The University of Chicago Visit Report by dva

Visit Activities:

Information Session: Yes - Included a panel of ~5-6 students to answer questions on student life + admissions persons.

Campus Tour: Yes - Lasted about 1 hour.

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Campus:

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Tour guide seemed friendly at first but turned out to be a jerk...tried to *entertain* us with his improv jokes...fell flat because he was up all night studying for an exam. Shoulda called in sick.

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Seemed friendly and helpful until you asked a question. "That's a q for admissions/tour guide/whatever". Never did get our q answered.

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Great landscaping work and exterior appearance.

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The campus and one classroom we were in looked reasonably well kept up. Some peeling paint on exteriors.

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No dorms were on the summer tour, but WHY NOT? We were concerned that they're like Lanman-Wright at Yale [very old, small and crummy]. Have to fail UChicago on this one...there cb no other reas

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Campus and Hyde Park area seemed pretty safe during the day. Have no idea what the area is like at night but city people probably wouldn't have a prob.

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Admissions and tour guide really ruined it for us.

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Off-Campus:

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Urban. Seems like there's enough hangouts to satisfy most students, tho it can be a hike to get to them.

Campus Visit Notes for The University of Chicago

Visit Description:

We visited during a summer information day that started at 8:30a and ran until ~12:30p or so. During sign-in [you had to pre-register], they offered donuts, juice & coffee while a few students went around the rooms offering a version of what life is like at C and answering questions. They tried their best but there were lots of visitors; after repeating themselves several times, it sounded canned. Then we were shuffled into the auditorium to hear admissions talk about the school,etc.; then we were off on a limited tour of the campus; then we were back in the auditorium to hear a panel of students talk about student life; then we went outside in the courtyd for cold drinks & to chat with admissions officers & students. Quite an operation but maybe too ambitious.

Overall I'd say we left with a not great impression. Chicago itself, not just the students, has a number of quirks that makes it quite different from other universities. So, when you ask a question, be careful to ask the question of the *right* person...often your question will go unanswered because it's an admissions question. Or your question concerns student life. Or whatever. They all are quick to deduce that they don't know the answer but in any event it's not their province, so ball's in your court go ask someone else. And btw, you are made to feel a bit stupid because you asked the question of the wrong person. Seemed to be a common Chicago-style response. Quite annoying.

Hotel/Lodging Recommendations or Comments:

Residence Inn Downtown. Recently renovated & location is good...it's between Northwestern & Chicago. Our suite had 2 BR & 1 very small bath. Crowded room & hotel during our stay

Dining/Restaurant Recommendations or Comments:

We ate at the Greek diner C recommended & it was indeed good. Also very reasonable.

Other Comments (Transportation, local attractions, parking, etc.):

Beware that there's limited parking available close by if you go to a summer info session...the garage is a hike if you don't get on-street parking [which is free].