University of Chicago
Reviews

Safe but Not Strict

Especially in the dorms, RAs are out to make sure you are having a safe and responsible time, but there isn't a strict process of getting "written up" for anything. They treat you like adults and expect you to behave appropriately; they'll come tell you to quiet down if you're partying after (generous) quiet hours, but they're not out to be the bad guy.

Urban Safety

Campus police and security guards are all over the place; I've never felt unsafe on campus and while you have to be aware of your surroundings anywhere in Chicago I feel as safe on campus as I would downtown or in another neighborhood.

A Sanctuary for Nerds

If you are passionate about learning and intense about academics, you will find no better school. It is a close community of creative and passionate people.

Popular, but Not Over-Bearing

The Greek life is present on campus, often hosting parties on the weekends, but not that many people are involved in the actual frats. It is not at all a big deal if you are not in a frat, and there are many options besides going to frat parties

Flexible Apartment Environment

AAA

Apartments in Hyde Park typically come in two types: huge and spacious but run-down or clean, modern, and trendy but small studio style. It is really a matter of personal preference. The huge apartments make for excellent social/party spaces, if you are into that, and the modern apartments offer a cleaner more sophisticated life for those seeking that. Pricing is about in line with what one would expect from an urban area, but luckily Chicago is significantly cheaper than cramped cities like New York or LA. Apartment arrangements are also incredibly flexible due to the sheer volume of students constantly moving in and out. If you only want to stay for a month or so, or if you need to find roommates to split the tab, that will not be a problem at all. Virtually everywhere is connected by University Transportation, or you can walk if you don't mind the Winter.

Most Popular Major: Economics

The University of Chicago has one of the most prestigious econ programs in the world, and everyone is always fairly impressed by it.

...Huh?

It's been rising in recent years, but the Greek presence is still very, very quiet. There is a noisy frat house across from the Seminary Co-op that can be entertaining, though.

Tough, but Doable

If you're used to getting straight A's and being the "smart kid" in all of your classes, this school can be an incredibly jarring experience - because EVERYONE was that kid! But while the school is tough (and sometimes, it seems, unreasonably so), it's very doable. The Computer Science department is very hit-or-miss teacher-wise, but you can definitely craft a curriculum with tons of hands on experience, and all of the professors I've had are, if not the best teachers, very excited to assist students. One thing you'll hear about the Computer Science department at this school is that you will only get theoretical experience...but this is folly. I've crafted Operating Systems, networking applications, video games and more - the education you'll get here is perfectly fine. (You will have to get some alternate programming language experience outside of the classroom, however).

Rigorous but Worth It

The U of C is tough, there's no getting around it. There are times when you are buried in work with no way out. However, you learn in a way that is really unique and actually makes you smart. You don't really have to learn useless facts here.

Uchicago and Hyde Park

Hyde Park is a really cool neighborhood located on the South Side of Chicago. It has a college town feel, since the University is inseparable from the community, but all of the benefits of a huge city are a short ride away.

Great Program

I am a public policy major and the program seems amazing! They are quite flexible and offer many ways to complete different requirements. The curriculum is very interested and the professors are at the top of their fields.

No We Don't Choose Houses Out of a Sorting Hat...

One of the most unique aspects to UChicago, and one of my personal favorites, is our house system. Every dorm here is split into houses of about 50-100 students, depending on the size of the dorm. These houses share resident heads, resident assistants, and house lounges. They go on house trips together, (such as to a show, restaurant or baseball game) and each house has 2 tables assigned to them in the dining hall where students in that house are encouraged to sit. The house system is such a nice community and support system to have, especially your first few years here. All of my closest friends, and favorite memories on campus, have come from my house!

Tons of Transportation Options!

Getting around campus is really easy because the two CTA buses that circulate the campus are free for students and faculty. I ride my bike almost everywhere. The University has a free shuttle system that makes getting around campus and the neighborhood really easy. During times when lots of people are travelling to the airports they provide free shuttles too!

