Going to school in Chicago definitely is not a traditional college experience, but if you studied at University of Chicago, Loyola or anywhere in between, you can know you had a better time in college than just about anyone else.
Here's why.
1. The city is your classroom. Why learn about urban planning when you can see it first-hand? Why look at Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks on a projector when you can see it at the Art Institute? Going to school in Chicago allows students some of the best educational experiences at their fingertips, not just in a textbook.
2. All. Of. The. Food. Chicago is one of the culinary capitols of the world, so there are plenty of options when dining hall food just won’t cut it anymore. From Greek to Indian, Mexican to Chinese, Chicago has it all.
3. You like sports? Chicago’s got ’em. So you probably didn’t choose to go to school in Chicago for your school’s athletics—if you did you’re probably pretty disappointed—but luckily Chicago has some of the best teams in the country…and the Cubs. Universities will even have discounted tickets to games on certain days, so there’s no reason to miss out.
4. Oh, the music’s not bad either. Colleges in small towns will get bands to perform at their campus a few times a year if they’re lucky, but you can see live music every night of the week at some of the coolest venues. We also have these little music festivals called Pitchfork and Lollapalooza that you might have heard of.
5. You’ll get to have the coolest internships while in school. While your friends at state schools are competing for a few summer internship positions, Chicago college students can work at any of the great companies in Chicago while they’re going to school. You’re not only having a cooler college experience, you’re getting a better resume too.
6. You’ll never be bored. With a city so large, even after four years there’s no way you’ll know the ins and outs of every neighborhood. Thanks to your U-Pass you can get around the entire city for free and explore all ends of the neighborhood. Buy a cheap bike or rent a Divvy (they offer student memberships) for another great way to explore your temporary—or permanent—home. The city is yours. Take advantage of it.