Print Options

Student Life

Swift Hall 

The Divinity School is located in Swift Hall, at the heart of the main quadrangles of the University of Chicago campus. 

Swift Hall houses the administrative offices of the Divinity School, the offices of the faculty and staff, class and seminar rooms, Swift Lecture Hall, Swift Common Room, a student lounge, and a coffee shop. On occasion, University facilities outside of Swift Hall are used for classes and meetings. The John Nuveen Wing of Swift Hall houses the Martin Marty Center, dedicated to the public understanding of religion. It contains offices, seminar rooms, and a small reference library for the use of research fellows. 

More information about campus, the community, and visiting can be found at https://visit.uchicago.edu. 

The campus is accessible from downtown Chicago by Metra commuter train (from Randolph and Michigan to 59th Street, University of Chicago stop); by bus (CTA No. 6 Jackson Park Express, boarded along State Street in the Loop); and by car (via Lake Shore Drive). Persons arriving at O’Hare or Midway Airports may take the Omega Airport Shuttle (phone: 773-483-6634; web site: http://www.chicago-airport-shuttle.com/omega-shuttle.htm) to Ida Noyes Hall at the University, approximately three blocks from Swift Hall. 

Divinity Students Association 

The Divinity Students Association (DSA) is an organization run by and for University of Chicago Divinity School students. The organization attempts to contribute to many spheres of life in the Divinity School: academic, professional, and social. Above all else, the DSA is committed to fostering a true community of Divinity students from every degree program. 

DSA funds student academic clubs: one for each area of concentrations and many others sparked and organized by students according to their interests. DSA also funds major events and conferences that several clubs organize.

In addition, DSA funds several grant programs for students. Please visit the DSA website for more information. 

The Martin Marty Center 

The Martin Marty Center, established in the spring of 1998 to recognize Professor (emeritus) Martin E. Marty’s manifold contributions to the understanding of religion, aims to promote research that is oriented toward public life and toward the role that religion plays in culture. The Marty Center oversees the development of major faculty research projects; sponsors a student research colloquium, and fosters interactive connections to those public constituencies for whom specific research projects in religion will have significant consequences. For more information, please visit the Marty Center website. 

Placement 

In collaboration with UChicagoGRAD, the Divinity School provides placement counseling for academic and religious leadership employment to all of its students, including seminars and workshops for students in all degree programs on essential skills including: time management, public speaking, resume preparation, creating an online professional presence, finding internships, networking, and interviewing. Questions about placement may be directed to the Dean of Students Office. 

Around the University 

Research Resources 

The Library 

As a center of intense intellectual inquiry, the University of Chicago Library shares with the University of Chicago the aspiration to be the most dynamic research and learning environment in the world, supporting the University’s commitment to research and teaching in the sciences, social sciences, humanities, and the College and to using its intellectual resources to help solve the world’s problems. 

Even as building and preserving collections continue to be critical commitments of the Library, the Library is assuming new roles that are vital to research, innovation, and learning at the University of Chicago. In doing so, we are leveraging the deep expertise of the Library staff, are developing services that support new avenues of research, and are expanding access to and preservation of scholarly resources in ways that advance the goals of the University community and the needs of the next generation of scholars. 

Religious Studies was a core component of the original library of the University of Chicago, formed around the Berlin Collection (57,630 volumes and 39,020 dissertations, or 96,650 volumes in all) and the Baptist Union Theological Seminary Library (40,000 volumes), which included the Hengstenberg Collection and American Bible Union Collection. The Religion collection focuses on the academic study of religion rather than a confessional study with a focus on religious practice. Historic strengths of the collection include German scholarship in systematic theology, biblical studies, and the history of Christianity. The private libraries of Joachim Wach, Mircea Eliade, and Joseph Kitagawa were incorporated into the collections, thereby strengthening the Library’s focus on the history of religions. The private library of Marvin Fox strengthened the Library’s collection in Jewish studies, and specifically in Maimonides studies. Current strengths of the collection match those of the Divinity School (e.g., history of religions; biblical studies, especially New Testament textual and historical criticism). Thanks to the generosity of the Kern Foundation Endowed Theosophical Book Fund, the Library has a strong collection of Theosophical materials. The Religion collection is further supplemented by the many resources available in the Hyde Park neighborhood and Chicago metropolitan area. 

Teaching and learning support includes reference services, course reserves, library instruction and curriculum support, bibliographic management software, and technologically equipped classrooms. Reference librarians provide orientation to library collections, services, and facilities. The reference staff is available for individual and group consultation, and can be contacted in person as well as by e-mail, telephone and online chat. The Library has a large number of subject specialist bibliographers who build and maintain the various collections, including Anne K. Knafl, Bibliographer for Religion, Philosophy and Jewish Studies. Bibliographers are available to provide specialized reference services, such as instruction in research techniques through private consultations and group workshops. 

