UChicago Campus Tour

In the heart of the vibrant city of Chicago lies a haven of intellectual wonder and architectural splendor – the prestigious University of Chicago campus. Nestled within this urban tapestry are not just buildings of stone and mortar, but living repositories of knowledge, innovation, and history. Whether you’re a prospective student, a curious traveler, or simply an enthusiast of higher learning, a UChicago campus tour promises an adventure like no other.

Is the UChicago campus open to the public?

Is the University of Chicago campus accessible to the general public? Your presence and that of your loved ones are cordially invited to the University of Chicago. The University of Chicago campus is more than just a collection of classrooms; instead, it serves as a source of motivation and a breeding ground for the community of scholars and thinkers. Take a UChicago campus tour, talk to current students, and explore the vast array of opportunities that are available to you.

Learn firsthand why students make the decision to make the University of Chicago their educational destination and their intellectual home by visiting the campus.

On-campus visits

The beginning of every information session and campus tour is at Rosenwald Hall, which can be found at 1101 East 58th Street in Chicago, Illinois, 60637.

During their on-campus visits, prospective students will participate in an information session led by an admissions counselor. This session will provide an overview of the academics, student life, application process, and financial aid offered by the University of Chicago. Following the presentation, guests will be led on a walking tour of campus by a current student, who will provide insight into student life both inside and outside of the classroom.

Tours for prospective students

Every school and division within the university has its own set of singular experiences as well as specialized resources that can be discussed. Please contact the school that you are interested in directly to obtain additional information regarding the process of their reopening.

Information session

Join a UChicago Admissions Counselor for an information session covering the college admissions process and holistic review, as well as financial aid, academic programs, extracurricular activities, and campus life at UChicago.

In-person UChicago campus tour

Participate in a tour of important locations on the University of Chicago campus led by current students, who will also share stories about their personal and academic experiences while attending UChicago. Bring your inquiries, and get ready to have some amusing conversation!

Information session and tour

Join a College Admissions Counselor from the University of Chicago as well as a current student at the University of Chicago for a combined session that will highlight the process of applying to colleges, obtaining financial aid, and exploring the University of Chicago campus.

In-person group visits

The Office of College Admissions at the University of Chicago provides high schools, educational programs, community-based organizations, and extracurricular groups that work with high school students in the 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grades with the opportunity to participate in group visit experiences at the university.

A dedicated admissions officer-led information session and/or campus tour can be arranged for groups of twenty or more students who submit a request. These can take place either virtually, through the use of Zoom, or physically on the school’s premises.

Additional points to take into consideration for an in-person group UChicago campus tour are as follows:

• All requests ought to be finished at least three weeks in advance of the date that they are to be processed.
• On-campus visits must be accompanied by one adult chaperone for every 15 high school students or 10 students in grades K-8.
• If the number of students in your high school group is less than 20, you are welcome to sign up for one of our general Information Sessions and Tour timeslots if one of those timeslots works for you. All groups in grades K-8, regardless of size, are required to fill out a group visit request form.
• Please be aware that due to the limited amount of space available on campus, groups larger than sixty people may be required to obtain special approval.
• Participation in a group tour is restricted to students currently enrolled in high school as well as students in grades K-8 attending elementary and middle schools in the Chicagoland area.
• You will be sent an acknowledgment of submission once a request form has been successfully submitted by you. Please note that this is not a confirmation of your reservation. After submitting your request, you should get a response within three business days, either confirming or requesting more information about your reservation.

Campus visitors and Covid-19

The fact that visitors choose to join an in-person UChicago campus tour and visit the university facilities indicates that they are aware of and willing to accept the possibility that they will be affected by COVID-19. Visitors are obligated to comply with the COVID-19 guidance that is currently in effect at the university during the time of their visit.

As a result of the ongoing dangers to visitors’ health, it is expected that they take the precautions recommended by the officials in charge of public health and tailor those precautions to their specific vulnerabilities, as recommended by a medical professional.

