University of Illinois ChicagoStudent Guide

Academic dates, campus language, housing, and student-life references for University of Illinois Chicago. Free for students.

Public Research University in Chicago, IL. Operating on a semester system.

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Free for all University of Illinois Chicago students. No credit card required.

34K+

Total Enrollment

Research University

Institution Type

32

Housing Buildings

Student guide · Fall 2026 Eight-week Part of Term A

The semester, explained for University of Illinois Chicago

Dates from the active academic calendar, plus the campus language and local details students actually need. Every entry comes from DormWay's approved campus reference library.

Relevant term
Fall 2026 Eight-week Part of Term A
Campus terms
31
Local details
19

Academic calendar

Fall 2026 Eight-week Part of Term A runs Aug 24, 2026 – Oct 16, 2026. Calendar aliases that share a date range are grouped together, with every source term still shown.

32 entries
  1. Summer Session 2 2026
  2. Fall 2026 Eight-week Part of Term AFall Semester 2026 Part of Term ARelevant now
  3. Fall Semester 2026
  4. Fall 2026 Eight-week Part of Term B
  5. Fall Semester 2026 Part of Term B
  6. Spring 2027 Eight-week Part of Term ASpring Semester 2027 Part of Term A
  7. Spring Semester 2027
  8. Spring 2027 Eight-week Part of Term B
  9. Spring Semester 2027 Part of Term B
  10. Summer Session 1 (4-Week Session) 2027Summer Session 1 (4-week) 2027Summer Session 1 2027
  11. Summer Session 2 2027
  12. Summer Session 2 (8-Week Session) 2027Summer Session 2 (8-week) 2027
  13. Fall 2027 Eight-week Part of Term AFall Semester 2027 Part of Term A
  14. Fall Semester 2027
  15. Fall 2027 Eight-week Part of Term B
  16. Fall Semester 2027 Part of Term B
  17. Spring 2028 Eight-week Part of Term A
  18. Spring Semester 2028
  19. Spring 2028 Eight-week Part of Term B
  20. Summer Session 1 (4-Week Session) 2028Summer Session 1 (4-week) 2028Summer Session 1 2028
  21. Summer Session 2028
  22. Summer Session 2 2028
  23. Summer Session 2 (8-Week Session) 2028Summer Session 2 (8-week) 2028

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Campus language

Search the full glossary. Nothing is sampled or hidden when the search field is empty.

31 terms

A

ARC
Academic and Residential Complex, a modern mixed-use dorm and classroom building.

B

BSU
Black Student Union, a major student organization focused on the interests and community of Black students.

C

CMW
Commons West, one of the traditional residence halls in the East Campus cluster.
CMW/CME/CMN
Commons West, East, and North; the traditional-style residence halls located near the Student Center East.
CSI
Center for Student Involvement, the office that oversees student clubs and Greek life.
CTH
Courtyard Hall, a residence hall known for its cluster-style living arrangements.

E

East Campus
The main part of the university located near the intersection of Halsted and Harrison.

F

Flames
The official nickname for UIC students, alumni, and athletic teams.
Flames Cash
Prepaid funds loaded onto a student's i-card used for dining, vending, and printing across campus.
Flames Fare
The declining balance currency used on student meal plans for campus retail dining.

I

Inner Circle
The food court area located on the first floor of Student Center East.

J

JST
James Stukel Towers, a suite-style residence hall on the south side of campus.
JST Dining
The dining hall located within the James Stukel Towers complex.

M

MRH
Marie Robinson Hall, an apartment-style residence hall primarily for upperclassmen.

S

SAB
Student Activities Board, the group responsible for planning major campus events.
SCE
Student Center East, the primary hub for dining and fast food on East Campus.
SCW
Student Center West, the main dining and service hub for the West Campus.
Spark
The name of the large-scale annual music festival and concert held for students.
Sparky
The name of the UIC dragon mascot.
SSR
Single Student Residence, a dorm located on the West Campus (Medical District).

T

TBH
Thomas Beckham Hall, an apartment-style residence hall.
The 7-Eleven
Specifically refers to the high-traffic 7-Eleven on Harrison Street, a common student landmark.
The Brutalist
A term often used by students to describe the specific architectural style of the East Campus buildings.
The Circle
A common shorthand reference to UIC's historical name, 'University of Illinois at Chicago Circle'.
The Maze
A nickname for the Behavioral Sciences Building (BSB) due to its notoriously difficult navigation.
The Pier
The cafeteria-style dining hall located on the second floor of Student Center East.
The Quad
The central outdoor grassy area on East Campus where students hang out and events are held.