  • The University of Chicago Library: http://www.lib.uchicago.edu 
  • Religion Research:http://guides.lib.uchicago.edu/religion 
  • Subject Specialists: http://www.lib.uchicago.edu/e/about/departments/specialists.html 
  • Special Collections Research Center: http://www.lib.uchicago.edu/e/scrc/ 
  • The Association of Chicago Theological Schools: http://www.actschicago.org/ 

Housing 

Living Accommodations 

The University of Chicago provides a variety of living options for its graduate students. Graduate Student Housing provides a wide variety of apartment sizes, designs, and rates. Individual buildings in the system may have parking, be pet-friendly, and/or be ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant. 

Additional information on housing options, including current costs, is sent to all newly admitted students. 

The UChicago GRAD Housing Resources site contains useful tips and resources that will help you plan out your apartment search, understand your rental agreement (the lease), and familiarize yourself with your rights and responsibilities as a renter. 

International House 

International House of Chicago was founded in 1932 through a gift from John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Currently I-House is not available as a housing option for graduate students. Occupancy is planned for the near future; check the I-House website for current information. I-House sponsors a wide array of internationally focused programs. 

Disciples Divinity House 

Disciples Divinity House of the University of Chicago is a foundation for theological education directly affiliated with both the University and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Its major purpose is to provide scholarships and related educational services to Disciples of Christ students attending the Divinity School. In addition, Disciples House maintains an ecumenical coeducational residence facility to which all Divinity School students are welcome to apply for housing. Located at the corner of the main quadrangles of the University, Disciples House has 

twenty-three furnished student rooms, a common room, library, chapel, and community kitchen. During the academic year, Disciples House sponsors a series of lectures and colloquia and subsidizes social activities organized by an elected student council. 

Private Housing 

The private housing market in the neighborhood around the University is generally tight. Students interested in housing outside the University system are advised to come to Chicago well in advance of the opening of the quarter in which they enter the University in order to secure accommodations. It is virtually impossible to obtain private housing by telephone or mail. The University itself does not have an off-campus housing office, nor does it maintain listings of inspected and approved private housing. However, private real estate companies publish lists of housing available in the Hyde Park area and online resources are available, including http://marketplace.uchicago.edu. 

Health Insurance 

The University requires all students, other than those in programs explicitly excluded to carry adequate medical insurance to cover, among other costs, hospitalization and outpatient diagnostic and surgical procedures. If the student resides in Chicago, the insurance must cover medical care other than emergency care in the Chicago area. The insurance requirement may be satisfied in one of two ways: 

  • Enrolling in the University Student Health Insurance (U-SHIP) plan offered by the University, or 
  • Completing the online insurance waiver application before the open enrollment deadline. The waiver application requires the student to certify that his or her insurance coverage is comparable to the U-SHIP plan. 

Please visit Student Health and Counseling Services for more information, including current rates. 

Mandatory Quarterly Fee / Student Service Fee 

Please consult the Bursar's Office website.

For Students Who Are Parents 

The Divinity School recognizes that the decision to begin a family often coincides with the years during which students are engaged full-time in graduate school. The University has implemented a number of policies to help students navigate both their academic and family lives. Students who are or expect to be parents should consult the Graduate Student Parent policy in the Student Manual. 

Additionally, students are encouraged to make use of the wide range of resources for graduate student parents, including the Family Resource Center, which hosts a drop-in play space and a wide variety of classes, publishes the UChicago Student Parent Resource Guide, advises student parent organizations, and maintains a list of spaces convenient for nursing mothers. Students are reminded that in accordance with Illinois state law, mothers may breastfeed in any location, public or private, where they are otherwise authorized to be. 

Transportation and Getting Around 

UChicago offers many transportation options for students, faculty, staff, and visitors who come to campus. These offerings include the free UGo shuttles that travel on a variety of daytime and nighttime routes throughout the greater campus area; more than 20 parking lots, including a large parking garage on Campus North; and several Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus routes that travel on and near campus. Many of these local CTA bus routes are free or discounted for University members as part of an agreement with the CTA. An express bus route links the main campus with the University’s downtown Gleacher Center and near-north Chicago. A shuttle links the main campus with the 53rd Street/Lake Park office building. 

For an overview of transportation information at UChicago, please visit http://safety-security.uchicago.edu/transportation/. This site also contains information about car sharing services, bike sharing and bicycling in the area, transportation for injured or disabled students, and more. 

Security 

The University of Chicago Police Department (UCPD) operates twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, on campus and throughout the Hyde Park-South Kenwood neighborhood— the area bounded by 37th Street, 64th Street, Cottage Grove Avenue, and Lake Shore Drive. Members of the department are committed to conducting their work in a respectful and dignified manner while providing a safe environment for those who live, learn, and work in our community. Officers are armed and fully empowered to make arrests in accordance with the requirements of the Illinois Law Enforcement Officers Training Board and consistent with Illinois state statutes. University Police and the City of Chicago Police Department work together by monitoring each other’s calls within the University Police’s coverage area. UCPD services include bicycle and laptop registration, assistance in installing child safety seats, and the safety escort program. 

