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Northwestern University
- Local Atmosphere

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Northwestern University - 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

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Quick Stats

Points of Interest
  • Art Institute of Chicago
  • Navy Pier
  • Willis Tower
  • Wrigley Field

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

The relationship between Northwestern and Evanston is testy, to say the least. Evanston residents have no problem finding complaints about the University, the most recent being the locals’ efforts to shut down The Great Room dining establishment for zoning violations. Still, NU students walking around probably don't feel too much animosity, at least in downtown. Stores offer discounts to NU students, paint their windows for homecoming and in support of athletic teams, and are generally pretty amicable toward students, probably because they spend so much money there. And, under the leadership of the new Northwestern president, it seems that the University is beginning a new campaign to improve town-gown relations.

For students who find Evanston to be a bit too sleepy at times, don't forget that a ride on the El or on the Intercampus Shuttle will put you right in the heart of downtown Chicago. The Willis Tower, Navy Pier, Art Institute of Chicago, Wrigley Field, and a plethora of neighborhoods are all available to you. As with everything else here, the most important thing is to take advantage of all there is for you. Take an El ride into Chicago on a Saturday morning and just spend the day there—you won't regret it.

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Northwestern University Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Local Atmosphere at Northwestern University

cespindola

'15

Social Work and Youth Services

3.8
B+

Could Be Better, but Not Bad

Northwestern has a cute downtown area with an Urban Outfitters, Chipotle, Noodles & Company, and such but isn't too extensive. You definitely have to go a bit further to go to a big grocery store. But it's not bad. The local people who live in Evanston don't seem to like Northwestern kids that much though.

Jan 20, 2012

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Local Atmosphere at Northwestern University

nuwildcat

'15

Economics

4.6
A

Evanston and Chicago Are Great Cultural Resources

The Northwestern Evanston campus is definitely not a closed off campus. Although there is a distinction between the campus and the rest of Evanston, it blends in nicely. Downtown Evanston is very accessible from campus, and it has many quaint bookstores, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, as well as more upscale options. There are a plenty of eating options, and a lot to explore if you keep an open mind. Evanston is very well geared to the typical college town, serving the needs and the tastes of college students. If Evanston runs out of things to do, Chicago is only an El ride away. Chicago, needless to say, is amazing. There are so many things to do on campus, though, that you have to remind yourself to get out a little!

Dec 15, 2011

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Local Atmosphere at Northwestern University

Jdkatzy

'14

Business Administration and Management

3.8
B+

Chill

Evanston is a great place and very close to campus. Usually a ten minute walk with a lot of great restaurants. There isn't much to at night though. If you're underaged there is the keg and if you are of age there is nevin's. The local people of Evanston are not to fond of the students because of the parties. Overall the local atmosphere is a chill place with a lot to do just nothing overly exciting.

Nov 28, 2011

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Photos of Northwestern University's Local Atmosphere

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Northwestern University - Football gameFootball game
Photo by sethumz
Football game This photo was taken from the student section.
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Photo by sethumz
Northwestern University - LakefillLakefill
Photo by sethumz
Lakefill Students make some music on the lakefill.
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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.
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Photo by sondosia

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 Shopping Center
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: IL: 30 minutes
  • Milwaukee: WI: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Did You Know?

Fun Facts about Evanston:

  • One of the world’s seven Baha’i Temples is located in nearby Wilmette.
  • Northwestern was established before the city itself.
  • The headquarters for Rotary International is found in Evanston.
  • The film “Mean Girls,” starring Lindsay Lohan, was set in Evanston, though it wasn’t filmed here.
  • Many people claim that the ice cream sundae was born in Evanston.

Famous People from Evanston:

  • John and Joan Cusack – Actors
  • Charlton Heston – Actor
  • Bill Murray – Actor (from nearby Wilmette)
  • Jeremy Piven – Actor
  • Donald Rumsfeld – Former Secretary of Defense
  • Eddie Vedder – Lead singer of Pearl Jam

Movie TheatersWhat's This?

Century 12 Theatre and CineArts 6
1715 Maple Ave.
Evanston
(847) 492-0123

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Most Recent Student Author

College Prowler guides are in the hands of students throughout the entire process. Because you can't make student-written guides without the students, we have students at each campus who write, edit, and survey their peers for every guide that we publish. Thanks to our most recent student author at NU

Name: Kevin Echavarria

Hometown: San Antonio, Texas

Major: Journalism/Comparative Literary Studies

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