<p>We are planning on visiting the University of Chicago in the near future. We'll be traveling from the suburbs. For those of you who are familiar with the process, would it be easier to just drive in or take the train to Union Station and then find our way to the Stony Island Express? We have driven it in the past, but basically I'm just wondering if the train/cta would make it easier or more difficult.
Thanks!</p>
<p>I also live out in the suburbs (close to O'Hare), but I prefer driving out to campus. You might have trouble finding parking at first, but I think that's better than waiting out in the freezing cold for the bus/train.</p>
<p>I often visit from out of town and fly into either Midway or O'Hare. I find it easiest to drive to campus. If coming from the direction of O'Hare get on Lake Shore Drive South and get off in Hyde Park. I have always had luck finding a parking spot, although I have had to drive around a bit on occasion. If you notify the admissions office in advance they can probably get you discount parking in the garage at the hospital which is a short walk to the main quadrangle.</p>
<p>If you go to the admissions office, ask them for a parking sticker so you can stick it on your ticket stub. With the sticker you save about $10.</p>
<p>Oh, but they dont give out the parking stickers out on the weekends...so you're better off parking in the streets.</p>
<p>There's a garage on 55th where you can park, I'm pretty sure it's free on weekends and after 6:00 or something like that on weekdays.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone for the input! It looks like we'll be driving. :)</p>
<p>As long as you can parallel park (I lack this life skill) and give yourself time you should be fine.</p>
<p>If you're visiting on a weekend, I think you can nab a spot on the Midway itself. (A lot of university employees park there, I think, because I always see cars there in the morning and almost never on the nights or weekends).</p>
<p>Chicago city parking in Hyde Park is doable. It's not fun, but it's definitely not as bad as New York. With luck, you'll be able to find a few parking spots on the street either bordering the quads or a block or two away.</p>
<p>If you're visiting on a weekend, may I suggest spending some time in Reynolds Club, particularly the second floor coffee shop, which is student run. (Depending on whom you talk to, this coffee shop is either "Hallowed Grounds," "Uncle Joe's," or simply "The Second Floor Coffee Shop.") Also check out Hutch Commons in the Reynolds Club-- that room is sure to impress.</p>
<p>The Seminary Co-Op bookstore is a must, as is the Oriental Institute (next door).</p>
<p>If you're visiting on a Friday night, see if you can get tickets to see Off-Off Campus. I don't believe they will be performing so early in the quarter...
OFF-OFF</a> CAMPUS</p>
<p>The U of C folk festival is coming up some time in February. That also might be fun to see.</p>
<p>This website is a database of other events, but keep in mind that it's not well updated. I hear about most events either through listhosts or through flyers around campus. I'll give the link anyway:</p>