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[ { "content": "What is freshman life like at UC?. I just got an acceptance letter from UChicago, and am absolutely ecstatic about it. Chicago is one of my two top schools, the other being Brown. I know they're completely different from each other, but between the two I cannot for the life of me figure out which one I would rather attend. \n\nProbably the deciding factor will come down to not getting into Brown. But aside from that, the freshman experience is something that probably defines your whole college experience. What does UC do for freshman that makes the first year unforgettable? What are things that you didn't like about your first year? What are any other thoughts you have on being a freshman at UC? \n\nThanks! I might be one of you next year!", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Brown is an incredibly fun undergrad experience.\n\nUChicago is a significantly better research-based school. Way less fun.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "What kind of student activities get planned on the weekends? I know people say it's where fun goes to blah blah blah, but I've heard that if you know where to look you can have just as much fun at UChicago as anywhere else. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Hah. Weekend activities?", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "What is freshman life like at UC?. I just got an acceptance letter from UChicago, and am absolutely ecstatic about it. Chicago is one of my two top schools, the other being Brown. I know they're completely different from each other, but between the two I cannot for the life of me figure out which one I would rather attend. \n\nProbably the deciding factor will come down to not getting into Brown. But aside from that, the freshman experience is something that probably defines your whole college experience. What does UC do for freshman that makes the first year unforgettable? What are things that you didn't like about your first year? What are any other thoughts you have on being a freshman at UC? \n\nThanks! I might be one of you next year!", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Brown is an incredibly fun undergrad experience.\n\nUChicago is a significantly better research-based school. Way less fun.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "What kind of student activities get planned on the weekends? I know people say it's where fun goes to blah blah blah, but I've heard that if you know where to look you can have just as much fun at UChicago as anywhere else. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Yeah, that's a lie.\n\nI'm actually a grad student but I'm friends with some undergrads (brother of my best friend from undergrad) and they party more than anyone else on campus. I still had significantly more fun than them in my undergrad.\n\nUChicago is as good of a school as you can go to. Brown isn't. But Brown is about as much fun as any \"smart\" school you can go to. If you're ready to work harder than you have in your life then choose UChicago. If you want a \"typical\" college experience where getting hammered or stoned once or four times a week can be the norm (if you want it to be) then choose Brown.\n\nPersonally, I'm glad I didn't get into UChicago for undergrad because I wouldn't have been ready for the workload here right off the bat and I had fun in my undergrad, especially freshman year (didn't go to Brown but I visited a bunch and had good friends there). \n\nI wouldn't think as much about the freshman life but just life in general. If you think you're a hardworking individual who is ready to be mature about learning then come to UChicago. There's fun to be had here but just much less than at a place like Brown which is tons of fun.\n\nBrown has a very heavy hippie vibe and almost everytime I've been there, I've seen people smoking pot in the open and just enjoying themselves... I've only seen open pot smokers on campus once at UC (I gave them a thumbs up, would've joined but I was off to class) and everyone has a very work hard attitude without the play hard part. \n\nFun does come to die at UChicago and the people are much uglier than any other campus I've been on... but like I've been saying, it is as world class of an institution as any university on the planet. If you can excel here then there is no limit to what you can do after. The question you should ask yourself is: what is more important, school or social life? And that isn't a trap question where saying social life means you're a dumb or bad person, it means you're mature enough to realize that at 18, you're not ready to miss out on the fun that everyone you know is about to have by going to a school that isn't UC.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "While I do enjoy trees, I'm **so** ready for a challenging, mature learning experience. I take all IB classes at my high school and they are a total joke. They keep me busy, no doubt; it's impossible to earn an A without *doing* the work. But I just don't learn as much as I want to. It's almost as if the amount of work I do in a class is inversely proportional to how much I learn, because my Theory of Knowledge class is the most illuminating and I don't to shit for it. \n\nAlso, what is the attitude at UChicago towards weed? I know it's college, so weed is probably pretty popular, but I was just curious if UChicago was more anti-drug than some other campuses.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "I wasn't here as an undergrad but several friends who were said there's no trouble finding it. I think due to the isolation of the campus, it is more weed friendly than most compared to alcohol (I'll add the caveat that a ton of the school comes from China or other countries where toking a doob wouldn't be acceptable but if you want it, it is there.... way less than at Brown but that'd only because Brown smokes a lot of pot).\n\nAlso nice for UChicago is that since the police are actually concerned with student safety from the neighborhood as opposed to keeping down complaints about student partying, almost nobody ever gets busted, I've never heard of it here even once. \n\nI'll also add that while I can't toke daily due to my program being a difficult hellstorm, there hasn't been a day since I got here where I haven't had a stash in my apartment so I think wrt trees, you're gonna do OK here.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Yeah, I imagine that I'll enjoy weekend toking sessions to calm down from the academic grind. ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "What is freshman life like at UC?. I just got an acceptance letter from UChicago, and am absolutely ecstatic about it. Chicago is one of my two top schools, the other being Brown. I know they're completely different from each other, but between the two I cannot for the life of me figure out which one I would rather attend. \n\nProbably the deciding factor will come down to not getting into Brown. But aside from that, the freshman experience is something that probably defines your whole college experience. What does UC do for freshman that makes the first year unforgettable? What are things that you didn't like about your first year? What are any other thoughts you have on being a freshman at UC? \n\nThanks! I might be one of you next year!", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Brown is an incredibly fun undergrad experience.\n\nUChicago is a significantly better research-based school. Way less fun.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "What kind of student activities get planned on the weekends? I know people say it's where fun goes to blah blah blah, but I've heard that if you know where to look you can have just as much fun at UChicago as anywhere else. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Yeah, that's a lie.\n\nI'm actually a grad student but I'm friends with some undergrads (brother of my best friend from undergrad) and they party more than anyone else on campus. I still had significantly more fun than them in my undergrad.\n\nUChicago is as good of a school as you can go to. Brown isn't. But Brown is about as much fun as any \"smart\" school you can go to. If you're ready to work harder than you have in your life then choose UChicago. If you want a \"typical\" college experience where getting hammered or stoned once or four times a week can be the norm (if you want it to be) then choose Brown.\n\nPersonally, I'm glad I didn't get into UChicago for undergrad because I wouldn't have been ready for the workload here right off the bat and I had fun in my undergrad, especially freshman year (didn't go to Brown but I visited a bunch and had good friends there). \n\nI wouldn't think as much about the freshman life but just life in general. If you think you're a hardworking individual who is ready to be mature about learning then come to UChicago. There's fun to be had here but just much less than at a place like Brown which is tons of fun.\n\nBrown has a very heavy hippie vibe and almost everytime I've been there, I've seen people smoking pot in the open and just enjoying themselves... I've only seen open pot smokers on campus once at UC (I gave them a thumbs up, would've joined but I was off to class) and everyone has a very work hard attitude without the play hard part. \n\nFun does come to die at UChicago and the people are much uglier than any other campus I've been on... but like I've been saying, it is as world class of an institution as any university on the planet. If you can excel here then there is no limit to what you can do after. The question you should ask yourself is: what is more important, school or social life? And that isn't a trap question where saying social life means you're a dumb or bad person, it means you're mature enough to realize that at 18, you're not ready to miss out on the fun that everyone you know is about to have by going to a school that isn't UC.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "While I do enjoy trees, I'm **so** ready for a challenging, mature learning experience. I take all IB classes at my high school and they are a total joke. They keep me busy, no doubt; it's impossible to earn an A without *doing* the work. But I just don't learn as much as I want to. It's almost as if the amount of work I do in a class is inversely proportional to how much I learn, because my Theory of Knowledge class is the most illuminating and I don't to shit for it. \n\nAlso, what is the attitude at UChicago towards weed? I know it's college, so weed is probably pretty popular, but I was just curious if UChicago was more anti-drug than some other campuses.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "The university's attitude toward trees is really based on their liability bc of you living in their buildings. The institution doesn't care if you do it beyond that. And as pointed out above, the UCPD is much more focused on safety; they wont bother you if you're not in the middle of the street doing it.\n\nTrees are also not hard to find. It's incredibly common. It is chicago, after all.\n\nI will say that in the dorms, permissiveness can vary a lot based on your RHs' and RAs' attitudes. Some really disapprove but my experience was that in general, as long as you're not stinking up the hallway, you're fine. Of course, if you're living with someone make sure to accommodate their attitude toward trees in the room.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "What is freshman life like at UC?. I just got an acceptance letter from UChicago, and am absolutely ecstatic about it. Chicago is one of my two top schools, the other being Brown. I know they're completely different from each other, but between the two I cannot for the life of me figure out which one I would rather attend. \n\nProbably the deciding factor will come down to not getting into Brown. But aside from that, the freshman experience is something that probably defines your whole college experience. What does UC do for freshman that makes the first year unforgettable? What are things that you didn't like about your first year? What are any other thoughts you have on being a freshman at UC? \n\nThanks! I might be one of you next year!", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Brown is an incredibly fun undergrad experience.\n\nUChicago is a significantly better research-based school. Way less fun.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "What kind of student activities get planned on the weekends? I know people say it's where fun goes to blah blah blah, but I've heard that if you know where to look you can have just as much fun at UChicago as anywhere else. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Yeah, that's a lie.\n\nI'm actually a grad student but I'm friends with some undergrads (brother of my best friend from undergrad) and they party more than anyone else on campus. I still had significantly more fun than them in my undergrad.\n\nUChicago is as good of a school as you can go to. Brown isn't. But Brown is about as much fun as any \"smart\" school you can go to. If you're ready to work harder than you have in your life then choose UChicago. If you want a \"typical\" college experience where getting hammered or stoned once or four times a week can be the norm (if you want it to be) then choose Brown.\n\nPersonally, I'm glad I didn't get into UChicago for undergrad because I wouldn't have been ready for the workload here right off the bat and I had fun in my undergrad, especially freshman year (didn't go to Brown but I visited a bunch and had good friends there). \n\nI wouldn't think as much about the freshman life but just life in general. If you think you're a hardworking individual who is ready to be mature about learning then come to UChicago. There's fun to be had here but just much less than at a place like Brown which is tons of fun.\n\nBrown has a very heavy hippie vibe and almost everytime I've been there, I've seen people smoking pot in the open and just enjoying themselves... I've only seen open pot smokers on campus once at UC (I gave them a thumbs up, would've joined but I was off to class) and everyone has a very work hard attitude without the play hard part. \n\nFun does come to die at UChicago and the people are much uglier than any other campus I've been on... but like I've been saying, it is as world class of an institution as any university on the planet. If you can excel here then there is no limit to what you can do after. The question you should ask yourself is: what is more important, school or social life? And that isn't a trap question where saying social life means you're a dumb or bad person, it means you're mature enough to realize that at 18, you're not ready to miss out on the fun that everyone you know is about to have by going to a school that isn't UC.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "While I do enjoy trees, I'm **so** ready for a challenging, mature learning experience. I take all IB classes at my high school and they are a total joke. They keep me busy, no doubt; it's impossible to earn an A without *doing* the work. But I just don't learn as much as I want to. It's almost as if the amount of work I do in a class is inversely proportional to how much I learn, because my Theory of Knowledge class is the most illuminating and I don't to shit for it. \n\nAlso, what is the attitude at UChicago towards weed? I know it's college, so weed is probably pretty popular, but I was just curious if UChicago was more anti-drug than some other campuses.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "So much weed! I mean, we have a privatized police force, that should just speak for itself.\n\nRegarding the fun thing that the parent thread is about, I have a LOT of fun and a thriving social life at uchicago. I feel that our house system is way more conducive to social activity than other colleges. We have these people that we are automatically close to, and then we have regular friends on top of that.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "So do the UC police just not care?\n\nAnd I love the house system. I spent time studying abroad in a dorm situation and it was the best way to become friends with someone, I felt. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "UC police aren't there to really discipline students nearly at all. They don't make a fuss about much of anything so long as you're not stupid about it. RHs/RAs are even usually not too bad about it either. There's plenty of time to relax and smoke if you're diligent about your work. Like, very diligent.