Prepare for Loyola
Things to Consider Pre-Arrival
Campus Maps
Students can familiarize themselves with our two Chicago campuses and are encouraged to view our campus virtual tours for a sense of what it is really like to be on-campus.
Transportation
- Both campuses are accessible by public transportation. Please visit the Chicago Transportation Authority’s website for more information. All exchange students will be provided with a CTA U-Pass that they will pick up on campus when they arrive for their term abroad.
- With our close proximity to the Chicago Lakefront Trail, many students, staff, and faculty bike to and from campus during the warmer months. More information about biking is available here.
- Taxis and rideshares through Uber and Lyft are additional options when traveling between Loyola University Chicago campuses and around Chicago. The campus addresses to provide to the rideshare driver are listed below:
| Lake Shore Campus | Water Tower Campus |
|---|---|
| 1110 W. Sheridan Road Chicago, IL 60660 |
111 E. Pearson Street Chicago, IL 60611 |
Weather
Students should come prepared to experience all four seasons in Chicago: wet, cool springs; somewhat hot, and often humid, summers; pleasantly mild autumns; and cold winters. Chicago can be cooler and experience more precipitation than other parts of Illinois because of its proximity to the relatively cool waters of Lake Michigan.
What to Pack
Students who will be living in our on-campus residence hall should review the ResLife -- Suggested Packing List.
Housing
Exchange students are required to live on campus, provided that there is space available, and will work with our Department of Residence Life to apply for housing. Information about our Residence Halls, including their associated amenities and cost, can be found below. Exchange students will receive more information on how to apply for housing after they have been admitted.
All students living on the University’s Lake Shore Campus are required to purchase a meal plan with their housing placement. More information on meal plan rates is available below as well. Meal plans will be loaded onto a student's Rambler (student ID) Card with funds allotted for each meal.
Orientation
All F-1 and J-1 international students are expected to attend the mandatory International Student Orientation that will cover topics including: maintaining J-1 status, Academic Training, and introducing other offices on campus. It is also a wonderful opportunity to meet other international students!
International Student Orientation is typically held on the Thursday or Friday, before the start of the semester. Our Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) will send registration information to students' luc.edu email addresses before the start of the semester.
Housing
Exchange students are required to live on campus, provided that there is space available, and will work with our Department of Residence Life to apply for housing. Information about our Residence Halls, including their associated amenities and cost, can be found below. Exchange students will receive more information on how to apply for housing after they have been admitted.
All students living on the University’s Lake Shore Campus are required to purchase a meal plan with their housing placement. More information on meal plan rates is available below as well. Meal plans will be loaded onto a student's Rambler (student ID) Card with funds allotted for each meal.
Orientation
All F-1 and J-1 international students are expected to attend the mandatory International Student Orientation that will cover topics including: maintaining J-1 status, Academic Training, and introducing other offices on campus. It is also a wonderful opportunity to meet other international students!
International Student Orientation is typically held on the Thursday or Friday, before the start of the semester. Our Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) will send registration information to students' luc.edu email addresses before the start of the semester.