<p>One reason for Midway hotels, for move-in only, is that you can lock your car in a lit parking lot. We actually never stay at Midway when visiting, but for a trip with a packed car, it was more convenient. Many of the downtown hotels only offer valet parking, which means giving your keys to someone. I agree on all other points. LSD is faster than 55th Street or I-55, and the downtown hotels are both much nicer and in more interesting environs than the Midway hotels. </p>
<p>For winter coats, I’d have your son wait until December as well. Layering will work until then, or he may do some shopping in Chicago. My S went for almost 2 years without anything heavier than his Carhart jacket, with fleece underneath, but my D bought a calf-length NorthFace within the first 4 months, and we live in the northeast! S did finally break down when he lived over a mile from campus and bought a Mountain Hardware jacket that he swears by until this day. </p>
<p>And as for ease of arrival, nothing beats Midway. We have tried to avoid flying in or out of O’Hare for 8 years now. It is just easier to navigate, and so much more convenient to the U of C. The last time we flew out of O’Hare it took us 2.5 hours on a Sunday afternoon to get there from Hyde Park. Just traffic, no construction, accidents, or special events. Yuck.</p>