In looking for the perfect off-campus UIC apartment, many students opt to live in the Little Italy area of the city, as well as near Taylor Street, as there are many shops located here that college students frequent.

One of the biggest appeals in off-campus housing at UIC is that it is amidst culturally rich neighborhoods, such as Greektown, the South Loop, the West Loop, Pilsen, Little Italy, and Chinatown.

Students can also check out University Village, as it is a recently revamped community just a few blocks away from campus, and it is very student-oriented to give that campus feel mixed with city vibes.

Other areas that UIC students live in that are further from campus and require the use of the L train, bus, or a car, include Old Town, the Gold Coast, Streeterville and River North.

Dining

If you are looking for some good eats while in Chicago, you have come to the right place.

For instance, Mr. Greek Gyros is a 24-hour option for authentic Greek cuisine, while Tuscany on Taylor Street is a Little Italy offering that students will not want to pass up on.

If bars and pubs are more your speed, Little Joes is less than a mile from campus and provides that dive-bar vibe that many students are looking for. Conversely, Lazy Bird is known for its superb drinks while Three Dots and a Dash is known for drinks and atmosphere that will transport you somewhere tropical.

Really, no matter where you are, there are plenty of food and drink options available to University of Illinois – Chicago students.

Transportation

Chicago has a variety of methods of public transportation available to UIC students.

The CTA buses and trains run both through and around campus, offering several options for students that commute. There are seven CTA bus routes that run through campus.

If you're looking to get downtown, to O'Hare International Airport, to the northwest or west side neighborhoods of Chicago, to Oak Park, Forest Park, or Cicero, you can take the Blue Line Train or the Pink Line train, depending on your destination.

In addition, a Pace Suburban Bus operates on an express route from Plainfield, Bolingbrook and the UIC campus and the Illinois Medical District during weekday rush hours.

UIC campus is also just two short blocks from the Greyhound Bus terminal.

Parking

There is free parking at the UIC campus, but the spaces are a good ten-minute walk from campus, and you will need to be an early bird to claim your space. For those interested, such parking spots exist near Morgan and Roosevelt.

For other UIC students, parking on the UIC campus is offered on a semester or annual basis and rates for an annual pass can run nearly $1,000.

There are also areas around campus where you may find less expensive street or garage parking, though you will still likely need to pay a daily fee (or get a permit).

Safety

The University of Illinois – Chicago campus has taken steps to ensure students are safe on and off-campus, so they have a safety app that is free and available to all UIC students

The app, UIC Safe, provides both staff and students with the resources they need to be safe while on and around the UIC campus.

Shopping

There is always plenty of shopping to be done in the city of Chicago, and UIC is in the perfect spot for some of the best the city has to offer.

If you are looking for proximity when it comes to your grocery shopping, Mariano's, Jewel, West Loop Market, and Whole Foods Market are all within a mile of the UIC campus. Additionally, Campus Market is located on Taylor Street and is a spot frequented by UIC students.

If you are looking for some fun spoils, Chinatown Bazaar, and the Fig Tree offer selections you would not get anywhere else. And, if you are looking for more popular shopping, Target is within half a mile of campus.

In addition, for those UIC students that are craving a shopping center, The Shops at North Bridge is a mall just two miles off-campus that offers a food court and all the shopping your heart desires.