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "What is freshman life like at UC?. I just got an acceptance letter from UChicago, and am absolutely ecstatic about it. Chicago is one of my two top schools, the other being Brown. I know they're completely different from each other, but between the two I cannot for the life of me figure out which one I would rather attend. \n\nProbably the deciding factor will come down to not getting into Brown. But aside from that, the freshman experience is something that probably defines your whole college experience. What does UC do for freshman that makes the first year unforgettable? What are things that you didn't like about your first year? What are any other thoughts you have on being a freshman at UC? \n\nThanks! I might be one of you next year!", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Brown is an incredibly fun undergrad experience.\n\nUChicago is a significantly better research-based school. Way less fun.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "What kind of student activities get planned on the weekends? I know people say it's where fun goes to blah blah blah, but I've heard that if you know where to look you can have just as much fun at UChicago as anywhere else. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Yeah, that's a lie.\n\nI'm actually a grad student but I'm friends with some undergrads (brother of my best friend from undergrad) and they party more than anyone else on campus. I still had significantly more fun than them in my undergrad.\n\nUChicago is as good of a school as you can go to. Brown isn't. But Brown is about as much fun as any \"smart\" school you can go to. If you're ready to work harder than you have in your life then choose UChicago. If you want a \"typical\" college experience where getting hammered or stoned once or four times a week can be the norm (if you want it to be) then choose Brown.\n\nPersonally, I'm glad I didn't get into UChicago for undergrad because I wouldn't have been ready for the workload here right off the bat and I had fun in my undergrad, especially freshman year (didn't go to Brown but I visited a bunch and had good friends there). \n\nI wouldn't think as much about the freshman life but just life in general. If you think you're a hardworking individual who is ready to be mature about learning then come to UChicago. There's fun to be had here but just much less than at a place like Brown which is tons of fun.\n\nBrown has a very heavy hippie vibe and almost everytime I've been there, I've seen people smoking pot in the open and just enjoying themselves... I've only seen open pot smokers on campus once at UC (I gave them a thumbs up, would've joined but I was off to class) and everyone has a very work hard attitude without the play hard part. \n\nFun does come to die at UChicago and the people are much uglier than any other campus I've been on... but like I've been saying, it is as world class of an institution as any university on the planet. If you can excel here then there is no limit to what you can do after. The question you should ask yourself is: what is more important, school or social life? And that isn't a trap question where saying social life means you're a dumb or bad person, it means you're mature enough to realize that at 18, you're not ready to miss out on the fun that everyone you know is about to have by going to a school that isn't UC.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "While I do enjoy trees, I'm **so** ready for a challenging, mature learning experience. I take all IB classes at my high school and they are a total joke. They keep me busy, no doubt; it's impossible to earn an A without *doing* the work. But I just don't learn as much as I want to. It's almost as if the amount of work I do in a class is inversely proportional to how much I learn, because my Theory of Knowledge class is the most illuminating and I don't to shit for it. \n\nAlso, what is the attitude at UChicago towards weed? I know it's college, so weed is probably pretty popular, but I was just curious if UChicago was more anti-drug than some other campuses.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "So much weed! I mean, we have a privatized police force, that should just speak for itself.\n\nRegarding the fun thing that the parent thread is about, I have a LOT of fun and a thriving social life at uchicago. I feel that our house system is way more conducive to social activity than other colleges. We have these people that we are automatically close to, and then we have regular friends on top of that.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "So do the UC police just not care?\n\nAnd I love the house system. I spent time studying abroad in a dorm situation and it was the best way to become friends with someone, I felt. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "For stuff like weed, the de facto policy is that whatever happens in your room stays in your room, as long as nobody gets seriously injured (or you throw something out the window--they're serious about that shit).", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "What is freshman life like at UC?. I just got an acceptance letter from UChicago, and am absolutely ecstatic about it. Chicago is one of my two top schools, the other being Brown. I know they're completely different from each other, but between the two I cannot for the life of me figure out which one I would rather attend. \n\nProbably the deciding factor will come down to not getting into Brown. But aside from that, the freshman experience is something that probably defines your whole college experience. What does UC do for freshman that makes the first year unforgettable? What are things that you didn't like about your first year? What are any other thoughts you have on being a freshman at UC? \n\nThanks! I might be one of you next year!", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Brown is an incredibly fun undergrad experience.\n\nUChicago is a significantly better research-based school. Way less fun.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "What kind of student activities get planned on the weekends? I know people say it's where fun goes to blah blah blah, but I've heard that if you know where to look you can have just as much fun at UChicago as anywhere else. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I would encourage you to view DonDriver's summary as an individual's experience and view of the UChicago social scene.\n\nI can tell you from experience that if you want to have fun, you will have tons and tons of fun (and I don't mean just getting drunk at a frat party; we have that, but it's just a part of the overall scene).\n\nWhat you get out of the UChicago social experience depends a lot on what you put into it and what your priorities are. There truly are a *lot* of people at UChicago who are completely nose-to-the-grindstone and rarely get out.\n\nBut there's also plenty of opportunities for socializing, and despite the stereotype, UChicago people are quite social. Actually, I think socializing at UChicago is great *specifically because* of the personalities on campus. I found that people tended to talk about interesting things and are generally academic, by which I mean, they tend to have conversations, discussions, and arguments in an academic/reasoned manner (certainly not true of everyone there of course).\n\nTo answer your actual question, here are some of the things I used to enjoy doing on weekends (and weekdays/nights) at UChicago:\n\n* play video games (with or without drinking/drugs, with very large, tournament style groups or just a couple friends)\n* go to frat or apartment parties (drinking, dancing, generally being crazy; apartment parties come in all flavors though)\n* trips with housemates (more so freshman/sophomore year) or friends. Some of the trips: camping, skiing (those two were the best), city exploration, shows, food.\n* picnics on the quad or at the point\n* bike rides around campus or on the lakeshore path (awesome awesome bike path)\n* go on psychonautical adventures in various places around campus (the quad is great for such things)\n* read\n* go on dates\n* go out to dinner with friends\n* go to on campus shows, especially Off Off Campus (legendary improv comedy group)\n* homework\n* study parties at the reg\n* volunteer tutoring for neighborhood schools\n\nThe thing is, you can really find whatever you want to find. It's a school with a definite \"feel\" to it (smart, motivated individuals) but there's a lot of diversity. ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "What is freshman life like at UC?. I just got an acceptance letter from UChicago, and am absolutely ecstatic about it. Chicago is one of my two top schools, the other being Brown. I know they're completely different from each other, but between the two I cannot for the life of me figure out which one I would rather attend. \n\nProbably the deciding factor will come down to not getting into Brown. But aside from that, the freshman experience is something that probably defines your whole college experience. What does UC do for freshman that makes the first year unforgettable? What are things that you didn't like about your first year? What are any other thoughts you have on being a freshman at UC? \n\nThanks! I might be one of you next year!", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Brown is an incredibly fun undergrad experience.\n\nUChicago is a significantly better research-based school. Way less fun.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "This is simply not true. Undergrad life is fun. It's only not fun if you want to not have fun. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Less fun. Not no fun.\n\nI've been to a lot of campuses and nothing is less fun than UChicago. If you disagree it is only because your sample size is too small... or you don't drink or smoke.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "What is freshman life like at UC?. I just got an acceptance letter from UChicago, and am absolutely ecstatic about it. Chicago is one of my two top schools, the other being Brown. I know they're completely different from each other, but between the two I cannot for the life of me figure out which one I would rather attend. \n\nProbably the deciding factor will come down to not getting into Brown. But aside from that, the freshman experience is something that probably defines your whole college experience. What does UC do for freshman that makes the first year unforgettable? What are things that you didn't like about your first year? What are any other thoughts you have on being a freshman at UC? \n\nThanks! I might be one of you next year!", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "I'm a first year and I have a fucking blast. Disclaimer, I only applied to Uchicago, eschatological destiny etc. I take a full load of classes, work at the library, study 4-5 hours a day. But beyond that I have a lot of fun on weekends, like, alot. Everything said in this thread is true as far as I've seen so far. It's one of the best schools in the world, and that does not preclude you from having a great time.\n\n**TL;DR:** lol, Brown.\n\nedit: as to your question about things that are unforgettable about 1st year, living in Hyde Park, the utter freedom of Uchicago life, the lack of rules (there are NO rules here) and the people you meet will make your life great.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I had to look up eschatological. Can I still go to UChicago?", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "What is freshman life like at UC?. I just got an acceptance letter from UChicago, and am absolutely ecstatic about it. Chicago is one of my two top schools, the other being Brown. I know they're completely different from each other, but between the two I cannot for the life of me figure out which one I would rather attend. \n\nProbably the deciding factor will come down to not getting into Brown. But aside from that, the freshman experience is something that probably defines your whole college experience. What does UC do for freshman that makes the first year unforgettable? What are things that you didn't like about your first year? What are any other thoughts you have on being a freshman at UC? \n\nThanks! I might be one of you next year!", "role": "user" }, { "content": "First, let me say that I saw pretty much every side to the UChicago social scene, from the studious to the seedy, in my time there, and I would be happy to answer any question at all that you have in complete honesty. Just PM me =)\n\nFreshman year at UChicago was an excellent experience that I'll cherish for a long time. Depending on your academic background, your eyes will probably be opened by your classes, instructors, the Core and the overall \"style\" of UChicago academia. That's great and of course that's why you're going.\n\nWhat you don't hear a lot is how great UChicago's housing system is for incoming students. Of course, your experience may vary, but I find and most of my friends agree that the freshman housing experience is simply excellent. A few things:\n\n* They're uncannily good at matching you with roommate(s) and a dorm that suits your personality. I'm still best friends with two of my three freshman year roommates and ended up living with them 3 of 4 years I was there. My social circle *still* (4 years out) consists largely of people in my freshman year house.\n* The housing system is the centerpiece of social life for your first year, especially the first quarter. These are the people you live with and with whom you share resident heads and assistants.\n* If your RHs/RAs are anywhere near decent, you'll have a lot of great (sometimes cheesy) social activities with your housemates to enjoy. I listed some in another comment in this thread but my favorites were camping and skiing trips.\n* Certain dorms are more social than others. Shoreland, Pierce, and Max in particular are very social. Blackstone, Burton Judson, and a few other smaller ones are more single-room focused and a bit less social I've found. I wasn't there with the new dorm so I am not sure about that but I hear it's a lot like Max in terms of social life.\n* The university has an excellent support system. Health and mental health services are available to you more or less free of charge. The meal plans are generally pretty good (you won't run out of points and can usually sell them to upperclassmen toward the end of the quarter if you have extra), and there's just so much in terms of academic and career advice that it's great.\n* There are a SHITTON of clubs on campus because it's such a diverse student body. I think Brown is probably similar in this regard, but no one else has [Scav Hunt](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Chicago_Scavenger_Hunt). \n\nI honestly can't recommend UChicago enough. It was hugely valuable socially, academically, and professionally. I have my current job (which is excellent) as a direct result of programs at the university and connections I made while there. One of the best decisions I've ever made was to attend UChicago.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Thanks for the fantastic reply. \n\n> ...especially the first quarter.\n\nIs it hard to branch out from your house, or are kids generally pretty friendly? \n\nYou mentioned reputations for some of the houses. How true do those tend to be? I can see the single dorm house being more recluse, but is there ever an \"Oh, he's from Max, don't talk to him\" kind of attitude?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "It is not difficult at all to make friends outside of your house. Classmates, teammates, clubmates, there are a lot of venues for socializing. The housing system just jump starts meeting new people and forming bonds, which is pretty important in a new and intimidating place.\n\nHouses do get reputations, sure, but I wouldn't say individuals are prejudged due to house affiliations (frat/sorority memberships, on the other hand...) its more just along the lines of some houses are social, some are quieter, some are really full of party animals party animals. To a certain extent the university does this on purpose and as long as you're truthful on your housing app you should feel confident they'll find the right place for you.