International House

<p>My daughter was assigned to a house in International House. Wondering if this is a good place for her. She is looking forward to a "college experience" with academics and social fun. I House is away from the main campus a little and wondering about security, campus life, how integrated she will feel, etc. Also wondering about how "international" I House is and what advantages this might bring. She was actually requesting a double with a roommate but got a single - warming up to the idea of this, but still was hoping for some of the social stuff to click. Thoughts? Thanks.</p>

<p>Son was assigned to IHouse last year and he will be back there this year. Your daughter must be an RD also! The IHouse kids kind of take that as a point of pride; that they were the ones who waited to the end and made the careful decision. Some thoughts:</p>

<ol>
<li> It is slightly away. It is a nice 10 minute walk down the midway to center campus. The walk is a little nicer / easier now that the new Becker / Friedman center is open and that through street leading from Booth to the main quad is available. Son mitigated the distance by getting a bike. He rode it all the time. Of course, starting about mid-December through mid-March the bike will not be usable much of the time. You are away from main dining areas, but this is somewhat mitigated by in-house kitchen and small cafeteria in the lower levels of IHouse. There are a number of shuttles available which can take you from, say, the Reg back to IHouse.</li>
<li> The IHouse of course is part of the house system, so your daughter will be drawn into the house related activities. Son made several good friends last year that he keeps in touch with this summer. There are activities every weekend and often during the week.</li>
<li> Social interactions can be aided by pursuing activities that appeal to you such as athletics, music, etc.</li>
<li> You are closer to Lake Michigan than the rest of campus!</li>
<li> The International aspect of the building was really not a factor last year for my son. I guess that’s because the year was busy enough. Between school and activities, son had all moments (and then some) spoken for. He also attended some of the interesting lectures / events at Logan and the Institute of Politics and other places. There are frequent events at IHouse but my perception is that this part of IHouse is separate from the rhythms of the undergraduates.<br></li>
<li> IHouse is like a fortress; it is very secure. You have to have a ID card to get into the lower level, then again to get into the stairways / elevators. Then actual dorm room door is locked with a dead bolt. Streets around IHouse are exceptionally well lit and patrolled at all times. Nevertheless, students have to be smart about what they do and where they are and what time of day it is.</li>
<li> Single rooms are a mixed blessing. In one sense it is good in that you have privacy and you don’t have to deal with roomie quirks, but on the other hand you do not have the built in company of the roommate. On balance I think I would have preferred a single when I was in college though I never had one. Son is quite content with the single.</li>
<li> Winter quarter could be hard for your daughter if she is not able to deal with the cold and short days. Let’s hope this winter is not as bad as last year which was a record winter for cold. Be aware of lack of light and constantly being inside and the effect on the mood during this time.</li>
</ol>

<p>This response is somewhat rambling, but these are some thoughts. Best of luck to your daughter. Very exciting times for your family I’m sure. </p>

<p>Thank you kaukauna for your response - very helpful!! Looking forward to the “house” approach. My daughter was at a two year college prep academy for her last two years of high school. She stayed in a dorm at the University and took college level classes - but am still “worried” that the UChicago experience and I House will be as great as I hope it can be. Social things are very important to her. Demands of the school experience and all …</p>

<p>The shuttles Kaukauna mentioned also take I-House residents to the South Campus Dining Hall (where there is a designated House Table for I-House) and back, so making use of the meal plan shouldn’t be an issue either. </p>

<p>Though not a resident of I-House myself, I trekked there often during the school year to attend the myriad cultural events that always seemed to be taking place there. There was also a UChicago Career Advancement presentation there once during winter quarter - lucky for the I-House students who didn’t have to brave the cold.</p>

<p>Brings back some memories as an ex- Ihouse resident for four days four years ago. We were there for the O week and Ihouse was still partially open for “hotel” function. </p>

<p>I still cannot forget that impressive large kitchen with the huge stove and the old slow elevator. Be prepared to tug in an extra pair sneakers, you will need them for the stairs. </p>

<p>I have answered this question for another, local, first year who wanted a double and didn’t select IHouse. I checked in with my daughter who is a third year and living at Breckinridge (which is even further east than IHouse - and she doesn’t feel isolated). She gave me some info. There are, I think, 3 houses in IHouse, which means it holds about 250-300 kids. And each house is 50/50 gender split, so a student will find plenty of social life there, even when living on a gender-specific hallway. Few people hang out in their rooms anyway; my daughter lives in her house lounge and does much of her studying there. She only sleeps in her room. Your daughter will find a way to be in the thick of the social groove; there are evidently a lot of events held there. And IHouse has a cafe (which is unusual) for late night snacking/socializing. Hope this helps.</p>