Please be advised that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant individual and community health risks, many of which are likely to persist for the foreseeable future. Even with extensive planning and a focus on the health and safety of the community, the University of Chicago is unable to eliminate these risks.

Therefore, the university expects every person who comes to a university facility, whether as an academic appointee, postdoctoral researcher, staff member, student, volunteer, contractor, or visitor, to adopt precautions designed to mitigate the risk of viral transmission.

These precautions include washing your hands frequently with soap and water, covering your cough and sneezing, and keeping your distance from other people. The university has provided an overview of the preventative measures that should be taken on its website.

The University strongly recommends that anyone and everyone, including visitors and vendors on campus, get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as they have the opportunity to do so.

Before entering the campus, visitors from other parts of the country who are traveling to Illinois are required to comply fully with the City of Chicago Travel Advisory.

Before your UChicago campus tour, please keep these in mind:

• Conduct a personal health assessment on the day of your visit as well as before visiting
• Pack a face covering and hand sanitizer to use as may be required while visiting if it is necessary to do so while visiting in the location that you are visiting

Does UChicago have a virtual tour?

Does the University of Chicago offer a virtual tour? You don’t have to feel like you’re missing out on the hunt for your future university just because you have to stay at home for some reason. Have a look around and find out more about the application process for colleges and the student body at the University of Chicago!

Virtual UChicago campus tour

Participate in a session led by current students at the University of Chicago that will highlight significant locations on the campus while also tying in the academic and social aspects of the student experience. Bring any questions you have, and get ready to hear some amusing tales.

Virtual student salons

Come have a conversation with some of our current students to get more information about the academics and student life at the University of Chicago. These online get-togethers are meant to be analogous to the intimate settings of the classes offered on our campus, and they will give participants the chance to interact in real time with both currently enrolled students and other prospective students.

Ask any questions you have about life on campus and get ready to participate in a lively discussion! Note that the UChicago Student Salons are only open to students who are considering applying to the university.

Virtual information session

Participate in a live virtual information session led by an admissions counselor from the University of Chicago to learn about the application process for colleges, including how to write essays and get recommendations, scholarships and other forms of financial aid, academic programs, extracurricular activities, and campus life.

How long is the UChicago campus tour?

How long does the tour of the University of Chicago campus take? The tours depart precisely at the time that is scheduled to do so and last for close to sixty minutes.

After completing the registration process, you will be sent a confirmation email that contains links to information about directions and parking. Parking can be challenging in the area surrounding the campus, so we strongly suggest that you set aside at least half an hour to look for parking or, if at all possible, use public transportation.

What can you see at UChicago?

Where can you go and what will you find at UChicago? The University of Chicago is recognized as one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world. It was established in 1890. The campus is well worth a visit as it provides a wonderful opportunity to walk amongst impressive buildings that range from Academic Gothic forms to Neoclassical to the latest in contemporary design.

These diverse architectural styles make for an interesting experience as you stroll around the campus, bumping shoulders with students and faculty. The campus is located in the center of Chicago’s famous eclectic neighborhood, Hyde Park.

You can visit the majority of these sites (and more!) for free or for a suggested donation, so give yourself plenty of time to go at your own pace and take everything in.

University of Chicago Law School

One of the best spots to visit during your UChicago campus tour is the University of Chicago Law School. Since its founding in 1902, the University of Chicago Law School has been an integral part of the University of Chicago. Stuart Hall served as the location of the law school up until the 1950s. The architect Eero Saarinen, who also designed the building that is now John F. Kennedy International Airport and the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, was responsible for the design of the current structure.

Inside this structure, one of the most notable features is the presence of public art. The fiberglass cow known as A-COW-demia was first displayed as part of a public art installation in the year 1999. The Law School Series is a collection of four paintings by Judy Ledgerwood that are executed in her signature landscape style.

Midway Plaisance

Midway Plaisance is a mile long and connects Jackson Park and Washington Park to the neighborhood of Midtown. This park is located in the southern portion of the University of Chicago campus and provides visitors with a breathtaking perspective of the campus’s historical structures.

The park is home to several works of art, including a statue of Carl Linnaeus, a Swedish botanist, and zoologist, as well as a statue of the Knight of Blanik, a legendary figure from Czech folklore. This park area also features state-of-the-art facilities for ice skating and soccer, both of which can be enjoyed by visitors.

Rockefeller Chapel

While taking the UChicago campus tour, one of the best things to look forward to is the Rockefeller Chapel. At Rockefeller Chapel, regular worship services, including interfaith services, as well as musical performances and other types of special programs, can be experienced throughout the week. Stone was used in the construction of this chapel, which Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue was responsible for designing and which was finished in 1928. The University was given the chapel as a present by the institution’s namesake and founder, John D. Rockefeller.

The tower of the chapel is one of its primary features and can be reached by ascending 271 stairs. In addition to providing breathtaking panoramas, the tower is home to a carillon that is frequently played during live performances. The Bond Chapel, which is located within the main building, is a well-known venue for a variety of artistic and musical performances.

William Rainey Harper Memorial Library

The William Rainey Harper Memorial Library was founded in 1912 and is known for its magnificent Gothic architecture. Christ Church College and Magdalen College in Oxford, in addition to King’s College in Cambridge, provided some of the inspiration for the design of the library.

In addition to the standard collections that it houses, this library also provides access to several research centers; this is one of the reasons why it is so large. Visitors are welcome to peruse the East Asian and South Asian collections that are on display. In addition, there is a collection that visitors are welcome to research, and its primary focus is on maps.

Cobb Lecture Hall

The Gothic style of architecture that can be found throughout the University of Chicago campus is prominently displayed in the Cobb Lecture Hall. In honor of Silas Cobb, one of the institution’s earliest benefactors, this building bears his name. It is a must-see place during your UChicago campus tour.

This structure is home to a museum of contemporary art that is run by the Renaissance Society. During your time in the lecture hall, guests have the opportunity to also tour the Center for the Study of Languages, which is an excellent location to gain additional knowledge regarding the development of languages.

Main Quadrangle

Henry Ives Cobb was the architect responsible for designing the Main Quadrangle at the University of Chicago. This quadrangle is surrounded by several interesting buildings, such as the Kent Chemical Laboratory, which has an octagonal layout, and Ryerson Hall, which has an observatory. The 215 acres of green space are available for the enjoyment of both students and visitors.

The landscaped areas provide a contrast to the Gothic buildings and beautiful displays throughout the year. These areas serve as a backdrop for Gothic architecture. It is always worthwhile to take a trip outside during the spring and summer months to see flowers, trees, and shrubs in full bloom. The fall foliage is stunning, and the appearance of the quadrangle after it has been dusted with snow is very impressive.

Oriental Institute Museum

The Art Deco structure that now serves as the home of the Oriental Institute Museum was constructed in 1919. The history, art, and archeology of the ancient Near East are all displayed here for visitors to enjoy. Major collections of antiquities from Egypt, Mesopotamia, Iran, Syria, and Palestine can be found in the museum. Anatolia is also well represented. Exhibits such as the New Egyptian Gallery, the New Persian Gallery, and the New Mesopotamian Gallery are available for guests to explore during their visit.

Robie House

Frank Lloyd Wright was the architect who designed the Robie House. The fact that this house is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is something that sets it apart from other homes. Thus, it is among the best places to look forward to during your UChicago campus tour. This house, which was constructed in 1910, is a prime example of the Prairie style of architecture that Wright popularized. A dynamic design incorporates interconnections between all of the components, including the pieces of furniture.

Additionally, some tours go into greater depth and focus on a particular aspect of the house’s history.

Quadrangle Club

The University of Chicago is home to an exclusive members-only club known as the Quadrangle Club. It provides members and/or their guests with sleeping quarters, as well as a dining room with full service, a bar, several lounges, and other common areas. There are 17 rooms available for sleeping, including 5 suites that have an additional sitting room. Green clay tennis courts are hard to come by in the city of Chicago, but this particular location is one of the few that offer them.

