The Best Neighborhoods for College Students in Chicago

Chicago has been rated one of the most beautiful cites in the world
Chicago has been rated one of the most beautiful cites in the world | © travelpix / Alamy Stock Photo

Chicago has lots of campuses across the city: University of Chicago in the south; the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) west of the Loop; DePaul, Northwestern, and Loyola in the north; and many smaller colleges downtown. Whichever one you’re going to, there are undoubtedly lots of great neighborhoods to choose from, depending on the distance you’re willing to travel and your budget.
Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Pilsen

Southwest of the Loop, Pilsen is near UIC, so there are plenty of students around, and it also has great transport links to the rest of the city. Though founded by Czech immigrants, this vibrant neighborhood has since become the heart of Chicago’s Mexican-American community. Alongside its murals, museums and galleries, you’ll find vintage clothing stores, low-key coffee shops, cheap eats and drinks, and a great music venue in Thalia Hall.

Ukrainian Village

Real estate website Redfin named Chicago’s Ukrainian Village as the country’s “Hottest Neighborhood of 2016” in a list based on access to public transit, affordability, and charm—what more could a student want? Much of its original architecture has been maintained as it has developed in recent years, and new shops and nightlife spots open on a regular basis to complement its authentic vibe.

Hyde Park

This South Side neighborhood is the obvious place to live for students of the University of Chicago as campus and student housing dominates a lot of the area. Hyde Park has a lot more to offer than proximity, though, with world-class museums, beautiful parks, and a quiet, leafy suburb vibe. Express buses can get you downtown in no time at all, or you can rent a bike and take the Lakefront Trail.

Lincoln Park

Home to one of DePaul University’s campuses, Lincoln Park is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the city, not just for students but for all young Chicagoans. With its sprawling namesake park, tree-lined streets, and lakeside location, it’s definitely one of the city’s most attractive areas. There’s plenty to do, too, from the free zoo, the Chicago History Museum and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, to high-end shopping and a strong live music heritage.

Wicker Park/Bucktown

As some of the coolest areas in the city, Wicker Park and Bucktown are an obvious student haven. Full of bustling boutiques and bookshops—especially on Milwaukee Avenue which cuts through the center of the neighborhood—Wicker Park is also famous for its art galleries, nightlife and food scene, while nearby Bucktown was once a cheaper alternative and has grown into an artistic community. While it’s not particularly near a college, this part of town offers good transport links to the rest of the city via the L.

Logan Square

If Wicker Park and Bucktown were once the Brooklyn of Chicago, that honor has now shifted northwest to Logan Square. Though farther away from downtown (and even farther from any campus, really), this neighborhood offers not only dive bars, breweries, vegan restaurants, and gourmet coffee shops but also lots of green space and a real sense of community fostered by its working-class roots. Don’t mind a commute along the Blue Line? Logan Square is certainly a cool option.

Bridgeport

Named one of Chicago’s coolest neighborhoods by CNN, Bridgeport is relatively close to UIC, University of Chicago, and downtown colleges like Roosevelt University. Similar to Logan Square, this up-and-coming area offers a balance of diverse working people and hip spots. Alongside the nearby Guaranteed Rate Field, home of the Chicago White Sox, there is also a burgeoning art scene and a number of excellent cafés, bars, and restaurants.

For accommodation options, discover our guide on where to stay in Chicago.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Winter Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

X
Edit article