Moving to the Chicago area for school is a lesson in geography. You quickly learn that "Chicago" covers a massive radius. I wasn't heading to a dorm in the Loop; I was setting up base in Arlington Heights. It’s the perfect strategic midpoint—close enough to catch a Cubs game via the Metra train, but quiet enough to actually get studying done.
However, living in the suburbs means you need wheels. My 2016 Subaru Crosstrek is essential for this. It handles the infamous Midwest winters like a champ and has enough trunk space for my hockey gear. But looking at the drive from the West Coast to Illinois, I hesitated. Putting 2,000 miles of wear on my AWD system and tires just to get there seemed wasteful. I wanted the car to be fresh for the snow, not exhausted from the highway.
The Logistics of the Midwest Move
I decided to look for a student discount for car shipping. It turns out that getting a car to the Midwest is surprisingly affordable if you plan ahead. AmeriFreight helped me lock in a rate that fit my student budget. Instead of spending three days in motels and gas stations, I flew into O'Hare, took a quick Uber to my new apartment, and met the carrier there. My Crosstrek arrived without a scratch, ready for its new life in the snow belt.
Arlington Heights, IL
Arlington Heights is more than just a bedroom community; it’s a hub. It has a vibrant downtown area (with great alfresco dining) and serves as a gateway to the entire Chicagoland area.
The Commuter Advantage: The Metra train runs right through the center of town. I can be at Union Station in downtown Chicago in 45 minutes, yet I pay suburban rent prices.
Vibe: It’s safe, green, and incredibly well-connected. For a student who might be taking classes at different campuses or interning in the city, it offers the best of both worlds.
Target Jobs
Living in the suburbs requires cash flow. Target is a massive employer in this region, with multiple SuperTargets scattered along Rand Road and Palatine Road. It’s a go-to for students because they offer flexible scheduling around classes.
How much does Target pay per hour in Illinois?
Target has been aggressive with their wages. In the Arlington Heights area, entry-level positions generally start around $16.75 to $17.50 per hour. This is well above the federal minimum and competitive for retail work in the suburbs.
What position pays most at Target?
If you have some prior experience or leadership skills, look for Team Lead positions. These roles effectively function as department managers and can pay upwards of $24 per hour. However, for standard hourly roles, working in the Distribution Centers or overnight stocking often comes with a shift differential that bumps the pay higher.
How do I get hired at Target?
The process is almost entirely digital. You apply through their online portal (Workday), and for many entry-level roles, you might not even have an in-person interview. Instead, you record video responses to questions. Pro tip: Apply in late summer or early autumn. They ramp up hiring massively for the holiday season ("Q4"), and it’s the easiest time to get your foot in the door.
What is the easiest position to work at Target?
This is debated, but most students agree that Fulfillment (Order Pickup) is the sweet spot. You spend your shift walking the store with a scanner, picking items for online orders. It keeps you moving, makes the shift go by fast, and has significantly less face-to-face interaction with customers compared to being a cashier.
Arlington Heights, IL Area Colleges and Universities
My Crosstrek is the key to accessing the diverse educational network here. Arlington Heights sits in the middle of a "college corridor":
Robert Morris University (Arlington Heights Campus): Located right in town, making it the ultimate commuter option.
Harper College: Just down the road in Palatine. It’s one of the best community colleges in the state and a major feeder school for universities.
Elmhurst University: A highly-rated private liberal arts college accessible via I-290.
National Louis University: Known for flexible schedules for working students, with a nearby campus in Wheeling.
Roosevelt University: Has a Schaumburg campus that is a quick drive away, focusing on pharmacy and business.
DePaul University & University of Illinois Chicago (UIC): While these are in the city, many students live in Arlington Heights to save money and drive or take the train in for classes.
Northern Illinois University: Located further west in DeKalb, but many students commute from the northwest suburbs for weekend programs or hybrid classes.
A Note on Cross-State Logistics
One thing I learned is that Transporting Your Car Across State Lines requires checking the details. For example, Illinois requires front license plates (unlike some other states), and you need to get an "I-PASS" transponder immediately for the toll roads. Having my car shipped meant I had time to handle these administrative tasks before I even started driving.