University of Chicago Top Questions

Greek life is a little strange. People tend to think they are cooler than they actually are. WYSE is an awesome organization for girls that don't want to join greek life, but still want to have a good group of girlfriends and help out with younger middle school aged girls.

You should be prepared for students to choose homework over everything else.

boring. join the greek system or make good friends with members- they are easily the most social people on campus, and they all do things together

Well, if I'm awake at 2am on a Tuesday, depending on the weather, I'm doing numerous things: playing Scrabble a/o Candyland with my boyfriend (winter), laying on the beach, looking at stars (autumn), or swimming in botany pond (spring). Downtown Chicago is a short ride away on public transportation, needless to say, there is a plethora of things to do any day, any time, any weather. Just look, and you'll find something, and someone, to do it with.

The dorms are pretty key aspect to your social life as freshmen. Here at UChicago, all the dorms really do have their own distinct personality. Since I don't feel like making an exhaustive list, I will sum it up in saying your social life will vary depending on what dorm you live in. Dorms with predominantly double rooms are going to be more social than ones with predominantly single rooms. Dorms here are also divided into smaller "houses," and you get to know most of these people more than you ever wanted to. There are a lot of house activities (IM sports, dinner trips, etc.), and you can participate in them to whatever extent you want to. UChicago's Greek system is smaller, but fairly active. You will probably be friends with a lot of people in as well as out of them; it's really a personal choice more than a social obligation. As for parties, we are by no means a party school, but if you want to party, it's really not hard to do. The city is also close by via public transportation so that is also a large part of UChicago's appeal.

In most cases, if you want to do it, it's there, and if it's not you can probably find enough support to start up something. Whether it be the amazing improv groups (Off-Off & Occam's Razor), the many dance groups, a capella groups, music groups and the BDSM club (haven't actually seen this one to be honest) there's always something to do 6 out of 7 days of the week on campus, and usually someone you know will be involved in most of these. And whether it be an economist talking about the carbon tax or a prominent feminist encouraging the masses, the many talks scheduled allow for a fairly cheap way to see and hear from very famous people. All of this has been said without mention of the city of Chicago!! Although we are not actually in the city, Hyde Park is around 30 minutes from downtown on a decent day and it's always fun to go to some cool restaurant, check out a show or concert, or just stop downtown with some friends for Chipotle. There's always a way to spend your free time (yes, there is free time at UChicago) if you're willing to band together some fairly apathetic friends for a great time out! :)

If you've not heard it yet, prepare to be disappointed with the almost non-existing Greek life here in the UofC. But I don't care, anyways, since I am not the party type. However, the dorms here are based on the house system, and I guess house tables in the dining hall are geared to bringing students together. And I do love the fact that there will be plenty of house trips maybe to go watch a Cubs game, or go to a restaurant in Greektown, K-Town, etc. We also have a bunch of annual traditions, like Scav Hunt (a series of crazy ideas that students have to fulfill), Assassins Game (prepare to get doused with a water gun on your way to class), and the Kuvia Kungaserk (exercise to the rising sun in winter).

Academic extracurriculars are most popular-Model UN, debate, various campus publications, etc. Lots of people participate in intramurals, and many are on varsity teams, though these are generally unpopular and ignored by the rest of the student body. Most people live in dorms for two years, then cut the cord and get apartments. In the dorms, a formalized house system forges most people's closest friendships and organizes social life in general. The RHs and RAs are generally more laid-back than at other schools--I know very few people here who fear their authority--and people generally exercise that freedom in moderation. Frats and Sororities are present but unpopular, except as a fallback plan for parties on the weekends. Dorms, apartments, and frats all usually party on the weekends, but don't come here expecting a party culture. There are teetotalers, booze-hounds, and everything in between. Weed is present, but somewhat surprisingly unpopular. Off campus life in Chicago offers most anything one could want, but you have to travel a little ways to get any of it.

Make sure to do scav hunt your first year or you will regret it. If your dorm doesn't have a team join the independent team FIST.

Some parties on weekends, and quite a few people are in clubs (though not as many as one would expect). Dating scene? What dating scene? That is one of the worst aspects of this school. People are so anti-social that the vast majority of the opposite sex (or same sex) you would never want to go out with, not even if they were the last people alive. It is very hard to find a nice, sociable, and fun girl at this school, not to mention attractive, which is almost impossible to find.