Roosevelt University’s campus life offers a dynamic, urban experience with strong diversity, access to city resources, and a supportive community, but it also presents challenges such as limited traditional campus amenities and higher living costs. Understanding these benefits and drawbacks is essential for any student considering Roosevelt University as their academic home.
Background: Roosevelt University and Its Campuses
Founded in 1945 and named after Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, Roosevelt University is a private institution with its main campus in downtown Chicago and a secondary campus in Schaumburg, Illinois. The Chicago campus is located on Michigan Avenue, adjacent to Grant Park and close to major city attractions, businesses, and public transportation. This urban setting strongly shapes the campus life experience, distinguishing Roosevelt from colleges with more secluded or suburban campuses.
Urban Campus Life: Unique Opportunities
Roosevelt’s downtown Chicago location places students at the heart of one of America’s largest cities. This urban environment creates several distinct benefits:
- Access to Internships and Jobs: Students have proximity to countless businesses, nonprofits, hospitals, and government offices, making it easier to find internships and part-time work in their fields.
- Cultural Experiences: Being steps from the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, theaters, and concert venues allows students to enjoy world-class arts and entertainment.
- Public Transportation: The campus is easily accessible by CTA trains and buses, reducing the need for a car and making commuting straightforward.
- Networking: Chicago’s status as a business and cultural hub means students can attend lectures, workshops, and networking events hosted by professionals from diverse industries.
Community and Diversity
Roosevelt University prides itself on its commitment to social justice and diversity. The student body is notably diverse in terms of ethnicity, age, and socioeconomic background. This diversity enriches campus life by exposing students to a wide range of perspectives and experiences. Many students are first-generation college attendees, and the university offers support services tailored to their needs, such as mentoring programs, academic advising, and student organizations focused on inclusion and advocacy.
Student Organizations and Activities
Despite its urban focus, Roosevelt offers a variety of student clubs and organizations covering academic, cultural, recreational, and social interests. Examples include:
- Student Government Association
- Social Justice Organizations
- Cultural Clubs (e.g., Black Student Union, Latinx Student Association)
- Performing Arts Groups
- Professional and Academic Societies
- Intramural Sports and Fitness Classes
Regular events such as guest speakers, career fairs, and cultural celebrations foster a sense of community, but the scale may be smaller compared to larger universities.
Housing and Residential Life
Roosevelt’s primary residence hall is the Wabash Building, a 32-story skyscraper that is one of the tallest academic buildings in the U.S. This modern facility offers suite-style rooms with amenities like study lounges, communal kitchens, and fitness centers. However, campus housing capacity is limited, and many students, especially upperclassmen and graduate students, live off-campus in apartments throughout Chicago.
Benefits of On-Campus Living:
- Convenience and proximity to classes and campus resources
- Opportunities to build friendships and participate in residence life events
- Safety features such as secure access and 24-hour desk staff
Drawbacks:
- Limited availability, especially for returning students
- Higher cost compared to some off-campus options
- Less of a traditional “campus quad” environment
Facilities and Campus Amenities
Roosevelt’s facilities are modern and well-maintained, especially in the Wabash Building and the historic Auditorium Building. Students have access to:
- State-of-the-art classrooms and labs
- Fitness centers
- Study spaces and lounges
- Dining options, though mostly limited to campus cafes and nearby restaurants
One notable drawback is the absence of large athletic facilities or expansive green spaces, which some students may miss if they’re used to suburban or rural campuses.
Safety and Security
Campus safety is a priority at Roosevelt. The university maintains a campus safety office, employs security personnel, and uses secure access points for buildings and residence halls. The urban setting, however, means students need to stay aware of their surroundings, especially at night. The university provides safety escorts, emergency alert systems, and self-defense workshops. Students are encouraged to use public transportation and avoid walking alone late at night in less populated areas.
Costs and Affordability
Living in downtown Chicago comes with higher living expenses, particularly for housing and food. On-campus housing is convenient but can be costly compared to some off-campus options, though sharing an apartment with roommates may lower costs. Roosevelt offers financial aid and scholarships, and many students work part-time jobs to help cover expenses. It’s important for prospective students to carefully compare the costs of living on-campus, off-campus, or commuting from home.
