Login Register

Northwestern University
- Local Atmosphere

RT
Currently attending or alumni?
Review this school!
Are you interested
in this school?
Yes, let this school know
Maybe, bookmark for later
No, get better matches
Saving your decision
Yes
Maybe
No

We will attempt to notify this
school of your interest.

This school has been saved to your schools list.

This school has been removed from your recommended schools list.

For your next recommendation, check out .

Jump to a section:

Grade
Quick Stats
Student Author Overview
Student Reviews
Student Polls
Facts
Listings
Take A SurveyWrite A ReviewUpload A PhotoLink Up A VideoWrite The Guide
Northwestern University - Local Atmosphere - Local Atmosphere - College ProwlerCollege Prowler3.46

Local Atmosphere

B
Where does this grade come from?View all Local Atmosphere rankingsReview this school to add your opinion

Comparable Schools' Local Atmosphere Grades:

Quick Stats

Fun Local Trivia
  1. There is a local myth that Evanston has outlawed trick-or-treating, bowling, and skipping within city limits.
  2. The film "Mean Girls," starring Lindsay Lohan, was set in Evanston, though it wasn't filmed there.
  3. The headquarters for Rotary International is found in Evanston.
  4. Many people claim that the ice cream sundae was born in Evanston.
  5. One of the world's seven Baha'i Temples is located in nearby Wilmette.
Notable Natives
  • John and Joan Cusack – actors
  • Charlton Heston – actor
  • Bill Murray – actor (from nearby Wilmette)
  • Jeremy Piven – actor
Points of Interest
  • Art Institute of Chicago
  • The Bean
  • Navy Pier
  • Willis Tower
  • Wrigley Field

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

For many students, the city of Evanston represents the best of both worlds. Evanston has a small-town, suburban feel, but it's big enough to offer plenty of restaurants, shopping, and other activities. Also, the great city of Chicago is just a short "L" ride away. With offerings like "The Bean," Navy Pier, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Wrigley Field in downtown Chicago, Northwestern students are never at a loss for ways to keep busy. As with most everything in college, you have to take advantage of the opportunities at your fingertips. Although Northwestern doesn't give its students U-Passes, take the time to go to Chicago—you won’t regret it.

As for Evanston, the relationship between the residents and the students can be testy at times. At football tailgates or on the weekends, students can get a bit rowdy. Residents have been known to call the police to shut down off-campus parties, but if you keep to yourself, you can definitely coexist with the Evanstonians. But walking around NU, students won’t really feel much animosity. Stores and restaurants are very cooperative with students, offering WildCARD discounts and allowing students to paint the storefront windows for Homecoming. Northwestern students bring a vibrant energy to Evanston during the school year, and many residents will say that the summers are just not the same without them.

See how you stack up against students who were accepted to this school . . .And calculate your chances!Register to get started

Northwestern University Student ReviewsWhat's This?

Sort by:

Loading...

Local Atmosphere at Northwestern University

hgf596

Film and Video Studies '14

4.2
A-

Evanston Is Great. the Locals? Not So Much...

Evanston is a great college town. There are so many fantastic restaurants within walking distance, and some even have student discounts. There is a nearby movie theater, public library, Whole Foods and CVS, and an easy, accessible, transit system- the Evanston loop. There are great options for off-campus living, and Chicago is just 40 minutes away! Most businesses will be happy to sponsor student-run philanthropies. However, conflict arises when it comes to apartment living. Noise complaints are filed very often and the Brothel Law (no more than 3 unrelated tenants in an apartment) caused quite a stir among students.

Apr 27, 2012

Comment actions: Rate
Report as inappropriate/inaccurate

Local Atmosphere at Northwestern University

pkspoly93

Journalism '15

5.0
A+

Food Capital of Northern Chicago

There is a huge presence and variety of restaurants in Evanston - it's often called the "food capital of northern Chicago" or something along those lines. Lots of delicious places to eat. Also, there is a CVS very close to south campus for any other needs, and shopping places like Crossroads where you can get cheap, trendy clothing (or winter accessories, etc). In addition, for more exciting endeavors, Chicago is just a train ride away. Overall, Evanston is a wonderful town and anything you might need is readily accessible.

Apr 07, 2012

Comment actions: Rate
Report as inappropriate/inaccurate

Local Atmosphere at Northwestern University

Siebs234

Industrial Engineering '15

4.2
A-

Evanston Is No Chicago

Evanston is the city that Northwestern University is engulfed in. However, the city and the school do not really coexist. Besides a couple options for food Evanston has nothing to offer: no great bars, no great attractions, and poor shopping. So, the best thing to do is to go into Chicago often, anything I need or want to do or get can be found in Chicago.

Apr 06, 2012

Comment actions: Rate
Report as inappropriate/inaccurate
Page 1 of 12
User rating for Northwestern University - Local Atmosphere is 4.6 out of 5 based on 36 user reviews.

Photos of Northwestern University's Local Atmosphere

College Students:
Register now to upload photos of YOUR school and show what it is really like!
Northwestern University - LakefillLakefill
Photo by sethumz
Lakefill Students make some music on the lakefill.
Link to this photo
Photo by sethumz
Northwestern University - The RockThe Rock
Photo by sondosia
The Rock This is the Rock, painted to congratulate the Class of 2009. It gets repainted by various student groups all the time.
Link to this photo
Photo by sondosia
Northwestern University - Football gameFootball game
Photo by sethumz
Football game This photo was taken from the student section.
Link to this photo
Photo by sethumz

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate the local atmosphere on the following topics

What is the local atmosphere like at your school?

What is the proximity to other universities? Is there much interaction?

Can you see yourself living here after graduation?

Facts

Shopping Centers Westfield Old Orchard Mall
Major Sports Teams
  • Chicago Bears: NFL
  • Chicago Blackhawks: NHL
  • Chicago Bulls: NBA
  • Chicago Cubs: MLB
  • Chicago White Sox: MLB
City Web Sites
Distances to Nearest Major Cities
  • Chicago: : 30 minutes
  • Milwaukee: : 1 hour, 30 minutes

Movie TheatersWhat's This?

Century 12 Evanston/CinéArts 6 and XD
1715 Maple Ave.
Evanston
(847) 491-9751

Become a Contributing Author Learn more »

Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
Shayna Starr
Hometown
Houston, Texas
Major
Journalism
Grad Year
2014

College Prowler is seeking talented student authors to assist with writing and updating the College Prowler guides to their schools. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain experience and tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college.

Buy the eBook "Northwestern University 2012: Off The Record"
AmazonBarnes & NobleGoogleSmashwords
Download a FREE Printable Summary (PDF)

Find a college

Find a major

Scholarships

Reviews

Search College Prowler

Company

How do we get our information? Find out here or report an error here. The statistics on our site are from the National Center for Education Statistics IPEDS database.
We update this information twice annually, most recently in May 2012, but it may not be the most recent information available for a particular school.
For additional information we encourage you to visit school websites or contact the schools directly.