<p>I'm visiting the University of Chicago in October and all of the hotels are REALLY expensive, of course. My parents really can't afford to spend $200 on a hotel room per night. I noticed on the University of Chicago's website it said you could stay at the International House. Does anyone know about this? Is it basically like dorm rooms for visitors? Do prospective students stay there often? It seems like the most reasonable option to me right now. </p>
<p>While my mother and I could stay way out in the suburbs, I'm pretty sure we'd have a really difficult time finding our way to the school..
Does anyone know of any other "affordable" (in context, this is an absolute joke) options?</p>
<p>I-house is a pseudo dorm. It's part hotel, part residence for both upperclassmen and grad students. It is NOT the typical dorm experience. It is pretty sweet, though, and it's near everything. I have a few friends who have stayed there when visiting campus.</p>
<p>We stayed there on labor day weekend - had to drop son off early for job training. We had a 'guest room' - it had an air conditioner and queen sized bed, but had to share a bath. It was 67 dollars per night. There are also rooms with baths en suite, but they were taken - they run about 100/125. It was fun being on campus and not having to drive - I would do it again. But - you need to make reservations really early.</p>
<p>The Midway hotels are a bit less expensive than downtown - AND you don't have to pay to park. Again, make your reservations as early as possible - the best rates get taken early.</p>
<p>Thanks. unalove, I would do the overnight stay but my mom is going to be with me too.
Thanks for everyone's input. I'll try to figure this out today.</p>
<p>I always stay at I-House when visiting my child at the U of Chicago. The rooms are clean, not too expensive and you can save a few dollars if you don't want a t.v. in the room. It is on the edge of the campus so you can walk everywhere that you will need to. The shared bathroom really is not a problem( It is a dorm style set up with multiple showers and stalls) but is very clean and worth the price for the minor inconvenience. I highly recommend it.</p>
<p>"I would do the overnight stay but my mom is going to be with me too. "</p>
<p>You know, it's very considerate of you to think of your mom, but I would recommend that you do the overnight stay in a dorm and leave mom at I house with a good book. Our room did have tv, btw. It is important for you to evaluate your choices as well as you can. That said ... my son know UChicago was for him as soon as he set foot on campus - he didn't get to do the overnight stay.</p>
<p>Alright, so my mom and I are currently booked to stay at the I-house. I think I'll try to arrange an overnight stay for myself, though.<br>
I see what you're saying, ohio_mom, but my mom wanted to come on the trip with me. But don't worry, she's definitely not a "helicopter mom." I arranged the trip myself, my mom just was a bit afraid to let me travel from Colorado to Chicago alone. She also wanted to see the school. She'll wait until I'm really off to college next year to let me be fully independent. </p>
<p>If you can, try to get a sense of student flair for free. Definitely poke around the Reynolds Club (student union) and you'll see lots of people at the C-Shop, Hutch Commons, Hallowed Grounds, and the lounges (you might even catch some t-shirt sales).</p>
<p>Another neat spot is the basement of Cobb Hall-- Cobb Coffee Shop, where you may bump into your prof before class.</p>
<p>If it's a nice day, you'll probably see a lot of students hanging out in front of Cobb and by the giant curved bench. The newspaper affectionately calls the people who hang out in front of Cobb "Cobbroaches."</p>
<p>the problem with staying in the Midway area is that the route from Midway to Hyde Park is pretty "multicultural". It's OK in the daytime, but rather sketchy at night, going through several of the tougher neighborhoods of Chicago, neighborhoods like Gage Park and Englewood. And it can be a rather slow drive in the western part of it where 55th/Garfield is two lane. East of Western Ave, Garfield is multilane and a bit faster, but still has lots of traffic lights.</p>
<p>So, if one does stay out at Midway, approach the drive to the campus with an open mind and locked doors. The first part will take one through the heart of one of Chicago's emerging latino communities, the next part through one of the poorest african american communities and finally through an area ripe for overhaul. Then you hit Washington Park and finally the campus. It can be interesting if you are observant and curious.</p>
<p>I will NOT be driving. I'm flying into Chicago and will be relying on forms of public transportation. Is this going to be a problem? This is the part I'm really afraid of.</p>
<p>This is great info! Thanks for the shuttle info, menloparkmom. DS is visiting at the end of the month and will be flying solo in and out of Midway, and staying with a friend on campus. He will be delighted to avoid full cab fare!</p>
<p>FYI,
We just left Chicago Sun after dropping S at UC, and found that driving to and from Midway via Cicero/ 55 then south on Lakeshore drive to 53rd street was much faster as well as a safer drive than driving on 55th street to Midway.</p>
<p>Actually, the bus from Midway to Hyde Park is slow but OK. There is both a local and an express, both called #55, if I recall correctly. Most folks just grap what comes first. The express just makes fewer stops. </p>
<p>Curiously, a cab is not all that expensive either. I recall it is less than $20.00 from Midway to Hyde Park. someone else may have more up to date info.</p>
<p>Blindkite, are you a senior this year? If so, you should absolutely do an overnight on campus in a dorm. I also came to Chicago with my son for his overnight visit, but did not see him once he was dropped off on campus. Staying with fellow students, and discovering if you fit in at Chicago, is what 'sealed the deal" for my son.</p>
<p>The route you took is good mid-day and evenings. During morning or afternoon rush hour (weekdays), it can take 90 minutes or more. LSD is famous for backups north and south during rush hour, and I55 can match it.</p>
<p>Would agree completely with newmassdad. Took I-55 to 53rd Street when coming in at noon on Friday, but took 55th/Garfield back to Midway at 5:15pm on Monday. I-55 was a parking lot at that hour and we made the trip back via the streets in about 20-25 minutes. I also concur that a cab from Midway, while certainly more than the bus, is reasonable (about $20) and much quicker than the shuttle or the bus.</p>