre scene, and some prestigious universities to boot. To get the inside information on being an international student in Chicago, we have collected some information on the top universities and the student culture in Windy City.
Where to study in Chicago?
According to QS Top Universities Best Student City rankings, two of Chicago's universities rank in the top 40, with the University of Chicago in the 10th position and Northwestern University in the 32nd. There are also a number of other well-regarded universities and institutions to consider beyond the big two.
University of Chicago
The University of Chicago (UChicago), founded in 1890, is a prestigious private university situated in Hyde Park, the same neighborhood where Barack Obama resided before becoming the nation's head. Obama himself taught law at this university for 12 years.
UChicago offers an extensive selection of over 50 courses and is known for its outstanding academic performance in various subjects, particularly in economics, law, political science, and science. With almost 18,000 students, around a quarter of whom are international students, the university boasts a diverse and global community.
The campus houses six large libraries containing an impressive collection of books. UChicago also holds the 10th position in the QS ranking of the best American universities, surpassing most Ivy League universities. Throughout its history, the university has nurtured numerous Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize winners, a testament to its academic excellence and rigorous teaching methods.
Due to its high standards, UChicago is highly selective in its admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 5.9%. If you want to learn more about the University of Chicago, you can find additional information on their website.
Northwestern University
Northwestern University (NU) is a private university that was established in 1851. Like UChicago, NU attracts a diverse student body of over 21,000 individuals, with 5,500 of them coming from foreign countries.
The university has built a reputation for its rigorous academic standards, particularly in the fields of communication, economics, science, psychology, and political science. NU is also renowned for its high-quality research, and the university received $923.8 million in research funding in 2022 from various sources.
NU boasts an impressive list of alumni who have made significant contributions to the arts and audiovisual/media field, including Stephen Colbert, Charles Busch, and Warren Beatty.
Being highly selective, the university has an admission rate of 7%. If you want to learn more about Northwestern University, you can find additional information on its website.
Other universities
Chicago is home to several prestigious tertiary institutes besides NU and the UChicago. Here are some of them:
- Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) - Known for its vital programs in engineering, architecture, computer science, and business;
- DePaul University - Offers a wide range of programs and is particularly known for its business school and law school;
- Loyola University Chicago - A private Catholic university with strong programs in health sciences, law, business, and social sciences;
- The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) - One of the leading art schools in the world, offering programs in fine arts, design, and art-related fields;
- Columbia College Chicago - Focuses on arts, media, and communication-related programs, including film, journalism, and performing arts;
- Roosevelt University - Known for its diverse range of programs, including social sciences, performing arts, and business;
- University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) - Part of the larger University of Illinois system, UIC is a public research university with strong programs in health sciences, engineering, and social sciences.
These institutions offer a variety of academic programs and have a reputation for excellence in their respective fields. Be sure to research each one to find the best fit for your interests and career goals.
Tuition fees and scholarships in Chicago
In Chicago, like many other cities in the United States, international students generally face higher out-of-state tuition fees than domestic students. For instance, at UChicago and NU, the cost of studying as an international student can be over $60,000 per year, which is similar to the fees charged to out-of-state domestic students.
Recognizing that these costs may be prohibitive for some students, many universities offer scholarships and financial aid programs to make education more accessible to a diverse range of students, including international students. Scholarships are often awarded based on merit given to students with outstanding academic achievements. Additionally, grants are available for students with limited financial means with strong academic backgrounds. It is important to note that these scholarships may be subject to quotas that vary from one university to another. Moreover, not all scholarships are guaranteed to be available for international students, so it is essential to contact the specific university for more information.
Both UChicago and NU provide merit scholarships and financial aid to international students. However, the availability of social criteria-based scholarships may differ between the institutions. At NU, international students can access both types of scholarships, but the social criteria-based scholarship is typically only accessible to international students during their first year of study.
Academic calendar and courses in the USA
In the United States, the academic year typically begins around the end of August or early September for most universities. Some institutions may also offer enrollment options in January, which is less common for international students. The academic calendar generally spans 32 to 36 weeks and can be divided into semesters or quarters.
A number of universities, including UChicago and NU, use the quarter system, which consists of four terms of equal duration: autumn ("Fall quarter"), winter ("Winter quarter"), spring ("Spring quarter"), and summer ("Summer quarter"). The back-to-school season takes place during the fall quarter.
The classroom setting in US universities often includes small group discussions and larger lectures in auditoriums containing hundreds of students. Seminars are also a common feature, allowing students to participate, communicate, and share their opinions actively. It's important to note that the workload at US universities can be more substantial than in some European universities, particularly at private institutions, where teaching tends to be more rigorous and demanding. This is reflected in the admission rates, with private schools generally being more selective. In fact, the top 10 universities with the lowest admission rates are predominantly private institutions, including the eight Ivy League universities.