U

UIC PC
UIC Programming Committee, a student-led group that organizes campus entertainment.
UICPC
UIC Programming Committee, the student-led group that organizes concerts and festivals like SPARK.
USG
Undergraduate Student Government, the primary representative body for students.

W

West Campus
The portion of campus located in the Illinois Medical District, home to health sciences and the hospital.

Places and practicalities

Buildings, logistics, and other local references drawn from the approved campus snapshot.

19 details
605_commons
605 Commons
BSB
Behavioral Sciences Building, famous for its confusing, non-linear architecture.
Flame Fare
A declining balance currency loaded onto the i-card for use at campus dining locations.
Handshake
The primary online portal used by UIC students for finding jobs and internships.
i-card
The official UIC identification card used for building access, library services, and meal plans.
Intercampus Shuttle
The free bus service that transports students between the East and West campuses.
jst_cafe
JST Cafe
LC
Lecture Centers, a series of buildings (LC-A through LC-F) where many large intro classes are held.
LCs
Lecture Centers, a series of underground classrooms (LC A through LC F) located in the center of East Campus.
Night Ride
A free safety shuttle service that provides transportation for students around the campus area after dark.
SEL
Science and Engineering Laboratories, a large complex for research and lab-based classes.
SEO
Science and Engineering Offices, a high-rise building housing faculty and department offices.
SES
Science and Engineering South, a major classroom and lab building.
subway
Subway
U-Pass
The CTA transit card provided to full-time students for unlimited bus and 'L' train rides.
UH
University Hall, the 28-story brutalist office tower that is the tallest building on campus.
UIC Alert
The emergency notification system that sends texts and emails regarding campus safety or weather closures.
UIC Safe
The official campus safety app that includes a 'Virtual Walkhome' and emergency reporting.
UIC Shuttle
The free bus service that transports students between the East, West, and South campuses.

Quick answers

Useful facts students can verify from the guide above.

What academic term is relevant now?
Fall 2026 Eight-week Part of Term A runs Aug 24, 2026 – Oct 16, 2026.
How much campus context is included?
31 approved campus terms and 19 local details are included in full.
Are all approved campus terms included?
Yes. The complete approved glossary is available in the scrollable, searchable campus-language section.
Where does this guide come from?
Calendar dates, campus terms, and local details come from DormWay's approved campus reference library.

Class of 2030 · University of Illinois Chicago

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Assisted

Find a few communities to try at University of Illinois Chicago

These are things we discovered from public campus sources. We are constantly looking for more.

Tell us what we missed

34 mapped items from 25 public sources

Interest filters
  • Major-aligned clubs, pre-professional groups, and research communities.
  • Performing arts, visual arts, student publications, film, and music.
  • Cultural orgs, identity communities, and faith-based groups.
  • Volunteer groups, civic engagement, mutual aid, and student government.
  • Outdoor clubs, intramural sports, club sports, and rec center programs.
  • Entrepreneurship, hackathon teams, makerspaces, and engineering project teams.
  • Casual hangouts, interest groups, and open events without applications.

Worth a look

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)

The UIC chapter of the world's largest educational and scientific computing society, offering workshops, tech talks, and networking events.

Open to all

Source: acm.uic.edu · Verified 26 days ago

Learn More

Chicago Flame

UIC's independent, student-run newspaper, covering campus news, sports, arts, and opinions.

Open to all

Source: chicagoflame.com · Verified 24 days ago

Read Online

Delta Phi Epsilon

A social sorority under the Collegiate Panhellenic Council (CPC), emphasizing sisterhood, scholarship, and philanthropy.

Invite only

Men's Volleyball Club

Provides an opportunity for students to play volleyball competitively against other universities.

Tryout required

Source: recreation.uic.edu · Verified 3 months ago

Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)

Students design, manufacture, test, and race two kinds of cars: a Formula-style car and an off-road mini Baja vehicle for collegiate competitions.

Regular commitment

Source: uicmotorsports.com · Verified 26 days ago

Learn More

UIC Dancing Flames

The official dance team of UIC, performing at athletic events, campus functions, and competing at the national level.

Tryout required

Resources & spaces

Career Services

Offers career advising, resume and cover letter reviews, mock interviews, career fairs, and workshops to help students and alumni with their career development.

Open to all

Using DormWay at University of Illinois Chicago

What the product handles for students.

