Please type at least the first 4 letters of the school name.

University of Chicago (UChicago) Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See University of Chicago reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending University of Chicago. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free University of Chicago reviews, or contribute your own University of Chicago review if you're a current student there.

  • 59 out of 59 people found this review useful.

    Faisal from Los Angeles, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The classes are very educational and require a lot of focus. The best part is the university understands this, and so there are a lot of opportunities to get help from free tutors and TA's almost every day throughout the quarter.
    Am enjoying being here

    The stereotype that this is where fun comes to die is simply not true. True, there may be some difficult times academically, but it definitely does not take over your life. It only teaches you to focus when you need to. I have found a large variety of people, and each person seems to find their particular niche of people, whether they love math and movies on weekends, explore Chicago, or a more social atmosphere attending parties. There is definitely a place for everyone, and with the city of Chicago all around you, there is always something to do.
    Bang for the buck

    Though the price may be high, the University provides great services and academics that warrant it. The housing is great, along with security, and transportation services. Also, the University has great career and connection services around the city and the country. There are many tutoring and aid services to help you through classes. Finally, the academics itself is world-class, providing very in-depth information and teaching students how to think in each class, rather than memorize facts.
    Tips for prospective students

    Learn about the transportation schedules of your nearby buses and the university shuttles. Knowing these will help you get around much more quickly and efficiently to go out and have fun! Also, don't be afraid to ask upperclassmen anything about their experiences in classes. They'd love to tell you, but keep in mind that not everyone will like the same classes- everyone has different interests!
    Great for these types of students

    Anyone who genuinely enjoys learning. It can be about anything, but for someone who's interested in something specific, you will find a great class about it here. It's also great for those who love Chicago, as the University has many connections and services around the city. Finally, the University has a very worldly feel, with international exhibits, programs, professors and a large group of international students. Anyone who's interested in an international experience would like it here.

  • 28 out of 29 people found this review useful.

    Alicia B, South Dakota

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    For me, one of the key points of a school was that it had to be academically challenging. UChicago absolutely fits the bill here. The courses are rigorous, and the professors go out of their way to make the course interesting and highly educational.
    Am enjoying being here

    Along with the academics, UChicago has a plethora of extracurricular activities: sports, theatre, music, etc. In the dorms, students are split up into houses, of around 50-100 people. Houses will organize activities as well. Plus, it's in the city of Chicago. I can always find something to do and enjoy. Anyone who can't isn't trying. It's a really fun experience.
    Bang for the buck

    The only disadvantage of UChicago is that it's very expensive. The high academics and numerous opportunities provided are wonderful, and I feel they are worth the price, but $50,000+ per year is still an awful lot.
    Tips for prospective students

    -Visit campus before you decide to apply/accept. The atmosphere at UChicago is intimidating for some and invigorating for others. If you feel overwhelmed on a campus visit, this might not be the place for you.
    -Take the most time on the Uncommon Essay part of the application. That's your opportunity to show the admissions staff a side of yourself that isn't evident in letter grades and an extracurricular list. They want to see what makes you tick, not just what makes you better than every other applicant.
    -If you do decide to come here, look at all the student organizations, research opportunities, extracurricular activities, and so on. The college has a lot to offer, if you take the time to explore.
    Great for these types of students

    -Students who want an academic challenge.
    -Students who want a diverse college experience.
    -Students who are interested in research fields or in theoretical fields.
    -Students with a passion, who want to study with other students with a passion.
    -Students comfortable in a big city setting.

  • 20 out of 21 people found this review useful.

    Michael from Washington

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Even though I'm only taking 3 classes this quarter (3 or 4 qualify as full time), it's definitely a sizable load. The 10 week quarter has gone by extremely fast, with tons of material covered every week. The pace is great for an avid learner, and if you are taking courses you are interested in, you will have plenty of opportunity to learn more than what's in the textbook. Even outside of class, everyone has a passion for knowledge that easily rubs off on you, and learning becomes a full-time activity. For example, at a party at the end of 3rd week, I got a rundown of the history of the Irish Civil War over beers while at a party.
    Am enjoying being here