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "What is freshman life like at UC?. I just got an acceptance letter from UChicago, and am absolutely ecstatic about it. Chicago is one of my two top schools, the other being Brown. I know they're completely different from each other, but between the two I cannot for the life of me figure out which one I would rather attend. \n\nProbably the deciding factor will come down to not getting into Brown. But aside from that, the freshman experience is something that probably defines your whole college experience. What does UC do for freshman that makes the first year unforgettable? What are things that you didn't like about your first year? What are any other thoughts you have on being a freshman at UC? \n\nThanks! I might be one of you next year!", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "First, let me say that I saw pretty much every side to the UChicago social scene, from the studious to the seedy, in my time there, and I would be happy to answer any question at all that you have in complete honesty. Just PM me =)\n\nFreshman year at UChicago was an excellent experience that I'll cherish for a long time. Depending on your academic background, your eyes will probably be opened by your classes, instructors, the Core and the overall \"style\" of UChicago academia. That's great and of course that's why you're going.\n\nWhat you don't hear a lot is how great UChicago's housing system is for incoming students. Of course, your experience may vary, but I find and most of my friends agree that the freshman housing experience is simply excellent. A few things:\n\n* They're uncannily good at matching you with roommate(s) and a dorm that suits your personality. I'm still best friends with two of my three freshman year roommates and ended up living with them 3 of 4 years I was there. My social circle *still* (4 years out) consists largely of people in my freshman year house.\n* The housing system is the centerpiece of social life for your first year, especially the first quarter. These are the people you live with and with whom you share resident heads and assistants.\n* If your RHs/RAs are anywhere near decent, you'll have a lot of great (sometimes cheesy) social activities with your housemates to enjoy. I listed some in another comment in this thread but my favorites were camping and skiing trips.\n* Certain dorms are more social than others. Shoreland, Pierce, and Max in particular are very social. Blackstone, Burton Judson, and a few other smaller ones are more single-room focused and a bit less social I've found. I wasn't there with the new dorm so I am not sure about that but I hear it's a lot like Max in terms of social life.\n* The university has an excellent support system. Health and mental health services are available to you more or less free of charge. The meal plans are generally pretty good (you won't run out of points and can usually sell them to upperclassmen toward the end of the quarter if you have extra), and there's just so much in terms of academic and career advice that it's great.\n* There are a SHITTON of clubs on campus because it's such a diverse student body. I think Brown is probably similar in this regard, but no one else has [Scav Hunt](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Chicago_Scavenger_Hunt). \n\nI honestly can't recommend UChicago enough. It was hugely valuable socially, academically, and professionally. I have my current job (which is excellent) as a direct result of programs at the university and connections I made while there. One of the best decisions I've ever made was to attend UChicago.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Thanks for the fantastic reply. \n\n> ...especially the first quarter.\n\nIs it hard to branch out from your house, or are kids generally pretty friendly? \n\nYou mentioned reputations for some of the houses. How true do those tend to be? I can see the single dorm house being more recluse, but is there ever an \"Oh, he's from Max, don't talk to him\" kind of attitude?", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "No one ever not talks to anyone else just because of their dorm. However, there are sometimes house rivalries, though there are LOTS of exceptions when it comes to house rivalries.\n\n(Houses are like sections of each dorm. So neighboring houses might sometimes have rivalries, though most of the time they're more play-rivalries)\n\nHouses generally earn their reputations... for example, Maclean has a \"do they even exist because I never see them\" social-recluse reputation, but it makes sense because that house is really small, and they're really far away from the center of campus. Also, since Max is so close to the gym, they have a more athletic reputation because athletes generally prefer being close to the gym.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "That makes sense. ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "What is freshman life like at UC?. I just got an acceptance letter from UChicago, and am absolutely ecstatic about it. Chicago is one of my two top schools, the other being Brown. I know they're completely different from each other, but between the two I cannot for the life of me figure out which one I would rather attend. \n\nProbably the deciding factor will come down to not getting into Brown. But aside from that, the freshman experience is something that probably defines your whole college experience. What does UC do for freshman that makes the first year unforgettable? What are things that you didn't like about your first year? What are any other thoughts you have on being a freshman at UC? \n\nThanks! I might be one of you next year!", "role": "user" }, { "content": "First, let me say that I saw pretty much every side to the UChicago social scene, from the studious to the seedy, in my time there, and I would be happy to answer any question at all that you have in complete honesty. Just PM me =)\n\nFreshman year at UChicago was an excellent experience that I'll cherish for a long time. Depending on your academic background, your eyes will probably be opened by your classes, instructors, the Core and the overall \"style\" of UChicago academia. That's great and of course that's why you're going.\n\nWhat you don't hear a lot is how great UChicago's housing system is for incoming students. Of course, your experience may vary, but I find and most of my friends agree that the freshman housing experience is simply excellent. A few things:\n\n* They're uncannily good at matching you with roommate(s) and a dorm that suits your personality. I'm still best friends with two of my three freshman year roommates and ended up living with them 3 of 4 years I was there. My social circle *still* (4 years out) consists largely of people in my freshman year house.\n* The housing system is the centerpiece of social life for your first year, especially the first quarter. These are the people you live with and with whom you share resident heads and assistants.\n* If your RHs/RAs are anywhere near decent, you'll have a lot of great (sometimes cheesy) social activities with your housemates to enjoy. I listed some in another comment in this thread but my favorites were camping and skiing trips.\n* Certain dorms are more social than others. Shoreland, Pierce, and Max in particular are very social. Blackstone, Burton Judson, and a few other smaller ones are more single-room focused and a bit less social I've found. I wasn't there with the new dorm so I am not sure about that but I hear it's a lot like Max in terms of social life.\n* The university has an excellent support system. Health and mental health services are available to you more or less free of charge. The meal plans are generally pretty good (you won't run out of points and can usually sell them to upperclassmen toward the end of the quarter if you have extra), and there's just so much in terms of academic and career advice that it's great.\n* There are a SHITTON of clubs on campus because it's such a diverse student body. I think Brown is probably similar in this regard, but no one else has [Scav Hunt](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Chicago_Scavenger_Hunt). \n\nI honestly can't recommend UChicago enough. It was hugely valuable socially, academically, and professionally. I have my current job (which is excellent) as a direct result of programs at the university and connections I made while there. One of the best decisions I've ever made was to attend UChicago.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Thanks for the fantastic reply. \n\n> ...especially the first quarter.\n\nIs it hard to branch out from your house, or are kids generally pretty friendly? \n\nYou mentioned reputations for some of the houses. How true do those tend to be? I can see the single dorm house being more recluse, but is there ever an \"Oh, he's from Max, don't talk to him\" kind of attitude?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Basically what happens is, compared to other schools, you get the added bonus of knowing your house without losing any of the opportunities outside of the house to meet people that you would have had in the first place. So it's purely a minimum cap.\n\nOf course, anyone could speculate on the effects of having an endowment of friends on one's friend-making behavior, but that's just heartless Econ majors like me xD.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "What is freshman life like at UC?. I just got an acceptance letter from UChicago, and am absolutely ecstatic about it. Chicago is one of my two top schools, the other being Brown. I know they're completely different from each other, but between the two I cannot for the life of me figure out which one I would rather attend. \n\nProbably the deciding factor will come down to not getting into Brown. But aside from that, the freshman experience is something that probably defines your whole college experience. What does UC do for freshman that makes the first year unforgettable? What are things that you didn't like about your first year? What are any other thoughts you have on being a freshman at UC? \n\nThanks! I might be one of you next year!", "role": "user" }, { "content": "First, let me say that I saw pretty much every side to the UChicago social scene, from the studious to the seedy, in my time there, and I would be happy to answer any question at all that you have in complete honesty. Just PM me =)\n\nFreshman year at UChicago was an excellent experience that I'll cherish for a long time. Depending on your academic background, your eyes will probably be opened by your classes, instructors, the Core and the overall \"style\" of UChicago academia. That's great and of course that's why you're going.\n\nWhat you don't hear a lot is how great UChicago's housing system is for incoming students. Of course, your experience may vary, but I find and most of my friends agree that the freshman housing experience is simply excellent. A few things:\n\n* They're uncannily good at matching you with roommate(s) and a dorm that suits your personality. I'm still best friends with two of my three freshman year roommates and ended up living with them 3 of 4 years I was there. My social circle *still* (4 years out) consists largely of people in my freshman year house.\n* The housing system is the centerpiece of social life for your first year, especially the first quarter. These are the people you live with and with whom you share resident heads and assistants.\n* If your RHs/RAs are anywhere near decent, you'll have a lot of great (sometimes cheesy) social activities with your housemates to enjoy. I listed some in another comment in this thread but my favorites were camping and skiing trips.\n* Certain dorms are more social than others. Shoreland, Pierce, and Max in particular are very social. Blackstone, Burton Judson, and a few other smaller ones are more single-room focused and a bit less social I've found. I wasn't there with the new dorm so I am not sure about that but I hear it's a lot like Max in terms of social life.\n* The university has an excellent support system. Health and mental health services are available to you more or less free of charge. The meal plans are generally pretty good (you won't run out of points and can usually sell them to upperclassmen toward the end of the quarter if you have extra), and there's just so much in terms of academic and career advice that it's great.\n* There are a SHITTON of clubs on campus because it's such a diverse student body. I think Brown is probably similar in this regard, but no one else has [Scav Hunt](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Chicago_Scavenger_Hunt). \n\nI honestly can't recommend UChicago enough. It was hugely valuable socially, academically, and professionally. I have my current job (which is excellent) as a direct result of programs at the university and connections I made while there. One of the best decisions I've ever made was to attend UChicago.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Shoreland doesn't exist anymore! Now we have South. :P And since Burton Judson is next to the new South, it's become a lot different - a lot more social. I live in South and I sometimes trek over to Burton Judson because I like the social atmosphere there.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Interesting. I knew Shoreland was gone and that it was replaced by South but I didn't realize the BJ dynamic had changed.\n\nShoreland needed to go or have a serious renovation anyway. I have a lot of fond memories of that place but if we're being honest that place was a total dump.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "What is freshman life like at UC?. I just got an acceptance letter from UChicago, and am absolutely ecstatic about it. Chicago is one of my two top schools, the other being Brown. I know they're completely different from each other, but between the two I cannot for the life of me figure out which one I would rather attend. \n\nProbably the deciding factor will come down to not getting into Brown. But aside from that, the freshman experience is something that probably defines your whole college experience. What does UC do for freshman that makes the first year unforgettable? What are things that you didn't like about your first year? What are any other thoughts you have on being a freshman at UC? \n\nThanks! I might be one of you next year!", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "*UC -> UofC", "role": "user" }, { "content": "[Well excu-u-use me.](http://images2.fanpop.com/images/photos/3600000/AD-Animated-gif-arrested-development-3695378-275-155.gif)", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "What is freshman life like at UC?. I just got an acceptance letter from UChicago, and am absolutely ecstatic about it. Chicago is one of my two top schools, the other being Brown. I know they're completely different from each other, but between the two I cannot for the life of me figure out which one I would rather attend. \n\nProbably the deciding factor will come down to not getting into Brown. But aside from that, the freshman experience is something that probably defines your whole college experience. What does UC do for freshman that makes the first year unforgettable? What are things that you didn't like about your first year? What are any other thoughts you have on being a freshman at UC? \n\nThanks! I might be one of you next year!", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "UChicago isn't cutthroat at all, at least in the department I was in. I was in the math department, the high end. It was not a competitive environment at all, it was more a matter of, \"We're all in the damn shark pit, okay, that guy is a much better swimmer than us, but we're all struggling to stay alive and do awesome stuff.\" I like doing awesome stuff? And not competing? So maybe you're into that, too. If so, U of C is great. Sure, there's always some guy out there who wants to get into a dick-measuring contest, of course, especially those econ wankers, but everybody cool recognizes that they're wankers. And there are a lot of cool people. \n\nBrown, I don't know anything at all about Brown. I just can't imagine they're actually noteworthy compared to U of C, but I'm biased.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Man, there is so much animosity for the econ department and I think that's a riot.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "What is freshman life like at UC?. I just got an acceptance letter from UChicago, and am absolutely ecstatic about it. Chicago is one of my two top schools, the other being Brown. I know they're completely different from each other, but between the two I cannot for the life of me figure out which one I would rather attend. \n\nProbably the deciding factor will come down to not getting into Brown. But aside from that, the freshman experience is something that probably defines your whole college experience. What does UC do for freshman that makes the first year unforgettable? What are things that you didn't like about your first year? What are any other thoughts you have on being a freshman at UC? \n\nThanks! I might be one of you next year!", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Brown fucking sucks.