10 Best Things About Living in DePaul’s Loop Housing

The University Center’s lounge at DePaul’s Loop Campus has a great view of Harold Washington Library.

During my time at DePaul, I have lived in The University Center on DePaul’s Loop Campus. I have loved living both in the Loop and this apartment, so here are the 10 best things living on the Loop Campus has to offer!

1. Spacious Rooms

The rooms at The University Center are incredibly spacious. Having some extra space really makes living away from home a lot more comfortable. People are always impressed with the size of the rooms here when they come to visit. Many colleges I looked at didn’t have great options for housing, but something I loved about DePaul’s options was that there really is a wide variety to choose from. I was also able to avoid the dreaded communal bathroom situation which was a relief.

A spacious room at DePaul’s campus housing called the University Center in Chicago’s Loop.

Navy pier fireworks out the window of a bedroom window at The University Center in Chicago’s Loop.

2. Amazing Views

At The University Center you can enjoy sights of Harold Washington Library, Buckingham fountain, and even Navy Pier’s fireworks right out your window! It is always fun to look out and see events happening in the city like parades and marathons. My freshmen year apartment had a view of the lake, so I got to watch the sailboats while I did my homework which was very grounding in the heart of a busy city! The location of the Loop housing has really made me realize how versatile and special Chicago is.

3. In the Heart of the City

Some people can be hesitant to live in the heart of the city especially if they’re unfamiliar with it; however, there is always something exciting happening here. With places like Grant Park, The Chicago Riverwalk, and The Chicago Theatre just a quick walk away, I am never bored living in the Loop. Like I mentioned before, many big parades also happen on State Street. It has been fun to stumble across parades on my way home from class. There are also a lot of amazing street performers, so my walks always have a great soundtrack!

Sunset in Chicago’s loop seen behind Harold Washington Library.

A sandwich, salad, and juice from the cafeteria in The University Center.

4. Convenient Dining Options

Having a dining hall inside of the building is extremely convenient as a busy student with lots of classes. Having food options within the building that are both cafeteria style and market style is great because you can have a meal or grab a quick snack without even leaving the building! Our market also serves Starbucks, so being able to get Starbucks without leaving the building is a pretty sweet deal.

5. Fun Amenities

Some of the amenities at The University Center include pool tables, ping pong tables, and arcade games. The amenity hub is brand new, so everything is super nice there. There is comfortable seating and it has been a great place to hangout with friends and play some games between assignments!

Two DePaul students play pool in The University Center.

A halloween coloring sheet featuring Mickey Mouse.

6. Awesome Staff

The security in the building is 24/7, allowing me to feel very comfortable at all times. I know safety is something that people worry about moving to Chicago, but I can assure you that you could not feel any safer in this building. Our engineers are also super helpful when it comes to maintenance. They will fix anything you have problems with in your room very timely. We also have RA’s in the building who host events which are super fun to check out. I got this coloring sheet from a staff member at a fall event on the terrace!

7. Large Laundry Room

A big problem many students have in college is with laundry rooms. Fighting for laundry machines has not been my experience at The University Center. It is such a simple thing, but such a nice one to not have to worry about as a busy student!

The University Center’s large laundry room with many washers and dryers.

Wooden picnic chairs on the terrace of the University Center.

8. Outdoor Terrace

The building has an outdoor terrace on the third floor which is super nice for spending some time outside. Living in the middle of the city, it is fantastic to have a place right in the building to spend some time relaxing outside! The terrace is a great place to get your homework done or catch up with some friends.

9. Welcoming Community

The University Center is a great place to make friends as so many people live right in the building. I have met some of my best friends here and I recognize so many people in my classes from living here. The community in the building is super welcoming and everyone is always very friendly in the lounges and dining hall.

Lots of DePaul students in the cafeteria of The University Center sharing a meal together.

DePaul students dorm items packed into big buckets for Move-In to the University Center on the Loop Campus.

10. Easy Move-In Experience

Move-In days are super easy at The University Center. You pull up behind the building and load all of your stuff into big buckets. Then, you grab your ID and head up to your room! The staff here makes everything super easy and understandable which is relieving as Move-In day can be stressful for students and families who are new to the experience.

That wraps up my favorite things about living in DePaul’s Loop Housing. Check out all of DePaul’s housing options to learn more about life here!

~Tessa

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