Frequently Asked Questions

When does the program begin and end?

FUP starts on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013, and ends on Monday, Sept. 16. On the last day, students will be dropped off on Northwestern's Evanston campus for move-in day.

Where are we staying?

At Hostelling International – Chicago, in the Loop — Chicago's central district. It's at the intersection of East Congress Parkway and South Wabash Street — a short walk from Michigan Avenue, Grant Park, Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum and Lake Michigan. Fuppers, counselors and co-chairs will come back to the hostel every single night of the six-day program.

Contact information for the hostel below:

24 East Congress Parkway
Chicago, IL 60605-1226
(312) 360-0300

Will I have to bring money?

The program covers all expenses, from food to transportation. You may want to bring a small sum of spending money -- no more than $10 to $25 – for personal or emergency use.

What should I pack?

No. 1 item: GOOD WALKING SHOES. We'll be doing a lot of travel by foot.

We'd advise packing light – bring only what you need for six days. Wear the sort of clothes you might wear to class. Bring work clothes, too – you may end up doing some manual work at different sites. (We'll let you know ahead of time so you can dress appropriately for the day.) Also, we'll be going out on our last night, so bring a nice summer outfit.

Some other necessities: The hostel will provide linens, a pillow and a towel. You're welcome to bring your own if you'd like, but it's not a necessity.

And above all else, bring comfortable, durable shoes.

If I'm driving, where do I get dropped off?

Fuppers coming to campus by car should be dropped off at Norris University Center between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10. Norris' address is 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60201.

If you're not able to arrive between those times, let us know on your participant information sheet.

Counselors will meet participants at Norris and help unload luggage. Then we'll travel by car to the youth hostel.

Please do not plan to drive directly to the hostel. We're asking you to meet at Norris because there isn't much parking downtown. Plus, it will be easier if you don't have to face the chaos of downtown Chicago traffic.

Flying?

Fuppers flying into Chicago should plan to arrive by 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10. When you have your flight information, fill out the participant information sheet and sent it in. Be sure to send us your cell phone number, so we can call you once your plane lands.

You can fly into O'Hare or Midway. Counselors will meet you at the baggage claim and drive you to the hostel. Look out for college-age young men and women wearing FUP t-shirts.

Taking the train?

If you're chugging in on the train, plan to arrive by 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 6 at Union Station. Counselors in FUP t-shirts will pick you up at the main entrance and take you to the hostel. When you have your train information, fill out the participant information sheet and send it in.

Riding the bus?

If you're taking the bus, plan to arrive by 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at Union Station. Counselors in FUP t-shirts will meet you at the main entrance and head back to the hostel with you. Once you have your bus information, fill out the participant information sheet and send it in.

What about New Student Week pick-up?

Fuppers and counselors will disembark at the Arts Circle on Northwestern's Evanston campus between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 16. The circle is just south of Norris University Center and Pick-Staiger Concert Hall. Families may meet us there.

Here we'll return stored items and direct students to their residence halls, where they'll start the process of moving in. If you're not able to meet with your family between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., it's best to meet them at your campus room.

Can I store luggage on campus?

FUP will provide limited storage space for your college stuff. Space is limited and FUP counselors are not professional movers. We want to be as helpful as possible, but we strongly recommend that families who are able to meet their student on campus at the end of the program bring their students' belongings for the year. Because there are so many students from out-of-state, we also encourage participants whose parents are not able to help with move in have their belongings shipped to the dorm rooms during New Student Week.

How can my family get in touch with me? Phone or email?

You are more than welcome to use your phones to get in touch with family members during FUP – but don't let that gadget distract from the wonderful things and people all around you. Keep cell usage to a minimum.

Parents may call the Campus Activities Office during regular business hours at 847- 491-2350. The office will then contact one of the co-chairs. Parents may also leave a message at the youth hostel: (312) 360-0300.

Will there be partying and debauchery on FUP?

Absolutely not. We do not tolerate illegal drugs or alcohol. Participants who don't abide program rules will be sent home at their own expense. No exceptions.

Due to our busy schedule, participants will not be permitted to leave the program for other activities – such as meeting friends in Chicago -- during the week.

If you have a religious or other personal reason for leaving the program for any amount of time, please let us know as soon as possible and we will do our best to accommodate.

Have a question we didn't answer?

Email us, we love to talk. fup.northwestern@gmail.com