    But don't let the predilection for intellectual stimulation fool you: there is plenty of fun to be found here, whatever your definition of fun may be. The parties may not compare with some other campuses, but they are better than you might expect. I'm in one of the residence halls with a reputation for hermitic behavior and complete lack of social life, which should be saying something when the same reputation has been given to the campus as a whole. And yet, that stereotype has been completely disproven in my experience, both for this residence hall and the rest of the campus. Moving along: being in Chicago is especially great if you are from a smaller town. I'll admit I still miss Seattle and would say I prefer it, but it is undeniable that the diversity and magnitude of opportunities available in the Second City are appreciable. Overall, the people I've met, opportunities I've had, and unique experiences available here have caused me to enjoy my time here immensely.
    Bang for the buck

    With 3 classes costing the same as 4, given a class with three 50 minute lectures per week, it comes to between $125 and $175 per class. Honestly, I wonder about the bang for the buck sometimes. Overall, I believe it will be worth it in the end. The unique education, the quality of student life, and the experiences afforded by that arguably exorbitant tuition make it, in my opinion, worth it—but it's open to debate.
    Tips for prospective students

    Although, ironically, the University has moved to the Common Application, probably just to inflate application numbers, the application was traditionally called the Uncommon Application. Now it's just the Uncommon Essay supplement to the Common Application, but this should lead you to a certain inference: that essay is probably the most important part of the application, so make sure you know how to 1) think and 2) write before you start it. Other than that, I seriously encourage visiting, because that's the only way you'll know if this is the right place for you. You probably hear that all the time, but it is especially important for a quirky place like the University of Chicago.
    Great for these types of students

    If you don't sincerely enjoy the pursuit of knowledge, you won't like it here. You run into far more students who say they don't particularly care about the increased paycheck foreseen for college graduates than who list that as a top 5 reason for coming here. In fact, of the six or so people with whom I've discussed post-graduation plans, four have said they would be perfectly happy doing menial labour for pay and pursuing their interests in their spare time. In reality, most of them will become fabulously rich one way or another (even if it's the route of Tucker Max). But both of these illustrate the types of people who thrive at the University of Chicago: people with an insatiable drive for knowledge, and people with whatever quality of passion is associated with an entrepreneurial spirit.

  • 21 out of 25 people found this review useful.

    Margaret from Oak Park, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    It's called restricted access. It's amazing, we learn everything from a primary angle; our professors wrote the textbooks that students at other colleges study from.
    Am enjoying being here

    The rigorous coursework is stressful, and its hard feeling warm and comfortable in Chicago's bitter winters. It is not easy to engage in social life because everyone is preoccupied trying to stay above water in class.
    Bang for the buck

    The dorms were horrible, ripped furniture, germy carpet in need of new everything. They are getting much better though, built two new dorms so newcomers will never know the of the infested old ones.
    Tips for prospective students

    i suggest you decide how you balance social and academic life now and examine how that might change coming here. Are you okay with that a change?
    Great for these types of students

    open, hardworking, the type that takes long projects and breaks them into pieces. good writers. city dwellers

  • 8 out of 8 people found this review useful.

    Gabrielle from Chicago, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The Core Curriculum grants students the opportunity to experience the different fields of study and the various departments available. Once you decide which course you want to take for an intended major, there is generally a numerous amount of electives for your major that enable you to delve further into your intended area of study. Not only this, but you are able to specify your intended major by choosing speciality electives within your major that may be of particular interest.
    The courses are definitely challenging and force you to think analytically and critically about the material, but this provides students with the necessary tools to succeed in life outside of class such as internships and jobs. Despite the challenges and the difficulties of the coursework, the classes and the school provide the resources to succeed. The relationship between students and professors is not only confined to the classroom, but professors are often available for office hours and individual appointments as well. There are tutors available as well.
    Am enjoying being here

    Overall, I enjoy being at the school. During my first year, I confined my social life only to the classroom and my dorm room, which did not provide for much fun and entertainment. There are different student organizations and activities on campus that provide students the opportunity to get involved, network, and socialize with students on campus as well as alumni. With the school, you definitely make what you want of it; if you want to keep to yourself, then that is easily possible, but if you want to socialize and be involved, there are more than enough organizations available to guarantee student involvement.
    Bang for the buck

    UChicago is definitely a financial commitment that may be the deciding factor in choosing whether or not to attend the college but the monetary commitment functions as an investment into each student's future success. With all graduating seniors that I have known, they have secured jobs in competitive career fields. Also, the professors staffed at the University are among the best in the nation. The University of Chicago has an extensive number of Nobel Prize winners who teach at the school. While you pay a pretty penny for the University, you are also learning for the best and the brightest.
    Tips for prospective students

    Get involved in your community as well as in your school. Making yourself as diverse as possible will help you in the long run. Make your name familiar with UChicago - talk to recruiters, visit the campus and take tours, speak with admission advisers and counselors to express interest in the school. Lastly, apply early to help your chances of acceptance.
    Great for these types of students

    This school is great for students who like to think outside of the box and take a different approach towards solving problems and confronting challenges. Students needs to have a good work ethic and know how to prioritize their time and activities. The school is difficult, but with the proper time management and work ethic it is possible to make your class work less stressful and more enjoyable.

