Flatshare in Chicago

The cost of living in this Illinois city is often high, including the price of lodging and temporary rentals. For this reason, the majority of young people choose to live in shared flats where they can share the cost of rent and utilities with their other flatmates. This is going to make your exchange more affordable.

Advantages and disadvantages of sharing a flat in Chicago

The following are some of the most notable pros and cons of living in a shared flat with other students in this American city:

Advantages of sharing a flat in Chicago

• You can choose the most convenient area for you to live, according to the location of your university and leisure sites. Keep in mind that some neighbourhoods preferred by young people are the Near North Side, the West Loop and Douglas.
• By living with students from different parts of the world, who speak different languages, you will force yourself to practice your English much more. Remember that practising is the best way to gain fluency, surely you will be able to improve much more quickly.

Disadvantages of sharing a flat in Chicago

• Winter in Chicago is very cold and windy, so you will have to agree with your roommates about the use of heating in the apartment so that everyone agrees.
• You have to start with the accommodation search as soon as possible so that it is easier for you to find the ideal one for you easily.

Apps for your international exchange programme in Chicago

There are several apps with which you can access a large amount of relevant information regarding the exchange in this American city, such as advice on life and accommodation. For example, students who have been to Chicago in previous years say that the best thing you can do is look for accommodation with good access to transportation. It's a big city and your experience will be better if you can move easily through it.

How to meet people in Chicago?

In this section, we tell you about some of the ways you have to meet people in this great American city, in addition to making friends with your roommates as soon as you arrive in the city.

Student associations in Chicago

In the different institutions, you can join many clubs and societies of different themes, being able to meet students who have the same interests as you. In addition, most of them have international student societies, such as the "International Students Association" of the University of Chicago.

Facebook Groups for international students in Chicago

There are a wide variety of groups you can join, such as those called “International Students in Chicago”. In addition, societies and clubs generally create groups on this platform to be able to report on their planned events and activities.

Whatsapp groups for international students in Chicago

The most common thing is that students, societies and clubs create groups on Whatsapp or Telegram to be able to be more instantly connected. Also take the opportunity to propose the plans you want to make, such as strolling along the lake or going out to taste the hundreds of restaurants in Chicago.

Tips for sharing a student flat in Chicago

These are some recommendations for you to take into account about living in a flat with other students:

• During your exchange, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in American culture, which of course includes going to games of the various sports teams in Chicago. Some of them are: the BlackHawks ice hockey team, the Bulls basketball team and the Cubs baseball team
• Take a good look at the characteristics of the spare room and the apartment in which it is located since it may be not furnished and you have to incur extra expenses when you get to live there.

Frequently asked questions about sharing a flat in Chicago