THE BEST STUDENT HOUSING COMMUNITY IN CHICAGO
Dwight Lofts offers individual leasing on a selection of 4, 5, and 6-person apartments with options to have a private bedroom or to share a bedroom with a roommate. Located just south of the loop in downtown Chicago. Contact us today!
Why Dwight Lofts?
The college experience is all about meeting new people and learning new things – at Dwight Lofts, you can do the same! Forge new relationships with a diverse community of students from over the country and the world. Become a part of the Columbia College community that values connections. It’s an experience you won’t forget!
At the Dwight Lofts Chicago student apartments, our friendly team delivers the extra degree of service that you can’t find elsewhere. We pride ourselves on creating a community living experience unlike any other!
Frequently Asked Questions
We know finding a student apartment in Chicago can be stressful—and we’re here to help! While our team is always available to answer questions, sometimes it helps to have the information provided to you ahead of time! The sample documents below are resources to help parents and students better understand the leasing process. We encourage everyone to review the documents before signing your lease. We’ve also included a quick FAQ outlining off-campus housing offerings and individual lease agreements.
How do I apply for Housing at Dwight Lofts?
It’s simple: click Find Your Home in the top right-hand corner of our website! The entire application and lease process can be completed completely online.
Who is the management/owner of the community and their history?
Our students are everything at our downtown Chicago apartments for rent near Columbia College Chicago. Our residents are the cornerstone of The Dinerstein Companies and have faithfully guided our business since its founding in 1955. In 1997, we recognized the need for high-quality student housing. The Dinerstein Companies responded by forming Sterling Housing. Today, Sterling Housing is the country's largest off-campus student housing developer. Our student properties are catered specifically to the college experience so students can have the perfect home away from home.
Can I take a tour of Dwight Lofts even though I don’t live in Chicago or Illinois?
Columbia College has produced an informative video tour of our community. Click HERE to watch the video!
What lease terms are offered at Dwight Lofts?
We offer summer housing at Dwight Lofts for 9, 10, or 11-week terms. You’ll start by clicking “Apply Now” on our website and completing your application. If you pass the background screenings, our system will send you your lease documents for a 9, 10, or 11-week contract.
What items do I need to bring with me for Summer Housing?
Here’s a quick list of some items you should consider bringing with you or purchasing once you arrive. We are conveniently located three blocks from Target if you need to buy any items.
Summer Housing List
What is an individual lease agreement?
Each bed space in each apartment is its own lease agreement. Each lease signer is only responsible for their own lease and bed space. If a roommate is delinquent or causes damage to their individual bedroom, you are not affected.
If there is damage in the common area, such as the living room or kitchen, everyone in the apartment will be equally responsible for the cost unless the person responsible comes forward and accepts responsibility for the damage.
What if students don’t get along with their roommates?
We ask students to communicate directly with one another to work towards a solution that is amenable for all room residents. If this strategy does not work, or a roommate is unwilling to compromise, then students are asked to seek out the counsel and assistance of our office staff. The intervention from our management can range from a conversation with the concerned student to a mediated discussion with the roommates involved. If one feels compelled to vacate, that student reassigns their lease for the remainder of the term, or if possible, we can transfer the student to another apartment based on availability.
Can I break my lease once I have signed it?
Once a lease is signed, the lease signer is financially responsible for the lease in its entirety. Our lease does not offer an early termination charge. However, leaseholders can reassign their lease with written approval from management. The leaseholder is responsible for finding someone who meets our rental criteria to take over their lease agreement. Once found, the potential lease takeover must complete the same background process and sign their own lease. All financial and lease obligations will then be the responsibility of the reassignment. The original leaseholder will no longer be responsible for the lease agreement.
When is rent due?
All our contracts are required to be paid upfront and in their entirety.
How do I sign a lease and reserve my spot at Dwight Lofts?
It's simple: click Find Your Home in the top right-hand corner of our website! The entire application and lease process can be completed completely online. Once you complete the application portion and are approved, you will be led to the leasing documents. Please take the time to review the lease document, as this is a legally binding contract.
