FAQ

Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from either of Chicago's airports (O'Hare or Midway). We recommend students use Airport Express and call 1.888.2THEVAN or visit airportexpress.com to make a reservation. 

Students may also use a taxi service or public transportation from either airport. Cab fare is approximately $40–$50 and public transportation is $2.25–$5.00 one way. For public transit maps, visit transitchicago.com.

Living in SAIC’s residence hall is not required, but is highly recommended. Prior ECPSI students have mentioned the benefits of living on campus, such as easy access to classrooms and studios, engaging with other students, and partaking in residence life activities

What to Pack

You will need to bring the following items:

• Weather-ready clothing (summers in Chicago can be very rainy, so you may want to bring a rain jacket or umbrella. It can also be cool at night, so you may want a sweatshirt or light jacket.)
• Hangers
• Pillows, extra-long twin sheets, blankets, mattress pad (if desired)
• Academic supplies
• Art supplies
• Toiletries: soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, towels, etc.
• First aid supplies (Band-Aids®, gauze, aspirin, a thermometer)
• Prescription medications

You may also want to bring the following items:

• Kitchen items: plates, bowls, cups, glasses, silverware, etc. (there is a microwave provided)
• Cleaning supplies
• Desk lamp and/or table lamp (no halogen lamps are allowed)
• Laundry basket or bag
• Storage containers for food
• Ethernet cord (wireless is provided)

Do NOT bring any of the following:

• TV (cable television is NOT available in individual student rooms; however, students may bring a TV for hooking up a computer or for video games—lounge spaces are equipped with TVs and cable)
• Shower curtain (all rooms have shower doors)
• Halogen lights of any kind
• Air conditioners or space heaters
• Candles or incense
• Firearms, fireworks, or other explosives
• Pets
• Hookahs
• Wireless internet routers
• Weapons of any kind

What is provided in rooms during my stay?

• Private kitchenette (nine cubic foot refrigerator, built-in microwave, two-burner stove, cabinet space, and sink)
• Private bathroom (mirrors, sink with cabinets, toilet, shower with doors or curtains provided)
• Drafting table(s)
• Desk chair(s)
• Wireless internet connection
• Air conditioning unit
• Window blinds
• Closet space with closet organizer (most rooms have a built-in closet per resident; most triple rooms have two built-in closets with one free-standing armoire)
• Two trash cans and one recycling bin
• Beds on the floor will be extra-long twins; lofted beds will have double-sized mattresses. (Students with loft beds will be notified two weeks before move-in.)

Items can be purchased after you arrive in Chicago. Target is steps from the residence hall.

Students are not permitted to have supplies shipped to their dorm before their arrival. Anything shipped to the residence hall before the start of a student's stay will be returned to the sender. Please note that ResLife cannot hold items for you before or after your class sessions.


While their class is in session, students may have supplies shipped to the following address.

Jones Hall address:

7 West Madison Street 
[Room Number] 
Chicago, IL 60602
 

Each class is different and will have its own requirements. However, all students should expect to get homework during the week and on the weekends. ECPSI is an advanced program granting college credit upon successful completion. Students are expected to complete assignments outside of class and therefore should plan to spend approximately two hours each evening in the studios. Students are here first and foremost for an intensive academic experience in the visual arts.

ECPSI courses are credit only and cannot be audited.

Financial assistance is available in the form of need-based aid and merit scholarships. Need-based aid is available to US residents only. All students may apply for merit scholarships. 

Learn more about how to apply for tuition assistance.

It depends on the class. Courses that require specialized equipment like computers, etc., are usually limited to 12–14. Other classes are closer to 14–20. The average ratio of instructional staff to students is 1:8.

As with homework, each class is different and will yield its own unique product. However, students should expect to produce several initial projects/assignments in addition to a final project that is self-driven.

SAIC has an international affairs office that can help to support international students!

Art supplies are the responsibility of the student. Supply lists will be available June 1. 

Visit Next Steps and Information for Enrolled Students for more information.

ECPSI students are allowed free time for lunch, between classes and curfew (curfew is for residential students and the city of Chicago also has a curfew), and on the weekends. If parents or students are looking for a program with 100 percent supervision, they should consider the nature of this program thoroughly before registering.

Instructional staff supervises the use of the public transportation system (CTA) during class and there are also supervised outings coordinated by residence life on evenings and weekends so students may explore the city. Students are discouraged from using the CTA without supervision.

ECPSI students are required to check in/out for the times/events listed below:

Note: Lunch times may differ if classes are on a field trip or need to alter the time due to a project. Teaching assistants still keep attendance during these times.

Students are responsible for getting their work home. We are unable to store, pack, or ship work for students. Instructors and teaching assistants will help students prep to pack up work at the end of the session. Work that cannot be transported home can be photographed and/or videoed. Visit Next Steps and Information for Enrolled Students for more information.