Anyone in the South Loop of Chicago?
 

Hi all!! :)

So I'm a junior in high school and looking at colleges. There is one that I have absolutely fallen in love with in Chicago. I'm born and raised in New Jersey, and haven't been out of NJ for more than a week at a time. The idea of leaving this area (NJ/NY) is TERRIFYING to me, but I adore this college.

It is located in the South Loop. I know *nothing* about Chicago as far as crime rates, cost of living, "safe" neighborhoods, etc. If there is anyone who lives in or is especially familiar with that area (South Loop)...can you just tell me a little about it? any pros/cons to moving there?

Thank you so much!! The idea of leaving everything and moving to Chicago is sooo scary but thrilling at the same time!! :)

Never been there, but I think a good rule of thumb for colleges is, if you want safe, or safer, live near campus. I live not to far from USC, private school super fancy and very pretty area. I on the other hand live in the most horrible neighborhood! I switched Kaji to piddle pads because there is absolutely no way I am walking him out there, or letting people know I have an "expensive" dog. It's also well known that living near or on campus is crazy expensive!

Megan, I'm from Chicago............what school are you talking about? My husband is a truck driver in the city so he also knows the area really well. I'm also in the city all the time and 2 of my nieces and a nephew graduated from the University of Chicago. :)

oh awesome! :D The school is Columbia College Chicago. :)

That's right in the heart of the city. Downtown Chicago is very expensive but you would LOVE it! You could walk or take public transportation to just about anywhere you needed to go. Are you coming for a visit :D

COOL!! So you think I wouldn't need to bring my car with me?

and yes!!! :) I'm coming to see the school in the summer (probably end of June/early July) over a weekend!! :) and then I'll be out there a second time for my audition, if I can't arrange to do it when I fly out for the first visit!

We should get a bite to eat or something! :D

No you will not need a car. You would have to pay outragous amounts of money to even park :( They have Zip cars that you can rent that are so cool! My niece has rented them to come out to shop by me. Of course we can do lunch! I could bring my Megan along too. :p

I lived in Chicago for a year in the half. I stayed in Chicago in Pilsen neighborhood just south of the loop. Everything is indeed expensive. When living in Chicago don't need a car. They have a well developed transit system which includes, buses, trains, and metra trains. If you can't get there by anyone of these systems a regular Chicagoian just aint going there. lol I'm pretty sure most schools have transit cards which gives their students unlimited rides on the CTA.
I would personally stay on campus until you were more familiar with the city. It is overwhelming. Best of luck.

I grew up right on the border of Chicago and Evanston. The city does have good transportation but you do need to be careful there is a lot of crime in Chicago. Do they have Dorms? You would love being close to all the theaters! Keep us posted!

My daughters going to Columbia this fall. :)

Columbia is a really great school. I never actually lived in the city but a grew up just minutes south of it. I've spent a lot of time downtown and am currently working towards my master's degree at DePaul University on the Northside. Columbia and all major schools in the loop are very safe, but prices are insane as others have stated. You will not need a car; transportation to anywhere you would need to go including both major airports (O'Hare and Midway) is easy. The campus itself is very lively and there is tons to do. When you visit I would recommend posting something on campus looking for roommates. As expensive as things are, you can get a semi-nice place in a good neighborhood with the right amount of people. However, living on campus until you get familiar with the city is a good idea too. I'm not sure how the housing works on campus or if you have to commit for x amount of time. If you and megansmomma get together at all let me know. I would be happy to meet up and give you some tips if you end up coming out this way! I would love to bring Lola (Maltese) and by then I might have my Yorkie too! There are tons of dog-friendly places in the city.

Warning: If you come out here be prepared to gain the freshman 30 rather than 15! We have the greatest, most diverse food in this country...and none of it is healthy! At least you can try to jog it off along the lakefront!

I know this thread is crazy old but I just came to look for it. :p Thanks for the additional info guys!!

Lolasmom - I LOL'd when you mentioined the freshman 30! I've heard that a couple times when talking to some Chicago folks! haha

So I'm definitely going to be going to this school, all. :) I'm going out to visit the weekend of November 6th. :) I really can't wait to move out there. It's a long way from home...but it'll be so cool to 'start over'.

That's great news Megan! You will love Chicago and all that both the school and experience will have to offer you. :)

I moved to Chicago after college @ 21, to go to Columbia for Grad school.

I agree you don't need a car if you live in the downtown student housing, or find an apartment in a safe neighborhood near a train/bus line.

South Loop is fairly safe, just be smart (don't stay out tooooo late at night), walk with your head up, be confident, and aware of your surroundings! :) The Columbia students are usually always out and about near the Columbia buildings especially when it is nice out. You will love Chicago.

Good luck & Enjoy!