<p>Whereas I agree that Chicago has a clear intellectual vibe, my S, a first year, has had a ball. Plenty of parties, downtown activities, female companionship, IM sports, athletic club events, University sponsored travel to CA twice, organized paint-ball outings, and general goofing off. The intellectual side has definitely permeated everything, which has made it all the better. Further, his courses have been amazing. He followed the advice of a wise alumnus (not his father) who told him that the University will support just about anything and will help one do it, but one must be assertive and seek it out. S has found that to be true.</p>