Visit Report by honied_dreams (Member since December 16 2006 with 335 posts) Visit Date - January 2007
Visit to University of Chicago in January 2007 by honied_dreams (Student, HS Class of 2007)
Visit Activities:
Admissions Interview:
Yes - Very casual and relaxed. We got off on tangents about Nabokov and jazz, and he asked a lot of oddball (but fun) questions, and I also got to ask more about the university. Overall, very enjoyable. Campus Tour:
Yes - Just long enough to get a good sense of the University but not freeze. Our guide was very kind and genuinely loved the school and learning. Didn't enter a lot of buildings, though. Classroom Visit:
No - I didn't see a class in session, but did see a classroom. All of the tables were in a circle, very communal style. It sounds like they really encourage open discussion and thought.
University of Chicago Campus:
Friendliness/Courtesy of Students: 4 - Very Good -
They weren't falling over themselves to help you, but they were all very kind and loved the University.
Friendliness/Courtesy of Staff: 5 - Excellent -
Very willing to help and open when you asked them questions. They offered us all coffee and tea and were very friendly with each other as well.
Appearance of Campus: 5 - Excellent -
Gourgeous Gothic buildings, lots of grass and space to study, and surprisingly large for a city school. This is what a university should look like!
Building/Facilities Maintenance/Cleanliness: 4 - Very Good -
The buildings were beautiful but old, so they weren't always the cleanest (but that's to be expected).
Dormitories: -
Didn't see the dorms, but it sounds like there's a place for everyone--old, modern, apartment- or hall-style.
Security/Safety: 5 - Excellent -
Typical security system, police escort services, and all-night busses. Even though it's on the South side, it's extremely safe and well-equipped, just in case.
Overall Campus Impression: 5 - Excellent -
UChicago is alive and thriving with energy, and the students really love it, I could tell. It's a beautiful area and the perfect place to learn and question.
Off-Campus:
Area Immediately Around Campus: 3 - Good -
Hyde Park is a little isolated from the city, so there's not as much to do, but there are always busses to the city center.
City/Town/Community: 5 - Excellent -
Chicago always has something going on, and it's easily accessible from campus.
Campus Visit Notes for University of Chicago:
Visit Description:
I had an amazing visit overall, and it only heightened my already great impression of the University of Chicago. Everyone I met seemed so different and yet so like-minded, so eager to discuss literature and music and philosophy and everything else. If you love to learn and love culture, you should definitely visit and apply!
Hotel/Lodging Recommendations or Comments:
Wooded Isle Suites--hard to find, but large and inexpensive rooms. Also look into the University Club.
Dining/Restaurant Recommendations or Comments:
Check out campus dining, it's supposed to be good.
Other Comments (Transportation, local attractions, parking, etc.):
Impossible to park in a metered spot. Either take the bus or park in the structure on 55th and Ellis--it's closer than it looks to the campus.
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They weren't falling over themselves to help you, but they were all very kind and loved the University.
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Very willing to help and open when you asked them questions. They offered us all coffee and tea and were very friendly with each other as well.
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Didn't see the dorms, but it sounds like there's a place for everyone--old, modern, apartment- or hall-style.
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Hyde Park is a little isolated from the city, so there's not as much to do, but there are always busses to the city center.