<p>can a current/parrent of a Northwestern student please tell me some of the buildings, places, sites, etc that they often visit or enjoy seeing? I visited the university, but I didn't really hear about Chicago much...</p>
<p>My daughter is an NU freshman this year. The school's proximity to the city is another reason (among many) why she and her new friends love it so much. You can get the El from downtown Evanston (it's a short walk from south campus) and you can also get a faster commuter train that's a bit more expensive.</p>
<p>They've traveled to the city to try out restaurants (huge variety available--she was talking about a Himalayan place just last night), and shop along Michigan Ave. and State Street. Once they went down to Milennium Park to go ice skating. She also knew some kids who went to see the White Sox during the playoffs and World Series. You've also got Wrigley Field (Cubs) much closer, but hard to get tickets. They took the train downtown to see a concert (can't remember the artist or the venue). Chicago has a terrific theater scene with something to please everybody, also easily accessible by mass transit. Museums to visit include the Art Institute, Field Museum (natural history), Adler Planetarium, Aquarium, and Museum of Science & Industry. The last one is much farther away, though, on the south side close to U. of Chicago.</p>
<p>There are other tourist attractions like Navy Pier (restaurants, shopping, huge Ferris Wheel, Shakespeare theater, people watching); and viewing the city from the top of the Sears Tower. And Grant Park along the lake downtown has many concerts, and festivals, etc., although these are usually held during summer months. </p>
<p>Her friends LOVE NU and they are very taken by Chicago. You will not be bored, although you'd better pack some warm clothes! Best of luck!</p>
<p>Suzy summed up all the major attractions pretty well. </p>
<p>I live in Chicago. There's a lot going on outside the major tourist attractions too. Feel free to message me with any questions.</p>
<p>From the other side of the coin- My son is a freshman at Nu, majoring in Engineering. He has not made it to Chicago yet because of lots and lots of studying. It was a difficult quarter for him and basically no time to see the sights.</p>
<p>Engineering is usually the worst in any school. People majoring in others usually have more (or a lot more depending on the major) free time.</p>