Syllabus to schedule

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University of Illinois Chicago on DormWay

Current DormWay activity for this campus

48

Active Students

59

Syllabi Analyzed

50

Courses on DormWay

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Popular Courses

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Academic Writing I: Writing in Academic and Public Contexts - DetectionAnimal PhysiologyBA 100BHIS 505BHIS 515BIOS 220 (All)BUSINESS FIRST-YEAR SEMINAREcology and Evolution

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Life in Chicago for University of Illinois Chicago Students

Everything you need to know about living and studying in Chicago.

Timezone

Central Time (CT)

Median Rent

$1,500

Cost of Living Index

117

Student Population

275,000

City Transportation

Walkability

77

Bikeability

72

Public Transit

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) buses, CTA L rail system, Metra commuter rail

Nearest Airports

O Hare International Airport, Midway International Airport

Climate Averages

Climate

Humid continental

Avg Annual Temp

49°F

Avg Snowfall

37 in

Campus Operations Snapshot

Parking and Transit

Harrison Street Parking Structure (HSPS)

garage • High

Visitor and Card Access; located at 1100 W. Harrison.

Halsted/Taylor Parking Structure (HLPS)

garage • Moderate

Visitor and Card Access; located at 760 W. Taylor.

Maxwell Street Parking Structure (MSPS)

garage • Moderate

Visitor and Card Access; located at 701 W. Maxwell.

Lot 5

surface_lot • Low

Visitor, Card Access, and Meter; located at 1135 S. Morgan.

Campus News

Latest updates from University of Illinois Chicago

UIC sets enrollment record for second straight year

University of Illinois Chicago has achieved a new enrollment milestone, marking the second consecutive year of record-breaking student numbers.

Sep 11, 2026

Read More

UIC earns Age-Friendly University designation

UIC has been recognized for its commitment to creating an inclusive environment where older adults can learn, contribute, and stay engaged.

Sep 4, 2026

Read More

UIC researchers rewire ribosomes to specialize in one protein

Researchers at UIC have developed a method to rewire the cell's protein-making machinery, potentially leading to new tools for drug production.

Sep 4, 2026

Read More

UIC a top 50 best value in Washington Monthly 2026 rankings

UIC was ranked among the top 50 best value universities nationally and No. 1 in the Midwest among public universities.

Aug 31, 2026

Read More

Public Safety Advisory: Multiple burglaries to motor vehicles occurred at various locations on the East campus on September 11, 2026.

Public Safety Advisory: Multiple burglaries to motor vehicles occurred at various locations on the East campus on September 11, 2026.

Read More

Upcoming Events

What's happening at University of Illinois Chicago

Kinesiology Student Association: First GBM of the Semester!!

September 14, 2026

Physical Education Building

The first General Body Meeting of the semester for the Kinesiology Student Association.

UIC Night with the Chicago Cubs

September 16, 2026

Wrigley Field

A special night for the UIC community to attend a Chicago Cubs game together.

SPARK FEST 2026

September 19, 2026

UIC Campus

UIC's annual back-to-school music festival featuring local and national artists.

AHS Student Wellbeing Day

September 24, 2026

Applied Health Sciences Building (AHSB)

A day dedicated to student health and wellness activities within the College of Applied Health Sciences.

Fall Fest

September 29, 2026

UIC Campus

A campus-wide celebration featuring seasonal activities and student engagement opportunities.

Dorms & On-Campus Housing at University of Illinois Chicago

Various dorm and housing options are available for students.

30 known dorm and housing options. The first 24 are shown below; the rest are available in the expandable list.

Academic & Residential Complex

Capacity: 1,300

Room types: shared, semi-suite, private

Addams Hall

Allen Hall

Benton Hall

Commons North

Capacity: 500

Room types: various room types

Commons South

Capacity: 500

Room types: various room types

Commons West

Capacity: 500

Room types: various room types

Courtyard

Capacity: 400

Room types: suite

Courtyard at UIC

Courtyard North

Courtyard South

CTC Hall

Housing Office Hall listing

James Stukel Towers

Capacity: 600

Room types: various room types

Jane Addams Hall

Library Tower

Marie Robinson Hall

Capacity: 300

Room types: various room types

Markham Hall

Paulina Street Residence Hall

Polk Street Residence

Capacity: 200

Room types: various room types

Residence Halls (10 total, individual hall names not provided in the search results)

Room types: 32 different room styles

Single Student Residence

Capacity: 200

Room types: various room types

Street Residence

Student Residence Hall

Show the remaining 6 housing options

Thomas Beckham Hall

Capacity: 300

Room types: various room types

Townhomes

Townhomes and Apartments

Townsend Hall

Vigil Hall

Wood Hall

Campus Details

Academic System

Semester

Control

Public

Email Domain

@uic.edu

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