Transition from small town to the heart of Chicago!

[mdphd72]

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Hello all,

I will be attending the UIC MSTP and living near the heart of the city. Coming from a small town of about 30k and an undergraduate campustown for my BS, I will be experiencing a very big change. Not that I'm not excited about it; I REALLY am.

But I was just curious how people like me felt about the transition from being able to drive around without traffic, walk around at night, etc. to not having a car, using all public transportation, having different safety concerns, etc. Does anyone have any particular points of advice they'd like to share?

I can't wait to start living there!
Thanks!

 

[Avoidthetiger]

some general immediate thoughts:

- Always look like you know were you are going
- The CTA/public transportation is great!! I'm a woman who has never had an issue on the bus or train (well there was one time when I was 17 and dressed professionally, and the guy was trying to compliment me, but it ended up freaking me out)
- I would live anywhere where you see a lot of people loitering with nothing to do (my parents were considering getting me a foreclosure condo somewhat near UIC... but then they saw the area).
- Keep your keys in hand if you are walking alone. Good make-shift weapon
- City traffic isn't all that bad once you get use to it. Expect 30 minutes to get to the Chicago northside. And except just longer rides... but... it's not that bad. Just don't drive during rush hour (4-6pm).
- You are going to LOVE Chicago!

If you have any other questions about urban living, feel free to ask. This is just my first thoughts. Rural/suburban living terrifies me! haha.

 

[Dr Gerrard]

some general immediate thoughts:

- Always look like you know were you are going
- Keep your keys in hand if you are walking alone. Good make-shift weapon
- You are going to LOVE Chicago!

lol

 

[Avoidthetiger]

lol

I tend not to do the key thing myself. Never have in Chicago. I currently live in a more depressed city though... so sometimes when it's late here, I might. Some people feel more safe though with their keys in their hands -- especially if you have never lived in an urban area before.

 

[eli20]

Chicago is a great starter city for people who've never really lived in a large one before. It's accessible and has a ton of stuff to do - especially during the summer. I'm from a town of ~3000 and go to college in a fairly suburban area, I did an internship in Chicago the summer after my sophomore year and was really nervous but everything worked out just fine.

People are generally friendly, the public transportation is easy to get the hang of and the city is awesome. I'd recommend living in one of the neighborhoods though - I lived downtown and it is surprising how dead it is after about 10 because its mostly where people work. I can remember having trouble finding a convenience store that was even open to buy some middle-of-the night necessity.

Also the best part of the Chicago is that it doesn't smell like hot rotten garbage in the summer like NYC!

 

[makeyourself]

I tend not to do the key thing myself. Never have in Chicago. I currently live in a more depressed city though... so sometimes when it's late here, I might. Some people feel more safe though with their keys in their hands -- especially if you have never lived in an urban area before.

ya cause you and your keys are really gonna deter that 250 pound 6'2'' homeboy.

 

[Avoidthetiger]

ya cause you and your keys are really gonna deter that 250 pound 6'2'' homeboy.

It's not suppose to deter. You are suppose to scratch them in the face like wolverine and then run away. It's 101 in women defense classes.

 

[mdphd72]

It's not suppose to deter. You are suppose to scratch them in the face like wolverine and then run away. It's 101 in women defense classes.

Yeah, I actually do this already in Champaign-Urbana. It's easier to catch the sucker if he has a key-gash in his face.

 

[VisionaryTics]

Just stay north of Roosevelt and east of Damen, carry a concealed handgun, and try not to look the gangbangers that line the hallways of UIC-COM in the eye.

 

[Residual]

It's not suppose to deter. You are suppose to scratch them in the face like wolverine and then run away. It's 101 in women defense classes.

I will give you a bajillion dollars if ANYONE in ANY "women's defense" class, including the instructor, has ever actually tried that against an actual attacker and had it work, or hell, even personally known anyone who has tried it and had it work.

I give you far better odds of pissing off your mugger and earning a beating/stabbing/shooting and a stolen wallet instead of just a stolen wallet.

(Of course, if it's clear they're planning on beating/raping/killing you anyway then go nuts, you've got nothing to lose. Otherwise...)

 

[Catalystik]

Does anyone have any particular points of advice they'd like to share?

If you happen to have internet access on your cell phone, the CTA has a reliable site you can go to that tells you how many minutes it will be before the next bus arrives at your stop for the route you want to travel.

The Patio, within walking distance of UIC, has the best Italian beef sandwiches on the planet. Portillos is #2.

 

[mdphd72]

Just stay north of Roosevelt and east of Damen, carry a concealed handgun, and try not to look the gangbangers that line the hallways of UIC-COM in the eye.

 

[Bungie]

When did 30k become a small town? Maybe less than 5k.

Either way, I think it depends on you. I grew up in the boonies, but the closet village was less than 5k. I'm just finishing a year in Philly and love it. I think if you're the type of person that is outgoing, than going to a big town won't be a problem. Just my two cents.

