Nuts and Bolts

Once you get settled at the University of Chicago, you'll likely have to deal with the mundane: making copies, doing laundry, etc. Here's where you'll find the equipment or offices you may need:

ATMs

Automated Teller Machines are located at the following sites on campus:

Most Hyde Park and Chicagoland banks have ATMs. Not all are available 24 hours, though. Most ATMs will add a service charge ranging from $.50 to $2 to withdraw cash if your card is not affiliated with that bank.

For a partial list of ATMs in Hyde Park, see Services in Hyde Park.

Laundry

Washers and dryers operated by coin or by the Chicago Card cash stripe are located in each residence hall.

There are several laundromats around Hyde Park. Some offer wash-and-fold service. It is not a good idea to start a wash and wander off, leaving your clothes unattended.

For a list of dry cleaning and laundry services in Hyde Park, see Services in Hyde Park.

Making copies


All of the libraries have copiers that are suitable for small jobs.

For long or complicated projects or for high-tech machines, the best resource is FedEx Kinko's (on 57th between Kimbark and Kenwood). It offers self-service and drop-off copying, as well as a range of additional services. If you waited until the last minute and need a FedEx Kinko's that's open 24 hours, there's one just off Roosevelt at 1242 South Canal Street.

For a list of copying, printing, and mailing services in Hyde Park, see Services in Hyde Park.

Lost and found

Office of the Registrar
Address: Administration, Room 103
Phone: 2-7879

This is the official lost and found—but not the only one. The Reynolds Club has its own lost and found (2-8787), as does the Medical Center (2-6262).

Student discounts

The basic rule of thumb: it never hurts to ask. Many neighborhood businesses give discounts to students, and they are often available for theater, dance, and musical performances. Just be prepared to show your Chicago Card. And keep your eyes peeled for coupons.

You can get a special University rate on hotels, car rentals, and air fares. Details at travelnet.uchicago.edu.

International student ID
This gives you significant discounts when you travel abroad. Buy one for $22 at Regenstein Library, Room 100F.

Computer products
Campus Computer Stores offers discounts to students on Apple, Dell, and IBM computer products. Call the sales floor at 2-6086.

Books and educational support materials
See listingsat City Life, Shopping in Hyde Park.

Sending and getting mail

There is a U.S. Post Office substation located on 58th Street, just west of the University Bookstore. You can mail things here, but mail and packages are not delivered to this location. For other locations, see City Life, Services in Hyde Park.

If you want to send a package and don’t want to use the U.S. Postal Service, contact one of the mailing services listed in Services in Hyde Park. They also will sell you a box and supply packing tape. If you live in an apartment and someone wants to send you brownies, you might want to arrange with them to receive your package. They charge a fee, but you may be able to avoid a trip to retrieve your package at the post office or at the UPS depot.

If you live in a dorm, tell people who may send you mail that the name of the building or simply University of Chicago is not enough of an address for the U.S. Post Office—the mail will be returned to the sender. Items sent to you during the school year should be addressed like this:

Your name
Building or dormitory name
Street address
City, state, ZIP code

For a list of other postal services in Hyde Park, see Services in Hyde Park.

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 next to the University Bookstore.

Citibank
The 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 seven days a week, 6:00 a.m.—9:00 p.m.

For a partial list of ATMs in Hyde Park, see Services in Hyde Park.

Registering to vote

Board of Election Commissioners
Address: 69 West Washington, 6th floor
Phone: 312-269-7900
Monday—Friday: 8:00 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, 747-0511). Bring two forms of ID with your name and address.

Passports

U.S. Department of State Passport Services
Web: travel.state.gov/passport/
You'll need a valid passport if you're planning to leave the country for a short visit or to study abroad. Apply at any post office, courthouse, or municipal office. Check the Web site for a list of local facilities. Bring your birth certificate or some proof of U.S. citizenship, Social Security number, additional ID (driver's license or student ID), two passport photos, and an $97 fee ($67 for a renewal). You can buy passport photos at Regenstein Library, Room 100F, or at FedEx Kinko's on 57th Street. Do not put off applying, because the routine passport service takes about eight weeks. You can apply for and receive your passport in two weeks with the expedited service, but it will cost an additional $60.

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