Valparaiso University
- Local Atmosphere

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Valparaiso is not a big city, and it never will be. It is very much like the kind of midwestern town you see in the movies. There is a nice downtown area that has a lot of small coffee shops and specialty stores, however the shopping mall that most students go to is in Merrillville, 20 minutes down the road. Valpo's downtown may only keep you busy for a little while, but visiting some of those shops just once doesn’t do them justice as they beg to have you wander through them again and again. Also, Valpo has quite a few restaurants that are fun to eat at every once in awhile.

In the beginning of the year, the city celebrates the Popcorn Festival in which the streets are closed off so vendors can set up tents everywhere. There is a variety of food and gifts that can be bought, and it is a great way to get to know new people since it is within the first few weeks of school. If there is anything you do not find in Valpo, Merrillville is the next best bet up the road. A little further away is the big city life of Chicago.

Whether by car or by train, it takes a little over an hour to get into the Windy City. Chicago has everything you could possibly think of with sports teams, concerts, theaters, museums, and shopping. Visiting the city never gets old, and many students will go for the day or indulge in a weekend in the city. Union Board offers many events and trips into the city as well. Valpo is the perfect place to have a small town feel while going to school, but the bigger city with more exciting nightlife is not terribly far down the road.

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Local Atmosphere at Valparaiso University

sweetheart13245

'15

Registered Nursing (RN)

4.6

A

I Like It

Valparaiso is not a huge college town, which is nice. There is a square, there are lots of restaurants, walmart, a lot of activities on campus. There's a movie theatre in town and theres a mall about a half hour away

Jan 24, 2012

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Local Atmosphere at Valparaiso University

mgallimore

'13

English

2.7

C+

Small Town Charm, but Limited Options.

Valparaiso is a typical city in Indiana. Though it is relatively close to Chicago, it is not close enough that there are a lot of close activities to do on a college student's budget. There are plenty of restaurants, some places to shop, a movie theater, and mini-golf, but for something really fun you do need to go to Chicago. Outdoor activities are limited. Aside from the dunes, there aren't really any trails to go hiking or lakes to swim in. However, residents of Valparaiso are generally proud of the university and very friendly to students. The most exciting thing in Valparaiso is the Orville Redenbacher Popcorn Festival in the fall.

Jun 17, 2011

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Local Atmosphere at Valparaiso University

wstrick91

'14

Mass Communications and Media

0.0

F

Valparaiso Dose Not Have an Atmosphere

If I would decribe Valparaiso "atmosphere" I would say that there is little to nothing to do becides school work. I feel that as a freshman without access to a car there is nothing to do. Valpo provides little to no campus entertainment, the Frats do not provide many parties because of fear of the campus police. Valpo sports are a joke becides the basketball team and they dont have a homecoming dance or any dance sponcered by the school.

Mar 28, 2011

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