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Resident Life in Chicago

Life in Chicago

Training at Rush University Medical Center means living in the heart of one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the country. Chicago offers an incredible balance of world-class culture, food, neighborhoods, and accessibility—making it an ideal place to live during residency.

An exterior view of RUSH tower against the Chicago skyline at night as lights from cars streak past on the highway.


Living in the City

Rush is located in the Illinois Medical District, just minutes from downtown. Many residents choose to live in nearby neighborhoods such as West Loop, South Loop, West Town, and River North, offering easy commutes and a wide range of housing options. Whether you prefer a high-rise apartment, a quieter residential neighborhood, or something in between, Chicago has something for everyone.
 

pizza

Food Scene

Chicago is a food lover’s paradise. From Michelin-starred restaurants to neighborhood gems, residents enjoy exploring a diverse culinary landscape—steakhouses, global cuisine, and, of course, iconic Chicago staples like deep-dish pizza and hot dogs. The city’s dining scene makes it easy to unwind after a long day or celebrate milestones with co-residents.
 

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Green Chicago River

Things to Do

Chicago offers year-round activities for every interest:

  • Summer: Lakefront trails, beaches, outdoor dining, festivals, and rooftop venues
  • Fall: Neighborhood events, scenic parks, and sports season
  • Winter: Holiday markets, ice skating, and cozy indoor experiences
  • Spring: Museums, theater, and outdoor exploration as the city comes alive again

Residents frequently take advantage of the lakefront for running, biking, and relaxing, as well as Chicago’s renowned museums, live theater, and music scene.

 

Sports and Entertainment

Chicago is home to major professional sports teams, including the Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, and Blackhawks. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just enjoy the atmosphere, attending games is a favorite resident activity. The city also offers concerts, comedy shows, and a vibrant nightlife scene.

  • Sox game
    Rate Field-Home of the Chicago White Sox
  • Cubs game
    Wrigley Field-Home of the Chicago Cubs

 

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CTA

Getting Around

Chicago’s public transportation system (CTA trains and buses) makes commuting convenient and reliable. Many residents choose to live within walking distance or a short train ride from the hospital. Ride-sharing and biking options further add to the ease of navigating the city.
 

Community and Resident Life

Life in Chicago during residency extends beyond the hospital. Residents often explore the city together—trying new restaurants, attending events, or simply enjoying time off. The diverse neighborhoods and endless activities foster a strong sense of community and make it easy to build lasting friendships.

For more information about Chicago visit “Why Choose Rush?” GME page.
 

Diversity At Rush

At Rush, we are committed to promoting equity and inclusiveness for all individuals in our organization and feel strongly that those efforts are crucial to successfully living our mission.

At our institution, where diversity and inclusiveness are high priorities, our accomplishments are not solely measured by the excellence of our training programs and the breadth and quality of our services - but are also measured by the quality of the interactions between individuals and groups within our organization, the success of our efforts to honor our differences, our ability to recruit and retain a more diverse workforce at entry-level, and establishing a culture which consistently welcomes, promotes and encourages diversity.

We welcome applicants of all backgrounds to apply and appreciate the diverse experiences, culture, and perspective each can bring to our team.

For more information about Diversity and Inclusion in GME visit our GME page.