<p>The places you’re looking to live in will most likely not be shady. 
As long as you don’t move into Englewood, you’re fine. People will tell you the South side is awful, but they’re exaggerating. Just avoid that neighborhood and you’re golden. But yeah, you’ll probably want something closer to school. I’d recommend something near Wrigleyville, a lot of DePaul students live there. The Southport area is nice, near the Music Box Theatre. Right next to the Brown line so you can get anywhere. I like Belmont a lot too, very gay-friendly/cultural area as well. The El will become your best friend if you live downtown. 
It’s not hard to use it, once you start riding it you’ll get the hang of it. You’ll most likely never have to take anything other than the Brown or Red lines. NEVER ruin your hot dog with ketchup or take pictures of the Bean and you’ll fit right in, save for your accent. ;)</p>
<p>Chicago really is the best city in the world, it’s underrated compared to LA and NYC. Much cleaner than both of them too.</p>
<p>And yeah, it’s cold. Cold like you’d never believe. We’re talking -30 F wind chill. Invest in good outerwear. Take advantage of public transportation, never use a car (especially in the Loop). Try to avoid the Red line during baseball games. Forget the seasons you know now – your new seasons are winter and road construction.</p>
<p>PM if you have any specific questions! I consider myself an expert on the El, and I have some pretty intense Chicago pride. Good places to check out for fun on the weekends: Belmont, Wrigleyville, River North Art District (Chicago stop on the El) and West Loop Art District (about 2-3 blocks south of Ogilvie Station on Madison) have free gallery openings the first Friday of every month (really cool even if you’re not that into art, and complimentary food). I can also show you some cool websites that give away tickets to early screenings of movies in the city, those are always fun to go to.</p>