Grading system and diplomas in the USA
In American universities, there are three main levels of study: undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate. At the undergraduate level, students pursue a Bachelor's degree. The graduate level involves studying for a Master's degree, while the postgraduate level focuses on doctoral studies leading to a Ph.D. It's important to note that while American diplomas may be similar to European diplomas, there might not always be an automatic equivalence between them. The recognition of degrees may vary between countries, except in cases where universities have established exchange programs or collaborations.
The grading system used in American schools can differ significantly from one country to another, making it appear complex at times. In the United States, grades are typically assigned as percentages and then converted into letter grades from A to F. Each assignment or exam is scored between A as the highest grade (equivalent to 4.33 points on the US Grade Point Average system [GPA]) and F as the lowest grade (equivalent to 0 points). The GPA is an average of these letter grades used to measure a student's overall academic performance.
How to apply for a student visa to the US?
International students studying in the United States must obtain a visa for their academic program. The most common visa is the F1 visa, which is for full-time students pursuing degrees (undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate) in American universities. Alternatively, the M1 visa is designed for students enrolled in vocational educational programs and is valid for one year, renewable up to three times. The J1 visa is awarded to students participating in exchange programs with American universities while remaining registered at their home institution.
Obtaining the visa is the student's responsibility, along with the administrative costs, typically around $300. Universities like UChicago and NU can assist with the necessary documents for the visa application. To be accepted into the desired university and secure the student visa, applicants from non-English speaking countries must pass an English proficiency test (TOEFL or IELTS) to demonstrate their language skills. For recent high school graduates, taking the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) is also required, assessing proficiency in general subjects such as maths, writing, and text analysis. Students interested in Master's degrees may need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
International students should be aware that it is mandatory for all students, including international students, to have health coverage while studying in the US. Health insurance can be expensive, costing more than $3,000 annually at universities like UChicago. You can check in with the international student guidance team about how and when to acquire medical insurance and if the university has any recommendations for coverage.
Working in Chicago as a student
International students with F1 and J1 visas can work on campus as long as they are enrolled at the university. They can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and up to 40 hours during holidays. It is possible (under some conditions) to work off-campus with an F1 visa in your second year of study. To be able to accept employment with your student visa, the university must provide you with an acceptance letter that will allow you to obtain your US Social Security number.
Students with an M1 visa cannot work on or off campus. On the other hand, it is possible to intern for one month after four consecutive months of studies. In total, the student is entitled to a 6-month internship. In this case, you must apply for a work permit from the US government.
If you wish to work in Chicago, you can check out some job offers on Expat.com or interact with the expat's network in Chicago.
Student housing in Chicago
When considering housing options in Chicago as a student, you typically have three choices: a private room, a dormitory, or a flatshare. If you prefer a diverse and international community, some residences, like the International House at UChicago, cater specifically to international students.
Living on-campus may seem convenient, but off-campus options, like renting your own apartment, can be more affordable and offer more freedom. While Chicago's living expenses are rising, renting in the city center is still more affordable compared to larger cities like New York or Washington, DC.
Various neighborhoods in Chicago are great for students in terms of nightlife, shops, and general culture. If you decide to explore off-campus accommodations, areas such as Hyde Park and Woodlawn are known for their student communities. To find suitable housing options, popular online platforms like Craigslist and Student Rent can be very helpful.
Student life in Chicago
Chicago gets called the "Windy City" for a reason. If you are from a warm country, the city's harsh climate may shock the system. High winds rush in from Lake Michigan, and winters can be snow- and ice-bound. Summers, on the other hand, offer delightful temperatures. Although it may take some time to adjust to this unique weather, living near Lake Michigan means enjoying water activities and abundant nature, almost making you forget you're in the third-largest city in the US.
As you explore the city, you'll find countless entertaining options. Visit the soaring Willis Tower, the second tallest in the country, or the serene Millennium Park with its famous reflective sculpture, the Cloud Gate, which resembles a giant silver bean. Take a leisurely stroll at Navy Pier or explore the Natural History Museum. Don't miss out on trying an iconic deep-dish pizza or a famous Chicago-style hotdog.
Chicago boasts 77 unique neighborhoods, each with its own charm and character. From The Loop to North River, Pilsen to Hyde Park, Andersonville to Lincoln Square, you'll find a vast array of communities to explore. However, like any major city in the US, Chicago has social problems, and crime and homelessness can be quite visible.
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