Housing near Illinois Institute of Technology: What Campus Reviews Reveal
Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) is a private research university located at 10 W 35th St in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. With a QS World University ranking of 591 and a Google rating of 4.3 based on 470 reviews, the institution attracts a mix of domestic and international students. However, several student reviews on Google indicate administrative and academic challenges that may influence where you choose to live while studying here. Below is a neutral summary of what campus reviews reveal, followed by practical housing guidance.
What Student Reviews Say
Student reviews on Google are mixed, with some expressing frustration with administrative processes. For example, one reviewer noted:
“Absolutely one of the worst experiences I have ever gone through without even taking a single course! I was accepted into their Master’s program back in early August ’26, meeting all deadlines, and they couldn’t get my account ready in time to register for the fall semester, so I had to defer.”
Another reviewer shared post-graduation difficulties:
“If you’re reading this please don’t study here. This is one of the worst colleges you can join to study and even after graduating. It’s been months I am waiting on my diploma and haven’t received it. No one answers the call on academic affairs or office of registrar. Feels like waste of money.”
A third commented on the academic experience:
“I was enrolled for 6 weeks as a masters student and had a poor experience from start to finish. I had 3 academic advisers be unresponsive to me as I enrolled in the program. 2/4 classes had subpar instruction which included classes not occurring from technical difficulties, incorrect homework sets…”
Finally, a prospective student who visited campus said:
“I was accepted to this university and came very close to accepting. However, after visiting the campus and considering various factors, I ultimately decided not to attend. … my review is solely based on my experience visiting the campus and its facilities; I did not [attend].”
While these reviews reflect individual experiences, they point to possible administrative delays and communication issues. For students planning to live near campus, a stable, nearby residence can help mitigate the stress of commuting if on-campus logistics are slow.
City Context: Chicago’s Rental Market
Chicago is a large, diverse city with a wide range of housing options. IIT’s main campus is in the Bronzeville area on the South Side, roughly 3 miles south of the Loop. The neighborhood is historically significant and has seen recent redevelopment. Rental prices vary significantly by location, building age, and amenities. According to data from the same independent housing platform, there are currently 95 rental listings near IIT, with prices starting from approximately 600 USD per month for a room or small studio. This figure is indicative — confirm with the operator.
The broader Chicago market includes popular student areas such as Hyde Park (home to the University of Chicago), the Near South Side, and northern neighborhoods like Lincoln Park. However, for IIT students, living in Bronzeville or adjacent areas (e.g., Douglas, Grand Boulevard) offers proximity to campus. Commuting from other parts of the city is possible via the CTA Red, Green, and Orange Lines, as well as buses.
Budget Bands
Rental budgets near IIT can be grouped into three general categories. All prices are indicative — confirm with the operator.
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Budget-friendly (600–900 USD/month): Shared apartments or studios in older buildings, often with basic amenities. Many listings in this band are located a 20–30 minute walk from campus or require a short bus or train ride. Examples include some rooms in buildings like June Homes 60647 (which is actually in Logan Square, but serves as a general indicator of lower-cost shared housing in the city). Be aware that lower price often comes with less maintenance or longer commutes.
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Mid-range (900–1,400 USD/month): One-bedroom apartments or upgraded studios within a 15-minute walk or 5-minute transit ride from IIT. This band includes properties like Prairie Shores Bronzeville and Scio At The Medical District. Prairie Shores Bronzeville is a large apartment complex on the lakefront near 31st and Lake Shore Drive, offering studios and one-bedrooms with parking and a pool. Scio At The Medical District is on the Near West Side, close to the Illinois Medical District, and is a 10–15 minute drive or bus ride to IIT. Tailor Lofts (a converted industrial building in the South Loop) also falls into this range, appealing to students who want proximity to downtown and campus.
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Upper-range (1,400 USD/month and above): Newer luxury buildings, often with gyms, doormen, and on-site laundry. Examples include The Buckingham, located at 3600 S State St – directly across from the IIT campus – offering studios and one-bedrooms with modern finishes and a 24-hour fitness center. Living in such buildings reduces commute time to zero and provides a more polished living environment, though at a higher cost.
Walk vs. Transit Trade-off
IIT’s campus is compact and walkable. Many academic buildings are within a 10-minute walk from each other. The surrounding neighborhood – bounded by 31st St to the north, 35th St to the south, Michigan Ave to the west, and Lake Michigan to the east – is mostly residential and commercial along key corridors.
