Housing Information
Starting Your Search
A good way to start your search for a place to live in Chicago
is to look at a map that shows the public transportation lines
and then locate areas within easy walking distance of the bus/el/train
stops. (Public transportation maps are available through the CTA
information line.) Although looking at ads in the newspaper
will give you many good leads, keep in mind that many smaller
landlords post "For Rent" signs on their buildings;
be sure to walk around the neighborhoods in which you want to
live. Additionally, you may want to check the following sources
for leads on available apartments:
Newspapers: Both the Chicago Tribune and The
Reader (a free weekly paper) provide extensive listings of
available apartments. To order the Chicago Tribune, call
1-800-TRIBUNE. A Reader can be obtained by calling (312)
828-0350.
Internet/World Wide Web: The Internet is an excellent
resource for apartment hunting and for general information about
the city of Chicago. A number of companies provide on-line searchable
listings of available apartments. Here are two of the largest
sites:
The Apartment Zone, www.apartmentzone.com,
offers an on-line apartment search with detailed information
about the properties and maps of their locations. In addition,
the site allows you to sign up for an automatic email notification
of available properties that match your criteria.
You can access the Reader's apartment listings at
www.chicagoreader.com.
Based on your desired apartment size, rent and location, you
are provided with a list of all of the apartments listed in
the Reader that week that meet your search criteria.
Apartment Rental Services: There are numerous companies
that help people find apartments in the city and suburbs. Many
of these services are free (the fees are paid by the building
owners), while others require you to pay a fee. These companies
provide apartment listings based on price range, apartment size,
building amenities and location. A complete listing of these services
may be found in the Chicago Yellow Pages under the heading "Apartment
Finding & Rental Services." Most public libraries should
have a copy of the Chicago Yellow Pages. You can also access the
Yellow Pages on-line at www.smartpages.com.
Several companies that are commonly used by Chicago-Kent students
are listed below, and their services are free.
Apartment People: After an initial consultation with
a staff member, you are driven to visit each of the listings
that meet your criteria. (www.apartmentpeople.com
/ 800-447-3684)
Chicago Apartment Finders: Similar to the Apartment
People, an agent will drive you to see available apartments.
(www.chicagoapartmentfinders.com
/ 773-883-8800)
RelocationCentral by Cort: RelocationCentral by Cort
provides you with computerized descriptions, maps and lists
of available apartments that meet your search criteria. You
then contact the building managers to schedule appointments
to visit the apartments. (www.relocationcentral.com
/ 866-358-9196)
"Roommate Wanted" List: Each year the Office
of Admissions compiles a list of Chicago-Kent students who are
looking for apartment-mates for the upcoming school year. Admitted
Chicago-Kent students who want to be included on this list should
complete a "Roommate Wanted List" form and return it
to the Office of Admissions. Copies of the "Roommate Wanted
List" are sent to all new students in the spring. Periodic
updates are sent throughout the summer as new students are added
to the list. "Roommate Wanted List" forms are available
from the Office of Admissions at (312) 906-5020 or online at www.kentlaw.edu/adm/housing/room_form.html.
Chicago-Kent Bulletin Boards: Chicago-Kent students often
post notices about available apartments and sublets on the student
bulletin boards located on the concourse level and inside the
3rd floor cafeteria.
Presidential Towers: Presidential Towers ("PT"
in Chicago-Kent lingo) is a high-rise apartment complex with a
health club, grocery store, shops and restaurants that is popular
with many Chicago-Kent students. The apartments are located just
one block north of the law school. Studios currently rent from
$912 per month; convertible studios from $1,115 per month; one-bedrooms
from $1,160 per month; and two-bedrooms from $1,850 per month.
Rent includes heat, water and air conditioning. Rents at PT are
on the high-end (which is typical of downtown high-rises), but
you have the convenience of being close to the law school. (312-902-2000)
|
