Everyday Life
Here's some help with the basics.
Student ID
Your Chicago Card is your student ID. For details, see Student Life, Becoming Part of Student Life sidelight, Chicago Card.
Utilities
Telephone and DSL
You can find out what you need to know about setting up your on-campus phone at chicagolife.uchicago.edu/general/phonelist.shtml. But when you need help setting up an off-campus phone or with the bill that will follow shortly thereafter, call AT&T at 800-244-4444 or go to www.att.com. Call 800-244-4444 the AT&T Yahoo! DSL.
Electricity
To turn electricity on or to ask about your bill, contact ComEd at 800-334-7661, or visit www.exeloncorp.com.
Gas
To establish service or for billing inquiries, call People's Energy at 866-556-6001, or go to www.peoplesenergy.com.
Cable TV
You can get local channels only, get local channels and basic cable, or pay extra for premium channels. Call Comcast at 866-594-1234 or go to www.comcast.com.
Driver's licenses
Illinois Motor Vehicle Facilities
Web: www.sos.state.il.us
Chicago Facility Information Line
Phone: 312-793-1010
Chicago Central
Address: 100 West Randolph Street (concourse level)
Monday—Friday: 8:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.
Chicago South
9901 South Martin Luther King, Jr., Drive
Monday—Tuesday, Thursday—Friday: 8:30 a.m.—5:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m.—7:00 p.m.
If you have an out-of-state or out-of-country license, you may use it for as long as you maintain your residency in the state where it was issued. International licenses are not recognized in Illinois. If you are moving permanently to Illinois, you may use your out-of-state license for only your first three months here. To change to an Illinois license, bring your Social Security card, another form of ID, a utility or phone bill verifying that you are an Illinois resident, and $10 to a motor vehicle facility. You'll have to pass written and eye exams, and possibly a road test.
License plates
If you have out-of-state license plates, you are not required to get Illinois state license plates or a City of Chicago vehicle sticker while you're attending school.
If you'd like to get Illinois state license plates, apply at one of the motor vehicle facilities. If you have Illinois license plates, you'll have to buy a City of Chicago vehicle sticker. The stickers cost $75 per year and are valid July through June. Get your stickers at:
City Clerk
Web: www.chicityclerk.com
Address: 121 North LaSalle Street, Room 107
Phone: 312-744-6861
Monday—Friday: 8:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.
You can also get license plates and stickers at one of the currency exchanges in Hyde Park; there is a service charge (see City Life, Services in Hyde Park, for a list of exchanges).
Parking
After your first year in the College, you can bring a car to campus, but parking is very difficult. If space is available, you can buy a parking permit for a campus lot. Permits cost anywhere from $90 to $180 per quarter for students. Call 2-8969 for information.
Social Security card
Social Security office
Web: www.ssa.gov/chicago/
E-mail: il.fo.chicago.loop@ssa.gov
Address: 77 West Jackson Boulevard, 3rd floor
Phone: 800-772-1213 (24 hours, Monday—Friday)
International students will need a Social Security card to take part in an internship or to get a driver's license.
Banking
Just before the start of the academic year, many banks, including those in the neighborhood, have representatives in the Reynolds Club. Opening an account in a nearby bank may make financial dealings more convenient.
There is a Citibank branch on campus right across from the University Bookstore.
Citibank
University of Chicago Branch
Address: 5812 South Ellis Avenue
Phone: 773-256-2280
Monday—Friday: 8:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.
ATM is open 24 hours, seven days a week.
For a partial list of ATMs and other banks in Hyde Park, see City Life, Services in Hyde Park.
Registering to vote
Board of Election Commissioners
Web: www.chicagoelections.com
69 West Washington, 6th floor
312-269-7900
Monday—Friday: 9:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.
To register to vote, go to the Board of Elections office or register at any Chicago public library during normal business hours (the Hyde Park branch is located at 4904 South Lake Park Avenue, 312-747-0511). Bring two forms of ID with your name and address.
