If you are a novice and are planning a hiking/trekking trip then this is this store you should go to arrange all the possible stuff that you shall ever need on these trips of yours. The REI Lincoln store is located at 1466 North Halsted Street Chicago, IL and is known to be one of the best in business.

It offers everything that you need on such a trip at affordable and reasonable prices. The stuff includes air mattresses, backpacks, tents, sleeping pads and even water bottles. It also has gadgets, electronics, kitchen and health and safety products.

http://www.rei.com/stores/123

http://www.rei.com/outlet

The University of Chicago is the best when it comes to providing housing for its students. This is achieved by the international house at the campus. It can accommodate 486 U G's, P G's and interns from all countries. This was established in the year 1932 by john D Rockefeller.

It has students from almost all parts of the world from different countries and different backgrounds as well. The mission of this house is to establish the cross cultural understanding, friendship and harmony. Apart from Chicago the international house is also established in New York, Tokyo, Paris and Berkley.

http://ihouse.uchicago.edu/about/index.shtml