Housing and Community

Housing and Community Resources

On-Campus and Off-Campus Housing

There are various on-campus housing options for PhD students at Northwestern University. Graduate housing can accommodate students as well as their families. On-campus graduate housing include Engelhart Hall, McManus Center, and Garrett Place Apartments.

Northwestern offers resources to assist students in securing off-campus housing. Their website includes the "How To's" of finding housing, securing a roommate, and rights and responsibilities as well as tips and advice. 

International students may find temporary housing through the Foster Families and Home Stays for International Students Program. The program, offered through the Community Council for International Students, provides temporary housing for international students who are looking for permanent housing.

 

Getting Around

U-Pass

The University Pass (U-Pass) is a discounted fare card for all Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) fares and may be used 365 days a year on CTA trains and busses. Students must choose to opt in on a quarterly basis to take advantage of this program and to have their U-Pass activated.

Northwestern University Shuttles

Northwestern offers several shuttles for Northwestern students, faculty and staff. The Northwestern Intercampus shuttle is a bus that takes students to various destinations on the Evanston and Chicago campuses. The shuttle is free to Northwestern students and employees who provide a current WildCARD (Northwestern ID card).

SafeRide

SafeRide is a service provided to members of the Northwestern community as a safe and free alternative to walking alone after dark. The service is offered for enhanced student safety and is not intended to be used as a taxi service. 

Parking on Campus

Students can also drive to campus. Students living off campus are eligible for a Northwestern parking permit available from the Parking Office. Please note: Parking on campus is free after 4:00 p.m. on weekdays and free on weekends.

Obtaining an Illinois Driver’s License

For those who do not have a driver’s license or need an Illinois driver’s license, they should contact the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office. The Secretary of State’s Office provides a list of services on their website.

 

Community Resources

Graduate School Commons

The Graduate School Commons is located at 2122 Sheridan Road, Evanston, 1st Floor. The Graduate School has space for general use by graduate students to study, hold small gatherings, etc.

Office of International Student and Scholar Services

OISS hosts a variety of international and multicultural programs throughout the year.

Women's Center

The Women's Center pursues gender justice for staff, faculty, and students through advocacy, support, education, and research. 

Northwestern University Graduate Student Association (NUGSA)

The Northwestern University Graduate Student Association strives to inform graduate students of available university resources. The GSA website provides summaries for students looking for resources.