Exterior shot of the Gene Siskel Film Center.

Class of ‘23: Peak Memories

Study Trips, Critiques, and Friends for Life

What makes for four unforgettable years? Some graduating seniors sum it up. On the list: soaking up the sun in the museum’s sculpture gardens and blowing fuses while blow drying papier-mâché.
Interior shot of students gathered around the lounge outside CAPX offices.

Chicago’s Cultural Landscape

At SAIC, you’re part of a community of faculty, alums, and students who fuel Chicago’s cultural life—and have done for decades. Today they’re behind many of the city’s most exciting hubs. Located in old manufacturing buildings, apartments, and backyards, these spaces are rooted in Chicago’s history of community building. Through an emphasis on space-making, SAIC's extended community is creating a richer and more inclusive future for the city by providing neighbors with easy access to art and design, and emerging artists with opportunities to showcase their work. Take a look.

A student pinning up a sketch on a wall of various drawings of outfits.

Undergraduate Exhibition

At the Undergraduate Exhibition every fall and spring semester, SAIC seniors completing undergraduate degrees exhibit innovative, cross-disciplinary work that challenges assumptions in the art and design world.

SAIC Meets ART on THE MART

Associate Professor Jan Tichy gave students in the Art and Technology / Sound Practices and Photography departments an opportunity of a lifetime—creating digital installation work for ART on THE MART’s winter programming.

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Art on the Mart on display

Student Made, Student Run

    The Student Community

    The SAIC community is tight-knit, and whether you live on campus or in one of Chicago’s neighborhoods, you’ll have many opportunities to connect beyond the classroom and studio — from student groups to all-school barbecues and fashion shows to lectures by visiting artists and designers.

    2017 International Orientation, ballroom filled with students seated around round tables.

    Places to Live

    As a resident of one of our three residence halls, you can immerse yourself in a community of fellow artists and designers, live right in the heart of Chicago's Loop, and enjoy conveniences you won't find in most student apartments. With 24-hour security and live-in staff, you can feel supported as you live and learn.

    A student sits in a windowsill reading a book in the 162 North State Residence Hall.

    Things to Do

    More than 50 student groups and a full schedule of events help give SAIC its nonstop energy. Take part in school-wide events, join groups that reflect your passions—and start one yourself—or contribute to SAIC’s award-winning F Newsmagazine or Free Radio SAIC. You can also explore exhibition opportunities at two student-run SITE Galleries.

    Students at outdoor tables.

    Staying Healthy

    Health is more than physical well-being. It’s the whole of you—body and mind. That’s why SAIC’s Wellness Center offers a full range of counseling and health services, plus meditation sessions, fitness center discounts, and the Disability and Learning Resources Center.

    Students sitting at cafe tables outside reading, talking, and working.
    Participants on the Full Circle Workshop working at the site of Soil Lab’s Ceramic Workshop at the 2021 Chicago Architecture Biennial.

    Making Community

    SAIC students collaborate with local residents and artists in Chicago's historic Homan Square neighborhood to catalyze social change. Working hand-in-hand with the community, students organize projects like Community Care Sessions and Youth Workshops that integrate studio art practices with civic engagement.

    An image of Millennium Park.

    Safety at SAIC

    SAIC is located in Chicago's bustling Loop, the heart of the city. Our campus is near Millennium Park, multiple tourist attractions, and a thriving theater district. For enhanced safety, SAIC students also have access to campus escorts and ride services.

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