Northwestern University - Local Atmosphere

College Prowler Take

Northwestern and Evanston have a notoriously bad relationship—including a several-million-dollar lawsuit leveled against the University by the city. Though these tensions often run high, students are satisfied with the small town’s offerings, particularly its restaurants. And for those looking to escape the sometimes small, snobbish feel of the north suburb, Chicago is a short train ride away—$1.75 grants you access to one of the great cultural centers of the world. Colleges in and around the city offer additional escape from NU and Evanston, should boredom set in.

Though politics may divide University people from townies, efforts are being made to bring the two together. Many local businesses offer discounts to students, which at least appeals to thrifty college students already thousands of dollars in debt. The town-gown split will be a hot topic for years to come, but it’s not always apparent to students. Most of the time, the two populations peacefully coexist, but occasionally, when off-campus partying gets out of hand, gauntlets are thrown down. Be a good neighbor, try to steer clear of trouble, and take advantage of the dining capital of the North Shore, the cultural opportunities that are close at hand, and if nothing else, the beautiful shore of Lake Michigan.

Free Profile Tools

Do I Stand A Chance?

Calculate YOUR chances of admission at every school CP covers!

__%

Personality Match

Calculate YOUR personality match with every school CP covers!

__%

What'll It Cost Me?

Estimate your out-of-pocket costs at every school CP covers!

$__,___

Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

I love Evanston! It’s a suburb... I love Evanston! It’s a suburb only a dozen or so miles north of Chicago (with excellent public transportation to downtown). It’s a small town, with small shops; you have to go a bit out of walking distance for the nearest shopping mall, but it’s a nice place if you have a car. There are a lot of restaurants for all tastes. There are a few small colleges and universities between us and Chicago, but we don’t really pay much notice to them—they aren’t exactly in the same town even. Stuff to stay away from: don’t bring a car until you’re used to the city, and if you have a car, be careful of parking—the city earns a huge chunk of its budget from parking tickets. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

Evanston is kind of strange,... Evanston is kind of strange, inhabitant-wise. There are college students, old people, and lower-class people who are somewhat scary to the average NU student. Stick to well-lit places in downtown Evanston and on campus, and you should be okay. Also, visit the Bahai Temple in nearby Wilmette. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

Evanston is a very small, quaint... Evanston is a very small, quaint place. The downtown is not that large, but the houses are all beautiful, and there are millions of amazing restaurants. It’s right on the lake, which is beautiful, and you have the ability to go into Chicago, which is easy. You really get the best of both worlds; a suburban lifestyle or the big city. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

The atmosphere seems somewhat... The atmosphere seems somewhat laid-back, though people are almost always doing something. There are several universities in Chicago, but they are spread out and require transportation to get to. Although Evanston does not have as high a crime rate as other places, it is still advisable to avoid traveling alone at night. Some good places to visit include the Cheesecake Factory and the Navy Pier. Also, Clarke’s and Chipotle are great places in Evanston to get some food. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

Evanston is a good place to go to... Evanston is a good place to go to school. It’s urban enough to be convenient for shopping and hanging out, but not too urban that it distracts from the campus. I think it really strikes a good balance. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Facts

Did You Know?

5 Fun Facts about Evanston

• One of the world’s seven Bahai Temples is within walking distance.
• Evanston lost its “dry” status by serving its first beer in 1972.
• The town claims it runs the “World’s Largest Garage Sale” every year.
• Tinker toys were invented by an Evanston resident in 1914.
• Many people claim that the ice cream sundae was born in Evanston.

Famous People from Evanston:
John Cusack
Charlton Heston
Bill Murray

Write for Us!

College Prowler is actively seeking talented students to be "Contributing Authors," and assist with updating the College Prowler guide to their school. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain internship experience, be a part of a nationally recognized company, gain tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college. Read more >