Chicago and Residential Life

Chicago—Our Urban Campus

"As an artist, Chicago's Loop is such an awesome place to be; I was enriched by being enveloped in the city's culture, and my passion for art was completely strengthened." —Joelle Scher, student

Interwoven into the fabric of vibrant downtown Chicago, home to six other major universities, SAIC's campus is your ideal home base. As home to one of the country's largest concentrations of working artists, Chicago is a city of architecture, innovative public art, and world-class museums and galleries, and our faculty will help you explore it. Chicago is an integral part of the Early College Program Summer Institute (ECPSI) experience, and we provide programming to give you exposure to a little bit of everything it has to offer. Trips have included venturing to local art museums, enjoying Chicago's food (we have so much more than pizza!), exploring thrift stores, and swimming and sunning at Lake Michigan. We think you'll really like it here. We know you will be inspired.

Our Museum—Art Institute of Chicago

It was faculty at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago who founded the Art Institute of Chicago's museum as a teaching resource for students. Today, the Art Institute of Chicago has the world's third-largest collection of art and is an integral part of the education of every SAIC student.

As an ECPSI student, you have free access to the museum's collections—nearly 300,000 pieces of art in the permanent collection—while you are here.

Put Google images aside. At the museum you can see the incredible color variations in a Van Gogh portrait, Picasso's works on paper that are too light-sensitive to be on display for the public, Rembrandt paintings and drawings, the first exhibit devoted to architect David Adjaye, site-specific sculpture, fiber art designed and executed by Lenore Tawney, and Diane Arbus's famous Identical Twins, Roselle, New Jersey.

A student sitting in their dorm room.
Residential Life

Immerse Yourself in a Community of Artists

There is a tremendous amount of energy in a community of artists living together. As a resident, you can truly immerse yourself in a community of fellow artists, live right in the heart of Chicago's Loop, and enjoy conveniences you won't find in most student apartments. 

Our residence halls are just minutes away from classes, have controlled access to the building, and have 24-hour security staff. You are also close to almost all the major cultural attractions of the city and the comforts of neighborhood living, from grocery stores to coffee shops.

Students often find it most helpful to live on campus as they make the transition to SAIC and Chicago. Staff in each of the facilities include student Summer Resident Advisors (SRAs) and full-time, live-in professional staff. Our staff is available to help students become more familiar with the school and the city, assist with personal and academic issues, and build a strong artist community.

Have a housing question? 

Email Residence Life about ECPSI at SAIC-ResLife-ECP@saic.edu.

Jones Hall 

Each loft-style room contains:

  • a private bathroom
  • a kitchenette with stove, full-size refrigerator, and microwave
  • spectacular city views
  • wireless internet

Room Configurations

Configurations shown are for Jones Hall floors 3–14. Double and Triple occupancy are available for ECPSI housing.

Room Type for Floors 4-14

Floor Plan

Video Tour

1. Small Single room with a lofted double bed

Floor Plan

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2. Double Room with one lofted double bed and one extra-long twin bed on the floor

Floor Plan

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3. Double Room with two extra-long twin beds on the floor

Floor Plan

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4. Double Room with two extra-long twin beds on the floor

Floor Plan

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5. Double Room with two extra-long twin beds on the floor

Floor Plan

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6. Double Room with one lofted double bed and one extra-long twin bed on the floor

Floor Plan

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7. Single Room with lofted double bed

Floor Plan

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8. Double Room with two extra-long twin lofted beds

Floor Plan

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9. Single Room with one extra-long twin bed on the floor

Floor Plan

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10. Double Room with two extra-long twin beds on the floor

Floor Plan

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  • Residential students will begin their ECPSI experience by moving into Jones Hall, 7 West Madison Street, on Sunday for Move-In during the designated times listed below. 

    • Session 1: Sunday, June 15, 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
    • Session 2: Sunday, July 6, 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
    • Session 3: Sunday, July 20, 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
    • Session 4: Sunday, July 6, 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
    • Session 5: Sunday, August 3, 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

    Students may not move into the residence hall prior to the dates and times listed. Students arriving after the designated move-in time should notify Residence Life in advance at saic-reslife-ecp@saic.edu.