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "What is freshman life like at UC?. I just got an acceptance letter from UChicago, and am absolutely ecstatic about it. Chicago is one of my two top schools, the other being Brown. I know they're completely different from each other, but between the two I cannot for the life of me figure out which one I would rather attend. \n\nProbably the deciding factor will come down to not getting into Brown. But aside from that, the freshman experience is something that probably defines your whole college experience. What does UC do for freshman that makes the first year unforgettable? What are things that you didn't like about your first year? What are any other thoughts you have on being a freshman at UC? \n\nThanks! I might be one of you next year!", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Not called freshmen. Not called UC. Brown blows.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "x-post from r/adviceanimals. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Odyssey scholarship? I wouldn't be here without it.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "A friend and I built a generator for fake random theses based on common liberal arts terms, people, and/or pretensions.. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "We just improved our generator significantly. ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "A friend and I built a generator for fake random theses based on common liberal arts terms, people, and/or pretensions.. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "sup charles", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "As an incoming freshman, what are some things I should know about U of C? . Hi r/uchicago,\n\nI was accepted early to this fine school and just made my deposit. What are some things you guys wish you knew when you first stepped on campus? Any hints/advice for a new freshman? \n\nPS: Filling out my housing form; what are the best dorms/where do you guys like to hang out? \n\nEDIT: Thank you all for your great responses, they've really been helpful in preparing in many ways for my next four years of life. Sorry it was so sporadic and took so long to check, school's been intense this last week, but luckily after this round of tests I'm scot free until... Chicago time. Hopefully I'll see you guys around there? How do redditors at U of C meet up anyway?", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Dorms depends a lot on what you're looking for. The super-stereotypical version:\n\nSnell-Hitchcock is the nerdiest and oldest. Also Snell has singles (I'm a Snellian, so I'm biased.) Also there are more upperclassmen than other dorms.\n\nMax Palevsky and South Campus are both big and new and full of \"normal\" people (read: just nerds, not super-nerds). South is newer, Max is closer to campus.\n\nBJ is probably second nerdiest, with a bit more of an artsy bent. Old and cool-looking.\n\nI've heard that Maclean is depressing, and for whatever reason Breckenridge people are always cool, but I don't really know much about most of the other small dorms.\n\nOther than that: the biggest thing to be ready for is no longer being the smartest person in the room on every topic. You are clearly intelligent if you got into UChicago, but everyone else is too. Resist the temptation to have a crisis of confidence, and realize that everyone else is as intimidated by you as you are of them.\n\nAlso: bring cold weather gear. Walking to class through several inches of snow on a windy single-digit is miserable without the right clothes, and it'll be a pretty common occurrence. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "If by nerdiest, you mean interested in their houses and fellow housemates. It's no more nerdy than any other dorm. I'm a former Hitchcockian and Scav Captain, so I'm biased.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "...no they're pretty fucking nerdy. Coincidentally, also less self-aware.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "And that's a bad thing? Thanks for insulting us Snell-Hitchcockians.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "He didn't say it was a bad thing, he said it was pretty fucking nerdy. Which it is. He also said it was less self-aware, which it also is, and you just demonstrated!", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I guess the times, they did do some changing. \"Nerd\" applies to everyone at the UofC.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "If you notice, in my original post I defined \"normal people\" as \"just nerds, not super-nerds\". There's a baseline nerdiness that most people at UChicago share, but Snitchcock is even nerdier.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "And Snell is nerdier than Hitchcock. It's like some sort of hyper-nerdy UChicago concentrate. Dilute with water before ingesting.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "As an incoming freshman, what are some things I should know about U of C? . Hi r/uchicago,\n\nI was accepted early to this fine school and just made my deposit. What are some things you guys wish you knew when you first stepped on campus? Any hints/advice for a new freshman? \n\nPS: Filling out my housing form; what are the best dorms/where do you guys like to hang out? \n\nEDIT: Thank you all for your great responses, they've really been helpful in preparing in many ways for my next four years of life. Sorry it was so sporadic and took so long to check, school's been intense this last week, but luckily after this round of tests I'm scot free until... Chicago time. Hopefully I'll see you guys around there? How do redditors at U of C meet up anyway?", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Dorms depends a lot on what you're looking for. The super-stereotypical version:\n\nSnell-Hitchcock is the nerdiest and oldest. Also Snell has singles (I'm a Snellian, so I'm biased.) Also there are more upperclassmen than other dorms.\n\nMax Palevsky and South Campus are both big and new and full of \"normal\" people (read: just nerds, not super-nerds). South is newer, Max is closer to campus.\n\nBJ is probably second nerdiest, with a bit more of an artsy bent. Old and cool-looking.\n\nI've heard that Maclean is depressing, and for whatever reason Breckenridge people are always cool, but I don't really know much about most of the other small dorms.\n\nOther than that: the biggest thing to be ready for is no longer being the smartest person in the room on every topic. You are clearly intelligent if you got into UChicago, but everyone else is too. Resist the temptation to have a crisis of confidence, and realize that everyone else is as intimidated by you as you are of them.\n\nAlso: bring cold weather gear. Walking to class through several inches of snow on a windy single-digit is miserable without the right clothes, and it'll be a pretty common occurrence. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "If by nerdiest, you mean interested in their houses and fellow housemates. It's no more nerdy than any other dorm. I'm a former Hitchcockian and Scav Captain, so I'm biased.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "...no they're pretty fucking nerdy. Coincidentally, also less self-aware.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "And that's a bad thing? Thanks for insulting us Snell-Hitchcockians.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "He didn't say it was a bad thing, he said it was pretty fucking nerdy. Which it is. He also said it was less self-aware, which it also is, and you just demonstrated!", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I guess the times, they did do some changing. \"Nerd\" applies to everyone at the UofC.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "If you notice, in my original post I defined \"normal people\" as \"just nerds, not super-nerds\". There's a baseline nerdiness that most people at UChicago share, but Snitchcock is even nerdier.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Deformis sed utilis.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "As an incoming freshman, what are some things I should know about U of C? . Hi r/uchicago,\n\nI was accepted early to this fine school and just made my deposit. What are some things you guys wish you knew when you first stepped on campus? Any hints/advice for a new freshman? \n\nPS: Filling out my housing form; what are the best dorms/where do you guys like to hang out? \n\nEDIT: Thank you all for your great responses, they've really been helpful in preparing in many ways for my next four years of life. Sorry it was so sporadic and took so long to check, school's been intense this last week, but luckily after this round of tests I'm scot free until... Chicago time. Hopefully I'll see you guys around there? How do redditors at U of C meet up anyway?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Dorms depends a lot on what you're looking for. The super-stereotypical version:\n\nSnell-Hitchcock is the nerdiest and oldest. Also Snell has singles (I'm a Snellian, so I'm biased.) Also there are more upperclassmen than other dorms.\n\nMax Palevsky and South Campus are both big and new and full of \"normal\" people (read: just nerds, not super-nerds). South is newer, Max is closer to campus.\n\nBJ is probably second nerdiest, with a bit more of an artsy bent. Old and cool-looking.\n\nI've heard that Maclean is depressing, and for whatever reason Breckenridge people are always cool, but I don't really know much about most of the other small dorms.\n\nOther than that: the biggest thing to be ready for is no longer being the smartest person in the room on every topic. You are clearly intelligent if you got into UChicago, but everyone else is too. Resist the temptation to have a crisis of confidence, and realize that everyone else is as intimidated by you as you are of them.\n\nAlso: bring cold weather gear. Walking to class through several inches of snow on a windy single-digit is miserable without the right clothes, and it'll be a pretty common occurrence. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "If by nerdiest, you mean interested in their houses and fellow housemates. It's no more nerdy than any other dorm. I'm a former Hitchcockian and Scav Captain, so I'm biased.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "...no they're pretty fucking nerdy. Coincidentally, also less self-aware.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "You're also generalizing. You get a biased sample because the ones you would consider normal usually move out but still identify as and are proud of being Snitchcockers. You'd probably never realize where half of then are from. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "They have two tables at Bartlett just like everyone else. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "And that's supposed to mean something?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "It means that my sample isn't biased.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Wait. You think off-campus students go to the dining hall?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I don't know why this is so difficult to understand. First years eat at Bartlett. My table was near Snell-Hitchcock's table. Therefore, I know what Snell-Hitchcock students look and sound like. I'm not saying I don't like them, just that they're much nerdier than other dorms/houses. More Fedoras and beards, fewer football shirts, etc. It is a universally-known fact.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "As an incoming freshman, what are some things I should know about U of C? . Hi r/uchicago,\n\nI was accepted early to this fine school and just made my deposit. What are some things you guys wish you knew when you first stepped on campus? Any hints/advice for a new freshman? \n\nPS: Filling out my housing form; what are the best dorms/where do you guys like to hang out? \n\nEDIT: Thank you all for your great responses, they've really been helpful in preparing in many ways for my next four years of life. Sorry it was so sporadic and took so long to check, school's been intense this last week, but luckily after this round of tests I'm scot free until... Chicago time. Hopefully I'll see you guys around there? How do redditors at U of C meet up anyway?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Dorms depends a lot on what you're looking for. The super-stereotypical version:\n\nSnell-Hitchcock is the nerdiest and oldest. Also Snell has singles (I'm a Snellian, so I'm biased.) Also there are more upperclassmen than other dorms.\n\nMax Palevsky and South Campus are both big and new and full of \"normal\" people (read: just nerds, not super-nerds). South is newer, Max is closer to campus.\n\nBJ is probably second nerdiest, with a bit more of an artsy bent. Old and cool-looking.\n\nI've heard that Maclean is depressing, and for whatever reason Breckenridge people are always cool, but I don't really know much about most of the other small dorms.\n\nOther than that: the biggest thing to be ready for is no longer being the smartest person in the room on every topic. You are clearly intelligent if you got into UChicago, but everyone else is too. Resist the temptation to have a crisis of confidence, and realize that everyone else is as intimidated by you as you are of them.\n\nAlso: bring cold weather gear. Walking to class through several inches of snow on a windy single-digit is miserable without the right clothes, and it'll be a pretty common occurrence. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "If by nerdiest, you mean interested in their houses and fellow housemates. It's no more nerdy than any other dorm. I'm a former Hitchcockian and Scav Captain, so I'm biased.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Hmmm. Which one are you... How many years ago were you a captain?", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "A few. Robin and Jeremy were resident heads at the time.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Yeah. Before my time.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "As an incoming freshman, what are some things I should know about U of C? . Hi r/uchicago,\n\nI was accepted early to this fine school and just made my deposit. What are some things you guys wish you knew when you first stepped on campus? Any hints/advice for a new freshman? \n\nPS: Filling out my housing form; what are the best dorms/where do you guys like to hang out? \n\nEDIT: Thank you all for your great responses, they've really been helpful in preparing in many ways for my next four years of life. Sorry it was so sporadic and took so long to check, school's been intense this last week, but luckily after this round of tests I'm scot free until... Chicago time. Hopefully I'll see you guys around there? How do redditors at U of C meet up anyway?", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Dorms depends a lot on what you're looking for. The super-stereotypical version:\n\nSnell-Hitchcock is the nerdiest and oldest. Also Snell has singles (I'm a Snellian, so I'm biased.) Also there are more upperclassmen than other dorms.\n\nMax Palevsky and South Campus are both big and new and full of \"normal\" people (read: just nerds, not super-nerds). South is newer, Max is closer to campus.\n\nBJ is probably second nerdiest, with a bit more of an artsy bent. Old and cool-looking.\n\nI've heard that Maclean is depressing, and for whatever reason Breckenridge people are always cool, but I don't really know much about most of the other small dorms.\n\nOther than that: the biggest thing to be ready for is no longer being the smartest person in the room on every topic. You are clearly intelligent if you got into UChicago, but everyone else is too. Resist the temptation to have a crisis of confidence, and realize that everyone else is as intimidated by you as you are of them.\n\nAlso: bring cold weather gear. Walking to class through several inches of snow on a windy single-digit is miserable without the right clothes, and it'll be a pretty common occurrence. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "If by nerdiest, you mean interested in their houses and fellow housemates. It's no more nerdy than any other dorm. I'm a former Hitchcockian and Scav Captain, so I'm biased.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "No, I mean nerdy in the sense that we are more likely to [start our own lecture series for fun](http://tearoomlecture.wordpress.com/) (sadly defunct) or stay up until 4am arguing about the proper response to various forms of apocalypse (nuclear, economic, zombie), and less likely to have large parties. Not that this doesn't happen in other dorms, but I think it's fair to say it's especially concentrated here. \n\nAnd, to be clear, I think it's a good thing. It's my favorite part of the dorm, and why I'm still here as a fourth year.