Overview and Location
The Buckingham is a student housing property at Chicago, IL 60605, USA. It offers furnished apartments with studios, one‑bedroom, two‑bedroom, three‑bedroom, and four‑bedroom layouts. Monthly rents range from USD 1,050 to USD 2,739 (indicative — confirm with the operator). A security deposit of USD 300 is required. The building includes a gym, a game room, a study area, and permits dual occupancy in eligible units. The minimum lease term is 4 months, and the earliest move‑in date is 21 August 2026.
The property is positioned within the South Loop neighbourhood, within walking distance of several university campuses and public transport. Based on resident reviews, its location scores 4.8 out of 5, and getting around also scores 4.8. Amenities and social atmosphere each score 4.7.
Who Is This Residence Suited For?
The Buckingham works well for students who place a high priority on location and social life. The building’s location score of 4.8 and social score of 4.7 indicate that most residents find it easy to connect with peers and reach classes, shops, and transit. The study area and game room provide spaces for both focused work and relaxation.
Students who prefer larger shared apartments will find three‑bedroom and four‑bedroom options. Those who want more privacy can choose studios or one‑bedroom units. Dual occupancy is allowed in some unit types, which could help split the rent with a roommate even in a studio or one‑bedroom.
The minimum lease of 4 months makes it suitable for summer interns or academic semesters. The gym is a plus for residents who want to maintain a workout routine without leaving the building.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
The Buckingham may not be the right fit for budget‑conscious students. Chicago’s overall student housing supply starts from about USD 600 per month, so The Buckingham’s entry price of USD 1,050 is notably higher. If your budget is tight, there are more affordable properties in the city.
Some residents have reported issues with management communication and transparency. A one‑star review describes the management as “the worst management team I have ever come across” and notes a lack of communication before move‑in. Another review mentions a USD 300 application fee that “is excessive” and difficulty getting timely responses. If you value a smooth, upfront administrative process, you may want to confirm recent management practices or consider alternatives.
The property’s overall Google rating is 3.6 out of 5 from 217 reviews. While location and social dimensions score well, dimensions such as food (3.5), staff (3.5), cleaning (3.5), internet (3.5), room experience (3.5), and value for money (3.5) are average. Students who expect high‑end finishes or exceptional service might be disappointed.
What Residents Actually Say
Three reviews from Google provide contrasting experiences.
Larry Buckfire (rating 5) wrote: “We moved my son into The Buckingham yesterday for his summer internship in Chicago. He was the first check in time at 7:00 and there was a small line. The process was very efficient and it took just minutes to check in and get his room key. The room was clean and organized and the entire process could not have been eas” (text ends mid‑sentence).
This positive account highlights a smooth move‑in and clean condition. However, it only covers the check‑in moment, not the longer stay.
Grace Tuttle (rating 1) wrote: “Horrible building, worst management team I have ever come across after years of student housing rentals. They are not transparent and completely unhelpful in any way, both my brother and I were here for days before the office communicated with us and opened so that we could get our keys, despite us paying the rent. The” (text ends mid‑sentence).
This review points to serious communication gaps and a lack of responsiveness, especially during the arrival period.
Owen Rokke (rating 1) wrote: “Pros: Great location, convenient for students, easy to make friends. Cons: Application Fee: $300 just to apply is excessive. Communication Issues: Leading up to move‑in, it was nearly impossible to get timely responses from the management team. Misleading Pricing: Website listed the rate as $1,359/month, but I was char” (text ends mid‑sentence).
This review acknowledges the location and social benefits but criticises the upfront cost and pricing transparency. The “misleading pricing” issue suggests that what you see online may not match the final quoted amount — a point to clarify with the operator during booking.
Overall, the reviews are mixed. Location and social atmosphere are praised; administration, pricing clarity, and management responsiveness are common complaints.
Price Positioning in the Chicago Market
The cheapest student housing in Chicago starts at about USD 600 per month. The Buckingham’s lowest listed price is USD 1,050 — roughly 75% above the city floor. Its top price of USD 2,739 places it in the upper price tier for the city.
For comparison, the property’s value‑for‑money dimension scores 3.5 out of 5, reflecting resident perception that the cost is not always matched by the experience. The USD 300 application fee is also higher than many competitors.
All prices mentioned are indicative — confirm with the operator at the time of booking.
Room Type Guidance
The Buckingham offers five unit types, listed from most private to most shared:
- Studio: Best for one person who values a self‑contained space. Dual occupancy may be allowed — check with the operator if you plan to share.
- One‑bedroom (1b): A separate bedroom plus living area. Suitable for one or two sharers (dual occupancy possible).
- Two‑bedroom (2b): Two private bedrooms, sharing a kitchen and living room. Common for two roommates.
- Three‑bedroom (3b): Three bedrooms, ideal for a group of three friends.
- Four‑bedroom (4b): Four bedrooms, the most economical per person if all four are occupied. Rent splitting here could lower individual costs.
Because the property allows dual occupancy in some units, a studio or one‑bedroom can accommodate two people, which reduces the per‑person cost. Always confirm the exact doubling policy and any additional fees.
Booking Timing
The property becomes available on 21 August 2026. Given the mixed feedback on communication and the high demand in Chicago’s South Loop, it is wise to begin the application process early — ideally in early 2026 or at least 3–4 months before move‑in. The minimum lease is 4 months, so if you are a fall‑semester student (August–December), a 4‑month lease would cover the term.
Because the website pricing has been reported as “misleading” in one review, it is crucial to obtain a written quote directly from the operator and ask for a full breakdown of all fees (application, deposit, any additional charges). Do not rely solely on online listings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is the application fee refundable?
The application fee is USD 300. According to one resident review, this fee is “excessive” and likely non‑refundable unless the property explicitly states otherwise. Confirm the refund policy with the operator before paying.
Q2: Can two people share a studio or one‑bedroom unit?
Yes — the property tags include “dual_occupancy,” which means certain units (likely studios and one‑bedrooms) may be rented to two occupants. However, the total rent may increase, and some units have a maximum occupancy limit. Verify the exact terms and any extra monthly charge per additional occupant with the operator.
Q3: What is the minimum lease term?
The minimum lease term is 4 months. This makes the property suitable for a semester, a summer internship, or a short‑term study period. Longer lease options may also be available — ask the operator for details on 6‑month or 12‑month contracts.
Sources & data date: 2026-07
For live availability and the most current pricing, please use the on‑site assistant on our website.
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