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Roosevelt University is a private, progressive liberal arts and professional university at 430 S Michigan Avenue in Chicago's South Loop. Founded in 1945 and named for Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, the university has a strong tradition of social justice and broad access to higher education. Roosevelt enrolls roughly 3,000 to 4,000 students in arts and sciences, business, education, and the performing arts. The campus sits directly across from Grant Park and the lakefront, steps from the Art Institute of Chicago and connected to the entire city by transit. Because Roosevelt has a limited residential footprint, most students rent in Chicago's surrounding neighborhoods, making the city's large rental market the primary housing option.
Roosevelt University does not enforce a mandatory live-on requirement for first-year students, as the university operates as a primarily commuter and urban campus. Students have the option to live in university housing if space is available, but many freshmen choose to rent privately given the school's downtown Chicago location.
All enrolled Roosevelt students, including freshmen, are generally eligible to live off campus. The university's urban South Loop location and its culture as a commuter-friendly institution mean that living in the broader Chicago rental market is a standard and well-supported option from day one. Students have access to dozens of neighborhoods via the Chicago Transit Authority rail and bus network.
Chicago leases typically run on a September 1 or October 1 cycle, with the most active search period falling between January and April for fall move-ins. Roosevelt students should begin browsing listings in late winter to secure units in popular neighborhoods. Unlike smaller college towns, Chicago's large rental inventory means last-minute searchers can still find options, though desirable South Loop and near-downtown units lease quickly.
Housing policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Roosevelt University before signing a lease.
Students aiming to live in the South Loop, Printer's Row, or other neighborhoods very close to Roosevelt's Michigan Avenue campus should start their search in January or February for a fall lease. Units directly adjacent to the campus and Grant Park are limited in number and tend to be leased by current residents or new tenants well before spring. Starting early also allows time to visit multiple properties and compare pricing across neighborhoods before committing.
The busiest rental season in Chicago runs from February through April, when landlords list available fall units and competition across the city picks up. Roosevelt students searching during this window will have the widest selection of apartments in neighborhoods like South Loop, Near West Side, Lincoln Park, and Wicker Park. Waiting until May or June is still workable in Chicago's large market, but the best-priced units in the most convenient locations will likely be gone.
Chicago is one of the largest rental markets in the United States, and students who search in summer or early fall will still find apartments available across many neighborhoods. Areas farther from the South Loop campus, such as Logan Square, Pilsen, or Bridgeport, tend to have more late-availability inventory at competitive prices. Roosevelt students relying on the CTA Red or Green lines can commute from a wide range of neighborhoods without needing a car.
The closest neighborhoods to Roosevelt, with modern high-rise apartments and converted lofts within walking distance of campus and Grant Park.
Around UIC, accessible by transit and popular with graduate and professional students wanting a lively urban environment at a slightly lower price point.
Classic Chicago neighborhoods with abundant restaurants, bars, and lakefront access, popular with undergraduates, though rents are higher.
On the Northwest Side, a creative, arts-focused community with lower rents and strong Blue Line transit back to campus.
Just southwest of the South Loop, an affordable and culturally rich neighborhood popular with students who prioritize budget and community character.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
No, Roosevelt University does not have a mandatory live-on requirement for first-year students. The university operates largely as an urban commuter campus, and students of all years are welcome to rent privately in Chicago's neighborhoods.
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