UChi Students & Alumni Taking Questions Forum

[Dany]

I think most people who are working in other cities just leave all their stuff in the Chicago apartment and try to sublet it as a furnished apartment. I don't think there are tons of people looking to sublet in Hyde Park for the summer, though, but perhaps someone who's tried this can chime in?

A ton of people I know got furniture from Ikea, and that seemed to work out really well. I had a lot of success looking for stuff on Craigslist as well (but I looked for a while because I wanted stuff in good condition).

As far as dealing with a roommate and apartment supplies, you just need to talk to the person. I very highly discourage splitting the cost of things like a TV, though. If you move out after 1L year you don't want to have to figure out who gets what and how much to pay for a now-used item. Just talk to them. If you're providing the furniture, perhaps they can get a TV or vice versa. Make a list of what you already have and go from there.

[GoodFood]

I think most people who are working in other cities just leave all their stuff in the Chicago apartment and try to sublet it as a furnished apartment. I don't think there are tons of people looking to sublet in Hyde Park for the summer, though, but perhaps someone who's tried this can chime in?

A ton of people I know got furniture from Ikea, and that seemed to work out really well. I had a lot of success looking for stuff on Craigslist as well (but I looked for a while because I wanted stuff in good condition).

As far as dealing with a roommate and apartment supplies, you just need to talk to the person. I very highly discourage splitting the cost of things like a TV, though. If you move out after 1L year you don't want to have to figure out who gets what and how much to pay for a now-used item. Just talk to them. If you're providing the furniture, perhaps they can get a TV or vice versa. Make a list of what you already have and go from there.

That had never crossed my mind. Good to know.

[Mad Hatter]

Question/PSA for fellow 0Ls as well as current students:
After a little research, it seems like short of physically apartment-hunting you are limited to basically two options: Regents or Grad Housing. Here is a back-of-the-napkin cost of each for 1L Year:

Grad Housing:
Studio: ~850 (depending on building)+$80 Parking = ~930
1B: ~950+$80 Parking =~$1030
2BR: ~1100+$80 Parking =~1180
Heat/Water/Gas seem to be included in almost all buildings, and furnished is like an extra $25 a month, if even.
Anywhere between a 30 second walk and 10 minute bike ride from the Law School.

Regents: (LinkRemoved)
Studio : ~$1000+$70 Utilities+$175 Parking+$50 Furniture=~$1295
One Bedroom: ~$1300+$70 Utilities+$175 Parking+$50 Furniture=~$1595
2BR: ~$1800+$70 Utilities+$175 Parking+$50 Furniture=~$2095
Assumes $600 in total furniture cost (it will be much higher if you're buying from IKEA).
$400 Non-Refundable app/move-in fee (so add like $35 more per month).
15-20 minute shuttle from Law School.
Free Gym (though you already have membership to UChi Gyms), In-building Mini-grocery, etc...

And the biggest kicker: As mentioned earlier, Grad Housing is a 9-month lease, while The Regents (and other "normal" buildings) has a 12-month minimum. If you can't find a sublet for whatever reason, that's a lot of money to piss away.

For those who live/plan on living in The Regents: Why? Do you think the premium was/is worth it? Am I missing something? I find it kind of strange that as debt-conscious/averse as people are around here, people ITT and on the Facebook page are just taking for granted that they need to spring for Regents...

[Emma.]

Question/PSA for fellow 0Ls as well as current students:
After a little research, it seems like short of physically apartment-hunting you are limited to basically two options: Regents or Grad Housing. Here is a back-of-the-napkin cost of each for 1L Year:

Grad Housing:
Studio: ~850 (depending on building)+$80 Parking = ~930
1B: ~950+$80 Parking =~$1030
2BR: ~1100+$80 Parking =~1180
Heat/Water/Gas seem to be included in almost all buildings, and furnished is like an extra $25 a month, if even.
Anywhere between a 30 second walk and 10 minute bike ride from the Law School.

Regents: (LinkRemoved)
Studio : ~$1000+$70 Utilities+$175 Parking+$50 Furniture=~$1295
One Bedroom: ~$1300+$70 Utilities+$175 Parking+$50 Furniture=~$1595
2BR: ~$1800+$70 Utilities+$175 Parking+$50 Furniture=~$2095
Assumes $600 in total furniture cost (it will be much higher if you're buying from IKEA).
$400 Non-Refundable app/move-in fee (so add like $35 more per month).
15-20 minute shuttle from Law School.
Free Gym and stuff (though you already have membership to Ratner Gym...).

And the biggest kicker: As mentioned earlier, Grad Housing is a 9-month lease, while The Regents (and other "normal" buildings) has a 12-month minimum. If you can't find a sublet for whatever reason, that's a lot of money to piss away.