  • 7 out of 7 people found this review useful.

    Xavier from Fort Wayne, IN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Every course I am enrolled in opens my mind to new vistas of knowledge. The instructors can be, at times, too involved in the coursework, but they make up for it in passion and quality. The defining characteristic of academics at UChicago is that everyone is really passionate about what they are studying. People come here to get a world-class education, and it shows.
    Am enjoying being here

    The social life and extracurricular activities can be whatever you make of them. Coursework can be slightly overwhelming during mid-terms and close to finals, but if you stay on top of your work and stay organized, there shouldn't be any problem. With this attitude, students have plenty of opportunities to get into the city, experience campus culture, and have fun! I myself love the extracurriculars offered on campus and take every advantage to go downtown. Attending comedy shows, Model UN, and my religious group are a few of the opportunities I take advantage of myself.
    Bang for the buck

    The University's Office of Financial Aid gives generous need-based aid, using both its own and federal resources. The Odyssey Scholarship, a program launched a few years ago, will replace all or half of a student's loan expectation given he or she is at or below a certain income level. The sticker price can scare some students away, but once you dig a little deeper (using Cappex and other scholarship finders), there is plenty of aid available. UChicago uses every dollar for the good of its students, providing security and police personnel, health and wellness resources, and subsidized activities both on and off campus.
    Tips for prospective students

    Apply early! Look into every financial aid and scholarship resource you know of, for both need-based and merit-based assistance. Make sure you visit campus (hopefully during Spring quarter) before you make your decision. Be prepared for challenging, yet intriguing, coursework. If you do decided to attend the University of Chicago, you're first priority is to establish a balance between academics, extracurricular, and social activities that fit your lifestyle. This is both possible and crucial to success.
    Great for these types of students

    UChicago is great for motivated students passionate about their field of study. This school will open many doors to careers, jobs, and internships through its alumni network, so those who understand the value of connections will do well. Students open to and looking for new experiences, especially like living in a big city and meeting unique people, will strive here. This school isn't the best for students looking to party a lot, but, that being said, the party scene is not shabby at all. Students who enjoy spending time with friends in the lounge or room/apartment parties will be satisfied. Good luck!

  • 8 out of 9 people found this review useful.

    Anastasia from Naperville, IL

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    Though I had the fortune of being able to decide between the University and several other schools - chief among them Cornell University - I realized that the caliber of Chicago's Economics and Political Science programs far exceeds that of Cornell's. However, my decision delved much deeper than surface-level comparisons of U.S. News & World Report program rankings.

    Unlike any ivy league school, the University of Chicago is the birthplace of one of America's most influential schools of economic thought. It is the collegiate home of Milton Friedman; it is the hub of Monetarist thought; it is the school where Freakonomics author Steven Levitt teaches, and where any aspiring economist, attorney, or even investment banker should aspire to learn.
    Will enjoy being here

    Of course! University of Chicago's campus is enough to make Harry Potter jealous - from our unique housing system to our mascot - the phoenix - to our grand piano-outfitted dormitories, scav hunts, and scarves, the University of Chicago is by far the most enjoyable part of the Hyde Park neighborhood.

    Scratch that - of the Chicagoland area.

    Scratch that - of the collegiate world.
    Bang for the buck

    UChicago will bang your buck better than any ivy. After all, it's a school of skilled economists - who but them to seek an efficient allocation of your family's resources?
    Tips for prospective students

    Have a blast, read fast, make it last - don't be your house's outcast.
    Great for these types of students

    Social, intellectual, diligent, curious, passionate, and dedicated.

