Frequently Asked Questions
Chicago Urban Explorers
During CUE, you will be introduced to life in the city of Chicago, as well as life in the neighborhood of Hyde Park. You will take trips to different Chicago neighborhoods, to the downtown area, and to locations around campus. Moreover, you will have the opportunity to meet some of your classmates and other current students.
You will be doing a fair bit of walking, so be sure to bring sturdy shoes. Additionally, the weather in Chicago in September is often unpredictable, so be sure to bring layers in case it's a week of cooler weather. Be sure to bring toiletries and any required medications, as well as an umbrella in case of rain. If you are used to warmer weather, you may also want to bring an extra blanket for the dorm rooms. An email reminding you what to bring will be sent in August.
CUE begins on Sunday, September 13. You must arrive by this day in order to fully participate in the program.
You should plan to arrive after 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 13 – this is when you will have access to your room. We will be offering campus tours and informal Q&A sessions with your CUE student leaders throughout the day. Check in will end at 3:00 p.m., followed by a welcome dinner for all CUE participants at 6:00 p.m.
You may still apply without your CNetID. However, you should ensure that you claim your CNet ID submit your UChicago Card ID photo before you come to campus for CUE. You will receive information on both of these processes over the summer.
The fee includes housing accommodations on campus for the duration of the program, the provision of all meals, and the costs of transportation for trips throughout the city. Limited financial assistance may be available to students receiving aid from the University or who are part of the University's Odyssey Scholars Program. To be considered for financial assistance, please complete our Request for Financial Assistance webform.
All CUE participants are housed in pre-orientation housing for the duration of the program. This location may be different than your term-time housing assignment. Permanent housing assignments will be announced via your my.uchicago.edu student portal in early August. You will recieve an email in late August with detailed instructions on the moving process for the beginning and end of the CUE program, as well as what and how to pack for the program.
If you participate in CUE, you will move in to your term-time housing one day earlier than the general student population (September 18) with assistance from the Orientation Leader staff. All other students outside our Pre-Orientation programs will move into housing on September 19. Your parents are welcome to come and help you move in on either September 18 after CUE programming end for the day ends or on September 19.
Students may bring all of their belongings for the academic year with them when they move in for Chicago Urban Explorers. Locked storage will be provided for the duration of the program, and all bags stored during the program will be moved for you into your permanent room over the course of the week. For this reason, it is highly recommended that students pack a seperate bag for the week and store everything else.
Yes. Those who are accepted into the program will be sent an additional form to complete, which will include a place for participants to indicate any dietary restrictions or allergies. If you have any concerns, please contact College Programming and Orientation by emailing college-programming@uchicago.edu or by phone at 773.702.8616.
Parents and other family members should plan to make separate arrangements with local hotels in Chicago. You can find hotel information on the Orientation page for reference.
Students with questions regarding the Chicago Urban Explorers program should contact the College Programming and Orientation at 773.702.8616 or via email at college-programming@uchicago.edu.