First off Row houses are in most Chicago Neighborhoods… Not surburban at all. I live in the city in a house with 2 car garage and backyard. Not surburban at all… Lol…
Knowing many students at Chicago and a friend that teaches there and actually an adult RA (or whatever they are called). Students there do well in the having fun department. Most find their peeps.
Wash U to me seems very similar at least campus wise.
I agree it’s early and the advice above but as suggested we did go there and Northwestern and a few other just for lunch and to walk around to see the size of the campus. Again, we live by Wrigley so relatively close. I would suggest doing that if you want to do anything to see if the size of campus is even correct.Even pick some schools in your area first. My daughter went to a school with less then 1800 students and that was perfect for her. Then look at safeties etc and explore schools. But ya, your child should be enjoying school and doing activities etc that interest them. There is no wrong answer in what to do and yes, working counts.