  • 4 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    Patrick from Villa Park, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    The University of Chicago is one of the best universities in the world. You will work extremely hard, learn a ton, and have a great time. You will meet amazing people and don't worry fun never dies here.
    Tips for prospective students

    The admission's department really looks for people who are a good fit. Your essays are a key part of this and are very important. Show your personality through your essays.
    Academic Rigor

    Even the blow-off classes aren't just an easy A, you have to work for your grades here.
    Dorm Life

    The housing system here is great and really helps you meet new friends and upperclassmen.
    Food and Dining

    Better than a lot of places, but not the best in the world by a long shot.
    What to do for fun

    Hang out with your friends, go into Chicago, or go to one of the many events the University and its students put on like Scav. Hunt or Humans vs. Zombies.
    Bang for the buck

    You will get a great education at one of the best schools in the world with some of the smartest kids you will ever meet.
    Campus Safety

    There are blue lights that have a 2 minute response time, private security, and shuttles all-night that will take you anywhere around campus. Use common sense and you will be safe.

  • 4 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    Whitney from Hermantown, MN

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Did learn a lot

    UofC is an incredibly demanding school for undergrads just out of high school. The teachers expect excellence, and the top students from high school will find themselves at the middle of the pack at Chicago. However, the knowledge I gained in such a short period was immensely helpful and stimulating every step of the way.
    Did enjoy being here

    Though fun may not come to die here, it is a bit muted. There were full weeks when I couldn't do anything but study or suffer, and all my friends had the same problem.
    Bang for the buck

    To go the UofC, you pay through the nose, but you also get the best teachers, the best research opportunities, and a heck of a lot of experience to bring forward.
    Tips for prospective students

    UofC is a daunting school. Visit before accepting. Also make sure your uniqueness comes out in your resume. The school is made up of eccentric, talented, driven students. Prove you're one of them.
    Great for these types of students

    If you want to challenge yourself going into college, are open to new experiences, and generally love research, this is the college for you.

  • 4 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    David from TX

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    From everything that I've seen, UChicago provides a caliber of coursework that is difficult to match. The breadth and the depth of the courses is definitely at the top of every ranking, and this is one of the major factors for me in determining a university to attend.
    Will enjoy being here

    Being in Chicago and being able to exploit all the different cultural events that that means can be no less than stimulating. From what I've seen, too, student life is very well developed on campus with residential colleges and extra-curricular activities that range from theater to sports to competitive writing.
    Bang for the buck

    The University has a fairly high price-tag, and no one can say that it doesn't. However, especially if you're looking toward grad. school later on in your education career, I've seen everywhere that UChicago is one of the best undergrad universities. It provides you with the ability to think critically for yourself, a skill essential in grad. school.
    Tips for prospective students

    Keep your options open. Don't limit yourself to one or two schools because in the end, you can make a spot for yourself at almost any university.

    Start taking and practicing for your SAT/ACT early, and don't give up. Take them until you literally cannot take them anymore because you will increase your scores. Make sure you practice between exams.
    Great for these types of students

    From what I've heard, the campus is actually extremely similar in appearance to Hogwarts, so anyone who loves Harry Potter should definitely at least check out UChicago. I can also see the university attracting students who want to be challenged in the classroom and in life. UChicago is for those who want to make the world their classroom and take learning into their own lives--examining the academic details and facts of the mundane.

  • 3 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Tiffany

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    There is no end of things to do, ranging from economics lectures to playing frisbee on Stagg Field. Classes are difficult - even impossible at times, but everyone finds a way to pull through. Because all students suffer equally and together, there is a campus-wide empathy that founds a unique sense of community.
    Tips for prospective students

    No procrastination, no worries; easier said than done. Get to know your professors and classmates! You'll find you can have a great time even while struggling to answer astrophysics problem sets.
    Academic Rigor

    UChicago's course expectations and workload are not to be underestimated. It's ideal for anyone looking for a challenge.
    Dorm Life

    The house system forms a perfect foundation for getting to know people and making friends. The dorms are all unique in personality, and you can always switch out to one that suits you more.
    Food and Dining

    Often the food gets repetitive and sometimes its content is questionable, but it is definitely edible and much higher in quality than many other colleges.
    What to do for fun

    Go participate in a few intramural sports when the weather is nice, or play in the snow with your friends when it's cold! Hundreds of clubs provide many options for the varying interests on campus. For a more relaxing atmosphere, board games and house trips are ideal fun.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    * Polar Bear Run - running naked across the quad during the coldest week of January.
    * Jumping into the lake on the first and last day of class.
    Great for these types of students

    Those who seek knowledge and those who are unafraid to back down from a challenge.