Walking is realistic if you live within a 1-mile radius. Areas south of 35th St (toward 43rd St) and east of King Drive remain walkable, but some blocks have limited street lighting. The campus itself is generally considered safe, though students should exercise usual urban caution. Walking directly from a nearby apartment (like The Buckingham or other buildings on State St) saves money on transit and provides flexibility for late-night study sessions.
Transit becomes necessary if you choose housing farther out. The CTA Red Line stops at 35th-Bronzeville-IIT station (on the corner of 35th and State St), which is a major hub. Green and Orange Lines also serve the area. Buses such as the #35 (31st/35th) and #39 (Pershing) run east-west and north-south. A commute from a budget-friendly area in, say, Uptown or Edgewater may take 40–50 minutes one way. That adds up to about 7 hours per week – time that could be spent studying or resting.
For many international students, the trade-off is: cheaper rent on the margins vs. time and transit cost. A monthly CTA pass costs about 75 USD (full fare), but students may qualify for reduced fares through the U-Pass program (available only if the university participates – check with IIT’s student affairs). If you plan to rely on transit, confirm that your building is within a 10-minute walk of a station that directly serves the 35th-Bronzeville-IIT stop.
Shortlist Logic Using Nearby Residences
Based on the given sample of 95 listings in the Chicago area, here is the logic for shortlisting five specific properties near IIT. Remember: prices are indicative — confirm with the operator.
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The Buckingham – 3600 S State St. Directly across the street from IIT. Studio and one-bedroom units. On-site fitness center, 24-hour front desk. Minimal commute. High monthly rent (likely 1,400+). Good for students who value time and convenience.
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Prairie Shores Bronzeville – 2900 S Lake Shore Dr. Lakefront location, about a 10-minute drive (or 20-minute walk) to campus. Studios and one-bedrooms. Amenities include pool, parking, and 24-hour maintenance. Mid-range pricing. Suitable for students who want a quieter, green environment.
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Scio At The Medical District – Near 2100 W Harrison St, about 15 minutes by bus or car to IIT. Studio and one-bedroom lofts. Modern interiors, business center. Mid- to upper-mid range. Good for students with classes at both IIT and the nearby medical campus.
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Tailor Lofts – South Loop, near Michigan Ave and 14th St. Converted loft spaces. Close to downtown and a 15–20 minute Red Line ride to campus. Mid- to high range. Ideal for those who prefer an urban, loft-style living and don’t mind a moderate commute.
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June Homes 60647 – Located in Logan Square (60647 zip code), about 6 miles northwest of campus. This is a shared-housing provider offering furnished rooms. Budget-friendly, with rents around 600–800 USD. Suitable for students on a tight budget who can tolerate a 45-minute commute via Blue Line + Red Line transfer. Not recommended if you need frequent campus access.
When shortlisting, consider your budget, tolerance for travel, and need for amenities. Visit the area in person or use virtual tours to assess noise, security, and maintenance. For international students who cannot visit, request a video walkthrough and read lease terms carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I find affordable housing near IIT in 2026–2027?
Use a student housing platform that lists verified rentals, such as the one that provided the data for this article. Start your search at least 2–3 months before the term. Set filters for “up to 1 mile from IIT” and budget (e.g., 600–900 USD). Check availability and read reviews from previous tenants. Note that many buildings require a security deposit and proof of enrollment. All prices are indicative – confirm with the operator before signing.
Q: Is it safe to walk around campus after dark?
IIT’s campus is patrolled by public safety officers and has blue light emergency phones. The immediate area around State St and 35th St is generally well-lit. However, some residential streets to the west and south may have less foot traffic. Consider walking in groups, especially late at night. Choose housing within a 10-minute walk from the campus core, such as The Buckingham or buildings on Michigan Ave south of 31st St. Avoid alleys and poorly lit corners.
Q: Should I rely on public transit or bring a car?
If you live within 1 mile of campus, walking or biking is easier and cheaper. If you live farther, the Red Line is the most direct option. Driving can be convenient, but parking on campus is limited and expensive (typically 100–200 USD per month for a permit). On-street parking in Bronzeville is possible but may require a city permit. For most students, a combination of walking and transit works best. Evaluate your class schedule – if you have early or late classes, a car may give you more flexibility, but factor in parking and insurance costs.
Data current as of 2026. Rates and availability may change. Always confirm details with the property operator.
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