<p>U-C has a classic, rigorous non-nonsense liberal arts approach. It has an intellectual atmosphere that’s next to none (even more-so, imho) than those of H-Y-P. Even though they’re mainly grad teachers, the presence of so doggone many Nobel Prize winners (most, by far, in the nation) absolutely provides intellectual stimulus to the undergraduate program… And, of course, there’s all that Oxbridge Gothic architecture… Hyde Park is essentially an intellectual college town within Chicago… OK, for the 1 millionth time (I’m sure), you have to keep you’re head up and the fringes aren’t the safest areas of town, but the “scary” aspect of Hyde Park – it being in the heart of Chicago’s South Side – are WAY overblown.</p>
<p>There has been a movement, in the last decade or so, to ‘lighten up’ U-C’s stuffy, pompous atmosphere with more extracurriculars (like intercollegiate football and other sports) and fun in an attempt to de-egghead the place, image-wise.</p>