How to go about getting an affordable college apartment when attending a school in downtown Chicago?

My younger sister is seriously considering attending a downtown Chicago school next year; however, the only thing holding her back is the ridiculous pricing of down town housing! around 1500 per month is unfathomable for our small town southern Illinois budgets. I have heard that many people commute to the city for school from the surrounding area. What is the best way to find out which areas are safe and what property is available and easy to commute by public transit *parking is too expensive to pay on a daily basis.*



If you have any suggestions, they would be much appreciated!How to go about getting an affordable college apartment when attending a school in downtown Chicago?
She could look at housing near other schools in the area- Northwestern, Loyola, UChicago, etc. If it has a large student population, odds are that the housing will be less expensive and a decent police presence. She could also look for roommates- in and around Chicago is incredibly expensive no matter what. She could look on Craigslist or look on facebook for other incoming students looking for roommates.