For those who live/plan on living in The Regents: Why? Do you think the premium was/is worth it? Am I missing something? I find it kind of strange that as debt-conscious/averse as people are around here, people ITT and on the Facebook page are just taking for granted that they need to spring for Regents...

Why would you be limited to these two? What about Algonquin, Del Prado, Padmapper....?

[Mad Hatter]

Algonquin/Del Prado seem marginally cheaper (10-15% cheaper rent, $150 parking), but I simply could't find as much info on their websites. As for Padmapper/HotPads, do people use them long-distance? Personally, I wouldn't feel comfortable doing something like that without being on location and checking out the place. For those that have the option, great, but it seems like most do not...

[nordicsair]

Question/PSA for fellow 0Ls as well as current students:
After a little research, it seems like short of physically apartment-hunting you are limited to basically two options: Regents or Grad Housing. Here is a back-of-the-napkin cost of each for 1L Year:

Grad Housing:
Studio: ~850 (depending on building)+$80 Parking = ~930
1B: ~950+$80 Parking =~$1030
2BR: ~1100+$80 Parking =~1180
Heat/Water/Gas seem to be included in almost all buildings, and furnished is like an extra $25 a month, if even.
Anywhere between a 30 second walk and 10 minute bike ride from the Law School.

Regents: (LinkRemoved)
Studio : ~$1000+$70 Utilities+$175 Parking+$50 Furniture=~$1295
One Bedroom: ~$1300+$70 Utilities+$175 Parking+$50 Furniture=~$1595
2BR: ~$1800+$70 Utilities+$175 Parking+$50 Furniture=~$2095
Assumes $600 in total furniture cost (it will be much higher if you're buying from IKEA).
$400 Non-Refundable app/move-in fee (so add like $35 more per month).
15-20 minute shuttle from Law School.
Free Gym (though you already have membership to UChi Gyms), In-building Mini-grocery, etc...

And the biggest kicker: As mentioned earlier, Grad Housing is a 9-month lease, while The Regents (and other "normal" buildings) has a 12-month minimum. If you can't find a sublet for whatever reason, that's a lot of money to piss away.

For those who live/plan on living in The Regents: Why? Do you think the premium was/is worth it? Am I missing something? I find it kind of strange that as debt-conscious/averse as people are around here, people ITT and on the Facebook page are just taking for granted that they need to spring for Regents...

My Regents 2BR rent is ~$350 less than what you're quoting. An important part of the price is access to all the buses, including the 6 to the city. I've never felt the need for a car, which means not paying that parking fee. There are some other useful amenities (free printing, drycleaning/tailor in the building, package valet, etc.).
Obviously it's still going to come out more expensive, but there are factors that can make it worth it for you. It will depend on your preferences.

[Mad Hatter]

Yeah $1450ish is the cheapest you'll get a 2BR for, I was just taking the approx. average of the range. For those who don't have a car, how much do you pay per month in bus tickets/cards?

[nordicsair]

Yeah $1450ish is the cheapest you'll get a 2BR for, I was just taking the approx. average of the range. For those who don't have a car, how much do you pay per month in bus tickets/cards?

the 171/172 are free for you. a trip to the city using a ctapass costs $2 each way for the 2/6 (or other bus), + unlimited transfers for an additional $.25

[Xifeng]

If you live in HP, your only transportation costs (without a car) will be however much you take the bus downtown. Or bum rides off of friends.

Unless you are just jumping on the Regents train, I really suggest visiting sometime over the summer and going to look at apartments. I thought I was going to end up in a certain building and ended up loving another. If you can't make it out to Chicago, then in reality your best bet is the big buildings.

If you live in HP, I wouldn't count on being able to get a subletter for the summer. People do it, but you're going to be so busy spring quarter you have more important shit to deal with. I feel like most of the people who are going elsewhere for the summer (1) have parents/friends to crash with in their destination city, so no double rent, (2) their SO is staying in their apartment, (3) they are paying double rent.

It'll be fine, guys. You'll find your very own apartment to cry in while writing your brief spring quarter.

[nordicsair]

If you live in HP, I wouldn't count on being able to get a subletter for the summer. People do it, but you're going to be so busy spring quarter you have more important shit to deal with. I feel like most of the people who are going elsewhere for the summer (1) have parents/friends to crash with in their destination city, so no double rent, (2) their SO is staying in their apartment, (3) they are paying double rent.

I may have just been lucky, but I've found sublettors for my Regents apt both summers. If you're interested in subletting, just get your apt out there early.

[Xifeng]

If you live in HP, I wouldn't count on being able to get a subletter for the summer. People do it, but you're going to be so busy spring quarter you have more important shit to deal with. I feel like most of the people who are going elsewhere for the summer (1) have parents/friends to crash with in their destination city, so no double rent, (2) their SO is staying in their apartment, (3) they are paying double rent.

