Prior to arriving at UChicago, the International Partnerships Program Coordinator works closely with students to ensure that their transitions are as smooth as possible, and they are well-prepared to begin their time in Hyde Park.
All students must claim their CNet ID upon acceptance of admission. The CNet ID is used to access the student's myUChicago account, Canvas, and other campus resources.
In the months leading up to arrival, ISALs are guided through the visa process by the program coordinator. ISALs come to UChicago on a J-1 student visa. In depth information regarding the visa application process can be found on the Office of International Affairs website.
ISALs live off-campus in the vibrant Hyde Park neighborhood. Students can find more in-depth information on what to expect living in Hyde Park, housing resources, etc. here.
Past ISALs have found success using the following resources:
College Orientation Week, or O-Week, began in 1934 as a way to introduce a new class of students to the traditions and community that has made the University of Chicago a unique destination for students from around the world. This multi-day series of events, programs, and meetings provides new students with an in-depth overview of how the College works.
ISALs receive an appointment card with their specific required events, including the ISAL Orientation Session, which offers ISALs an overview of the program and an opportunity to meet the rest of the cohort.
Health Immunizations
On-campus attendance at UChicago requires proof of immunity and/or vaccinations from all students. The State of Illinois and the University require all students to provide proof of immunizations, preferably at least 30 days before starting, or returning to campus, for classes. Required immunizations can be found here. Students can check the Immunization Portal for more information on required vaccination and how to submit your forms (https://wellness.uchicago.edu/medical-services/immunizations/).
Health insurance
The University requires all registered students to carry adequate health insurance to cover, among other costs, hospitalization and outpatient diagnostic, testing and surgical procedures. Additionally, the insurance must cover medical care provided in the Chicago area for both emergency and routine, non-emergency medical situations. In keeping with this requirement, each year ISALs are enrolled in the University Student Health Insurance Plan (U-SHIP). ISALs can choose to waive U-SHIP coverage with proof of comparable coverage.
For further details on the policy, please refer to the Student Manual. If you enroll in it, the fee is paid on a quarterly basis. Information on USHIP can be found here.
UChicago Student Wellness believes that good health is essential for academic success. At the University of Chicago, students have access to coordinated and comprehensive medical care, counseling, psychiatry, and health promotion services targeted at building and maintaining overall well-being.
The University of Chicago, in conjunction with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), provides U-Pass cards to UChicago College students. The U-Pass provides unlimited travel on CTA's bus and rail system during regular term time. For more information regarding the UPASS, please visit its page here.
Quarterly UPASS fee for 2023-24: $106 (USD)
The Office of International Affairs sends out a monthly newsletter to update F-1/J-1 students on visa regulations, deadline reminders, etc.: https://internationalaffairs.uchicago.edu/newslettersignup
The Chicago Studies Newsletter comes to students' inboxes every week, letting them know what Chicago Studies and their partners have got cooking (sometimes literally), in and around and about Chicago: https://mailchi.mp/02b7245d4ae1/subscribe_today
Campus Safety Alerts (cAlerts) is the University’s electronic emergency mass notification system, which enables University officials to provide notification and informational updates to enrollees prior to, during, or after an emergency. The cAlert system will send messages instantaneously through various mechanisms including email, text messages, and social media: https://safety-security.uchicago.edu/stay-informed/calert-system
UChicago SAFE app is a quick and easy way to access safety information at the tap of an icon. The app is easy to download and free: https://safety-security.uchicago.edu/stay-informed/uchicago-safe-mobile-safety-app
UChicago Community Alerts sends alerts to people living in the communities surrounding the University of Chicago: https://lists.uchicago.edu/web/info/community-alerts/
Center for Leadership and Involvement Recognized Student Organization Newsletter is a monthly newsletter for student organization information: https://lists.uchicago.edu/web/info/rsonewsletter