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Yeah, but that's Snell. And Snell is weird, man. I graduated in '06. I loved all those bastards in Snatchcock. :)\n", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "As an incoming freshman, what are some things I should know about U of C? . Hi r/uchicago,\n\nI was accepted early to this fine school and just made my deposit. What are some things you guys wish you knew when you first stepped on campus? Any hints/advice for a new freshman? \n\nPS: Filling out my housing form; what are the best dorms/where do you guys like to hang out? \n\nEDIT: Thank you all for your great responses, they've really been helpful in preparing in many ways for my next four years of life. Sorry it was so sporadic and took so long to check, school's been intense this last week, but luckily after this round of tests I'm scot free until... Chicago time. Hopefully I'll see you guys around there? How do redditors at U of C meet up anyway?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Dorms depends a lot on what you're looking for. The super-stereotypical version:\n\nSnell-Hitchcock is the nerdiest and oldest. Also Snell has singles (I'm a Snellian, so I'm biased.) Also there are more upperclassmen than other dorms.\n\nMax Palevsky and South Campus are both big and new and full of \"normal\" people (read: just nerds, not super-nerds). South is newer, Max is closer to campus.\n\nBJ is probably second nerdiest, with a bit more of an artsy bent. Old and cool-looking.\n\nI've heard that Maclean is depressing, and for whatever reason Breckenridge people are always cool, but I don't really know much about most of the other small dorms.\n\nOther than that: the biggest thing to be ready for is no longer being the smartest person in the room on every topic. You are clearly intelligent if you got into UChicago, but everyone else is too. Resist the temptation to have a crisis of confidence, and realize that everyone else is as intimidated by you as you are of them.\n\nAlso: bring cold weather gear. Walking to class through several inches of snow on a windy single-digit is miserable without the right clothes, and it'll be a pretty common occurrence. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "I just have to say that Maclean may have been described as depressing a few years ago, but we've changed a LOT. We're now a pretty social dorm, and if you want a single, I would suggest choosing it. I moved out this year because of the cost, but I live about two blocks away from it and I still go there pretty often.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Thanks for the info! My sources are indeed a few years out of date, so I'd listen to you rather than me.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "As an incoming freshman, what are some things I should know about U of C? . Hi r/uchicago,\n\nI was accepted early to this fine school and just made my deposit. What are some things you guys wish you knew when you first stepped on campus? Any hints/advice for a new freshman? \n\nPS: Filling out my housing form; what are the best dorms/where do you guys like to hang out? \n\nEDIT: Thank you all for your great responses, they've really been helpful in preparing in many ways for my next four years of life. Sorry it was so sporadic and took so long to check, school's been intense this last week, but luckily after this round of tests I'm scot free until... Chicago time. Hopefully I'll see you guys around there? How do redditors at U of C meet up anyway?", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Dorms depends a lot on what you're looking for. The super-stereotypical version:\n\nSnell-Hitchcock is the nerdiest and oldest. Also Snell has singles (I'm a Snellian, so I'm biased.) Also there are more upperclassmen than other dorms.\n\nMax Palevsky and South Campus are both big and new and full of \"normal\" people (read: just nerds, not super-nerds). South is newer, Max is closer to campus.\n\nBJ is probably second nerdiest, with a bit more of an artsy bent. Old and cool-looking.\n\nI've heard that Maclean is depressing, and for whatever reason Breckenridge people are always cool, but I don't really know much about most of the other small dorms.\n\nOther than that: the biggest thing to be ready for is no longer being the smartest person in the room on every topic. You are clearly intelligent if you got into UChicago, but everyone else is too. Resist the temptation to have a crisis of confidence, and realize that everyone else is as intimidated by you as you are of them.\n\nAlso: bring cold weather gear. Walking to class through several inches of snow on a windy single-digit is miserable without the right clothes, and it'll be a pretty common occurrence. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "As someone who has lived in both Hitchcock and BJ, to add...\n\nBJ also has a lot of upperclassmen. Almost all singles, with a few huge double suites. The rooms are really big for freshman rooms. As it's an old building, it's a bit worn... smells a bit funny and the radiators clank in the middle of the night (sounds like trolls). \n\nHitchcock (can't speak too much for Snell) has a ton of house spirit. Everyone knows each other. Moving from a house in BJ (Linn-Mat) and Hitchcock, the biggest thing I noticed was that everyone was super friendly to me... Not that my former BJ housemates were cold, it's just because I wasn't close to them, most people in my house didn't say hi to me on the street. My hitch housemates started saying hi to me and being super nice before I moved in, even the ones who I'd only talked to a bit. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Hmm....I wonder who you are....", "role": "user" }, { "content": ":P", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "As an incoming freshman, what are some things I should know about U of C? . Hi r/uchicago,\n\nI was accepted early to this fine school and just made my deposit. What are some things you guys wish you knew when you first stepped on campus? Any hints/advice for a new freshman? \n\nPS: Filling out my housing form; what are the best dorms/where do you guys like to hang out? \n\nEDIT: Thank you all for your great responses, they've really been helpful in preparing in many ways for my next four years of life. Sorry it was so sporadic and took so long to check, school's been intense this last week, but luckily after this round of tests I'm scot free until... Chicago time. Hopefully I'll see you guys around there? How do redditors at U of C meet up anyway?", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Dorms depends a lot on what you're looking for. The super-stereotypical version:\n\nSnell-Hitchcock is the nerdiest and oldest. Also Snell has singles (I'm a Snellian, so I'm biased.) Also there are more upperclassmen than other dorms.\n\nMax Palevsky and South Campus are both big and new and full of \"normal\" people (read: just nerds, not super-nerds). South is newer, Max is closer to campus.\n\nBJ is probably second nerdiest, with a bit more of an artsy bent. Old and cool-looking.\n\nI've heard that Maclean is depressing, and for whatever reason Breckenridge people are always cool, but I don't really know much about most of the other small dorms.\n\nOther than that: the biggest thing to be ready for is no longer being the smartest person in the room on every topic. You are clearly intelligent if you got into UChicago, but everyone else is too. Resist the temptation to have a crisis of confidence, and realize that everyone else is as intimidated by you as you are of them.\n\nAlso: bring cold weather gear. Walking to class through several inches of snow on a windy single-digit is miserable without the right clothes, and it'll be a pretty common occurrence. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I'm also an incoming freshman. Which dorm has the best food? Which dorm has the best rooms? ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "As an incoming freshman, what are some things I should know about U of C? . Hi r/uchicago,\n\nI was accepted early to this fine school and just made my deposit. What are some things you guys wish you knew when you first stepped on campus? Any hints/advice for a new freshman? \n\nPS: Filling out my housing form; what are the best dorms/where do you guys like to hang out? \n\nEDIT: Thank you all for your great responses, they've really been helpful in preparing in many ways for my next four years of life. Sorry it was so sporadic and took so long to check, school's been intense this last week, but luckily after this round of tests I'm scot free until... Chicago time. Hopefully I'll see you guys around there? How do redditors at U of C meet up anyway?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Dorms depends a lot on what you're looking for. The super-stereotypical version:\n\nSnell-Hitchcock is the nerdiest and oldest. Also Snell has singles (I'm a Snellian, so I'm biased.) Also there are more upperclassmen than other dorms.\n\nMax Palevsky and South Campus are both big and new and full of \"normal\" people (read: just nerds, not super-nerds). South is newer, Max is closer to campus.\n\nBJ is probably second nerdiest, with a bit more of an artsy bent. Old and cool-looking.\n\nI've heard that Maclean is depressing, and for whatever reason Breckenridge people are always cool, but I don't really know much about most of the other small dorms.\n\nOther than that: the biggest thing to be ready for is no longer being the smartest person in the room on every topic. You are clearly intelligent if you got into UChicago, but everyone else is too. Resist the temptation to have a crisis of confidence, and realize that everyone else is as intimidated by you as you are of them.\n\nAlso: bring cold weather gear. Walking to class through several inches of snow on a windy single-digit is miserable without the right clothes, and it'll be a pretty common occurrence. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Thanks for the advice. How was/is living in such an old dorm? Which dorm do you live in now? And are the winters really as bad as they are made out to be?", "role": "user" }, { "content": ">And are the winters really as bad as they are made out to be?\n\nAH HA HA HA HA HA HA. Hoo, you're funny. I don't know where you are, but if you have to ask that question, don't buy a coat until you're in Chicago because they don't make coats for this climate where you are.\n\nThe serious answer is that the winters are not too bad, as we rarely get a meter of snow in a winter and temperatures are rarely below 0 F for more than a few days at a time.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "As an incoming freshman, what are some things I should know about U of C? . Hi r/uchicago,\n\nI was accepted early to this fine school and just made my deposit. What are some things you guys wish you knew when you first stepped on campus? Any hints/advice for a new freshman? \n\nPS: Filling out my housing form; what are the best dorms/where do you guys like to hang out? \n\nEDIT: Thank you all for your great responses, they've really been helpful in preparing in many ways for my next four years of life. Sorry it was so sporadic and took so long to check, school's been intense this last week, but luckily after this round of tests I'm scot free until... Chicago time. Hopefully I'll see you guys around there? How do redditors at U of C meet up anyway?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Dorms depends a lot on what you're looking for. The super-stereotypical version:\n\nSnell-Hitchcock is the nerdiest and oldest. Also Snell has singles (I'm a Snellian, so I'm biased.) Also there are more upperclassmen than other dorms.\n\nMax Palevsky and South Campus are both big and new and full of \"normal\" people (read: just nerds, not super-nerds). South is newer, Max is closer to campus.\n\nBJ is probably second nerdiest, with a bit more of an artsy bent. Old and cool-looking.\n\nI've heard that Maclean is depressing, and for whatever reason Breckenridge people are always cool, but I don't really know much about most of the other small dorms.\n\nOther than that: the biggest thing to be ready for is no longer being the smartest person in the room on every topic. You are clearly intelligent if you got into UChicago, but everyone else is too. Resist the temptation to have a crisis of confidence, and realize that everyone else is as intimidated by you as you are of them.\n\nAlso: bring cold weather gear. Walking to class through several inches of snow on a windy single-digit is miserable without the right clothes, and it'll be a pretty common occurrence. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Thanks for the advice. How was/is living in such an old dorm? Which dorm do you live in now? And are the winters really as bad as they are made out to be?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I'm still in Snell. I love it here (mostly for the culture). It's in a pretty reasonable state of repair, but it's not as nice as the newer dorms. It has a lot more character though, if you care about that sort of thing.\n\nWhether you think the winters are bad depends on where you're from. It's no worse than other parts of the upper midwest. It'll stay between 10 degrees and 30 degrees farenheit most of the winter, although it can get significantly colder on occasion.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "As an incoming freshman, what are some things I should know about U of C? . Hi r/uchicago,\n\nI was accepted early to this fine school and just made my deposit. What are some things you guys wish you knew when you first stepped on campus? Any hints/advice for a new freshman? \n\nPS: Filling out my housing form; what are the best dorms/where do you guys like to hang out? \n\nEDIT: Thank you all for your great responses, they've really been helpful in preparing in many ways for my next four years of life. Sorry it was so sporadic and took so long to check, school's been intense this last week, but luckily after this round of tests I'm scot free until... Chicago time. Hopefully I'll see you guys around there? How do redditors at U of C meet up anyway?", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Dorms depends a lot on what you're looking for. The super-stereotypical version:\n\nSnell-Hitchcock is the nerdiest and oldest. Also Snell has singles (I'm a Snellian, so I'm biased.) Also there are more upperclassmen than other dorms.\n\nMax Palevsky and South Campus are both big and new and full of \"normal\" people (read: just nerds, not super-nerds). South is newer, Max is closer to campus.\n\nBJ is probably second nerdiest, with a bit more of an artsy bent. Old and cool-looking.\n\nI've heard that Maclean is depressing, and for whatever reason Breckenridge people are always cool, but I don't really know much about most of the other small dorms.\n\nOther than that: the biggest thing to be ready for is no longer being the smartest person in the room on every topic. You are clearly intelligent if you got into UChicago, but everyone else is too. Resist the temptation to have a crisis of confidence, and realize that everyone else is as intimidated by you as you are of them.\n\nAlso: bring cold weather gear. Walking to class through several inches of snow on a windy single-digit is miserable without the right clothes, and it'll be a pretty common occurrence. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I stayed at Stony Island when I was there (this is more of an upperclassman/transfer student dorm, though.). The rooms are very nice and new looking. It does have its own community, but most people kinda do their own thing. I liked it because it was quiet and somewhat isolated from the rest of the campus. There's also a *great* view of the museum and lake if you're on either the 4th or 5th floors.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "As an incoming freshman, what are some things I should know about U of C? . Hi r/uchicago,\n\nI was accepted early to this fine school and just made my deposit. What are some things you guys wish you knew when you first stepped on campus? Any hints/advice for a new freshman? \n\nPS: Filling out my housing form; what are the best dorms/where do you guys like to hang out? \n\nEDIT: Thank you all for your great responses, they've really been helpful in preparing in many ways for my next four years of life. Sorry it was so sporadic and took so long to check, school's been intense this last week, but luckily after this round of tests I'm scot free until... Chicago time. Hopefully I'll see you guys around there? How do redditors at U of C meet up anyway?", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Dorms depends a lot on what you're looking for. The super-stereotypical version:\n\nSnell-Hitchcock is the nerdiest and oldest. Also Snell has singles (I'm a Snellian, so I'm biased.) Also there are more upperclassmen than other dorms.