Explore Chicago

Attractions

• Willis Tower (formerly Sears tower): Chicago’s tallest skyscraper, and the third tallest in the United States.
• Millennium Park: Home of the Chicago ‘Bean’ as well as Lurie Garden, Crown Fountain, McCormick Plaza & Ice Rink, Harris Theater, BP Pedestrian Bridge.
• Navy Pier: Pier of Chicago with attractions, shops, restaurants, gardens, and parks. Features many activities throughout the year.
• Museum Campus,Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Field Museum.
Multiple other museums:
• Museum of Science and Industry
• Art Institute of Chicago
• Museum of Contemporary Art
• Museum of Contemporary Photography

Major professional sports/arenas: Wrigley Field, Soldier Field, Guaranteed Rate Field, United Center, Magnificent Mile: Upscale stretch of Michigan Ave. and nearby streets, with Chicago’s largest shopping district, and much more!

Chicago is home to many world-famous events

• Lollapalooza: annual 4-day music festival featuring various artists and genres
• Taste of Chicago – the world’s largest food festival, held for 5 days in July. In addition to featuring many world-famous restaurants, there are live performances and musical acts.

• Music festivals: Pitchfork, Chicago Blues, North Coast, Spring Awakening

Transportation

• CTA & Metra: A robust public transit system with eight rails (the ‘L’), greater than 100 bus lines, and 11 commuter rail lines (Metra). Around half of the resident body uses public transit to get around the city and to UIC.

• Driving: Chicago has several major highways that are immediately accessible to UIC (290, 94/90 and 55). Parking is also available at UIC.

Communities

• South loop: A quieter yet lively district that is south of the financial district and west of the UIC campus. Walking distance to grant park, millennium park, numerous museums, Soldier Field, Buckingham fountain, and much more.
• Streeterville/Rivernorth: Lively districts north of the river that include and border the Magnificent mile and Lake Michigan to the east (Streeterville). These districts are a popular choice for residents who want to experience the central downtown lifestyle.
• West Loop : A quieter yet trendy district of Chicago, situated west of the Financial district and Rivernorth. It’s home to many high-end and famous restaurants and bars.
• Lincoln Park: Chic and trendy northern community. It’s home to the nation’s second most visited park, Lincoln Park. It’s filled with numerous shopping destinations, restaurants, bars and coffee shops.
• Other areas that our residents live in: Logan Square, Lakeview, Pilsen, University Village