Chicago’s a big city and may seem overwhelming to new students, but it’s actually one of the easiest to navigate by any mode of transportation. Situated on a grid system, Chicago is accessible by walking, biking, public transit — you name it!
Roosevelt has also contracted the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Metra, which offers students unlimited access to the city’s convenient public transportation system.
Make the most of your time as a Roosevelt student. Get out there and explore!
Arguably one of our students’ favorite perks of attending Roosevelt — as a full-time student, you get unlimited access to Chicago’s CTA public transportation system, the second largest in the country.
Chicago’s famous “L” trains, some of which run on elevated railways, and expansive bus system can get you anywhere in the city and 40 neighboring communities. And with your U-Pass, you can take as many rides as you’d like each semester.
U-Pass Cost: $123.00 per semester.
Starting fall 2026, Roosevelt students will have a new public transportation option through the UPass + Metra Program, an optional mobile pass that expands travel beyond campus and across the Chicagoland area. This added benefit reflects Roosevelt’s focus on access, affordability, and helping students make the most of their time in and around Chicago.
UPass + Metra makes it easier to reach neighborhoods, internships, cultural attractions, and educational destinations throughout the region—including destinations near Brookfield Zoo Chicago, the Chicago Botanic Garden, and the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry—giving students more ways to explore the city and surrounding communities.
Students must opt in each semester they want to use the Metra portion of UPass +. The program is available during the fall and spring semesters only, with no summer availability. For fall 2026, the opt-in window runs from July 26, 2026, through September 9, 2026. For spring 2027, the opt-in window runs from December 22, 2026, through February 5, 2027. UPass + Metra Program has a bundled semester price of $335.50 and includes both the Metra pass and the CTA UPass. Students may save more than 50% in monthly commuting costs by participating through Roosevelt University.
Note: By opting in to the UPass + Metra Program, you agree to pay all associated fees for the selected fall or spring semester, maintain an active CTA UPass, and acknowledge that fees are nonrefundable after the opt-in deadline and that misuse may result in loss of access. For student use only.
Chicago’s growing bike-share system has thousands of bikes at hundreds of stations across the city. Easy-to-use touchscreen kiosks and sturdy bikes are at your disposal with Divvy — if you prefer to make your commute in fresh air, or just want to explore new places, check Divvy out.
Divvy Cost: See the Divvy website for current cost in formation.
If you want to make a quick journey from place to place, taxis and ride-share options are plentiful in Chicago. Whether you’re making a trip to/from the airport with lots to carry, or you want to make a safe, late-night voyage, Chicago has you covered. Most cab companies have apps you can install on your phone to make it easier than ever to get around.
Cost: Varies based on destination
Despite its size, Chicago is one of the best walking cities in the country. Roosevelt’s Chicago Campus is situated just steps from beautiful Lake Michigan, the Art Institute of Chicago, Grant Park, Millennium Park, and neighboring Museum Campus. That’s not to mention the endless restaurants, retail shopping, cultural attractions and parks everywhere you look. Check out our campus maps to see what is within walking distance of our campus buildings.
Cost: FREE