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Wheaton College is a private, nondenominational Christian liberal arts college located in Wheaton, Illinois, approximately 25 miles west of Chicago. The college enrolls around 2,400 undergraduate students and is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts institutions in the country. Wheaton emphasizes rigorous academics alongside a strong Christian faith commitment, attracting students from across the United States and internationally. The residential campus sits in the heart of the well-kept suburban community of Wheaton, with access to Chicago via the Metra train.
Wheaton College requires all full-time undergraduate students to live on campus unless they qualify for a specific exemption. This requirement reflects the college's strong emphasis on residential community life as part of the undergraduate educational experience.
Students may apply for off-campus housing permission if they are married, living with a parent or legal guardian within commuting distance, or meet other criteria outlined by the college's student life office. Senior students with demonstrated need may also petition for off-campus approval in limited circumstances.
Because Wheaton's live-on requirement limits the off-campus market primarily to grad students, married students, and those with approved exemptions, the rental market in Wheaton is less student-dominated than typical college towns. Students who do secure off-campus approval should begin their apartment search in January or February to coincide with the typical spring leasing cycle in the Chicago suburbs.
Housing policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Wheaton College before signing a lease.
Students at Wheaton College who qualify for off-campus housing should begin their search in January or February to take advantage of the widest inventory in the area. The Wheaton rental market is competitive due to the desirability of the suburb, so early action secures better locations and pricing.
The busiest rental period in Wheaton runs from February through April, when units for the following fall are being signed at a rapid pace. Graduate students, seminary students at nearby institutions, and approved upperclassmen all compete for the same limited stock of rental housing in this window.
Students who begin their housing search after May will find fewer options in walkable distance of campus but can still find rentals in surrounding suburbs like Glen Ellyn, Carol Stream, or Winfield. Metra train access from those communities keeps commuting to Wheaton manageable without a car.
Streets including Washington Street and President Street between downtown Wheaton and the college, the most convenient options.
Walkable from campus, with a Metra station, restaurants, and everyday services.
Slightly farther out near the Wheaton North train station, with good rental options at somewhat lower price points.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Yes, Wheaton College requires all full-time undergraduates to live on campus with limited exceptions for married students, those living with parents nearby, or others who meet specific criteria. Students seeking an exemption must apply through the college's student life office.