2 / THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE FOR OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHERE TO START ......................................................................................................................................... 3
QUESTIONS TO ASK ....................................................................................................................................... 4
COMMON RENTAL TERMS .......................................................................................................................... 5
HOUSING OPTIONS ........................................................................................................................................ 6
Grays Pointe Condominiums ................................................................................................................................. 6
Extended Stay Hotel .................................................................................................................................................. 7
The Willows at Grayslake ....................................................................................................................................... 8
Pembrook Club Apartments .................................................................................................................................. 9
Live with an American Family ............................................................................................................................ 10
CORT Furniture Rental.......................................................................................................................................... 11
UNDERSTANDING HOW TO SIGN A LEASE .......................................................................................... 12
UNDERSTANDING LEASING POLICY ...................................................................................................... 13
What is expected of me as a tenant .................................................................................................................. 13
ELECTRICITY SERVICE ............................................................................................................................... 15
SECURITY DEPOSIT ..................................................................................................................................... 16
WHAT IS A SECURITY DEPOSIT .......................................................................................................................... 16
HOW TO PROTECT THE SECURITY DEPOSIT ................................................................................................. 16
HOW TO GET THE SECURITY DEPOSIT BACK ................................................................................................ 16
YOUR RIGHTS ................................................................................................................................................ 17
TENANT’S GENERAL RIGHTS ............................................................................................................................... 17
LANDLORD OBLIGATION ...................................................................................................................................... 18
BEING A GOOD ROOMMATE ..................................................................................................................... 19
HOW TO BE A GOOD ROOMMAATE ................................................................................................................... 19
TIPS FOR TENANTS ..................................................................................................................................... 20
OFF CAMPUS LIVING ................................................................................................................................... 22
BUDGET TIPS FOR STUDENTS ............................................................................................................................ 22
GETTING AROUND ....................................................................................................................................... 24
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ................................................................................................................................. 24
HOUSING TRANSPORTATION FROM O’HARE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ......................................... 25
WHO TO CONTACT ...................................................................................................................................... 26