 

[random cell]

some general immediate thoughts:

- The CTA/public transportation is great!! I'm a woman who has never had an issue on the bus or train (well there was one time when I was 17 and dressed professionally, and the guy was trying to compliment me, but it ended up freaking me out)
- I would live anywhere where you see a lot of people loitering with nothing to do (my parents were considering getting me a foreclosure condo somewhat near UIC... but then they saw the area).
- Keep your keys in hand if you are walking alone. Good make-shift weapon
- You are going to LOVE Chicago!

Coming from another big city I have highlighted the terrible advice in this post in red. Basically your whole post.

 

[random cell]

Also too bad Chicago doesn't allow you to even the odds against a murderer/rapist and protect yourself with a gun. I guess you'll have to put a lot of hours practicing key-fu.

 

[phnerd1105]

I love Chicago...best city in the world! Just don't be too trusting of people and travel in groups whenever possible. I'm not trying to freak you out or anything. Most parts of the city are great. But after long nights of studying heading back to your place, its all too easy for something to happen.

Oh and the food is amazing 🙂

 

[mdphd72]

When did 30k become a small town? Maybe less than 5k.

Either way, I think it depends on you. I grew up in the boonies, but the closet village was less than 5k. I'm just finishing a year in Philly and love it. I think if you're the type of person that is outgoing, than going to a big town won't be a problem. Just my two cents.

I pretty much consider anything with less than 2 high schools a small town. Maybe that's just me? They were around 20k when I lived there last. They've just been getting a lot bigger lately.

 

[mdphd72]

Coming from another big city I have highlighted the terrible advice in this post in red. Basically your whole post.

I think she meant where people are not loitering?

 

[Ditto1114]

Hello all,

I will be attending the UIC MSTP and living near the heart of the city. Coming from a small town of about 30k and an undergraduate campustown for my BS, I will be experiencing a very big change. Not that I'm not excited about it; I REALLY am.

But I was just curious how people like me felt about the transition from being able to drive around without traffic, walk around at night, etc. to not having a car, using all public transportation, having different safety concerns, etc. Does anyone have any particular points of advice they'd like to share?

I can't wait to start living there!
Thanks!

I never felt threatened while living in Chicagoland. Just don't put yourself in a bad situation. As someone said earlier, just stay north of Roosevelt and look like you know what you're doing and where you're going. I highly recommend living in Oak Park. It's just a quick train ride away and it's cheaper then living in the city. If you want to experience the city night life go to the northside. I particularly like Howl at the Moon (dualing piano bar). The only thing you need to worry about on the northside when you're stumbling home at 3am are the crazy taxi drivers and male students from De Paul (j/k). Three Happiness is probably the best Chinese restaurant ever, and what ever you do don't work in Song-Jung Kim's lab. Good Luck!

 

[Charles English]

this city is all about food.

if you like food, you will love chicago.

i like the tip about always looking like you know where you're going. street peeps can smell your noob blood and will come like sharks.

don't ever give money to support anyone's 'efforts' to buy __<sport>________ uniforms for their __<family member or friend>__________ team. also never play the fun game of 'find the little red balls' on the El (esp. red line). obvious hustle is obvious.

you know, the basics. you'll be fine though. windy city is cool. learn spanish and polish... dobrze?, tak. 👍

 

[Avoidthetiger]

I think she meant where people are not loitering?

edit: I need to learn how to re-read my own writing. haha

 

[mdphd72]

No, I meant loitering. There are many neighborhoods in Chicago where you will find people (teens usually, sometimes male adults) just standing on street corners, doing nothing. It usually means they are just up to nothing (have no good) -- but it can be a sign of drug dealers too. Other signs that you live near drug dealers are if you see alot of big expensive cars stop in front of an average apartment building, going inside for awhile, and then leave.

I am sorry that some people disliked my advice... but the CTA has been great. I've never even been solicited on the red line -- as one above poster mentioned. But I do agree with all of the above poster's advice.

I know that's what you're referring to. But your original statement said to live somewhere where there ARE people loitering which is obviously a bad idea hahah

 

[mdphd72]

Also too bad Chicago doesn't allow you to even the odds against a murderer/rapist and protect yourself with a gun. I guess you'll have to put a lot of hours practicing key-fu.

Yes... that's what I want... to carry a gun around Chicago

 

[random cell]

Yes... that's what I want... to carry a gun around Chicago

sarcasm aside, even if you wanted to you can't unless you're a cop/public defender

 

[Kevin Baker]

It's not suppose to deter. You are suppose to scratch them in the face like wolverine and then run away. It's 101 in women defense classes.

I thought Women's self defense 101 taught the twist and pull 🙂

To the OP, Chicago is a great, but very unique city. It is very segregated and while the boundaries of most neighborhoods are surprisingly clear, I wouldn't walk around aimlessly before familiarizing yourself with the city. You can go from million dollar homes to slums within a few blocks. Seriously! I always love looking at real estate advertisements near hyde park and seeing a $500 a month drop in price for places north of 47th!

