Being a first-year student is such an exciting time, especially here at Illinois Tech and one of the greatest cities in America: Chicago! There are so many things to do, things to try, and people to meet. To help you in this exciting transition into college, I have compiled a list of my top ten things to do at Illinois Tech and in Chicago as a First-Year student.
At Illinois Tech:
- Find your passion at the Student Organization Fair!
Student Org fair happens in both the fall and spring at the beginning of each semester! Many of the school organizations and clubs set up tables with fun prizes and treats to hand out to students. I remember going as a freshman, and it was at the Student Org Fair where I finally felt like I was in college! It is a great chance to find professional organizations, volunteer and service opportunities, and ultimately your passions :).
2. Attend Late NIITE at Illinois Tech.
Late NIITE at Illinois Tech is a highlight for many students. Neon lights, glow sticks, games, food, and just a ton of free stuff. Who doesn’t love free stuff? Union Board at IIT puts on this fun event by taking over MTCC. Get your friends and come stay up late with the rest of the student body!
3. Have a game night with your friends at the Bog!
The bog has Dance Dance Revolution. Do I need to say more? Well, I can! It also has bowling, arcade games, pool, ping pong, video games, and great food. It’s always a great place to come destress after finals and exams.
4. Join an intramural sports team.
Joining an intramural sports team at Illinois Tech is a great way to stay active and meet new people! There are so many sports ranging from soccer to volleyball to basketball and more! Click here to find out more.
5. Check out all dining on campus including cafes!
If there was something I could eat every day, it would be a toasted chocolate croissant at John + Pat Anderson’s Cafe at Kaplan. I couldn’t even tell you how many times I’ve stopped for a coffee or chai latte from Global Grounds. Illinois Tech has many great cafes all around campus that you must check out here.
In Chicago:
6. Visit the Chicago Riverwalk
From great food to views, nothing beats the Chicago Riverwalk. If there is anything recommended that you do from this list that you have to do, it is kayaking on the riverwalk. Kayaking on the riverwalk has been one of my best memories here in Chicago. They offer classes and rentals and before you know it, you are on the water making memories!
7. Try a Chicago Deep Dish Pizza
You probably have been told this a thousand times, but that is for good reason. This is a must. Whether it’s Giordanos or Pizzeria Uno, you have to try it at least once.
8. Go to Millennium Park Campus to see The Bean!
Of course, this is on the list. Everyone needs a selfie with The Bean at least once in their life. It’s also a lot of fun to splash around in the Crown Fountain or my personal favorite, have a picnic at the Pritzker Pavillion and Great Lawn.
9. Ride the L-Train and visit the various neighborhoods of Chicago!
I am so thankful that the Green Line runs right through our campus. It is so easy for me to just hop on and get my groceries or supplies, get food, and more! The red line also runs right next to campus which makes it so easy to get to Chinatown (this definitely feeds my boba addiction 🙂 but it’s so worth it).
10. Go thrifting and get food in Wicker Park
Thrifting in Wicker Park and then getting food after is one of my favorite things to do with my friends. Wicker Park is very accessible via train from campus! There are so many thrift stores and cute shops that you must visit! I’ve been there a handful of times, and I always find something new to love each time.
Go out there and have fun! This list is short, and I would love to write more, but this is where you come in. After you try this list, I challenge you to make your own top ten list. That is the beauty of going to school at Illinois Tech and in Chicago, you never run out of things to do!