    How to Move Into Jones Hall

    1. During the move-in window, drive to State and Madison Streets (across from Target) to begin the check-in process.
    2. The student will exit the car to check in while the driver is directed to an unloading spot along Madison Street. The student should bring their government-issued photo ID and their cell phone.
    3. Carts and speed pack boxes will be available for use. Limited staff will be available to assist in unloading. 
    4. Take all of your items to your room, returning any carts as quickly as possible.
    5. The driver will move the car to a permanent parking spot. 
    6. Unpack your belongings. 

  • Residential students will end their ECPSI experience by moving out of Jones Hall. SAIC facilitates the move-out process during the dates and times listed below. Students must move out by these times. Students are allowed to move out early (e.g., Friday evening) as long as a plan has been made in advance.  

    • Session 1: Saturday, June 28, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
    • Session 2: Saturday, July 19, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
    • Session 3: Saturday, August 2, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
    • Session 4: Saturday, August 2, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
    • Session 5: Saturday, August 9, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

    How to Move Out of Jones Hall

    1. Clean. Residents are responsible for cleaning their entire room, including the kitchen and bathroom. Residents are responsible for returning the room to the state it was in when they first arrived. Brooms, dustpans, and limited cleaning supplies will be available at the hall desk for resident use. Residence Life anticipates normal wear and tear on a room; however, any excessive damage or cleaning needs will incur additional charges. If you are concerned about damage to the room, or cleaning arrangements with your roommate(s), please contact Residence Life at saic-reslife-ecp@saic.edu.
    2. Remove items from the room. All items must be removed from the room. Don't forget the refrigerator and the kitchen cabinets. To assist in the move-out process, residents will be allowed to check out carts from the office. As move-out is a very busy time, we ask that residents only check out a cart once they are ready to move belongings. 
    3. Check out with Residence Life. More details to come.

    Note: Students participating in concurrent sessions do not need to move out/move in between sessions; arrangements are made for the student to stay in the same room for four to six weeks.

  • SRAs: Summer Resident Advisors

    SRAs are current SAIC undergraduate or graduate students who are excited to spend their summer working with the ECP Summer Institute. SRAs are eager to get to know residents mostly through planning social activities during non-class times. They are present to help students learn about Chicago, SAIC resources, and what it is like to be a student at SAIC. SRAs also provide support in crisis and enforce residence hall policies and procedures. SRAs are supported by the residence hall director, a professional staff member, who lives on-site.

    Rooms/Roommates

    ECPSI students should plan to live in double (two residents) and triple (three residents) rooms. If you would like to share a room with a specific person, both students should make requests on the ECP Summer Institute application at least three weeks prior to arrival. Requests cannot be guaranteed. Room assignments will not be available until Move-In.

    Internet

    All residence hall rooms have internet access and literature about how to connect is provided at Move-In.

    Air Conditioning/Laundry

    The residence hall is air-conditioned. A laundry room with washers, dryers, and vending machines is located inside Jones Hall, which is open 24 hours a day.

  • 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, sheets, blankets, mattress pad (if desired)
    • Academic supplies
    • Art supplies
    • Toiletries: soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, towels, etc.
    • First aid supplies (Band-Aids®, gauze, aspirin, at-home rapid antigen tests, a thermometer, masks)
    • 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
     

  • Residence hall and school policies have been established to assist in creating a comfortable living environment that is conducive to artistic and personal growth and development. All ECPSI students are expected to adhere to the ECP Summer Institute Handbook, as well as the Student Rights and Responsibilities section in the SAIC Student Handbook, as outlined above.

    Curfew

    In accordance with the City of Chicago's curfew, ECP students who have elected housing will not be allowed to leave the residence hall after 10:00 p.m. daily. All residents will be required to "sign in" for the evening immediately before the curfew time.

    All requests to be away from the residence hall for the night must be approved by the hall director. Your parent/legal guardian must contact the hall director via telephone and via email prior to the date of departure. Details will be available at move in.

    Requests to return to the residence hall after curfew will not be granted. Failure to comply with curfew requirements may result in your expulsion from the residence hall.

    Quiet Hours

    Quiet hours are in effect 11:00 p.m.–8:00 a.m. During quiet hours, noise in public areas should be kept to a minimum. This includes the TV lounge and studio space. When quiet hours are not in effect, residents should still maintain noise levels that are considerate of the needs of others.

    Guests/Visitors

    ECPSI students may not have guests/visitors. Any exceptions that will be made would only be allowed for the parent/legal guardians listed on the ECPSI application. ECPSI student residents are not allowed to have more than three other ECP student residents in their room at any given time. The total number of ECPSI student residents allowed in a residence room must not exceed five (two roommates and three guests).

