Chicago is a popular destination for students every year. In this guide, you will learn more about its famous landmarks, attractions, museums, restaurants, and much more.
Chicago is one of the most interesting and dynamic cities in the United States. It is home to world-class museums, restaurants, and theatres, as well as a variety of outdoor activities and festivals. One of the most iconic sights in Chicago is the Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower. Formerly the world’s tallest building, standing at 1,451 feet (442 metres), it offers stunning views of the city from its Skydeck observation platform.
Another iconic Chicago landmark is the Navy Pier, a 3,300-foot-long (1,010 metres) pier built in 1916. The pier is now home to various attractions, including an amusement park, a Ferris wheel, an IMAX theatre, and more. Other popular attractions in Chicago include Millennium Park, the Buckingham Fountain, and the Field Museum of Natural History. With so many attractions and landmarks, it’s no surprise that Chicago is one of the most visited destinations in the United States.
Attractions in Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the largest art museums in the United States. It was founded in 1879 and has about 300,000 pieces that include paintings by Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir. With its impressive art collection, it has about 1.5 million visitors a year.
Other museums we recommend for students are the Museum of Science and Industry, the Field Museum of Natural History, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Chicago History Museum.
Navy Pier is one of the most famous places in Chicago. It has an amusement park, gardens, shops, restaurants, and more. Here you can see a 150-foot (46-metre) Ferris wheel, the Shakespeare Theater, the Chicago Children’s Museum, and interesting musical performances. You can go on a cruise and enjoy the beautiful view of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.
Millennium Park is an iconic landmark and site in Chicago. It is home to Cloud Gate, famously called “The Bean.” The Bean is a 110-ton steel sculpture, made by British artist Anish Kapoor, located in the centre of Millennium Park. Other exciting parts of the Millennium Park include an amphitheatre, the Crown Fountain, and the Wrigley Square. You can also enjoy outdoor works of art, food trucks, concerts, and more.
360 Chicago is a truly iconic location in the city. It’s the observation deck of the John Hancock Center, at the height of 1,030 feet (310 metres). You can experience a walk-through exhibition celebrating Chicago’s history on the ground floor. On the 94th floor lies the famous 360 Chicago observation deck, which offers breathtaking views of the city. You can also enjoy the interactive touch screens that give you information of the city and the landmarks you can see in six languages and see 360 Chicago’s new 3D mural by artist Nate Baranowski.
Skydeck Chicago is located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower. The Willis Tower was the tallest building in the world and is now the third-tallest building in America. The unbelievable views from the Skydeck cover 50 miles and four states. There are glass balconies that offer a thrilling experience for brave students.
If you’re interested in marine life, make sure to check the Shedd Aquarium, one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world. It has around 32,000 creatures. Here you can see piranhas, sharks, beluga whales, and more.
Things to do in Chicago
Chicago is an extraordinary city with a unique spirit and culture. From the bustling downtown to the beautiful lakefront, there’s something for everyone in the Windy City. Chicago is home to some of the best museums, theatres, and music venues in the country. This city is known for its delicious food and diverse neighbourhoods, making it easy to explore its many cultures.
There are many more beautiful attractions, like the Magnificent Mile, that offers an unforgettable shopping experience, fantastic nightlife, and good dining choices. We also recommend taking a stroll along the Chicago River, visiting the Chicago Theatre, the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Walter Tower, and seeing the Buckingham Fountain.
The museums you can visit in Chicago are endless and extraordinary. To list a few more, you can check out the DuSable Museum of African American History and the American Writers Museum.
Some things you can consider if you are on a budget are exploring the city’s parks and beaches (you have over 500 parks to choose from), taking a walking tour and learning about Chicago’s history, visiting bars and pubs with live music, visiting free museums, or catching a free outdoor movie in the many parks of the Windy City.
Chicago is well-known for its nightlife. The city is home to a variety of bars, clubs, music venues, and restaurants that offer something for everyone. Some famous college nightclubs are The Underground, Sound Bar, and the Cerise Rooftop.
Universities in Chicago
The city of Chicago is home to many universities, both public and private. These include some of the most prestigious schools in the country, such as the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and DePaul University. These universities offer a wide range of degree programs, from traditional liberal arts degrees to specialised programs in business, engineering, and medicine.
University of Chicago
Perhaps the most notable of all Chicago’s universities is the University of Chicago itself. Established in 1890, this private university was ranked as the 10th best university in the world by QS in 2023. Admission is considered highly selective, and it’s a smaller university by student body, with less than 20,000 students.
Northwestern University
Northwestern University is located in the city of Evanston, but it’s very much part of the Chicago metropolitan area. The campus is in a beautiful spot right on the shores of Lake Michigan. The university was founded way back in 1851, making it the oldest university in the state of Illinois. It was ranked as the 32nd best university in the world by QS in 2023.
Other universities in Chicago
Behind the most famous two, there are several other highly-rated universities in the city as well. They include DePaul University, the University of Illinois at Chicago, the Illinois Institute of Technology and Loyola University Chicago.
Every university has its own unique culture and atmosphere, so it is important to do your research before deciding which one to attend. Chicago’s universities also have strong ties with the city’s business and cultural communities, which can provide valuable opportunities for students looking to get a head start in their careers. With so many great universities in the city, it’s easy to see why Chicago is one of the top destinations for students in the United States.
Accommodation
If you choose Chicago for your university experience, the next step is finding some suitable accommodation. Of course, the prices vary, depending on where you want to be located, how big you want your living space to be, and whether you want to live with roommates. Going to college is a different experience for everyone, but we tried to find the best and most cost-effective solutions for students looking to live in this beautiful city. You can compare all of our options for student accommodation in Chicago, or check out some of the most popular options below.
Tailor Lofts
At Tailor Lofts, you’ll be only a couple of blocks from Chicago’s Greek Town. You’ll be very close to the University of Illinois at Chicago campus, with Loyola University Chicago also close by. Tailor Lofts offers private rooms with both shared and private bathrooms, as well as fully self-contained apartments.
The Flats at East West
In the heart of the South Loop and right next to Grant Park, The Flats at East West offer student housing in a location that is difficult to beat. You’ll be right in the thick of it living here, truly getting the best that Chicago as a city has to offer right on your doorstep. You can choose a shared or a private room, or go for a fully self-contained studio apartment.
Infinite
Another property with an excellent location, Infinite is located in the Chicago Loop, only a couple of blocks from the Lake Michigan shore. The property has gotten excellent reviews from our users and it offers you a selection of shared and private rooms, as well as studio apartments where you’ll have private cooking facilities, so won’t have to share anything with other people.