Little Need for a Car on Campus

Everything is within walking distance or biking distance from everything else so a car isn't really necessary. Very few students use them to get to class because most people just walk or bike from their dorms or apartments. The CTA buses that circulate campus are free for students which makes getting around the neighborhood really easy. Also, the University runs really convenient shuttles every evening. Sometimes it would be nice to have a car to get to other neighborhoods of Chicago but pretty much everything can be accessed on the CTA without too much trouble.

Don't Really Need Parking

Campus is walkable and the city has great public transit, so you don't really need a car (most students don't have one).

Incredibly Diverse Student Body

One of my favorite parts of UChicago has been meeting so many people and making friends who are so different from me. When I lived in the dorm my first year I met people from all different races, economic situations, geographic backgrounds, religions, and sexual orientations. I found that people were really open to learning from each other and interested in the different experiences people had had.

Close, and Affordable

Hyde Park is a residential neighborhood in Chicago so it naturally has a lot of nice housing, and it is all basically right on campus. Since UChicago is a tight knit community it's quite easy to find a place to stay that is near by and not too expensive.

An Incredible Experience

UChicago is an amazing school that offers one of the best undergraduate experiences. Both socially and academically, students here thrive and grow into leaders and thinkers whose ideas change the world.

Students Are Responsible

There are a number of resources available on campus that help students understand the danger of drugs, and students are generally very responsible. People here care very much about staying healthy.

Chicago Is an Amazing City

Chicago's neighborhoods offer its residents a chance to experience so many cultures. The arts scene in this city is incredible. The night life is active. And as far as parks go, you can't beat the huge number of them in this city.

Sweet Home Uchicago

As someone who was a double-major here and still had time to hold down two jobs (one at a museum on campus and one at the office of Multicultural Student Affairs), sleep, have a life, be involved in my house's IM teams, and get ok grades, I had an amazing time at UChicago. There really is something for everybody here, whether you are interested in Greek life, sports, community service, or just really focused on your studies. It is easy to get a job on campus (even if you are not a work-study student), and people are really genuinely welcoming when you get to campus (even the upperclassmen). The Metcalf internships over the summer are amazing - you can do what would pretty much always be an unpaid internship over the summer, but you get a stipend to live off of while you do the internship, so you can actually make money!

No Place Better

I loved my time at UChicago. Yes, you're coming here to work hard, and you will-- classes are intense and you'll be expected to learn a lot. There isn't grade inflation here, so you will work for your A, although it is still possible to get one (or many) if you're willing to put in the effort. You'll come out with a really unparalleled academic experience in my opinion. Outside of class, PEOPLE DO REALLY HAVE FUN!! This is not the kind of school where "fun" is 60,000 people tailgating a football game, but if you want to have great conversations, an awesome housing community, lots of interesting things to do (clubs, large events like Scav Hunt or cultural shows, and hey, anything that the awesome city of Chicago has for you to do, and some parties) this is the perfect place to be. Don't believe the "where fun comes to die" rumors-- while we work really hard, this IS a fun place to be.

Ratner Athletics Center

The Cardio rotunda is great for using treadmills or elliptical machines. There are TVs and headphone jacks on the machines so you can catch up on TV while you run too! The pool is awesome (Olympic-sized), but make sure to check the schedule before you go, since the hours change when the swim team has practice there. The locker rooms are pretty clean, and there's a machine that will whip your swimsuit around in it until it dries (which I think is pretty convenient - no soggy gym bag on your way home!).

Very Chill

UChicago is the kind of place where students police themselves. In the dorms, the RAs are really chill and there isn't actually a formal way to get "written up," for alcohol or anything, although they still expect you to try and behave responsibly (most people do, even if drinking). The campus police are great with students. they may show up to a loud party in a fraternity or an apartment but they will rarely do anything beyond telling people to go home.

Totally Hogwartsian

UChicago has amazing architecture, some more modern, but a lot in that great neo-gothic feel. It really looks a lot like Hogwarts. A number of the newer buildings (including the Mansueto Library, which looks like it comes from space, and Max P, a dorm covered in orange) are great newer spaces. The Ratner Athletic Center is a great place to go work out as well. Only reservation is that some of the older dorms are a little run down.