University of Chicago Top Questions

Describe the students at University of Chicago.

Devin

While left-learning, UChicago's student body is quite open to any opinions that are based in reason. As someone who leans slightly to the right on most issues, I felt a bit out of place for the first month or so as I was quite used to being surrounded by people who had fairly similar views. Once I realized that it was a situation that I really couldn't change and the views I had were ones that I generally believed in and had reasons to support, life became much more enjoyable. Different views allow for varying interpretations of the same material, something most people learn to be grateful for in the heavy discussion-based classes. As per discussions about how much we'll earn one day, the discussions usually center around how big our cardboard boxes will be (for the academics) or how our economic-geared friends will let us live in their third mansion.

Tate

I generally feel that UofC students are quite ignorant, and disinterested in some issues and events. I have attended plenty of events in which the turnout was surprisingly disappointing. My international student peers have skewed priorities of only participating in academics, since it is truly rigorous here; and this is really disturbing. However, I do venerate the many community outreach programs that students organize here, like tutoring or volunteering in non-profit organizations. Also, I realize that a majority of the students here are financially well-off, based on their schooling backgrounds, luxurious belongings, and looking at my roommate who is nothing like the American who works three jobs to put herself through college.

Tim

Nerds and geeks of all colors, creeds, nations, and political stripes, laced with a few "how'd they get in here" dumbasses and ditzes, and a sizable contingent of truly indescribable oddballs.

Robbie

It is nice not being ridiculed for studying to hard etc., as pretty much everyone here realizes people work a lot. At the same time some people don't so it is really up to you. It's nice not being at a school where sports are a huge issue.

marybeth

Most students are predominantly left, and abrasively so. There's this idea that UChicago is really open to all different types of students with all different ideas. But I've found since I've been here, that that claim only applies to those who are predominantly left. There are some moderates on campus, but god forbid you be right - its almost a sin. There's a pretty good interactions between students. I thought that when I came here there would be an excessive amount of nerds and that I wouldn't be able to relate to people. There are an excessive amount of nerds, but practically all of them are social and interesting people to talk to.

David

Basically white and Asian. There are very few black people or Latinos. There should be more diversity. It is very secular and can be hard to be a person of faith on this campus, if you even manage to keep your faith once you finish with undergraduate here. And, more teachers are hostile to religion than are students, but many of them are as well. The student that would feel at home here is one that likes suffering, doesn't mind having no life and studying at every spare moment, and generally doesn't like people. If you are not one of these people, then you will constantly know that you don't fit the mold of this school and what it is trying to shape you into.

Denis

Ok there is plenty of ok looking girls, but girls will need to look harder.......

abimbola

Student body....there is a lack of diversity and I feel that the University is trying to change that. With diversity comes a new wave of perspectives that I feel is greatly needed on this campus.

Patrice

I have a variety of ethnically different friends. Most of my friends here though are Latina/African American/African. This school is definitely self-selective. Most students know what they are getting into when they apply here. This school is for people who just love to learn and question things. Fashion at UChicago is interesting. Most people don't get that dressed up for class but you will find many people who have their own sense of style. I've noticed that a lot of people are from Chicago and the Midwest who attend here. Most of my friends come from middle class or upper middle class backgrounds and most of them have jobs.

Katherine

There are a lot of children of academics here, but overall there's a pretty good mix of students. Someone who is a big jock who hates school probably wouldn't fit in well here, but generally, there's a good blend of people who could fit under the category of nerd. I think for the most part there's no problem with people interacting...but there's always some people who'll stick to whatever group they feel most comfortable with. Hmm...there are a surprising number of libertarians on campus, but otherwise we're mostly left.