Each neighborhood has its own culture and identity. Some will have that old, small town, midwestern charm, others will have an air of elitism/intellectualism, and others will consist of people that hate you.

It might be good to think of Chicago as a bunch of small towns located really close to each other. You'll be fine and I'm sure you'll love the place. Just get familiar with your area.

The Bears unite the city (often in pessimism), but the Bulls and Hawks are getting more popular (damn fair-weather fans). Choose wisely between the cubs and sox as that choice will determine how enjoyable your time is here!

 

[phnerd1105]

The Bears unite the city (often in pessimism), but the Bulls and Hawks are getting more popular (damn fair-weather fans). Choose wisely between the cubs and sox as that choice will determine how enjoyable your time is here!

Which means you should obviously choose the Cubs, btw.

 

[sozme]

some general immediate thoughts:

- Always look like you know were you are going
- The CTA/public transportation is great!! I'm a woman who has never had an issue on the bus or train (well there was one time when I was 17 and dressed professionally, and the guy was trying to compliment me, but it ended up freaking me out)
- I would live anywhere where you see a lot of people loitering with nothing to do (my parents were considering getting me a foreclosure condo somewhat near UIC... but then they saw the area).
- Keep your keys in hand if you are walking alone. Good make-shift weapon
- City traffic isn't all that bad once you get use to it. Expect 30 minutes to get to the Chicago northside. And except just longer rides... but... it's not that bad. Just don't drive during rush hour (4-6pm).
- You are going to LOVE Chicago!

If you have any other questions about urban living, feel free to ask. This is just my first thoughts. Rural/suburban living terrifies me! haha.

Except for point one, this is awful, awful advice/information.

 

[sozme]

Hello all,

I will be attending the UIC MSTP and living near the heart of the city. Coming from a small town of about 30k and an undergraduate campustown for my BS, I will be experiencing a very big change. Not that I'm not excited about it; I REALLY am.

But I was just curious how people like me felt about the transition from being able to drive around without traffic, walk around at night, etc. to not having a car, using all public transportation, having different safety concerns, etc. Does anyone have any particular points of advice they'd like to share?

I can't wait to start living there!
Thanks!

Here is an e-mail I received today:

On April 14, at about 2:50 p.m., a UIC student living off-campus on West Vernon Park near Racine was the victim of a home-invasion robbery. The victim told police that she was surprised in her third-floor apartment by an offender armed with a 3-inch knife. The offender demanded her cash and took it from her purse along with her cell phone before fleeing. Investigation revealed that the offender had gained entry by forcing the front apartment building door. The victim was not injured.



***UIC Police recommend complying with a potentially violent offender whose intent appears to be property or valuables, as the victim did in this case***

Now you understand the reason why those of us who grew up in the area do not flock back there for medical school.

 

[med67633]

Went to Chicago for school from a town of 3,000 and had the time of my life

 

[mdphd72]

Here is an e-mail I received today:


Now you understand the reason why those of us who grew up in the area do not flock back there for medical school.

Yeah I got that too. But if they send that out every time a UIC student is attacked in some way, then I'm not worried. I've gotten more from UIUC since I've joined the UIC mailing list :/

 

[RokKidA]

Yeah I got that too. But if they send that out every time a UIC student is attacked in some way, then I'm not worried. I've gotten more from UIUC since I've joined the UIC mailing list :/

Definitely a lot more attacks reported at UIUC in the past 2 years for some reason...

 

[mauberley]

I see the same notices on the Northwestern distribution list. *shrug*

Always be aware of your surroundings, avoid poorly-lit areas, be extra vigilant in known high-crime areas. That generally goes a long way towards maximizing your personal safety.

And, as has been said before, don't look like a tourist. 😉

 

[mdphd72]

If you happen to have internet access on your cell phone, the CTA has a reliable site you can go to that tells you how many minutes it will be before the next bus arrives at your stop for the route you want to travel.

The Patio, within walking distance of UIC, has the best Italian beef sandwiches on the planet. Portillos is #2.

Does that include the trains as well?

 

[mdphd72]

Definitely a lot more attacks reported at UIUC in the past 2 years for some reason...

The increase was so sharp that I actually suspect that a part of hit had to have been a change in the reporting methods or something. I'm sure there has been an increase with the economy and all that jazz. But we get notified now if anyone encounters anything whether it be on or off campus, and I think that greatly contributes.

 

[Catalystik]

Does that include the trains as well?

CTA bus tracker: http://ctabustracker.com/bustime/home.jsp

Chicago Train tracker-beta version: http://www.transitchicago.com/traintracker/

 

[mdphd72]

CTA bus tracker: http://ctabustracker.com/bustime/home.jsp

Chicago Train tracker-beta version: http://www.transitchicago.com/traintracker/

Great! Thanks. 🙂