The School of the Art Institute of Chicago: Incoming Student Guide

Starting an academic journey at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago is more than just moving into a new space—it’s stepping into a creative community that quickly becomes a student’s second home. This guide offers everything SAIC incoming students need to navigate that first big step: from moving in and registering for classes to discovering what it means to live at one of the country’s only museum schools.

At SAIC, students are part of a community of faculty, alumni, and students who fuel Chicago’s cultural life. Through an emphasis on space-making, SAIC’s extended community is creating a richer and more inclusive future for the city by providing neighbours with easy access to art and design, and emerging artists with opportunities to showcase their work.

The SAIC community is tight-knit, and whether students live on campus or in the city, they connect beyond the classroom and studio — from student groups to all-school barbecues and fashion shows to lectures by visiting artists and designers. SAIC students also collaborate with local residents and artists in Chicago’s historic Homan Square neighbourhood to catalyse social change. Working hand-in-hand with the community, students organise projects like Community Care Sessions and Youth Workshops that integrate studio art practices with civic engagement. The SAIC nationally recognized Wellness Center provides empathetic health, counseling, and disability learning services —essential resources for all students.

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the world’s great galleries. Encompassing more than 5,000 years of human expression from cultures around the world, the museum contains more than 300,000 works of art. For students, it is part of their daily life. They have unlimited access to the museum collection. SAIC is one of the only museum schools in the United States—no other school of art and design can claim such a major museum as part of their campus. The relationship of the museum and the school—where the display of the finest works of art and design shares space with the activity of experimental studios—allows students to get a solid footing in the traditions of visual culture from the Art Institute’s assets.

Orientation And Moving In

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago welcomes its incoming class with an orientation designed to foster belonging, creativity, and preparedness. Undergraduate students begin their journey with Welcome Weekend, the mandatory in-person programming for undergraduate and transfer students that occurs once all students have had the opportunity to move into their assigned residence halls. These programs are led by the orientation leader and are more than a formality—they are a foundation for community building, cultural orientation, and creative exploration.

Move-in for fall 2025 is August 20 for international students, August 21 for domestic students, and August 22 for returning students. Residence Life staff will be on site to ensure students are in the correct location and to answer any questions they may have. In preparation for the semester, students must activate their ARTIC accounts using their SAIC ID number and date of birth. This login grants access to email, registration tools, billing information, and digital learning platforms. Students must also complete online orientation courses covering alcohol awareness, mental health, anti-hazing policies, digital conduct, and sexual misconduct prevention—these modules comply with legal standards and ensure a safe, respectful campus culture rooted in awareness and accountability.

Once settled, students receive their ARTICard—a multi-use ID that also acts as a building access key and campus debit card. Pre-loading funds onto the ARTICard allows for purchases at the campus store and vending machines. Financially, students are encouraged to complete federal loan counseling and submit applications. Health compliance is critical. Illinois law requires all students to submit proof of immunisations. Health insurance is billed to all students; international students are enrolled in SAIC’s plan by default while domestic students may waive coverage by providing proof of comparable insurance.

To support their studies, students must arrive with a personal laptop, as SAIC requires all undergraduates (except those earning a second degree) to have one by the first day of classes. Textbooks and course materials can be purchased through the DePaul or Barnes Noble online bookstore using the ARTICard. Additionally, the Ventra U-Pass—required for all full-time students—provides access to CTA buses and trains, and is distributed during the first week of classes. These resources help ensure students can navigate Chicago and the SAIC campus.

Housing

Living on campus makes it easy for students to immerse themselves in the SAIC experience and feel part of the community. SAIC ensures a secure living environment through controlled access and 24-hour security staff and the Residence Life staff plan activities that help them build relationships, connect with the city, and get to know what SAIC has to offer.

There is tremendous energy in a community of 900+ students living together. Many students spend their first year in one of three residence halls, Jones Hall, the 162 North State Street Residences, or The Buckingham. As a resident, they can enjoy conveniences you won’t find in most student apartments. Staff in each of the facilities include student Resident Advisors and full-time, live-in professional staff who are available to help students become more familiar with the school and the city, assist with personal and academic issues, and to build a strong artist community.

Every residence hall is just minutes away from academic buildings and close to the major cultural attractions of the city. More than 80 percent of first-year students live in the residence hall. New students often find that the residence hall is the best way to get to know each other and explore the opportunities at SAIC as it gives them a chance to interact with other students. Residence Life staff also plans activities like faculty-student dinners, critiques, gallery tours, shows in the residence hall gallery, trips to jazz shows and much more.

The apartment-style rooms have high ceilings, track lighting, and large windows that offer expansive views of downtown Chicago. All rooms are equipped with wireless internet, a cable connection, and a high-speed internet port. Each room has a kitchenette with a refrigerator, a two-burner stovetop, microwave, a private bathroom, storage space, and a private closet for each student.

Jones Hall and the 162 North State Street Residence Hall at SAIC were designed with the artist lifestyle in mind, whether their needs are shooting and editing digital video, painting, or working on a garment. Residence hall common areas in these two buildings include 24-hour spaces such as a spray room, painting studios, media room, computer lounge, a clean studio, a solarium, as well as common spaces to study for exams, have critiques, or hang out.

Frequently Asked Questions for Incoming SAIC Students

What is the Welcome Weekend fee?

The Welcome Weekend fee is automatically included in your tuition and fees—there is no additional charge to participate. This covers access to all Welcome Weekend activities, materials, and meals. All incoming undergraduate students are expected to attend as part of their transition to SAIC.

How do students register for Welcome Weekend?
No separate registration is required. Once you’ve paid your tuition deposit and activated your SAIC account, you’re automatically enrolled in Welcome Weekend programming. Details about your schedule and group assignment will be emailed to your SAIC address in early August.

How do parents and families register for Welcome Weekend?
Parents and family members are welcome to participate in select events during Move-In Day and Welcome Weekend. SAIC typically provides a schedule of family-friendly programming, and while most events are free, some may require an RSVP in advance. Details are shared by email closer to the start of the semester.

How do I get to SAIC?
SAIC is located in downtown Chicago, with academic buildings centered around 36 S. Wabash Ave. For air travel, the closest airports are O’Hare International and Midway, accessible via public transit or ride-share. If arriving by train or bus, Union Station and Ogilvie Transportation Center are in transit distance of campus.

Where do I park once I get to SAIC?
SAIC does not offer on-campus parking. However, nearby public parking garages are available for daily or hourly rates. During move-in, SAIC provides temporary unloading zones near residence halls. Details, maps, and suggested parking options are included on the SAIC Welcome Weekend webpage.

How do I travel in and around Chicago?
All full-time students receive a Ventra U-Pass, which gives access to CTA buses and trains throughout the semester. The U-Pass is a convenient, affordable way to explore neighbourhoods, commute to class, or visit museums, galleries, and cultural landmarks. Passes are distributed during the first week of classes.

How will I pay for school?
Tuition is due by August 15 unless you’re enrolled in a payment plan. Students can view charges and make payments via the Self-Service portal, accessible through their ARTIC account. Financial aid—including loans, grants, and scholarships—should be finalised by July 1. SAIC’s Student Financial Services team is available to help with planning, billing questions, or navigating aid options.

How do I get involved at SAIC?
SAIC has over 60 student-led organizations, including cultural clubs, identity-based groups, media publications, and interest-based communities. During Welcome Weekend and the fall Involvement Fair, students can explore groups like the Black Student Union, Asian Students in America, Queers and Allies, F Newsmagazine, and many others. Opportunities for leadership, collaboration, and community-building are at the heart of student life.