    Public Transportation

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

    Fire Safety

    ECPSI students who have elected housing are required to vacate the residence hall when a fire alarm sounds. When an alarm sounds, all residents must walk quickly to the nearest stairwell and exit the building. Everyone should follow the instructions of the Residence Life staff, security officers, and fire personnel. Tampering with smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, or fire alarms in any SAIC facility is strictly prohibited.

    Windows

    ECPSI students must not tamper with the window safety equipment (including but not limited to window screens and window blocks) in the residence hall, nor allow any guest or visitor to tamper with the window safety equipment. Any issues concerning the proper operation of window safety equipment and/or damage to screens or window safety equipment must be immediately reported to Residence Life. Hanging items in the window or throwing objects from a window is strictly prohibited. Students may not place signs in or on their windows.

  • Availability of Dining Options

    SAIC will provide a variety of a la carte meal options at dining facilities located within the 280 Building and in the LeRoy Neiman Center in the Sharp Building.

    Terms of the Meal Plan

    The SAIC Residence Hall Meal Plan is valid for the same period of time as the duration of the ECP Summer Institute and is required for all students living in SAIC's residence halls. The resident/student agrees to pay the amount stated below and abide by the further terms listed. See Meal Plan Schedule below for information concerning specific dates of operation.

    Cost and Billing

    The cost of the SAIC Residence Hall Meal Plan is $210 for Sessions 1, 2, or 3; $420 for Session 4; and $105 for Session 5. This amount will be billed to the resident/student's account with the housing charges.

    Meal Plan

    The resident/student will receive $210 (Sessions 1, 2, 3) or $420 (Session 4), or $105 (Session 5) for the Meal Plan on their ARTICard. This amount will be tracked and managed by the ARTICard office and may be used only for items available for purchase in the dining facilities on campus. This excludes items for sale in vending machines. The resident/student must present his or her ARTICard to use the Meal Plan at the SAIC dining facilities. The resident/student understands that the Meal Plan cannot be used by anyone else for dining service. Misuse of the Meal Plan may result in additional charges, disciplinary action, and/or confiscation of the Meal Plan.

    Unused Meal Plan Funds

    Unused funds may carry over during concurrent sessions in a single summer—for example, if enrolled in session 1, unused funds may carry over to session 2. Meal Plan funds will expire (i.e., be automatically forfeited) when the student is no longer enrolled in the ECP Summer Institute.

    Lost, Stolen, and Replacement Cards

    The Meal Plan will be loaded onto the resident/student's ARTICard. The resident/student must comply with the applicable terms and conditions for the ARTICard, including those terms regarding lost, stolen, and replacement cards.

    Responsibility

    SAIC shall not be responsible or liable for delay, curtailment, and/or non-delivery of meal service, or any other non–performance hereunder, directly or indirectly resulting from and/or contributed by acts of God, the adoption of any law, ordinance, regulation, ruling, or order, lack of usual means of transportation, fires, floods, explosions, strikes, or others accidents or contingencies beyond SAIC's control.

    SAIC may revoke and terminate this agreement regarding the Meal Plan (i) if the Resident/Student fails to be or to continue to be throughout the ECP Summer Institute, a registered Resident/Student at SAIC or to complete settlement of his or her SAIC financial account in accordance with established practices and procedures; (ii) if the Resident/Student fails for any reason to comply with these Terms and Conditions, or with any policy, procedure, rule or regulation adopted by SAIC in the interests of health, safety, and proper conduct of the students and orderly and efficient operation and administration of the SAIC dining facilities. In the event that SAIC terminates this agreement regarding Meal Plan or enrollment at SAIC, no refund or credit will be due to the Resident/Student.

    Meal Plan Schedule

    Dining service will be available throughout Sessions 1–5. Specific dates and times will be posted.

    Assignment and Modification

    Neither this agreement, nor the Meal Plan, may be assigned or transferred by the resident/student. SAIC reserves the right to make reasonable modifications or amendments to these Terms and Conditions that shall be effective upon notice to the resident/student.

    Governing Law

    This agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois and any actions brought concerning it shall be brought in the state or federal courts located in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.

ECP Summer Institute Housing Handbook

For more information, refer to the handbook. Check back in spring for the summer 2025 update. 

ECP Summer Institute Housing Handbook

Contact Us

Continuing Studies staff members are available Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. CT at 312.629.6170 or cs@saic.edu to answer your questions. We are here to help!