FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer housing for students from outside Chicago?

Although we welcome students from outside of the Chicago area to enroll in the HiArch program, due to the small and focused program size, the School does not facilitate housing arrangements for program participants. The University has limited Guest and Intern Housing options available by separate application. These accommodations are located on UIC's West Campus, about 1.5 miles from the program site. Please contact guesthousing@uic.edu for more information. If you need recommendations for hotel information near campus, please see UIC's Campus Visit page. 

Can students enroll in Week 2: Model-Making Workshop without taking Week 1 of HiArch?

The two weeks of HiArch and the Model-Making Workshop are progressive, so students cannot enroll in Week 2 without completing Week 1. If a student has taken Week 1 in 2025 or a previous summer, they're welcome to enroll in Week 2 only. The registration fee is $450, the same as the Week 1 cost. In some cases we may make an exception to participate in Week 2 only, particularly if a students has some prior experience with architecture. To determine whether an exception might be possible, please email HiArch@uic.edu.

Is HiArch open to students who will be starting high school in the fall? 

Yes, HiArch is open to rising freshmen through graduating seniors. All students must be at least 14 years old at the time of the program.

Is prior architecture experience required?

No, the content of HiArch is designed to be manageable for all students. The program is highly collaborative between the participants, faculty, and student assistants, and we expect all students to participate and learn together, regardless of their background. It is generally helpful when students have taken previous art or design classes, but it is by no means expected or required.

I don't have a laptop. Can I still participate?

Generally, all students should bring with a laptop that meets our requirements. However, we have a limited number of laptops available for students to borrow. If you'd like to request one, please email HiArch@uic.edu. Laptops are typically required for Week 1 only.

What are the dismissal procedures each day?

Students are dismissed at 4pm each day when the program ends and free to go at that time. There is no dismissal procedure. It is not necessary for a parent or guardian to be present at the time of dismissal.

Is it possible to park on campus each day during the program?

Yes, students may park on campus. The daily parking rate is $15. For students who intend to drive and park every day, there are temporary weekly parking passes available for $46 per week plus a $20 fee for a parking card. In other words, $66 for one week or $112 for two weeks (the $20 fee is a one-time charge). If you’d like to get one, you’ll need to visit the Campus Parking Office. Unfortunately, we’re not able to get these on behalf of visiting students. The closest office is in Student Center East. Please email us at HiArch@uic.edu if you plan to get a parking pass. We will email the parking office to confirm your participation in the program.

What's the best way to get to campus via public transportation? And is it safe?

Many of our students, faculty, and staff take public transit to campus every day! There is a CTA Blue Line stop right on campus (the UIC-Halsted stop). It’s a 3 or 4 minute walk from the Blue Line stop to our building. We are also very close to stops on several bus lines—the 7 Harrison, 8 Halsted, and 60 Blue Island/26th. Our building is approximately one mile from Union Station and Ogilvie Transportation Center, which serve Amtrak and Metra trains, or about a mile from the Halsted Metra Station. Several CTA bus lines also go between those stations and campus. In general, we find that Google Maps gives accurate and helpful directions for public transit in the city.

I'm interested in learning even more about architecture after HiArch! Do you have any suggestions?

Yes, we have a list of various resources and recommendations, including cultural institutions, books and movies, resources related to architecture education, etc.