Tower Group and Hutchinson Commons

In the northeast corner of the quadrangle are located the buildings that make up Tower Group and Hutchinson Commons. These buildings date back to 1903. These structures incorporate design elements that can also be found in Christ Church College, which is located in Oxford, England.

This cluster includes a replica of Magdalen College’s Mitchell Tower, which was constructed in 1509 and is now known as the Mitchell Tower. Another structure that is a part of this group is called the Reynolds Clubhouse, and it was designed after a structure that was constructed at St. John’s College in the 15th century.

Regenstein Library

It was named after Joseph Regenstein, an industrialist, and philanthropist. The Joseph Regenstein Library is also referred to as “The Reg.” It is recognized for its brutalist architecture and is known to be one of the largest book storage facilities in the world.

Today, the “Reg” serves as the flagship institution of the University of Chicago Library system, which is ranked among the top five in the world for the breadth and depth of its collection of materials, and which receives high marks from patrons due to the quality of service it provides. Hence, the “Reg” should be on your list of places to visit during your UChicago campus tour.

College students at the University of Chicago frequently congregate in the Regenstein Library to socialize. Additionally, it is the site of the Special Collections Research Center, which is home to a variety of archival materials, including rare book collections, manuscripts, and university records.

Snell–Hitchcock Hall

At UChicago, the Jerome Snell Hall and the Charles Hitchcock Hall collectively make up a residence hall that is more commonly referred to as Snell–Hitchcock.

Hitchcock is included on the National Register of Historic Places after having been constructed in 1901. It is constructed in the Collegiate Gothic style, just like Snell and the majority of the University of Chicago’s campus, but it has many elements that are characteristic of the Prairie School, such as stone corn husks in place of gargoyles and flat-roofed dormers rather than gabled dormers.

Snell was constructed in 1892 and is approximately fifty percent smaller than Hitchcock. Its four stories are home to approximately fifty residents. It holds the distinction of being one of the first women’s dorms to be built on a campus that welcomes both male and female students. Initially, it was only used to house women for the first two quarters; however, when the intended dorm for women opened, Snell was given over to the male students.

Nuclear Energy Sculpture

Another stop of interest on the UChicago campus tour is the bronze sculpture known as Nuclear Energy, which can be found at Chicago Pile-1, the world’s first nuclear reactor. On December 2, 1942, this location was the site of the first nuclear chain reaction that was created by humans and was able to sustain itself. Nuclear Energy Sculpture

In the Chicago neighborhood of Hyde Park, the Nuclear Energy building can be found on Ellis Avenue, near both the Max Palevsky West dormitory and the Mansueto Library. Under the west stands the previous Stagg Field, which has since been demolished, it is located precisely where the team working on the Manhattan Project constructed a nuclear reactor to produce the first self-sustaining controlled nuclear reaction.

Gerald Ratner Athletics Center

Within the campus is an athletic facility known as the Gerald Ratner Athletics Center, which was built for $51 million. The structure was given its current name in honor of Gerald Ratner, a graduate of the University of Chicago. César Pelli, who is best known as the architect of the Petronas Towers, was the architect of this suspension structure that is supported by masts, cables, and counterweights.

This facility features a competition gymnasium, a multilevel fitness facility, a swimming pool of Olympic size, a multipurpose dance studio, space for meeting rooms, and offices for the athletic department. It is the primary training facility for a number of the university’s athletic teams and has been the stage for a great deal of competition at the regional and championship levels of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III and the University Athletic Association.

The UChicago campus tour may be one of the things that pique your interest in attending the university. The University of Chicago is well known for its reputation for having rigorous academics, and the university is widely lauded for its deep commitment to educating students in a manner that not only teaches them but also encourages them to think, challenge, and question.

You will require aid from college admissions professionals like AdmissionSight if your objective is to be admitted to UChicago. We at AdmissionSight have more than ten years of experience helping students navigate the challenging admissions process so they can enroll in the best colleges in the world. Feel free to schedule a consultation session today.