Students in need of off-campus housing are advised to visit the office as soon as possible after they have been admitted to The Graduate School. Office hours are 9 a.m to 5 p.m., May 1 to September 30, and noon to 5 p.m., October 1 to April 30. Chicago Campus Northwestern University owns two high-rise residence halls convenient to the Chicago campus. All rooms and apartments in both halls are furnished. Lake Shore Center has several recreational facilities, including racquetball courts, a gymnasium, a swimming pool, and a weight room.
Many students rent apartments in Chicago and the neighboring suburbs.
Since the campus is centrally located, public transportation is excellent. It is highly advisable for students who wish to rent apartments to visit the area and make living arrangements before beginning their graduate work. Students who need temporary quarters for a few days while locating housing will find many hotels and motels nearby. Regulations governing the parking of student cars and a list of University student parking lots are provided with the permit. Spaces are allocated quarterly on the basis of need and distance from campus.