I may have just been lucky, but I've found sublettors for my Regents apt both summers. If you're interested in subletting, just get your apt out there early.

I've just heard some people complaining about it lately, but that's awesome!

[Mad Hatter]

Thanks for the responses so far (and this entire thread, for that matter), really helpful stuff. I definitely plan on visiting sometime, though grad housing seems like the best option for me simply because of the 9-month rent option and dirt-cheap rent. I'm trying to figure out a monthly budget atm, and it's proving...hard to swallow. I'm probably being too cheap, but I'll be damned if lawl school isn't too expensive already.

[skers]

How much would should I expect to drop in utilities at Regents or similar places?

[Mad Hatter]

How much would should I expect to drop in utilities at Regents or similar places?

http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 5#p4247108

and

http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 0#p4244531

[skers]

How much would should I expect to drop in utilities at Regents or similar places?

http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 5#p4247108

Thanks bro.

[knickerbocker]

By the way, how long are these springs quarter briefs?
Also, are you graded just on the written component or the oral on as well?

[0L Hoping for 1]

By the way, how long are these springs quarter briefs?
Also, are you graded just on the written component or the oral on as well?

I think 4500 words max. Not graded on oral.

[GoodFood]

These are the rental ranges on Regent's website:

RENTAL INFORMATION

Apartment Size Apx. Sq. Ft. Rent Range
Studio 550 - 650 $1045 - $1290
One Bedroom 715 - 750 $1170 - $1605
Two Bed / Two Bath 1,095 - 1,140 $1550 - $2100
Three Bed / Two Bath 1,255 $2025 - $2450
Four Bed / Four Bath 2,120 $3100 - $3200

Are the 2BR+ prices PER PERSON? Or total...

I was under the impression that that was the total monthly price...

[Xifeng]

That would be total.

[Mad Hatter]

Not graded on oral.

Not very rigorous

[GoodFood]

That would be total.

Thank...God. Just had a mini panic attack. It seemed like Mad Hatter was presenting these prices as what HE would pay. Never mind, carry on!

[Mad Hatter]

That would be total.

Thank...God. Just had a mini panic attack. It seemed like Mad Hatter was presenting these prices as his what HE would pay. Never mind, carry on!

The prices I quoted are the approximate mean "law school special" rents for each apartment type, before adjustment for # of occupants.

[GoodFood]

That would be total.

Thank...God. Just had a mini panic attack. It seemed like Mad Hatter was presenting these prices as his what HE would pay. Never mind, carry on!

The prices I quoted are the approximate mean "law school special" rents for each apartment type, before adjustment for # of occupants.

Yeah I got that now.

[echamberlin8]

No real questions here. Just popping in to say that I'm very interested in applying to UChi this fall. Do you guys feel close enough to downtown Chicago to feel connected at all to the city?

What are your overall thoughts on UChi? Is it worth going to over, say, NYU? I plan to work in NYC, but I figure that maybe taking a break in another city before going there might be worth it, but I've heard that Chicago is somewhat far away from the actual city, and feels isolated/somewhat depressing. I am considering it, though.

Is it true that they look more at the LSAT than at your GPA in comparison to other peer schools? I've heard that before, but Columbia/NYU seem to be more willing to accept people in with high LSATs and low GPAs. For reference, my GPA is a 3.73. Studying for the October LSAT now....

[Dany]

No real questions here. Just popping in to say that I'm very interested in applying to UChi this fall. Do you guys feel close enough to downtown Chicago to feel connected at all to the city?

What are your overall thoughts on UChi? Is it worth going to over, say, NYU? I plan to work in NYC, but I figure that maybe taking a break in another city before going there might be worth it, but I've heard that Chicago is somewhat far away from the actual city, and feels isolated/somewhat depressing. I am considering it, though.

Is it true that they look more at the LSAT than at your GPA in comparison to other peer schools? I've heard that before, but Columbia/NYU seem to be more willing to accept people in with high LSATs and low GPAs. For reference, my GPA is a 3.73. Studying for the October LSAT now....

I love Hyde Park and still feel connected to the city and go downtown a lot. Some people hate Hyde Park and complain about it. It's all personal preference, so it just depends on what you're looking for.

UChicago is a great school, but so is NYU. Among CCN, I'm a huge proponent of following the money. I was lucky that UChicago was my first choice and gave me by far the best scholarship, but had NYU given me more money, I would have attended NYU. I also think "somewhat far" and "isolated/depressing" are pretty silly. You can live downtown if you want. Coming from small towns/suburbs, I think getting into the city is a breeze and much prefer the cheaper rent here in Hyde Park, but really, it's all just personal opinion.

GPA is more important here than at peer schools in recent years. Our median GPA is a 3.87, which is well above NYU and Columbia.