PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION (888) YOUR-CTA transitchicago.com The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) allows Chicago residents to travel almost anywhere in the city and most times of the day or night. Visit transitchicago.com, or call 1.888.YOUR.CTA to find current bus and train schedules and fare information. The CTA offers riders both text and web-based alerts, providing information about each buses or train’s current location and expected arrival. Full-time students are provided with a Ventra U-Pass, which they pay for as part of their fees when they register for classes. Ventra U-Passes provide each eligible student unlimited ridership on any CTA bus or train during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Visit colum.edu/upass for complete information about the Ventra U-Pass. For suburban residents, the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) provides transportation options, including Metra trains and PACE buses, to and from the city to many Chicagoland suburbs and even some Chicago neighborhoods. Visit rtachicago.com for current routes and schedule information. PARKING Students who drive to school will need to park in a lot or use meter parking around the South Loop campus. The parking meters in Chicago are owned and operated by a private company. Hourly rates will vary by location and typically, meters are in operation from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., including weekends and holidays. There are several parking lots and garages around the South Loop, especially along Wabash Avenue and State Street. Daily parking rates are seasonal and tend to spike during peak holiday and festival times. Shop around for the best bargain and ask about monthly plans and student discounts - they are available, but students have to ask. The security desk in each building has a stamp to validate parking for many of the area’s participating lots.
STUDENT MEDIA AND PUBLICATIONS
Did we tell you that Columbia students have something to say? Yeah, ok. This is where they (you) say it. THE COLUMBIA CHRONICLE columbiachronicle.com The Columbia Chronicle is Columbia College Chicago’s award-winning, student-run news operation. Stay up to date with what’s happening on campus by subscribing to the Chronicle’s daily email newsletter at ColumbiaChronicle. com/newsletter. The Chronicle staff produces daily digital content, including breaking news, feature stories, photo galleries, videos and podcasts, which can be found at ColumbiaChronicle.com. Print editions of the newspaper can be found on newsstands on select Mondays during the academic year. Readers can explore articles in several sections—Campus, Arts & Culture, Metro and Opinions. Pick up physical copies of the newspaper in the lobby of any Columbia building 37
