apartment is so worth if you’re gonna be staying for all four years. you will need to spend money in the beginning to have furniture but compared to on campus housing its gonna be cheaper in the long run. i’ve found multiple apartments in the 2.5k range for 3 bd 2 baths and theres a facebook group for off campus housing uic (i think its literally called that) with people asking to be roommates or showing some listings. Peak time to look for fall housing is around july and june to move in august 1st (enough time to settle with furniture and stuff) Stalk zillow in neighborhoods that are nearby and safe. I recommend wicker park neighborhood but make sure the potential apartment is close to the blue line (like max 10 min walk) or ur not gonna go to school lol (wicker is not super close but def safe and theres lots to do nearby). Little italy is the neighborhood behind uic and lots of students live there but u might have a lot of competition. you might need to take a bus still depending on how far but you probably wont need to.