Reasons to pick a college #1: Location: Urban vs. Other

Mailers were dispatched last week directing students to a section of our website that talks about reasons that make UIC the type of school it is, and asking them to apply.

You'll find that this is a common theme in college brochures and among admissions folk. Our job is to go out on the road, speak to large crowds of parents and students, and counsel individuals to provide them with information so they can narrow their choices between the hundreds of college and universities in Illinois and for some, between thousands more throughout the nation and world.

What should you consider when making a choice about attending a college? This is the first post in a series that will discuss some of the things to consider.

LOCATION.

This is a big one for us at UIC. We think, and many of our students agree, that being located in downtown Chicago provides numerous advantages and opportunities that you wouldn't have in, shall we say, sparser locales. Chicago provides students with access to world-class cultural institutions, social and sporting events, and internship and job opportunties that will prepare students for a life after finishing their studies.

Not to mention that Chicago has 77 diverse neighborhoods with fantastic parks, bike paths, and miles of beaches, all within minutes of the UIC Campus. So, being a Chicagoan can be fun too.

Chicago is quite different from a traditional college town, suburban or rural environment -- each of which have their own unique, advantages as well. For example, access to huge Walmarts and the freshest corn around!

Now, I have to admit, big city life isn't for everyone. Some people don't like the noise, and the hustle and bustle. Plus, it can provide more distractions from the campus itself and perhaps even your studies. So students have to doubly be focused and cognizant of the fact that they are students first and connoisseurs of the city, second. But for those capable and willing to take advantage, you can have an exciting and really productive urban college experience.

What do you think of Chicago? Thumbs up or thumbs down? Let me know!