Deciding what city to go to college at is just as important as deciding the school you want to attend. The surrounding environment affects your education and the number of opportunities you will have while in college. Remember to get the most out of your college years. If you’re still unsure of where to start looking, here is why college in Chicago should be at the top of your list.
Whether you’re a crazy health nut vegetarian like myself, or someone who likes to dig into a plate of hot wings and fries, Chicago offers restaurant, delis, diners, and grocery stores to appeal to everyone’s palate and price range. Looking for a vegan/vegetarian friendly diner? Try The Chicago Diner off Halstead. Something a little more out of the norm? Try Tanta off Grand downtown for some authentic Peruvian food. From true Chicago eats to something from across the country, there will always be something around to satisfy your craving.
Living in the city means there is something to do every night of the week in one part of town or another. Facebook groups always keep college kids updated as to which parties are happening every night. From frat parties to halloween costume contests there is always something that will fit your vibe. Not the partying type? Downtown has plenty of concerts and music venues that will keep your night alive.
While it may be the number one tourist hot spot, Millennium Park is still as gorgeous the 32nd time as it is the 1st. From the skyscraper backdrop to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the atmosphere is one to soak up. If you’re not one for crowds, go with a couple of your best pals at 3am and have the whole park to yourself (and maybe one or two security guards).
As soon as the temperature gets warm, the lake is the place to be. Looking out across the water at the beach feels as if though the ocean were right in front of you. From taking a dip to playing volleyball to tanning out in the sun, the lake is a great way to relax away from the hubbub of the city.
There’s a reason for the architecture tours in Chicago. The buildings found throughout all of Chicago have such rich life, history, and beauty you could set aside days to simply go exploring. The skyscrapers in downtown surround you on all sides creating the perfect engulfment of city life. The townhomes and apartments in Lincoln Park, a wealthier area toward uptown, make you dream of a pretty life in the city. The texture of buildings in Pilsen, the Mexican neighborhood, creates a spark of creativity.
Apart from New York, there is no other city that compares with the array of theatre here in Chicago. There is always some show to find every night of the week from The Goodman theatre in the Loop, to the Chicago Shakespeare Theater in Navy Pier, to storefront theatres like Free Street; there is no scarcity to the number and types of theater and performance art you can find in the City. I’ve seen 4 plays in one week for a total of $30! Who knows, maybe you’ll get lucky and score Hamilton tickets. There really is no reason not to go to college in Chicago.
Chicago is home to some of the world’s best comedians; Bill Murray, Cecily Strong, and Robin Williams to name a few. Chicago is home to The Second City, one of the training centers to many SNL past and current cast members. Not only are there comedy shows every day of the week from as early as 6:00pm to as late as midnight, but there are also plenty of opportunities to hop on stage and try out some basic level improv classes!
The stress of college and the city can be overwhelming, but Chicago has plenty of green behind all the buildings. Chicago is home to 71 different parks across the city. Lincoln Park is one of the most prominent parks around the area, whether in the park itself or walking around the neighborhood, there are multiple trees and a whole lot of beautiful green. In the winter, check out the Garfield Park Conservatory.
As a college student, the CTA will become your best friend. The crazy traffic that is synonymous with city becomes significantly less when you hop onto the train. Choose the Red Line and go explore Belmont or the Brown Line and head up towards Western. With the train and busses at your disposal, Chicago is your playground to have the time of your life in. Don’t worry about the price, as a college student, chances are a Ventro Card is included with your tuition.
College is the time to make friends that will last a lifetime. The people I have met here in Chicago are some of the kindest, most open minded, and most fun spirited people I have met in my life. Chicago natives are the life of the party, and this fabulous city attracts folks from all over the country creating a wonderful melting pot of personalities and ideas. Going to college in Chicago really has no down side.
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