Current ICO Students!

[ykim637]

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I've lived in Southern California all my life and I finally had the chance to explore Chicago when I went there for my interview at ICO. I absolutely LOVED the downtown "Loop" area but I didn't see anything around ICO because it was pretty far down south. I've also heard that there were shootings, muggings, etc. nearby. Exactly how safe is the neighborhood?

I've also heard that this neighborhood has been highly renovated over the years and is "up & coming" but how safe is it, really? Would I be able to hop on the bus and/or train on a random weeknight to meet some friends in the downtown area? I'm highly considering ICO because I think they have an awesome clinical program and amazing facilities. Plus, I'd probably live in the RC my first year, and I'm glad that the clinic is on campus.

But I want to have fun in Chicago too and not have to worry about my safety!

 

[illuminate]

I felt the same way before attending ICO... I live several blocks from school and walk back and forth every day (unless it is dark out or bad weather). I feel safe in the neighborhood and have never crossed paths with any "shady" characters. I feel safe jumping on the bus (or train) to head downtown to hang with friends, eat dinner, go to a play or museum, etc. Chicago is a great city! Many of my colleagues live outside the neighborhood and ride the bus or train each day with no issues.
All that being said, in any neighborhood/city, you can't pretend you're invincible. You have to be observant of your surroundings. Don't walk alone if you don't have to. It is just common sense.
Living in the RC is a great option because the majority of your class will be there too. It's the best way to get to know everyone and you can roll out of bed 2 minutes before class. Security at ICO takes really good care of all of us.

 

[JeffChou]

I've also heard that this neighborhood has been highly renovated over the years and is "up & coming" but how safe is it, really? Would I be able to hop on the bus and/or train on a random weeknight to meet some friends in the downtown area? I'm highly considering ICO because I think they have an awesome clinical program and amazing facilities. Plus, I'd probably live in the RC my first year, and I'm glad that the clinic is on campus.

I also grew up in California and came to ICO for optometry school. I love Chicago, but the neighborhood immediately around ICO is not the nicest. There is crime nearby but I think you can avoid much of it by being aware of your environment. I wouldn't have any second thoughts (as a guy) walking through the next-door IIT campus to get to the train station, or waiting out in front of the RC (literally in front of the dorm) for the #4 bus that takes you straight to the loop. Try not to walk around alone at night staring down at your feet unaware of your surroundings, or flashing jewelry around. If you can find the time to get away to the city on a weekday night, you should still be comfortable going on your way. You'll learn which areas to avoid at night (generally south) unless you have a clear destination. Just don't fall asleep on any mode of public transportation and end up either mugged, or in the wrong neighborhood. I don't have any concerns about my safety while here and you're a safe traveller, you probably won't have any problems either. If you're a girl, I'd recommend traveling with a friend if it's late or at least carrying some pepper spray, etc. in the rare event that you may need it (probably not).

I'm sure you'll find it comfortable to live here and travel on the CTA.

 

[Od_IT]

If you are planning on getting out of your area when you are not studying to do any activity it will take at least 10-15 mins travel time. That is if you have a car. Otherwise you are pretty much stuck on an island at ico, instead of oceans you have the ghetto. I have lived in chicago for +20 years. On campus you are "fairly" safe, as JeffChou mentioned.

Speaking of the cta there have been robberies though not often. During the winter time, there will be bums sleeping on the train and asking you for money. If you feel uneasy, my suggestion is to sit in the first cart within the train conductor's view.

As for, "having fun and not worrying about your safety" I really don't think so... However, ICO is still a great school.

 

[Pre Opt Student]

How would people compare the area around ICO to the area around PCO. The area like 5 mins away from PCO (where the eye clinic is and the street you have to travel to get anywhere in philadelphia) seemed really really ghetto to me. Would you say it is less/more safe than the area around ICO?

 

[Od_IT]

Pco's main campus seemed safe. I don't know about the clinic area though, I was really caught up in talking to the pco student tour guide.

On campus at ICO, i have seen a bum a push grocery cart through campus filled with "their" things, this was during the day. Like I have said before, you are pretty much stuck on an island at ico, instead of oceans you have the ghetto. However, b/c ICO is located in such a impoverished area, its explains why it is recognized to have a phenomenal clinical program.

 

[Od_IT]

Oh yeah, on the first floor of the RC at ICO. It is an all guys floor for safety purposes. Perhaps, there may have been an incident in the past??

 

[jefguth]

I would not recommend walking around the area at night alone. I did, and it caught up to me one night directly along the south wall of the shool, literally a hundred feet from the secure entrance to the courtyard. Mugged by 5 or six guys.

While yes, the south loop and area around the school has improved tremendously over the past few years, its still not that great. I'd recommend living in the RC for maybe or the first year (or first two quarters) and then moving onto a nicer, more livable neighborhood. There are tons of places to live in the city that are easily accessible. I lived on the north edge of Lincoln park and drove each day. It never took me more than 25min to get to school even in the worst of rush hour traffic along lakeshore and I lived in an amazing fun area of the city with tons of stuff to do easily at hand. Shopping, restaurants, bars, cafes, theaters, art and neighborhood festivals, and in the summer great beaches and parks.

 

[drbizzaro]

I would not recommend walking around the area at night alone. I did, and it caught up to me one night directly along the south wall of the shool, literally a hundred feet from the secure entrance to the courtyard. Mugged by 5 or six guys.

.

That sounds brutal. Did get out unscathed?

 

[gochi]

I would not recommend walking around the area at night alone. I did, and it caught up to me one night directly along the south wall of the shool, literally a hundred feet from the secure entrance to the courtyard. Mugged by 5 or six guys.

While yes, the south loop and area around the school has improved tremendously over the past few years, its still not that great. I'd recommend living in the RC for maybe or the first year (or first two quarters) and then moving onto a nicer, more livable neighborhood. There are tons of places to live in the city that are easily accessible. I lived on the north edge of Lincoln park and drove each day. It never took me more than 25min to get to school even in the worst of rush hour traffic along lakeshore and I lived in an amazing fun area of the city with tons of stuff to do easily at hand. Shopping, restaurants, bars, cafes, theaters, art and neighborhood festivals, and in the summer great beaches and parks.

Looks like you will be graduating soon 😀

Will you be coming back to Canada to work?

 

[jefguth]

That sounds brutal. Did get out unscathed?

haha, well i had a black eye and a vitreoretinal tuft....
and yes, i'm returning to Canada! 😀