Common Drawbacks and Challenges
While Roosevelt’s campus life has many strengths, there are notable challenges:
- Limited Traditional Campus Feel: The urban, vertical campus lacks the classic collegiate quad and large green spaces.
- Commuter Culture: A significant portion of students commute, which can make it harder to build a tight-knit residential community.
- Cost of Living: Downtown Chicago is expensive, and not all students can afford on-campus housing or nearby apartments.
- Space Constraints: Study and recreation spaces are well-designed but can become crowded during peak times.
- Limited Athletics: Roosevelt has some sports teams, but athletic facilities and events are not a central part of campus life compared to larger universities.
How to Decide if Roosevelt Campus Life Is Right for You
Prospective students should consider the following factors when evaluating Roosevelt’s campus life:
- Urban vs. Traditional Campus: Do you thrive in a bustling city environment, or do you prefer a more traditional, contained campus?
- Importance of Athletics: Are varsity sports and large-scale athletics important to your college experience?
- Housing Preferences: Can you adapt to high-rise living, or would you prefer more expansive on-campus housing options?
- Budget: Are you prepared for the higher costs associated with living downtown, or will you need to find more affordable housing farther from campus?
- Commuting: If you plan to commute, consider transit options and travel times.
Visiting the campus, talking to current students, and attending admitted student events can help you decide if Roosevelt’s campus life aligns with your preferences and needs.
Comparisons: Roosevelt vs. Other Chicago-Area Universities
Roosevelt’s campus life differs from other Chicago-area institutions in several ways:
- DePaul University: Also urban, but with more extensive student housing and a larger athletics program.
- Loyola University Chicago: Has a more traditional campus feel along Lake Michigan and larger residential communities.
- University of Illinois Chicago (UIC): A large public university with more on-campus amenities and student organizations.
Roosevelt stands out for its social justice orientation, smaller campus size, and central downtown location, but may not provide the same breadth of campus-based activities or facilities as these larger institutions.
Alternatives for Engaging in Campus Life
Students who seek more traditional campus amenities sometimes join citywide organizations, participate in community events, or use Chicago’s many public parks and recreational facilities. Roosevelt encourages students to get involved both on and off campus, and the university’s Career Development office helps students find internships and volunteer opportunities throughout the city. Additionally, some students choose to live in nearby neighborhoods with more affordable housing and a stronger sense of local community, such as Pilsen, Hyde Park, or Lincoln Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Roosevelt University a commuter school?
While a significant number of students commute, especially upperclassmen and graduate students, there is a residential community in the Wabash Building. The campus supports both commuters and residents with events and resources. - How safe is the campus?
Roosevelt University invests in campus security and has safety protocols in place, but as with any urban campus, students should remain alert and take common-sense precautions, especially after dark. - Are there opportunities for student involvement?
Yes, students can join a variety of clubs, organizations, and leadership programs. The urban setting also allows for involvement in citywide events, internships, and volunteer work. - What housing options are available?
The main on-campus housing is in the Wabash Building, offering suite-style accommodations. Many students also live in apartments or with roommates off-campus in various Chicago neighborhoods. - Does Roosevelt have athletic teams?
Roosevelt competes in NAIA athletics as the “Lakers,” but sports are a smaller part of campus life compared to larger universities. There are also intramural and fitness opportunities. - How does the cost of living compare to other schools?
Downtown Chicago is generally more expensive than suburban or rural campuses. Students should budget carefully and explore financial aid, scholarships, and part-time job options.
Conclusion: Is Roosevelt Campus Life a Good Fit?
Roosevelt University offers a vibrant, diverse, and urban campus experience with excellent access to city resources, internships, and cultural activities. Its central location and commitment to social justice attract students who thrive in a bustling metropolitan environment. However, the drawbacks—higher living costs, limited traditional campus amenities, and a commuter-heavy student body—mean it may not suit everyone. Prospective students should weigh these factors against their own preferences and priorities to determine if Roosevelt’s campus life is the right fit for their college journey.