<p>Chicago students, alumni, even lucky individuals who had the chance to visit.. pray tell.. is chicago really 'where fun goes to die'?</p>
<p>They said that when I was there, but it wasn't true. It's a lot of hype, stereotyping. Courses are not that hard. Not everybody there is a genius. Many students come in not so well prepared. If you were high in the applicant pool and are well prepared, don't worry. If you were lower, maybe do some preparing over the summer. People do goof off there. Some go wild, first time away from home, etc. Some are working a lot of hours on jobs. Watch your study skills. What worked in high school does not always work in college. Talk to the professor before putting a huge amount of time into an important paper to make sure you are on track. Everybody there can learn and regurgitate, unlike in high school. In math and science, they often put a little twist into the test questions- make them a little different from the class and homework ones. Look at some alternative text books or Schaum's outline to become familiar with the differnet appraoches. In fact, I would buy Schaum's if possible. It worked for me.</p>
<p>My son has had a very good semester there--best grades in his entire life. He does have to study though. He tried not studying for his first physics test and got a C+, but realized that he needed to do more and ended up with an A. He thinks his classes are "fun." And he also thought his humanities teacher was "an easy grader" which, I have to say, I was a little surprised to hear! Also, when I visited his dorm (Shoreland), the kids seemed very normal, sociable and, yes "fun." And smart. The main complaint I heard was that the food is not that great. </p>
<p>There are some classes there, though that have a reputation for being very demanding. My husband, for instance, when he was there (years ago) found ancient Hebrew to be quite hard. (But if he had had some background in the subject it may have been different). So, just be aware that some classes/teachers are more demanding than others!</p>
<p>Also, the atmosphere to me seems improved over when I was there in the 70's. It seems like a more fun (maybe fun isn't the right word, perhaps more relaxed is better) place to be now than it did then--just my impression. Also heard a speech given by one of the deans at an alumni lunch, and he said that alumni are now starting to send their kids there in larger numbers, which is a change from the past. I found that remark to be rather interesting!</p>
<p>If U. Chicago were no fun, then why is my D doing so many different things there?</p>
<p>Chicago is a place for serious students, of course, but it has diversions like any college. For first years, a lot of the activities are organized by living unit ("house"), so the newbies get off to a good start.</p>
<p>The first time I saw the self-proclaimed unofficial motto of UChicago, "Where Fun Goes To Die," I laughed uproariously. In fact, I think it's one of the most winning things about the school. I also always saw it as a test for applicants--if people believe the phrase, then maybe they aren't meant for Chicago. If you find it sarcastic and biting and fabulous, then maybe you are!</p>
<p>Almost everyday my suitemates and I complain about how difficult this school is. The amount of work seems to pile up every once in awhile... with a calc problem set, 8-page sosc essay, 5-page hum essay, several chapters to read for econ... if you don't procrastinate, all goes well...probably. (I always procrastinate, so I wouldn't know...) The classes are pretty demanding, but I suppose if you study/read for each class a few hours every day you'd be just fine. (I should probably take my own advice.) If you're motivated to do well then you should do great. A lot of the kids I know don't even try very hard and fool around a lot in their free time but manage to do decently in all their classes. Make sure you take up some fun activities at this school and have a memorable college experience! Take advantage of being away from home and holding responsibilities! I have a lot of fun though - playing intramural sports (broomball, basketball, dodgeball, volleyball), going outside of hyde park every weekend to explore/try out different restaurants/go shopping, parties, shooting pool/playing ping pong/card games/board games/bowling with housemates and friends on campus, house activities every once in awhile (Bulls game, Chicago Auto Show, Second City, Plays/Dances downtown), and I also work at an elementary school tutoring little kids! There's a lot to do, but often the horrible weather prevents us from wanting to go outside of campus, which is pretty sad...</p>
<p>class<em>of</em>08
Is the weather really cramping your plans? And to what extent....is it bitterly cold and windy, or icy pathways that make walking rough? Can you get around using school transportation, or does that not get you too far? I am really interested in hearing more. Also, did you go to Chicago from a warm weather place, and maybe next winter you will be more acclimatized?</p>
<p>Class<em>of</em>2008: and what exactly did you expect? Particularly from the University of Chicago? That it would be easy? You can have fun for free, but for 40,000 dollars, I should think you'd want an education that is (horror of horrors) "difficult." Or absorbing. Or engaging. Or, to put it crudely, a bang for your buck. To respond once again to the original theme of this thread: if you go to the University of Chicago, you're in one of the best and most respected universities in the world, and in a wonderful, cultured, beautiful city. If you don't enjoy yourself, or find anyone to be with, or anywhere to hang out, then that's clearly your problem, and not that of UChicago. As a UChicago adcom once said in response to this question of fun: "My job is simple: all I have to do is find 1,000 kids who think learning IS fun."</p>
<p>Well, one time my friend and I were planning on walking to Walgreens & COOP (which are about a mile away) but suddenly there was a snowstorm and we thought we'd try to go anyway, but as soon as we went out there door and took ten steps we realized we couldn't see very far ahead and the wind was slowing us down. So a few plans probably get messed up... On the other hand, one time the weather was AMAZING over the weekend, beautiful sun and clear skies, so I think almost everyone went out that day - exploring Chicago on such a nice day is such a great experience. I think the wind is the biggest factor in making the weather so much worse... Icy pathways haven't been a big issue for me, but I've witnessed a few people slipping and falling on their way to class or something. I've only used the school bus here twice (to get to a frat party by Shoreland)... I don't think school transportation gets you very far around here... To go downtown or almost anywhere outside of campus I usually take CTA. I was born and raised in Southern Cali so the weather change was quite a shock, but I think I'm actually already getting used to it... In the beginning of the year I thought 50 degree weather was freezing...now I'm just fine with even 30 degree weather. I had to pretty much buy a whole new wardrobe since I never really owned anything to keep me warm in <50 degree weather, but I'm surviving! ;)</p>
<p>Ahh, that whole southern california thing might be your weather problem :)</p>
<p>As for me...I'm from minnesota and considering the piece of crap winter we have had so far, somebody coming in for those reasons is enough to make me run out side to play. (Disclaimer: I am captain of our alpine ski team so snow is like the holy grail).</p>