I haven’t lived in the same room two years in a row since I was 18. For undergraduate studies I was in Washington D.C. where I lived in a different dorm or house every year. Then I moved to New York City where I lived in a different apartment my first and second years. And now I find myself in Evanston, a nice suburban change from my years in the big city with an easy access to the lights and excitement of beautiful Chicago.
Exactly a year ago this week (yes, the 3rd week in April), I was faced with the anticipation of moving once again, turning my life on its head and heading to Evanston for the IMC program. And as exciting as the prospect was, it’s never fun nor easy to make a big move – whether it’s to a new apartment, a new city, or a new country. So here are my tips to make your big move a little easier:
Moving to the Area: Price out your options!! Figure out what will make most sense – shipping things via mail or purchasing items when you get here. If you’re not from the area and choose not to live in Engelhart Hall (the graduate student dorm), see if you have a friend or family in the area to do some apartment shopping for you. I lined up 3 or 4 places in one day and it took my sister who lives in Chicago only a few hours to scope them out and give me her suggestions. If this isn’t an option, try to visit yourself and take a weekend to apartment hunt. Lastly, a lot of IMCers live in Engelhart and really find it suits all their needs. Any way you look at it – you can’t go wrong!! Feel free to ask a current IMC student for any suggestions of areas to live in Chicago or apartments/houses to seek out in Evanston.
Evanston vs. Chicago: Frankly, this choice depends on your situation and your preferences. Coming from the big city, I welcomed the chance to live near a campus again and downtown Evanston has all you need in terms of restaurants, supermarkets, drug stores and shops. Peapod also delivers if the town supermarket is too far of a walk in the cold weather.
For those looking at Chicago, do a little research as to transportation into Evanston – you’ll want to be close to a train or bus, so that you can have quick, easy access into Evanston. The El (CTA Train), Metra and Northwestern intercampus shuttle are the most widely used options – and all of them drop you off mere blocks from campus and our academic building, McCormick Tribune Center.
Other Stuff You Should Know: Some students have cars, some do not. It’s not a necessity, as there is good public transportation wherever you go. However, there are some places you might be able to get to easier if you have some wheels to get you there. Beware of heavy traffic to and from Chicago, and not just during rush hour.
Brrrr!!! Now that’s why they call it the Windy City. The key to moving to Evanston is… good winter gear! That means a good jacket, gloves, scarves, a hat (or ear muffs) and yes, even undergarments like long underwear. Trust me, you’ll thank me! Our classroom building is conveniently situated right next to Lake Michigan – which means beautiful (distracting!) views of the lake from our classrooms, but also… WIND! (and lots of it). Also, I highly recommend good winter boots. With frequent snow, the city of Evanston finds it hard to salt and clear the sidewalks frequently, so without good boots, you’ll find yourself ice skating to class more often than is preferable!
Party (and Dine) Like an IMCer!: And of course, there’s the nightlife. Many of those living in Evanston frequently visit one of the four or so bars in the area and downtown Evanston boasts restaurants of every ethnicity – Thai, Chinese, Indian, Ethiopian, Mexican, and of course.. Pizza! (clearly, Chicago Pizza is its own type of ethnic food). For those looking to enjoy the city, Chicago restaurants and bars are at your fingertips. Going out with a group of classmates? Try a restaurant that is BYOB (Bring Your Own Beer) to keep the costs down!
A few of my favorite things: Ok, ok… I know I’ve only been here a measly 7 months so I don’t claim to be the Chicago expert by any means. But here are a few of my most memorable moments and “must try” spots for other people who are new to the area:
- Grab romantic drinks on the top of the Hancock Building
- Take a trip to the Lincoln Park Zoo on a nice day
- Get out and cheer on the runners in the Chicago Marathon
- Shop outside at Old Orchard Mall
- Grab a slice (and some home brewed beer!) at piece
- Catch a flick at the Brew and View
- Take the Architecture Boat Tour on the river
- Go to the Northwestern Beach
- Visit the top of the Sears Tower
- See Jersey Boys and leave the theater singing
- Check out a show at the famous Steppenwolf Theatre
- Attend a performance by the famous Joffre Ballet or Hubbard Street Dance Company
- Go with classmates to Tony and Tina’s Wedding
- Ice skate at Millennium Park
- Head down to the river for St. Patrick’s Day
- Fill up on Chicago-style Pizza
- Go shopping on Michigan Avenue
- See a famous painter’s work at the Chicago Art Museum
- Go with friends to Navy Pier
- Make GREAT IMC friends, and create a whole lot of memories.
………. Shari Newman