University Police headquarters is located at 6054 South Drexel Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60637 (phone: 773-702-8181). Website: http://safety-security.uchicago.edu/safety/ 

Spiritual Life on Campus 

There are numerous religious groups at the University and in the neighborhood that welcome student participation in their programs and worship. The Office of Spiritual Life serves as a destination for all things spiritual and religious at the University of Chicago. 

Following is a partial listing of religious groups and/or campus ministries at the University: 

  • Asian-American InterVarsity 
  • The Baha’i Association 
  • Brent House Episcopal Campus Ministry 
  • Buddhist Association 
  • Calvert House Catholic Campus Ministry 
  • Campus Crusade for Christ 
  • Chabad Jewish Center 
  • Christian Science Organization 
  • Graduate Christian Fellowship (InterVarsity) 
  • Hillel (The Newberger Hillel Center for Jewish Life) 
  • Hindu Student Sangam 
  • InterVarsity Christian Fellowship 
  • Latter-Day Saints Student Association 
  • Lutheran Campus Ministry (Augustana Lutheran Church) 
  • Muslim Students Association 
  • Orthodox Christian Fellowship 
  • Quaker House 
  • Rockefeller Memorial Chapel 
  • Unitarian Universalist Campus Ministry 
  • United Protestant Campus Ministry 
  • University Church (Disciples/UCC) 

Four groups regularly hold worship in the Joseph Bond Chapel, located adjacent to Swift Hall: 

  • The Divinity School sponsors a short worship service, "Open Space," each Tuesday during the academic year. These services, planned by students, utilize the talents of students, faculty, and staff. 
  •  Brent House, the Episcopal campus ministry, offers a Eucharist service Thursdays at noon during the academic year 
  • The Muslim Students Association holds its Friday noon prayers throughout the year 
  • Calvert House, the Roman Catholic campus ministry, offers a Eucharist service every Sunday at 11:00 a.m. 

Identity and Inclusion on Campus 

The Center for Identity + Inclusion creates intentionally diverse and inclusive communities, serving as a bridge builder by engaging students and members of the University community of all backgrounds to ensure personal, academic, and professional growth and success. Their site gives more information as well as information about the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs; LGBTQ Student Life, and Student Support Services. See more at https://inclusion.uchicago.edu. 

International Students
The Office of International Affairs (OIA) has the dual function of serving the University’s international students and scholars, and its American students who are interested in grants for overseas research. OIA advises international students about United States government regulations and University rules and policies. The staff helps with personal problems and concerns arising from study in a foreign country and also acts as a liaison with international groups and activities on and around campus. OIA conducts competitions for overseas study awards, such as Fulbright grants. 

Student Activities 

In addition to the rich cultural and recreational opportunities provided by the city of Chicago, there is much to do in the University itself. Most University students take part in one or more of the many musical, cultural, social, religious, and political organizations on campus. Due to the large number of graduate students at the University—about twice that of undergraduates—and because many faculty members live near campus and are able to attend cultural and social events, there is much that will appeal to graduate students. 

Outside of Swift Hall, with more than 400 Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) and more groups and clubs organizations in the schools and divisions, there are countless ways to get involved in campus life. Student activities, including large-scale entertainment events and programs with an all-University focus, are mounted by student organizations using a portion of the student life fee paid by every student. Visit The Center for Leadership and Involvement to learn more about RSOs, leadership activities, governing bodies, and other cocurricular activities and campus traditions. 

Student Government at UChicago includes the Graduate Council (GC), made up of representatives from each graduate area. In addition to meeting to discuss issues of interest to grad students, GC plans activities designed to encourage interaction between each academic area. 

Graduate students at the University have a wide range of opportunities to participate in intramural activities, club sports, and instructional classes. All indoor and outdoor athletic facilities are open throughout the year to all students displaying a campus card. Spouses and domestic partners of students have access to facilities for a yearly fee. The athletic program provides opportunities for instruction and participation in sports such as archery, badminton, gymnastics, handball, martial arts, racquetball, rowing, squash, sailing, swimming, table tennis, track and field, and weight lifting. The athletics department also offers opportunities to participate in approximately fifty intramural sports and forty sports clubs. 

The Gerald Ratner Athletics Center includes a 50- by 25-meter swimming pool, cardiovascular exercise equipment, weight machines, free weights, a multipurpose dance studio, a competition gymnasium, and an auxiliary gymnasium, among other features. 

In addition to the Ratner Athletics Center, the Henry Crown Field House provides indoor athletic and recreational opportunities to the University community. Among the features of the Henry Crown Field House are four multipurpose courts, an indoor running track, and racquetball and squash courts.