Only an application fee of $50 is due when you complete your application. The only additional fee that will be due on or before your move-in date is a $250 security deposit. Security deposits are refunded after you move out, minus any cleaning or damage charges incurred by the property to return your unit to the condition in which you received it.
Why is there a price range listed on my floor-plan lease?
Full-size beds are available in select private bedrooms. The range on the low end includes a twin XL size bed, and the upper end includes a full-size bed, which adds $24 per week to your weekly rental rate. In your application, you can let us know if you would prefer a full-size bed, and the Dwight Lofts staff will try to accommodate your request, depending on availability. Depending on availability, residents may be assigned to a unit with a full-size bed when they indicate that they would prefer not to have a full-size bed.
Once you’ve been assigned to a specific apartment and bed space, a lease specific to your unit will be generated for you to sign, detailing the specifics for your unit.
How do I qualify?
Each applicant will be screened for criminal history. If an applicant’s results show any felony convictions, the application will result in an automatic denial.
What appliances and amenities are included?
Every apartment will includes:
• 42″ Flat screen TV in every living room.
• Satellite TV provided in every living room with the ability to upgrade channel package.
• Electronic key card access to front door.
• 24-hour, 7 day a week security staff at the entrance to the building.
• Apartment phone to contact building security and to be notified of visitors or perishable packages.
• Granite counter tops in kitchen.
• Access to our fitness center.
• Wireless high speed internet is provided in the Sky Lounge and in the first floor lounge.
• High-speed internet and Wi-Fi included in each apartment
• Appliances including: Refrigerator, Microwave, and Oven with stove top range.
What do the apartments include?
Living Room:
Couch and chair, coffee table, 42” flat panel TV, entertainment center, and barstools
Bedroom:
Twin XL or full size mattress, bed with storage underneath, built-in dresser, wardrobe, and a desk with chair. Don’t forget to bring a lamp for your bedroom. Additional move-in information will be sent 1 month prior to moving in day.
What is included in rent?
Our all-inclusive and individual leases at Dwight Lofts include electric, water, sewer, trash, pest control service, access to all amenities, internet, satellite TV, and free access to our bike storage room. Don’t forget about the interior amenities and appliances listed above.
Are there any additional costs to consider which are not listed?
Parking (extremely limited): $75 per week
Full-Size beds located in select units: $24 per week
What are the parking options?
Dwight Lofts offers a parking garage with extremely limited space. Residents can reserve one of our 19 parking spaces. Parking will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Students who wish to have a reserved space can add this premium charge of $75 per week to their lease agreement. These spaces are limited.
Can I mail items to myself ahead of time to pick-up on move-in day?
ABSOLUTELY! Please feel free to mail any items that you would like to yourself, and our staff will store them until you arrive on move-in day. Make sure to include your Dwight Lofts apartment number and your full legal name on the packages. Any items can be delivered starting as early as a week before move-in day.
What is your Pet Policy?
Dwight Lofts does not allow pets with the exception of service/support animals.
Is there on-site management and maintenance?
Just like many residential and conventional communities, the residents of Dwight Lofts will experience an independent style of living. As learning and developing young adults, residents are expected to comply with the lease agreement but can also seek help from our on-site management team. Residents and visitors alike may visit or call our leasing office during the following business hours:
Monday - Friday: 9 am - 5 pm
Saturday: 12 pm - 4 pm
Sunday: CLOSED
During regular business hours, maintenance will complete work orders as requested by the resident. Maintenance is on-site Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For all other emergencies, please contact 911 and notify the management team afterward.
How can I pay my rent?
We feel choices are important when it comes to convenience. We offer several payment options to suit your needs.
Residents may make payments by personal check(s), money order(s), and cashier’s check(s) by simply visiting the office or mailing these payments directly to our office.
Electronic payments using a checking account may be made through the resident portal with a $1.95 flat fee per transaction. Through the resident portal, residents will be able to view all of their account details and set up reoccurring payments at their option.
Credit card payments can be made through our resident portal. Residents may pay with a Discover, Visa, or Master Card. A transaction fee is charged to each transaction made dependent on the type of card being utilized.
