Illinois (IL)

Student survival guide for Illinois: documents, housing, daily costs, healthcare, student work rules, and personal finance.

Updated on: Jun 10, 2026

What changes in this state

Chicago vs rest of state: opposing costs and transportation — excellent CTA in the city, car elsewhere.
Flat income tax ~4.95% (simple but present) + high Cook County sales tax.
Harsh and windy winters; budget coats and heating.
Chicago rents lower than NYC but Hyde Park / Loop student areas are expensive.
UIC, UChicago, Northwestern, UIUC: very different experiences (urban vs college town).
Chicago Tenant Protections (RLTO) Stronger Than Rest IL.

Ideal if…

Who wants big city USA without NYC costs
Midwest students with top campuses (UChicago, UIUC)
Those who use the subway/bus and don't want cars in Chicago
Average rent budget with roommates

Harder if…

You can't stand sub-zero winters
UIUC campus without cars and without bikes
You are looking for zero state taxes
You expect California weather

First 7 days

Ventra/U-Pass Chicago if eligible student
Campus insurance + Chicago hospitals network
Account (Chase HQ region, BMO Harris)
Winter clothes if you arrive October–March
Check heat included in Chicago lease
Illinois ID if you drive or local services

Mistakes to avoid

Affittare Chicago senza capire south/west side safety maps
Underestimate wind chill —10 °C perceived
Don't pay Chicago city car sticker if you have a car
Sign UIUC leases without verifying night bus