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There is a reason that Chicago attracts millions of domestic and international visitors per year: it truly has it all. From the distinctive and awe-inspiring architecture that makes up the city’s skyline, to its legendary food scene, to its countless opportunities to explore art and countless museums, or the 77 distinctive neighborhoods that make up the unique pieces of the city’s whole, there are so many reasons to fall in love with this city.

Illinois Institute of Technology is proud to call Chicago home. Located just 10 minutes south of Chicago’s downtown Loop neighborhood, ��ñ�� rests between the Chicago White Sox’s baseball stadium and the beautiful shore of Lake Michigan in the historic neighborhood of Bronzeville. As its only tech-focused university, ��ñ�� stands on its own among Chicago colleges, combining a highly relevant education with all that a global metropolis offers. 

So, while there are many reasons to start your academic journey in Chicago, here are five to start:

1. Explore a Cityscape, Landscape, and Lakeshore—All in One Place

A common misconception about big cities is that urban development leaves no room for natural landscapes or expansive outdoor areas. Chicago has been referred to as the “city in a garden” as it is surrounded by 26 miles of lakefront along with 24 accessible beaches and 600 parks, the largest being Lincoln Park. Lincoln Park is home to the Lincoln Park Conservatory and one of the oldest free zoos in the country, the Lincoln Park Zoo, which has more than 200 species of animals. Whether you want to spend the day at the beach or have a picnic in the park, the city is your campus and has endless possibilities for all kinds of indoor or outdoor activities.

2. Endless Food and Dining Options

Chicago is home to more than 7,300 restaurants with hundreds of unique food combinations and diverse cuisines. It’s widely known that Chicago is home to its own style of deep dish pizza and unique hot dog combinations, but the city also consists of phenomenal foods from around the world, along with hundreds of delicious vegan, vegetarian, allergy-friendly, and gluten-free options for everyone to enjoy. From Chinatown to Greektown and everywhere in between, Chicago is the perfect place to discover your new favorite dining spot.

3. Opportunities for Careers in an Emerging Tech Hub 

Chicago has always been a city full of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, but more recently it has become a thriving ecosystem for up-and-coming businesses and advancements in tech. With thousands of exciting new businesses, companies, and startups, Chicago is a living lab for students where they are able to apply what they learn in the classroom to real experiences happening all around the city. Students also get a closer look at their career options and life after graduation with a city as a campus. At ��ñ��, students are at the center of a growing ecosystem—there are a multitude of opportunities for networking, internships, mentorships, and enhancing practical and professional skills, as well as opportunities for job placement. Experience a community dedicated to supporting present and future innovators, entrepreneurs, and business professionals. 

4. Travel Made Easy by Accessible and Affordable Public Transportation

The nation’s second-largest public transportation system is found right here in Chicago, making every location reachable. With its extensive railway system, Chicago is known as the “railway capital of the world” as the Chicago Transit Authority elevated “L” train lines extend over the metro area and the Metra train lines extend out into Chicago’s suburbs. CTA buses and Divvy bike shares also make travel seamless with 129 bus routes, more than 800 Divvy stations, and 300 miles of bike lanes across the city. At ��ñ��, students receive unlimited rides on any CTA public transportation system with a Ventra U-Pass, as well as a $5 annual membership to Divvy for Everyone, giving you unlimited access to explore the many hidden gems of the city.

5. The Rich History and Cultural Influences

Chicago has been a booming city since the early twentieth century, undergoing decades of construction and development; accommodating generations of people from all backgrounds; and consistently evolving into the best version it can be. More than 60 museums spread over the Chicago area have been integral in documenting and preserving Chicago’s history and the influential time periods, people, and cultures that contribute to its legacy. From the smallest, hidden speakeasy to the largest skyscraper, every corner of Chicago has a story to tell.

��ñ�� admits thousands of students every year who are eager to hone their creative, professional, and technical skills in Chicago, a city with infinite opportunities to learn and explore.