If you take a trip to the University of Chicago campus during your college search, here are some questions you might want to field to any tour guides or roving students you happen to meet.
1.) “Which dorm should I live in if…?”
UChicago’s dorms come in many shapes, sizes, and places. You can make the most of a campus visit by thinking about what you want out of your dorm ahead of time, and asking around about which ones fit your preferences. The differences in experience between one dorm and another can be drastic. Some house one hundred students, while others house several hundred. Some are a five minute walk from the main quad, others easily twenty five minutes away. Some are attached to dining halls. There is even a new residence hall in the works. You aren’t allowed to choose your dorm outright, but knowing which ones to request can go a long way towards a good first year at the school.
2.) “What are some tips for surviving the winter?”
Especially for those who come from warm climates, the persistence and harshness of the Chicago winter can be a shock to the system. Living comfortably in “Chiberia” (the Chicago/Siberia hybrid name which Chicagoan’s use to designate the city between December and March) can require making some significant additions to one’s wardrobe and changes to one’s routine. Everyone has their own tricks to fend off not only the frigid temperatures, but the psychological toll they can take over an extended period, so ask everyone you talk to on campus. The cold is certainly not a reason to pass on the school if you want to attend, but make sure you know what you’re getting into!.
3.) “Where should I eat on campus if I want…?”
While campus dining services purport to adjust on a regular basis based on customer feedback, dining halls remain, as at many schools, inhospitable towards those with certain allergies or preferences. Vegans, for instance, will find their options in dining halls rather limited, and those intolerant of gluten could easily find themselves eating the same thing for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Most meal plans have some degree of transfer ability to campus cafes, but choices can still feel constrained if you have conditions to meet. Fortunately, the neighborhood surrounding campus is replete with great food of various cuisines. Between campus and its environs, you can find a menu to suit nearly any preference or set of conditions, and those who have been on campus long enough will be able to point you to whatever you need.
4.) “Which are your favorite professors?”
As a research university as opposed to a small liberal arts school, University of Chicago’s professors are all immersed in their own studies, which are usually far more interesting than the subjects of the courses they teach. At the end of the day, the true value of a University of Chicago course is not the material you commit to memory, but the new ways of thinking you begin to glean from how the professor breaks down that material. Be sure to ask around about favorite professors and write some names down. Even if they do not work in your field of interest, they are bound to be extremely skilled and thought-provoking people whose classes would be well worth taking.
5.) “How hard is University of Chicago?”
University of Chicago steeps itself in a culture of tireless work both in and out of academics, and rewards those who are able to function under stress. For those that fit the bill, nothing could be better, but many do come to the school only to realize that either the culture or the workload itself is not a productive challenge for them. Hearing current students or alumni describe their experience of University of Chicago’s difficulty level can be immensely helpful in deciding whether or not UChicago is the right fit for you. These stories should give you a sense of how hard the school is as well as the value of the work ethic it builds.
Alessio Franko graduated from the University of Chicago in 2014 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Cinema and Media Studies with a Minor in German Language and Literature. He is currently based in New York City, where he works in television and video.