  • 3 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Sean from Chicago, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Is a nice place, a little isolated. People are academic-driven but you can find people who aren't. Classes are of course hard...and the party scene isn't dead if that's what you're into
    Tips for prospective students

    Go here but don't be starry-eyed about the core.
    Academic Rigor

    Some classes aren't very rigorous, but for the most part they are. So if you're into that just be aware.
    Dorm Life

    There's a house system, and people that like dorm life have found it great.
    Food and Dining

    +1 Convenience of a meal plan
    -1 Dining halls aren't that great
    +1 Restaurants around hyde park
    What to do for fun

    Your own hobbies. Walk around hyde park..restaurants, parties, talk with people, or, of course, something in Chicago
    Bang for the buck

    It is expensive. But probably a good education as far as educations from universities go.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    scav, polar bear run
    Great for these types of students

    people who like school
    Clubs and Activities

    There's a ridiculous variety of clubs on campus. don't know if this is unique to chicago but yeah
    Greek Life

    it exists
    Campus Safety

    good transportation. just use your common sense and nothing bad will happen

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Can't Wait for Next Year! :D

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    I visited the school in April and it was an amazing experience! I was able to attend several overviews of different subjects and one especially I enjoyed was the economics one lectured by one of their Nobel Prize winners. The classes are small and in depth from what I experienced!
    Will enjoy being here

    I definitely think I will enjoy being here because of the awesome atmosphere UChicago has. The kids there were super friendly and interesting. Also, there seems to be coffee available everywhere, and I'm an addict so...
    Bang for the buck

    Recent articles in Yahoo Finance are focusing on the value of a higher education. While other colleges seem to be volatile in their bang for the buck, the University of Chicago always stands strong and in fact is ranked number in several of the articles.
    Great for these types of students

    Students that are naturally inquisitive and have a love of knowledge!

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    X

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Academic Rigor

    You can certainly find challenging classes if you look, and the average student is very intelligent, interested, and well prepared. Many students and profs pride themselves on being more rigorous than harvard, and some of them might be right. The raw length of the assignments is totally manageable, but expect actual challenges. Intro classes are still intro classes, though, so don't expect to be intellectually awed on Day 1.
    Food and Dining

    The same vaguely-adequate Aramark that many colleges have. Buffet style dining halls, with good hours and a 'fourth meal' from 8pm-12am.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Anonymous

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    the school is very tough academically, but there are a lot of interesting people and the classes and teachers are great. a compact, pretty campus, with lots of things to do, especially being so close to downtown chicago
    Tips for prospective students

    make sure you want to go to an academically rigorous school, because if you do not want to do work and study, this is not the place for you.
    Academic Rigor

    incredibly rigorous, with a fair amount of work each week, but the classes are great
    Dorm Life

    open dorm experience, with clean buildings, and friends close by
    Food and Dining

    the quality of the food is pretty good, but it can be boring
    What to do for fun

    downtown chicago is nearby, which obviously has a lot to do, or there are on-campus restaurants and other places to go. there are things available for a wide range of interests

  • 1 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Caitlyn from Lincoln Park, MI

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    The curriculum here is, as far as I can tell, extremely challenging and diverse.
    Will enjoy being here

    The city is great, but it snows here in the Winter, and it's freezing!
    Tips for prospective students

    Love cold weather, but be ready to work
    Great for these types of students

    Those who love the city, but who want to still have a secluded area to study.

  • 1 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Ariana from Hazel Crest, IL

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure before you decide if your going to attend that you visit because it may change your mind being it is a very intelligent school
    Great for these types of students

    Great for those that are really smart, into their education, and there for the sole reason of learning

  • 0 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Amanda from Clovis, CA

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Great for these types of students

    Those who love the city and all the opportunities that are offered with the city life.

  • 0 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Bharvee from Fremont, CA

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    I believe that this school has many educational aspects.
    Will enjoy being here

    Though it is far from home, it will be very exciting livng in a new environment.
    Bang for the buck

    The tuition is worth it!
    Tips for prospective students

    I hope that every deserving student gets into this college. It is an exciting experience!
    Great for these types of students

    It is great for academic and artistic students. If you are one of these, apply here!

  • 0 out of 5 people found this review useful. 1 person found it offensive.

    Nasir from Chicago, IL

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Bang for the buck

    IS THE $42000 TUITION WORTH IT?

  • 3 out of 34 people found this review useful. 1 person found this inaccurate.

    Mahjeed from Mather, CA

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    submit your application
    Great for these types of students

    well rounded,academic.real community service

  • 2 out of 34 people found this review useful. 4 people found this inaccurate.

    Shanice from Sacramento, CA

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments