For International Students
Arriving in Chicago
From O'Hare International Airport by Taxi
The Norshore Taxi Association offers inexpensive transportation to and from O'Hare International Airport. A one-way trip from the airport to campus, for example, costs around $35. To order a Norshore taxi, call 1-800-244-9200 (this is a free call). When the dispatcher answers, tell him or her that you have just arrived at O'Hare and would like a taxi. The dispatcher will tell you the number of the taxi that will be sent to you and will also tell you where to wait for it. It usually takes only 10 or 15 minutes for the ordered taxi to arrive.
When the taxi arrives, give the driver your campus address. The trip to campus will take about 45 minutes to one hour. When you pay the drive, be sure to give the driver a 15 percent tip, as well.
From Midway Airport to Campus by Taxi
If you arrive at Chicago Midway Airport, which is much further from campus, this trip will be more expensive. Even Norshore, one of the less-expensive taxi associations, charges at least $40 for a trip from Midway to campus. Also, because of Midway's location, Norshore does not have taxis waiting there. To use a Norshore taxi for transport from Midway, you must call 773.743.0066 at least one day before your arrival. In the end, most students who arrive at Midway decide to use public transport to get to campus.
Taking Public Transportation from the Airports
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers train service from both of Chicago's airports. This option is only for people who have very little luggage and do not arrive at rush hour (7:30-9 a.m. or 3:30-6 p.m.) or late at night (after 10 p.m.). CTA fare is $2.00 for a one-way trip.
From O'Hare airport, take the CTA Blue Line train, and at the "Jackson or Washington" subway stop, exit the Blue Line train, take the underground tunnel to the Red Line, and change to the northbound (Howard) Red Line train. Take this to "Chicago" stop for Water Tower campus, or "Loyola" for Lake Shore campus.
From Midway airport, take the CTA Orange Line train to "State/Lake" stop and walk south to the "Lake" subway stop of the Red Line. Take the northbound (Howard) Red Line train to "Chicago" stop for Water Tower campus, or "Loyola" for Lake Shore campus.
Hotels
If you have a residence hall contract and you arrive during check-in hours (you should receive this information from the Residence Life Office), you can go directly to your residence hall. However, if you do not have a place to stay on your first night or two, you should make advance reservations at a hotel or hostel. Here are some suggestions:
Near Lake Shore Campus
Super 8 Motel
7300 N. Sheridan Road
Chicago IL 60626
773.973.7440
Near Water Tower Campus
Residence Inn by Marriott
201 E. Walton Place
312.943.9800
Rate: $125+ (special rates for Loyola)
The Talbott Hotel
20 East Delaware Place
312.944.4970
The Ambassador West
1300 North State Parkway
312.787.3700
Arlington House
616 W. Arlington Place
773.929.5380
Rate: $17-20 per night
E-mail: res@arlingtonhouse.com
This is a youth hostel in the Lincoln Park neighborhood -- a nice part of town not far from Water Tower campus via the Red Line train. When you make a reservation, ask for directions on how to get there; it is a little hard to find the first time.
Hostelling International Chicago
24 E. Congress
312.360.0300
E-mail: reserve@hichicago.org
This is a new, large hostel that specializes in providing rooms and services to international students. It is located in downtown Chicago, about 10 minutes from Water Tower Campus.
Health Insurance/Immunizations
If you are coming only for the Summer, you do not have to show proof of having adequate health insurance, nor do you have to show proof of having had the immunizations required by Illinois state law. However, even if you are only staying for the Summer, you should have adequate health insurance when studying in the U.S. because medical care in the U.S. is very expensive.
The ESL program in the Fall and Spring is only for current Loyola students and for other students planning to apply to Loyola degree programs. If you will be enrolled as a full-time student in a Loyola degree program in the Fall or Spring Semester, you will be required to show proof of insurance and immunization. If you do not have coverage, you will be enrolled in an annual policy by the university. You must also provide the university with your immunization records, including immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus and diphtheria. If you do not have immunization records, you must make arrangements to receive these immunizations at a minimal charge at the Wellness Center.