Chicago is the third-largest metropolis in the United States and the most populated city in the state of Illinois. It is renowned for being a centre for business, a fast-paced urban lifestyle, and a vibrant performing arts scene. Chicago’s multicultural environment and excellent links to the rest of the US and the world attract international students. With a variety of transport alternatives and even free travel via some of the city’s universities’ u-pass, this huge city is easy to navigate.
Some of Illinois’ premier universities are located in the Windy City, including highly regarded online and community campuses. So is it better to study in Chicago?
Many college students find Chicago appealing because of its academic offerings, employment prospects, and culture and excellent student accommodation Chicago. Be sure you are aware of the advantages and disadvantages of attending college in Chicago before submitting an application. After that, you’ll be able to decide with confidence what to study in the future.
Top-notch Academic Initiatives
Premier universities can be found in the Chicagoland area. Among the prominent universities in the region are University of Chicago, University of Illinois, and Northwestern University. Other well-known universities include Concordia University at Chicago, DePaul University, and Loyola University Chicago.
The City Colleges of Chicago are part of Chicago’s robust community college network. Chicago’s community colleges charge just $146 per credit for city dwellers.
Graduate law schools and MBA programmes at the University of Chicago and Northwestern both place in the top 20 nationwide.
Opportunities to expand your network in the workplace
Read as many books as you like, but remember that sometimes it’s more important who you know than what you know. The good news is that there are lots of opportunities for networking in Chicago, where there are over 2.7 million individuals employed in a variety of occupations.
Location
There is a lot to see and do in city during your study abroad programme because the city is home to numerous neighbourhoods, each with its own unique personality. Due to its Midwest location, the city experiences significant seasonal variations. You may be lounging on the beach in the summer and then making snowmen there in the winter.
Entertainment
Chicago is home to the first improv theatre group and has approximately 200 performance venues in addition to seven major sports teams. There’s always something going on in Chicago! There are plenty of options to customise your ideal student life in this city, like river cruises, table tennis cafés, and ghost tours, if you’re searching for something unique.
Food
Chicago is known for liberally adding its own unique flair to many popular foods, like deep dish pizza, Chicago cheesecake, and Chicago-style hot dogs, to name a few. In this global city you may find cuisine from all over the world. There are many of food sections throughout the city, including ones serving Chinese, Vietnamese, and Indian cuisine, so you can always find a taste of home or try something else.
Culture
Throughout your study abroad programme in Chicago, you can explore over 50 museums and numerous art galleries. You can explore at your own pace or join guided tours. Make careful not to miss Sir Anish Kapoor’s sculpture, the Cloud Gate, located in Millennium Park. Additionally, the city is home to statues by artists like Miro and Picasso.
Sports
Attend a baseball game between the White Sox and Cubs, Chicago’s two major league teams, or see the Chicago Bulls, the home team of the illustrious Michael Jordan. You can see the Bears if American football is more your taste. You may study English in Chicago over the entire academic year because the city is home to two soccer teams: the Fire and the Red Stars.
Transportation
Few cities can compare to Chicago’s public transit system. Even without a car, getting around city is simple thanks to the metro train system, a robust commuter rail system, and buses.
In addition to student transit pass discounts, several Chicago institutions provide convenient access to the public transportation system. College students can reduce their transportation and commute expenses significantly by using the city’s public transit system.
Low cost of city living for a big city
Considering that Chicago is one of the largest cities in the US, prospective students would think that living costs are high there. For an urban region of its size, many individuals believe the city to be remarkably reasonable.
According to a 2019 Move.org report, Chicago has a lower cost of living than large cities like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle. The survey states that the average monthly cost of living in Chicago is $2,500. But a lot of people in Chicago get by on significantly less.
Many people may live in Chicago on a limited budget thanks to the city’s many socioeconomic neighbourhoods. Students here are sure to find both affordable and luxurious off campus student housing alternatives.
Lifestyle and Recreation
Chicago has a lot to offer, whether your interests are in sports, outdoor activities, culture, or dining. In one afternoon, students can visit top-notch museums, witness professional sports teams, and sample a wide range of cuisines.
Students can engage with nature at the city’s beaches on Lake Michigan and the 18.5-mile Lakefront Trail. The city also receives great marks for its shopping and arts. College students can develop their interests outside of school thanks to the recreation opportunities, dining options, and cultural offerings.
Extensive opportunities for field-work and clinical experience
Chicago will prove to be an excellent choice when it comes time to finish your mandatory fieldwork or clinical experience. You have a wide variety of possibilities to obtain the practical experience you’ll need to complete your degree if you study in such a big, diverse city.
