Wheaton College (IL) - Local Atmosphere

College Prowler Take

The city of Wheaton has a couple factors that are visibly reflected by its inhabitants: 1) Dupage County is one of the richest counties in the nation, and 2) Wheaton has one of the highest percentages of churches per capita in the world. As such, neighborhoods surrounding the school are mostly comprised of wealthy, white, church-going families (a.k.a. most of the Wheaton student body). This creates a wonderful relationship between the local community and the College, but also makes it seem like the students are encapsulated in somewhat of a bubble, unable to see the real world. Even so, Wheaton itself has a cozy small-town feel, with delightful parks and coffeeshops within walking distance. The cities surrounding Wheaton, namely Chicago and Naperville, are home to a much more culturally-enriching scene. The Metra train station is right beside the campus, and within 45 minutes, you can find every kind of music venue, restaurant, club, or cultural experience that you would ever hope to find.

Downtown Chicago always hosts numerous activities, especially in the arts. Here, there are world-renowned art exhibits and Broadway shows, not to mention an incredible variety of music venues, ranging from the lyric opera to jazz festivals to underground metal concerts. However, despite the greatness that is Chicago, it is often difficult for students to make it into the city because of schoolwork. And, sadly, there are not many close-by options, besides miniature golf, coffeehouses, and Los Burritos, the infamous Mexican hub. Still, Wheaton is still better off than most schools. The college town is very peaceful, and if you want some action and are willing to take a little ride, the possibilities are endless.

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:

The atmosphere of Wheaton is... The atmosphere of Wheaton is small-town within close reach of the city. Downtown Wheaton, especially, has the small-town feel as you can walk up and down Front Street and go to stores, get food, or sit outside next to the fountain. There are no other colleges too close besides the local community college. Wheaton has a great public library, a great park district, and plenty of fun places to eat. But, it’s all nice, and with that comes the dollars. It can be difficult to find something to do for low prices. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

Wheaton is a suburb of Chicago,... Wheaton is a suburb of Chicago, about a 45-minute train ride southwest, so there is suburbia everywhere. But, strangely, the town of Wheaton feels very similar to standalone college towns with a central downtown area and surrounding parks and residential districts. The atmosphere is more laid-back and friendly, and it doesn’t have that rushed feeling downtown Chicago does. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

The city of Wheaton is a small... The city of Wheaton is a small town. The environment provides a good contrast to the neighboring city of Chicago located about a 45-minute train ride to the east. As Wheaton is a suburban town, it seems to be similar to many other suburban districts across the United States in terms of its development, populace, and history. There exists a high concentration of churches per capita, a dominant racial population, and high median household income. Chicago differs drastically. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

I love the atmosphere at Wheaton.... I love the atmosphere at Wheaton. It’s a friendly place to live. Along with the beauty of the area also comes the fact that it’s a rich community. That obviously can be seen by just driving around. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

It has been a privilege to have... It has been a privilege to have had both the city of Wheaton and the city of Chicago as accessible points of travel during my time in Illinois. Both are unique in their heritage, and both offer unique perspectives into the larger created world. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Facts

Did You Know?

Five Fun Facts about Chicago:
• Worried that you’ll miss out on live sports action at college? Don’t be. Soldier Field, the United Center, Comiskey Park, and legendary Wrigley Field are all right downtown.
• Chicago is movie central. Movies that have been filmed in Chicago include: Bad Boys, The Blues Brothers, Home Alone I, II, and III, Major League, Meet the Parents, Ocean’s Eleven, The Road to Perdition, Rookie of the Year, Sleepless in Seattle, Spiderman II, and When Harry Met Sally, as well as many others.
• For those shopaholics out there, the Magnificent Mile, the northern part of Michigan Avenue in Chicago, is home to some of the best shopping venues in the world.
• Chicago is all over the Guinness Book of World Records. It is home to America’s largest indoor aquarium (Shedd), public library (Harold Washington Library Center), and contemporary art museum (Museum of Contemporary Art).
• Chicago exhibits rich musical diversity that you can find in several places, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago, House of Blues, The Abbey, and Kingston Mines.

Famous People from Wheaton and Chicago:
Jane Addams, Jim and John Belushi, Gwendolyn Brooks, Hillary Clinton, Miles Davis, John Deere, Walt Disney, George Ferris, Marshall Field, Harrison Ford, Red Grange, Ernest Hemingway, Abraham Lincoln, Marlee Matlin, Jenny McCarthy, Bill Murray, Ronald Wilson Reagan, Donald Rumsfeld, Carl Sandburg, Maria Shriver, Shel Silvertstein, and Robin Williams

Nationally, Wheaton College is considered the school that maintains the best relationship with the members of its local community.

The city of Wheaton is alleged to have the highest number of churches per capita in the nation, a density surpassed internationally by only a few cities in Italy.

Local Slang:
COD – College of Dupage
Cubbies – Chicago baseball team, the Cubs
The L – Short for elevated train, the L can take you around Chicago and into the surrounding suburbs.
The Loop – A part of downtown Chicago, named as such because the L “loops” around the area. The Loop actually boundaries at Lake Street to the north, Wabash to the east, Van Buren to the south, and Wells to the west.
Magnificent Mile – The northern part of Michigan Avenue, filled with luxurious shopping, restaurants, and sight-seeing
Sammitch – “Sandwich” in a very strong Chicago accent

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 >