7 Reasons to Study in the Windy City

Chicago is famous for its skyscrapers, unique take on pizza, and the Cubs. But it’s also a great place for college students.

When choosing a college, prospective students need to consider more than standardized test scores or the size of a campus. You should also research the place where you’ll spend the next several years. If you’re looking for colleges in urban settings, Chicago is a great option.

The third-largest city in the country, Chicago combines the benefits of a big city with a Midwest vibe. Whether you’re interested in sports, history, art, or food, you’ll find something to love about Chicago.

Thinking about Chicago colleges? You’ll have a lot of options, from the University of Chicago to the University of Illinois at Chicago. The city also boasts an extensive network of community colleges with the City Colleges of Chicago.

Seeking more flexibility? You can enroll at one of the best online colleges in Chicago.

In addition to colleges and universities, Chicago also has coding bootcamps if you’re looking for tech training without the time commitment of a full degree program.

Whether you’re a student athlete or prefer spectator sports, Chicago is a great option.

Chicago stands out when it comes to sports, thanks to the Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago Bears. The city also has a thriving college sports scene. When the Northwestern Wildcats face the Ohio State Buckeyes, you’ll see fans of both teams crowding the L stations.

Want to get involved in the action? You can also find many intramural sports options at Chicago colleges.

The Red Line. The Blue Line. They might sound more like a Dr. Seuss book, but they’re part of one of the best public transportation systems in the U.S. The Chicago L brings elevated tracks to the city’s downtown and makes it easy to get around the city.

College students can benefit from transportation discounts through their school. For example, the University of Chicago is among the schools that offers students a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) U-Pass. The U-Pass provides unlimited travel on rail and bus systems during the school year.

Students can also ditch the car when they move to Chicago — it’s one of the best cities for students without cars.

Even though it’s the third-largest city in the U.S., Chicago is much more affordable than other large cities. According to Statista, Chicago is more affordable than New York City, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Phoenix.

And while some areas in Chicago report average rents of over $2,500 per month for a one-bedroom, according to Apartment Guide, the most affordable neighborhoods report average rents of under $1,100.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Chicago is one of the most diverse cities in the U.S., with white, Black, and Hispanic residents making up around 48%, 30%, and 29% of the population, respectively.

Unfortunately, the city remains largely segregated. However, multicultural students can seek out diversity in neighborhoods like Little Italy, Chinatown, Greektown, and Pilsen. The city also has a strong Polish community.

Chicago’s cultural diversity means a vibrant art and food scene, which students can enjoy.

From Museum Campus to the Art Institute of Chicago, the Windy City has a strong art and history scene. And the city offers something for everyone, from historic Wrigley Field to architectural tours on the river.

Famous for its blues and jazz, Chicago has a thriving music scene. Plus, the city is a theater capital, with historic venues and a comedian-producing improv group called The Second City.

Deep-dish pizza, pierogies, Chicago-style hot dogs, and Chicago mix popcorn are all iconic Chicago foods. However, the city also has great food like tamales, lingonberry pancakes, and Italian beef.

Chicago has a rich food culture, and the city’s cultural diversity means there’s always a new food trend to explore. Check out the Taste of Chicago, held in Grant Park every July, to grab a bite from dozens of Chicago mainstays.

If you’re looking for a big-city environment with a distinctly Midwest feel, Chicago might be the right place for you. And if you’re an Illinois resident, you can benefit from an in-state tuition discount at public colleges.

The city’s largest employers in 2021 include the city and federal government, the Chicago school system, healthcare organizations, and Amazon, according to Crain’s Chicago Business. That means many potential career paths for college graduates who decide to stay in Chicago.

However, before moving to Chicago, make sure to visit the city. Check out the neighborhoods and learn more about the culture. A campus visit is one of the best ways to learn more about a school and the surrounding community.

Yes, Chicago can be a great place for college. The Chicagoland area boasts many top-ranked colleges, including the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and the University of Illinois at Chicago. Chicago’s network of community colleges also offers affordable tuition rates for students looking for two-year programs.

Beyond the classroom, the city boasts many cultural attractions, a vibrant food scene, and popular sports teams. Chicago also appeals to college students thanks to its strong public transportation network, music scene, and unique neighborhoods. Thanks to its affordable cost of living for a large city, Chicago is a great place to go to college.

Chicago is known for its architecture, its food, and its sports.

The Chicago School transformed architecture with steel-framed skyscrapers, making the city skyline stand out.

Chicago’s food scene benefits from the city’s cultural diversity, with strong Mexican, Polish, and Italian roots. Popular Chicago foods include deep-dish pizza, pierogies, Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and Chicago-style popcorn.

Finally, Chicago is a sports city. With professional teams representing five sports — and standout institutions like the Chicago Bulls, Chicago Bears, and Chicago Cubs — the city is great for sports enthusiasts.

Chicago is known as the Windy City, but that’s not just because of the weather. Chicagoans had a reputation of being boastful and “full of wind,” which helped give the city its nickname. The city’s weather covers everything from sub-zero temperatures to sweltering heat.

Chicago winters are known for their blizzards and cold temperatures. Summers can be hot and humid. While spring and fall are usually quite comfortable in Chicago, they tend to be short seasons. With the right gear, college students can weather the extreme conditions in Chicago.

As a major metropolitan city, the cost of living is typically higher in Chicago than smaller towns. However, when compared to other large cities, Chicago is surprisingly affordable.

Among major cities, Chicago ranks No. 15 on the highest-cost-of-living list, according to Chicago Business Journal. That makes it cheaper than New York City, Los Angeles, Oakland, and Miami.

Chicago is also a city of neighborhoods. Students who live in the most expensive areas, like downtown or River North, typically pay higher rents. Areas farther from the city center, like Rogers Park, offer much more affordable rents.

Students can often save money in Chicago by taking advantage of the extensive public transportation network.