\n\nMax Palevsky and South Campus are both big and new and full of \"normal\" people (read: just nerds, not super-nerds). South is newer, Max is closer to campus.\n\nBJ is probably second nerdiest, with a bit more of an artsy bent. Old and cool-looking.\n\nI've heard that Maclean is depressing, and for whatever reason Breckenridge people are always cool, but I don't really know much about most of the other small dorms.\n\nOther than that: the biggest thing to be ready for is no longer being the smartest person in the room on every topic. You are clearly intelligent if you got into UChicago, but everyone else is too. Resist the temptation to have a crisis of confidence, and realize that everyone else is as intimidated by you as you are of them.\n\nAlso: bring cold weather gear. Walking to class through several inches of snow on a windy single-digit is miserable without the right clothes, and it'll be a pretty common occurrence. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "When I was there (graduated in '99) Maclean was awesome. There's only 1 double in Maclean, the rest are all singles. It's not as far away as everyone says, there's a great big, (though occasionally gross) kitchen.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "As an incoming freshman, what are some things I should know about U of C? . Hi r/uchicago,\n\nI was accepted early to this fine school and just made my deposit. What are some things you guys wish you knew when you first stepped on campus? Any hints/advice for a new freshman? \n\nPS: Filling out my housing form; what are the best dorms/where do you guys like to hang out? \n\nEDIT: Thank you all for your great responses, they've really been helpful in preparing in many ways for my next four years of life. Sorry it was so sporadic and took so long to check, school's been intense this last week, but luckily after this round of tests I'm scot free until... Chicago time. Hopefully I'll see you guys around there? How do redditors at U of C meet up anyway?", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "There's plenty of socializing to do, anyone who says you \"can't\" go out for fun is just a shut in. \n\nFrats suck. Get friends and party with *them*\n\nIf you have a guitar, don't take it to social events. Don't be that guy.\n\nFind a good club. RSO we call them. Keeps you regular", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I agree with this. Your house is a great source of friends, but shouldn't be your ONLY source. Also, get a job! ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "As an incoming freshman, what are some things I should know about U of C? . Hi r/uchicago,\n\nI was accepted early to this fine school and just made my deposit. What are some things you guys wish you knew when you first stepped on campus? Any hints/advice for a new freshman? \n\nPS: Filling out my housing form; what are the best dorms/where do you guys like to hang out? \n\nEDIT: Thank you all for your great responses, they've really been helpful in preparing in many ways for my next four years of life. Sorry it was so sporadic and took so long to check, school's been intense this last week, but luckily after this round of tests I'm scot free until... Chicago time. Hopefully I'll see you guys around there? How do redditors at U of C meet up anyway?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "There's plenty of socializing to do, anyone who says you \"can't\" go out for fun is just a shut in. \n\nFrats suck. Get friends and party with *them*\n\nIf you have a guitar, don't take it to social events. Don't be that guy.\n\nFind a good club. RSO we call them. Keeps you regular", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "What does RSO stand for?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "registered student organization", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "As an incoming freshman, what are some things I should know about U of C? . Hi r/uchicago,\n\nI was accepted early to this fine school and just made my deposit. What are some things you guys wish you knew when you first stepped on campus? Any hints/advice for a new freshman? \n\nPS: Filling out my housing form; what are the best dorms/where do you guys like to hang out? \n\nEDIT: Thank you all for your great responses, they've really been helpful in preparing in many ways for my next four years of life. Sorry it was so sporadic and took so long to check, school's been intense this last week, but luckily after this round of tests I'm scot free until... Chicago time. Hopefully I'll see you guys around there? How do redditors at U of C meet up anyway?", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "There's plenty of socializing to do, anyone who says you \"can't\" go out for fun is just a shut in. \n\nFrats suck. Get friends and party with *them*\n\nIf you have a guitar, don't take it to social events. Don't be that guy.\n\nFind a good club. RSO we call them. Keeps you regular", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Respectfully disagree. I'm in a fraternity at UoC and it has been one of the best decisions I have made. Really fun and the friends you make in a fraternity are great. \n\nAlthough I agree that you shouldn't go to a fraternity party (or any party for that matter) without other people you know. And eventually, once you have more friends here, you'll start getting invited to apartment parties as well. ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "As an incoming freshman, what are some things I should know about U of C? . Hi r/uchicago,\n\nI was accepted early to this fine school and just made my deposit. What are some things you guys wish you knew when you first stepped on campus? Any hints/advice for a new freshman? \n\nPS: Filling out my housing form; what are the best dorms/where do you guys like to hang out? \n\nEDIT: Thank you all for your great responses, they've really been helpful in preparing in many ways for my next four years of life. Sorry it was so sporadic and took so long to check, school's been intense this last week, but luckily after this round of tests I'm scot free until... Chicago time. Hopefully I'll see you guys around there? How do redditors at U of C meet up anyway?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Don't come in with your cute first year pretensions. Noone cares. The school will beat it out of you anyways, so don't be that guy before you get a chance.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Wait, so what do we come in with? o.O", "role": "user" }, { "content": "An open mind. Also, highlighters. Several colors.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "As an incoming freshman, what are some things I should know about U of C? . Hi r/uchicago,\n\nI was accepted early to this fine school and just made my deposit. What are some things you guys wish you knew when you first stepped on campus? Any hints/advice for a new freshman? \n\nPS: Filling out my housing form; what are the best dorms/where do you guys like to hang out? \n\nEDIT: Thank you all for your great responses, they've really been helpful in preparing in many ways for my next four years of life. Sorry it was so sporadic and took so long to check, school's been intense this last week, but luckily after this round of tests I'm scot free until... Chicago time. Hopefully I'll see you guys around there? How do redditors at U of C meet up anyway?", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Work for Bob James in Mandel Hall.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "What does he do?", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "He puts the man in Mandel. Or something like that. (He's the Mandel Hall manager) Bob's awesome and I've really appreciated having him around when I worked shows at Mandel.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Perhaps I should ask why should we/I work for him xD", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "I certainly can't speak for DirtPile, but I'd guess, from having worked with him (briefly), that he'd make a cool boss for a bit of student work... and working at Madel Hall would be a total diversion from whatever you're ~~concentrating~~ majoring in. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Interesting; I'll keep it in mind.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Hey, either way -- good luck and welcome to the UofC!", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I'm still not 100% sure if I'll end up here (financial aid & waiting on a few other colleges), but it looks like an amazing place to be; thank you!", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "As an incoming freshman, what are some things I should know about U of C? . Hi r/uchicago,\n\nI was accepted early to this fine school and just made my deposit. What are some things you guys wish you knew when you first stepped on campus? Any hints/advice for a new freshman? \n\nPS: Filling out my housing form; what are the best dorms/where do you guys like to hang out? \n\nEDIT: Thank you all for your great responses, they've really been helpful in preparing in many ways for my next four years of life. Sorry it was so sporadic and took so long to check, school's been intense this last week, but luckily after this round of tests I'm scot free until... Chicago time. Hopefully I'll see you guys around there? How do redditors at U of C meet up anyway?", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Work for Bob James in Mandel Hall.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "What does he do?", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "He puts the man in Mandel. Or something like that. (He's the Mandel Hall manager) Bob's awesome and I've really appreciated having him around when I worked shows at Mandel.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Waffles?", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "As an incoming freshman, what are some things I should know about U of C? . Hi r/uchicago,\n\nI was accepted early to this fine school and just made my deposit. What are some things you guys wish you knew when you first stepped on campus? Any hints/advice for a new freshman? \n\nPS: Filling out my housing form; what are the best dorms/where do you guys like to hang out? \n\nEDIT: Thank you all for your great responses, they've really been helpful in preparing in many ways for my next four years of life. Sorry it was so sporadic and took so long to check, school's been intense this last week, but luckily after this round of tests I'm scot free until... Chicago time. Hopefully I'll see you guys around there? How do redditors at U of C meet up anyway?", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "So what do you guys mean when you talk about everyone being \"nerdy\"? I understood there would be some different interests on campus and that people would be a little socially awkward but how much does that impede on socializing and making friends? ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "It means that people are more likely than average Americans to be interested in academic topics, as well as things like roleplaying games and science fiction. It also does mean that the average level of social skills is somewhat below the norm.\n\nThat said, it's not like we're a separate species. There are still lots of parties, and even people whose social lives revolve around parties. (Though I think they are outnumbered by people whose social lives revolve around clubs or dorms.) There is a percentage of people who just don't make friends at all, because they are too busy studying, but they are (I think) in the minority. And more importantly, I don't think you're ever *forced* to become one of those people. (Unless maybe you're a pre-med. That shit's rough.)\n\nIn my personal case, I have a very good social life, mostly built around my dorm common room and the various clubs I'm in. I think the best piece of advice is to look for the group of people that makes you feel at home. If you don't like your dorm-mates, join some clubs or go to some parties. There's no single UChicago personality type, and I think almost anyone can find a place they fit in.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "As an incoming freshman, what are some things I should know about U of C? . Hi r/uchicago,\n\nI was accepted early to this fine school and just made my deposit. What are some things you guys wish you knew when you first stepped on campus? Any hints/advice for a new freshman? \n\nPS: Filling out my housing form; what are the best dorms/where do you guys like to hang out? \n\nEDIT: Thank you all for your great responses, they've really been helpful in preparing in many ways for my next four years of life. Sorry it was so sporadic and took so long to check, school's been intense this last week, but luckily after this round of tests I'm scot free until... Chicago time. Hopefully I'll see you guys around there? How do redditors at U of C meet up anyway?", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "So what do you guys mean when you talk about everyone being \"nerdy\"? I understood there would be some different interests on campus and that people would be a little socially awkward but how much does that impede on socializing and making friends? ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "The U of C has become more and more \"normal\" in recent years. With every new class, the image of being \"secluded, super-smart and quirky\" is being shed.\n\nWhen we say that we're \"nerdy,\" we just mean that everyone you meet on campus will be at least as smart as you are. You'll find this at any top school. But that doesn't mean that we're inside studying all day long; fun won't find you, but you can find it if you try. Same goes for friends; you'll make great friends if you try.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "As an incoming freshman, what are some things I should know about U of C? . Hi r/uchicago,\n\nI was accepted early to this fine school and just made my deposit. What are some things you guys wish you knew when you first stepped on campus? Any hints/advice for a new freshman? \n\nPS: Filling out my housing form; what are the best dorms/where do you guys like to hang out? \n\nEDIT: Thank you all for your great responses, they've really been helpful in preparing in many ways for my next four years of life. Sorry it was so sporadic and took so long to check, school's been intense this last week, but luckily after this round of tests I'm scot free until... Chicago time. Hopefully I'll see you guys around there? How do redditors at U of C meet up anyway?", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "First day you move in, knock out the biggest dude on your floor. People respect that shit here.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "not sure if serious; don't want to make enemies :s", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "As an incoming freshman, what are some things I should know about U of C? . Hi r/uchicago,\n\nI was accepted early to this fine school and just made my deposit. What are some things you guys wish you knew when you first stepped on campus? Any hints/advice for a new freshman? \n\nPS: Filling out my housing form; what are the best dorms/where do you guys like to hang out? \n\nEDIT: Thank you all for your great responses, they've really been helpful in preparing in many ways for my next four years of life. Sorry it was so sporadic and took so long to check, school's been intense this last week, but luckily after this round of tests I'm scot free until... Chicago time. Hopefully I'll see you guys around there? How do redditors at U of C meet up anyway?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Don't worry too much about the dorms unless you plan to spend a majority of your time in them. A lot of social life happens there, but it also occurs at other places such as the gym, theater, classes, dining halls. If you find a club or group of friends that you enjoy, stick with them. \n\nYou'll have a lot to say when you get there- challenge yourself to listen first, no matter who or what is going on. And never feel pressured to know it all, but strive to want to know more. \n\nFinally, like I tell everyone I interview for the college: make one thing a constant every day, week, month, year. And if you come away your first year not knowing what you want to do in life, that's okay. You'll be just fine. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "I'm several years out of school and I'm still not sure what I want to do in life (but getting closer). ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "It took me a over a decade to figure out what I wanted. In hindsight I still feel like my Chicago education did more for me in reflection than in the immediate. ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "As an incoming freshman, what are some things I should know about U of C? . Hi r/uchicago,\n\nI was accepted early to this fine school and just made my deposit. What are some things you guys wish you knew when you first stepped on campus? Any hints/advice for a new freshman? \n\nPS: Filling out my housing form; what are the best dorms/where do you guys like to hang out? \n\nEDIT: Thank you all for your great responses, they've really been helpful in preparing in many ways for my next four years of life. Sorry it was so sporadic and took so long to check, school's been intense this last week, but luckily after this round of tests I'm scot free until... Chicago time. Hopefully I'll see you guys around there? How do redditors at U of C meet up anyway?", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "I'm going to paraphrase something that someone had posted on a FB group and thought it was really good advice:\n\nParticularly during O-Week (but throughout your first year), just learn to say yes to everything. Dorm activity coming up? Some people you just met invite you to go with them to a party? Some RSO you aren't sure about checking out? \n\nThe word \"No\" is your worst enemy.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "This. The more you get yourself out there, the better it gets in the long-run. Once things get going in the school year, it can be harder to find the time to get out of your rut/groove, so start early and try everything you can.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "As an incoming freshman, what are some things I should know about U of C? . Hi r/uchicago,\n\nI was accepted early to this fine school and just made my deposit. What are some things you guys wish you knew when you first stepped on campus? Any hints/advice for a new freshman? \n\nPS: Filling out my housing form; what are the best dorms/where do you guys like to hang out? \n\nEDIT: Thank you all for your great responses, they've really been helpful in preparing in many ways for my next four years of life. Sorry it was so sporadic and took so long to check, school's been intense this last week, but luckily after this round of tests I'm scot free until... Chicago time. Hopefully I'll see you guys around there? How do redditors at U of C meet up anyway?", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "If you're actually going, here are a couple helpful things to do in the *two or so months before you enter school*:\n1. Review whatever foreign language you're trying to place into at least a little bit.\n2. Review calculus.\n3. Remember how to swim.\n4. Run, do pushups, and stretch.\n\nThe reason for this: they have placement tests during O-week and you want to place as high as possible. A little bit of reviewing and preparing might get you a quarter or two of extra stuff and that is worthwhile. Some people have to do an entire year of PE. That is lame. The tiniest bit of preparation will get rid of most of the requirement.\n\nAs for dorms, it's been a while since I've been there, but here's something that's probably still true: the dorms besides Max P have character. Max P is fine, really, but it's just where a large proportion of people wind up. Also, nobody stays in Max P all 4 years. Max P is fine, don't worry if you end up there, and you'll probably make a lot of great friends and it's right on campus. \n\nAlso, I highly recommend majoring in mathematics. Just do it. Trust me. It combines well with whatever other major you're thinking of doing.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "As someone who is currently doubling math with political science, I very much agree.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "As an incoming freshman, what are some things I should know about U of C? . Hi r/uchicago,\n\nI was accepted early to this fine school and just made my deposit. What are some things you guys wish you knew when you first stepped on campus? Any hints/advice for a new freshman? \n\nPS: Filling out my housing form; what are the best dorms/where do you guys like to hang out? \n\nEDIT: Thank you all for your great responses, they've really been helpful in preparing in many ways for my next four years of life. Sorry it was so sporadic and took so long to check, school's been intense this last week, but luckily after this round of tests I'm scot free until... Chicago time. Hopefully I'll see you guys around there? How do redditors at U of C meet up anyway?", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "If you're actually going, here are a couple helpful things to do in the *two or so months before you enter school*:\n1. Review whatever foreign language you're trying to place into at least a little bit.\n2. Review calculus.\n3. Remember how to swim.\n4. Run, do pushups, and stretch.\n\nThe reason for this: they have placement tests during O-week and you want to place as high as possible. A little bit of reviewing and preparing might get you a quarter or two of extra stuff and that is worthwhile. Some people have to do an entire year of PE. That is lame. The tiniest bit of preparation will get rid of most of the requirement.\n\nAs for dorms, it's been a while since I've been there, but here's something that's probably still true: the dorms besides Max P have character. Max P is fine, really, but it's just where a large proportion of people wind up. Also, nobody stays in Max P all 4 years. Max P is fine, don't worry if you end up there, and you'll probably make a lot of great friends and it's right on campus. \n\nAlso, I highly recommend majoring in mathematics. Just do it. Trust me. It combines well with whatever other major you're thinking of doing.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "+1 -- that's some wise advice.\n\nI don't regret much about college, but the above comment definitely nails what I do regret – I wish I'd spent some more time at the gym the summer before my first year at the UofC and reviewing my Spanish would have been really helpful too. Doing both of those would have saved me a little time and hassle. ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "As an incoming freshman, what are some things I should know about U of C? . Hi r/uchicago,\n\nI was accepted early to this fine school and just made my deposit. What are some things you guys wish you knew when you first stepped on campus? Any hints/advice for a new freshman? \n\nPS: Filling out my housing form; what are the best dorms/where do you guys like to hang out? \n\nEDIT: Thank you all for your great responses, they've really been helpful in preparing in many ways for my next four years of life. Sorry it was so sporadic and took so long to check, school's been intense this last week, but luckily after this round of tests I'm scot free until... Chicago time. Hopefully I'll see you guys around there? How do redditors at U of C meet up anyway?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "If you're actually going, here are a couple helpful things to do in the *two or so months before you enter school*:\n1. Review whatever foreign language you're trying to place into at least a little bit.\n2. Review calculus.\n3. Remember how to swim.\n4. Run, do pushups, and stretch.\n\nThe reason for this: they have placement tests during O-week and you want to place as high as possible. A little bit of reviewing and preparing might get you a quarter or two of extra stuff and that is worthwhile. Some people have to do an entire year of PE. That is lame. The tiniest bit of preparation will get rid of most of the requirement.\n\nAs for dorms, it's been a while since I've been there, but here's something that's probably still true: the dorms besides Max P have character. Max P is fine, really, but it's just where a large proportion of people wind up. Also, nobody stays in Max P all 4 years. Max P is fine, don't worry if you end up there, and you'll probably make a lot of great friends and it's right on campus. \n\nAlso, I highly recommend majoring in mathematics. Just do it. Trust me. It combines well with whatever other major you're thinking of doing.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Looks like I'm spending the summer at the gym / pool... I think I'm ok for calculus, but totally screwed for foreign language. Maybe I can watch a shit load of asian dramas and learn chinese :)", "role": "user" }, { "content": "If you think you're okay for calculus, seriously, do some review so you're better than okay. If you don't have any foreign language, don't bother to try to learn one. You also don't need to spend all summer at the pool unless you can't swim at all. You just need to be able to go back and forth across the pool a couple times.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Olympic sized pool?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I don't know what the situation is now, the current pool (which is olympic-size, yes) postdates my first year significantly. We had to go three lengths of a smaller pool. Perhaps that's two lengths of an olympic pool. I'm sure the website will tell you more.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "As an incoming freshman, what are some things I should know about U of C? . Hi r/uchicago,\n\nI was accepted early to this fine school and just made my deposit. What are some things you guys wish you knew when you first stepped on campus? Any hints/advice for a new freshman? \n\nPS: Filling out my housing form; what are the best dorms/where do you guys like to hang out? \n\nEDIT: Thank you all for your great responses, they've really been helpful in preparing in many ways for my next four years of life. Sorry it was so sporadic and took so long to check, school's been intense this last week, but luckily after this round of tests I'm scot free until... Chicago time. Hopefully I'll see you guys around there? How do redditors at U of C meet up anyway?", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Something I really wish I knew my first year: don't be Vegeta. What I mean is that, as someone else probably mentioned, come to terms that you aren't the smartest kid in your school anymore. Know what your boundries are. **Don't take classes that will strain you too much.** My first four quarters, I killed myself in work, taking sosc and hume at the same time in addition to honors calc and honors physics. One of those combos is hard work, but doable. Both can be straining on your sanity, although possibly if you're willing to work a lot. I got okay, but not fantastic grades. Then I took 2 honors classes and a physics class my fall quarter of 2nd year... this killed me. One of the classes (math) was far too much work and it hurt the rest of my grades. I did poorly in 3/4 classes. Same thing happened for both of my friends in that math class. Granted this won't happen for everyone, a majority of people can't handle that. It's okay to not be the best at everything... just know your limits and don't bash your skull trying to break through. Vegeta never could beat Goku, regardless of how hard he trained. Don't be Vegeta and keep fucking yourself over to beat the natural geniuses (Goku). For the first time, I'm taking an easier course load and it's awesome; I can actually focus on the stuff I want to focus on!\n\nOn that note, if you are not planning on going into pure mathematics, I suggest against taking honors calc (160s). The math department will try to tell you otherwise and lure you into it, telling you it's the gem of the department... Instead go straight into 199 (intro to analysis) or take 153 (last quarter of regular calc) and then 199, and then take analysis (non-accelerated). Save yourself pain unless the material is genuinely fascinating and you have the time!", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Good advice, although I would say that if you have any possible interest, at all, in studying math, you should at least give 160s a shot. Thanks to the wonders of the math department, you're allowed to drop down until halfway through the quarter.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "As an incoming freshman, what are some things I should know about U of C? . Hi r/uchicago,\n\nI was accepted early to this fine school and just made my deposit. What are some things you guys wish you knew when you first stepped on campus? Any hints/advice for a new freshman? \n\nPS: Filling out my housing form; what are the best dorms/where do you guys like to hang out? \n\nEDIT: Thank you all for your great responses, they've really been helpful in preparing in many ways for my next four years of life. Sorry it was so sporadic and took so long to check, school's been intense this last week, but luckily after this round of tests I'm scot free until... Chicago time. Hopefully I'll see you guys around there? How do redditors at U of C meet up anyway?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Anyone have the physical education requirements?", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Interested in law or legal issues? Submit to the brand new UChicago Undergraduate Law Review! . ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Just what the world needs: another non-peer reviewed law journal edited by students with zero expertise in the field, read only by the precise adjunct professors who desperately need publications in their CVs for a chance to roll the dice at tenure. It's bad enough when run by law students, but this will be a joke if it is noticed at all by the profession.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "In the words of St. John The Baptist: \"go fuck yourself\"", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Political figures to visit campus for 2012: Is there a Mic Check going? Want to go boo some people?. I plan on going and yelling shit at Rahm Emmanuel since he's turned out to be an even bigger prick than Daley. Wanna join me?\n\nEDIT: I see all of us take ourselves too seriously", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Nah, I'd rather keep the fact that I'm a moron a secret. But if you want to let the world know about your own dumbassery, go ahead. Maybe you can even convince some naive freshman that you're a bold political activist and get some head out of it.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "They all suck and he'd be replaced by someone even worse even if he was gotten rid of. I do shit like this for kicks mostly. Sorry if I had to stop your high horse on the way to the ivory tower.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Haha, nah. I'm all for doing dumb shit for kicks. I'm also a fan of calling people who do dumb shit morons.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Beat me at my own game. I tip my hat to you.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "And I nod approvingly in your direction.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Political figures to visit campus for 2012: Is there a Mic Check going? Want to go boo some people?. I plan on going and yelling shit at Rahm Emmanuel since he's turned out to be an even bigger prick than Daley. Wanna join me?\n\nEDIT: I see all of us take ourselves too seriously", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Nah, I'd rather keep the fact that I'm a moron a secret. But if you want to let the world know about your own dumbassery, go ahead. Maybe you can even convince some naive freshman that you're a bold political activist and get some head out of it.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "They all suck and he'd be replaced by someone even worse even if he was gotten rid of. I do shit like this for kicks mostly. Sorry if I had to stop your high horse on the way to the ivory tower.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Haha, nah. I'm all for doing dumb shit for kicks. I'm also a fan of calling people who do dumb shit morons.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Beat me at my own game. I tip my hat to you.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Hat? You mean dunce cap?", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Political figures to visit campus for 2012: Is there a Mic Check going? Want to go boo some people?. I plan on going and yelling shit at Rahm Emmanuel since he's turned out to be an even bigger prick than Daley. Wanna join me?\n\nEDIT: I see all of us take ourselves too seriously", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Really? Booing and yelling shit is probably the least productive thing you could do. ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Political figures to visit campus for 2012: Is there a Mic Check going? Want to go boo some people?. I plan on going and yelling shit at Rahm Emmanuel since he's turned out to be an even bigger prick than Daley. Wanna join me?\n\nEDIT: I see all of us take ourselves too seriously", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I'm all for political activism, but please don't do this.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Political figures to visit campus for 2012: Is there a Mic Check going? Want to go boo some people?. I plan on going and yelling shit at Rahm Emmanuel since he's turned out to be an even bigger prick than Daley. Wanna join me?\n\nEDIT: I see all of us take ourselves too seriously", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Please don't be that guy.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Political figures to visit campus for 2012: Is there a Mic Check going? Want to go boo some people?. I plan on going and yelling shit at Rahm Emmanuel since he's turned out to be an even bigger prick than Daley. Wanna join me?\n\nEDIT: I see all of us take ourselves too seriously", "role": "user" }, { "content": "You, you show 'em. You just yell loud enough and I bet he'll break down sobbing and confess that he's a bad person.\n\n**TL;DR:** fuck you", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "A U of C professor is running for Congress. If you're interested in grassroots, progressive politics check it out.. We'll be canvassing in Hyde Park this Saturday and around the district thereafter. LINK: \nhttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Students-for-Ray-Lodato/304782346224378", "role": "user" }, { "content": "If he's as shitty as Obama, no thanks.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Dragon Dance: ULTIMATE SWAG (xpost from /chicago). ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Are you guys still doing the International Foods Fest?", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Is it better to live on on-campus graduate housing or is it better to live off-campus?. http://rs.uchicago.edu/graduate_housing/index.shtml\n\nAlso, is the region south of 60th Street really dangerous?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "It depends. If you can't get a chance to come here and go apartment hunting, the university's housing is more reliable--don't ever rent private apartments without seeing them, but the Univ typically keeps things in good working order. I believe that you can put down a deposit and get it back if you end up living somewhere else.\n\nEDIT: note that none of the places in your link are actually \"on-campus,\" just \"university-owned.\"\n\nIf you have the time/ability to go apartment hunting, you can often get a better value for your money, but you might get a flaky landlord who doesn't really repair things in a timely manner. \n\nSo tl;dr: there's a trade-off between UC housing and private.\n\nSouth of 60th isn't dangerous (there's an undergrad dorm south of 60th), but stay north of 64th (maybe 63rd). The neighborhood changes pretty fast. No matter where you live, walk on busy, well-lit streets, cross the midway at the intersections (and not where it's hard to see you from the road), and avoid walking alone very late at night (there are shuttles and stuff for very late nights). ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Is it better to live on on-campus graduate housing or is it better to live off-campus?. http://rs.uchicago.edu/graduate_housing/index.shtml\n\nAlso, is the region south of 60th Street really dangerous?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Though it isn't too dangerous south of 60th, there isn't a convenient grocery store. If anything, go more north than south, as there are shuttles at night and buses during the day. And there is Hyde Park Produce on 53rd and Kimbark and Treasure Island on 55th and Lake Park. \n\nI think university housing is pretty decent. It's definitely more expensive than sharing an apartment, but if you're looking at a studio or 1 bedroom, I would go with university housing. Especially if you can't visit to look at apartments. I've had mixed luck with landlords here. There's a big management company, MAC Apartments, that really doesn't do a good job. Avoid MAC apartments if you can. It might do you well to sublet a place initially (super cheap) and look while you're here. Don't agree to anything without seeing the actual place. I've seen many ads with the same pictures used for entirely different apartments. Also, air conditioning is a huge plus-- summer is so hot!", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Is it better to live on on-campus graduate housing or is it better to live off-campus?. http://rs.uchicago.edu/graduate_housing/index.shtml\n\nAlso, is the region south of 60th Street really dangerous?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I can't add much to what everyone else said, but I can relate my experience. I live in U of C owned grad housing, and I really like it. The rent is a little higher, though, and in a few years I might do some research and move to a privately owned one that is just as good and cheaper.\n\nFor me, I was in a crunch in moving to Hyde Park. I thought I was going to move in August, but it turned out I had to move in June. I didn't have time to look for private housing, so the U of C housing really came in handy. I gave them preferences for location and pet-friendly, and they came through.\n\nSo, my advice is, if you don't have a chance to do a thorough look for good, private housing, you can't go wrong with U of C housing. \n\nI live at 53rd and Kimbark, and am really happy. The building super is really great, and I like my neighbors (the ones I've met). It never gets too loud because its a bunch of grad students studying. They are also really good about fixing stuff. ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Is it better to live on on-campus graduate housing or is it better to live off-campus?. http://rs.uchicago.edu/graduate_housing/index.shtml\n\nAlso, is the region south of 60th Street really dangerous?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Living South of 60th kind of sucks. The one on Greenwood is nice because it is close and has a parking lot if you need that. 51st is a tad far but there are buses to campus. \n\nIt is cheaper to live in an off campus apartment but dealing with people who aren't the university can be sketchy. I think living north of The Midway is much better than the alternative... unless you're going to the law school.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Is it better to live on on-campus graduate housing or is it better to live off-campus?. http://rs.uchicago.edu/graduate_housing/index.shtml\n\nAlso, is the region south of 60th Street really dangerous?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "If you do end up going off-campus, I would highly recommend avoiding MAC property management. This is rather difficult to do, since they own a lot of the affordable apartments that students end up renting; however, as a former MAC renter (2009-2010 academic year), I really wish I had done some more searching. You will not get your security deposit back (it is a move-in fee) and every interaction I had with the office took much longer than it should have. I found both their office and maintenance staff to be consistently apathetic and disrespectful... it's not worth the lower rent. ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Is it better to live on on-campus graduate housing or is it better to live off-campus?. http://rs.uchicago.edu/graduate_housing/index.shtml\n\nAlso, is the region south of 60th Street really dangerous?", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "I've lived in grad student housing south of 60th Street for 2 years now, and I've lived in apartments and dorms all over HP over the last 10 years. Of all those corners of the neighborhood, I've never felt as safe as I do here. If anything, it's *because* everyone is so scared of \"south of the Midway\" that the extra security measures down here are super reassuring -- blue emergency light every 1/3 of a block, public safety and ucpd cars driving around all night, a bunch of brand new buildings bringing more students into the area, etc... Plus, even though it's a \"higher crime\" area down here, the bad stuff has very little to do with me, whereas a higher proportion of the bad stuff that happens at 54th and Woodlawn is directed at people like me. I get this subtle sense that people at 62nd and Cottage are too busy doing bad things to one another to bother me, whereas if I'm walking at 9pm down 56th over by Dorchester, I wouldn't be surprised to run into someone whose premeditated purpose for being there was to mug the next person who walks by.\n\nAlso yes, grad student housing is mid-range in price -- there are many cheaper places -- but the reliably stellar management is reason enough for me to have settled here, and I wish I had done it sooner. And hey, living south of 60th is the cheapest way to do grad student housing -- I say go for it. True, the no grocery store thing is somewhat annoying, but I just wait til 6pm and hop on the UofC night buses that come every 10 or 20 minutes -- the south then the east bus together take me from my front door to a block away from both good grocery stores and straight back really conveniently. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "As someone who lives at 54th and Woodlawn...yes. For a neighborhood that's supposedly safer than south of the Midway, there sure do seem to be a lot of muggings right around here. It just helps to keep your head up and be aware of what's going on around you.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "How much does a $4500/year fellowship at UChicago help defray living costs for an incoming grad student?. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Most, if not all, of that money would probably go toward rent, unless they are housing you somewhere.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "How much does a $4500/year fellowship at UChicago help defray living costs for an incoming grad student?. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Depends on where you live. I don't know about grad student housing costs. Apartments in Hyde Park are about $500 per person per month on average. The more roommates you have, the more the price typically drops. You probably won't find something less than $400, and you probably won't find a single for less than $650.\n\nSo yeah, you can pretty much chalk all of that up to rent and in theory it will cover most of your rent, but probably not all of it.\n\nUtilities vary by apartment. I would estimate at least $50 per person per month, maybe more.\n\nFood prices are pretty normal for a big city. Definitely cheaper than New York. Probably more expensive than St. Louis.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "i know you.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "How much does a $4500/year fellowship at UChicago help defray living costs for an incoming grad student?. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "How big do you live? If you're smart about how you spend money, the typical graduate student stipend is enough to save up some cash. That's without the extra $4500.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "How much does a $4500/year fellowship at UChicago help defray living costs for an incoming grad student?. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I'm assuming this fellowship is on top of your stipend offer with all health/tuition costs taken care of already. I live in a pretty decent part of Hyde Park (two blocks from Lake Michigan), and I paid $650-700 a month for a studio with all utilities included. If I were doing a Ph.D. I'd probably opt for something a little better, so the monthly rent would be a bit higher. This is if I were single, which I'm not, so your mileage may vary there. $4500 a year is really not adequate for rent purposes–it comes to $375 a month. I'd make use of this money for essentials like phone/cable bills and public transit costs, and use the rest toward groceries. The Asian markets in Chicago are magnificent value for money.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Wow - thanks so much for the answer! And yeah - it is on top of my stipend offer.\n\nWhich Asian markets in Chicago would you recommend in particular?\n\nPS: Does Chicago have special dorms for grad students?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I would **strongly** vote for the [Broadway Supermarket](http://www.yelp.com/biz/broadway-supermarket-chicago). Stupidly good prices, ample selection, lots of quirky/interesting things to try out, and very conveniently located in terms of public transit as well. There is another in Chicago's Chinatown, but I prefer Broadway's prices and low-fi approach. Not much glamour but you get the goods. Can't ask for more.\n\nI know that Chicago does have graduate housing (I was a student in Chicago's MAPH last year; currently awaiting Ph.D. admissions etc.) However, the primary reason I opted not to go for that is cost, and a surprising lack of amenities. I found several graduate dorms to not have Wi-Fi, or perhaps some utilities would be missing, and so on. And as I mentioned, cost was a major factor for me. I'd urge you to check out your [options](http://rs.uchicago.edu/graduate_housing/index.shtml). If you're going for a Ph.D. I would focus on contacting people and finding out if any of the residences are heavier on Ph.D.s in your field, etc.–that would be a more natural fit.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "How much does a $4500/year fellowship at UChicago help defray living costs for an incoming grad student?. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Very little.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Here's hoping Donald Glover comes back soon.. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Concert first week of spring quarter!", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "How do UChicago students get to the airport and back?. So I'm looking at the Metra map and I'm srsly going \"WTF\"...\n\nWhat about the CTA Green Line to the CTA Blue Line?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Depends which airport. For O'Hare I take the 55 to the Red Line to the Blue Line or the six bus downtown to the Blue Line. For Midway we just hop on the 55 heading West. Of course some people choose to just take a cab (about $50 to O'Hare and $30 to Midway) or one of the various airport shuttles (some of which are Student Government sponsored during peak travel times). ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Ah yes - thanks! Isn't the intersection between the 55 and the Red Line really dangerous though?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Depends on time of day/how long you have to wait/whether you're traveling alone. You can get the stop number for the 55 and use the CTAbustracker texting service so that you can wait inside the station until a minute before the bus comes, so that you're not out there on the Dan Ryan in a shit neighbourhood by yourself. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Heh okay - good advice\n\nhaha what does \"Dan Ryan in a shit\" mean?", "role": "user" }, { "content": ">on the Dan Ryan in a shit neighbourhood\n\nThe dan ryan is the highway where the red line is, and he was saying it was a dangerous neighborhood. \n\nAt any rate, if you get on the 55 near campus and get off at the airport, you shouldn't have any trouble. Just sit with your stuff, it takes about an hour. \n", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "How do UChicago students get to the airport and back?. So I'm looking at the Metra map and I'm srsly going \"WTF\"...\n\nWhat about the CTA Green Line to the CTA Blue Line?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Depends which airport. For O'Hare I take the 55 to the Red Line to the Blue Line or the six bus downtown to the Blue Line. For Midway we just hop on the 55 heading West. Of course some people choose to just take a cab (about $50 to O'Hare and $30 to Midway) or one of the various airport shuttles (some of which are Student Government sponsored during peak travel times). ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Ah yes - thanks! Isn't the intersection between the 55 and the Red Line really dangerous though?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Depends on time of day/how long you have to wait/whether you're traveling alone. You can get the stop number for the 55 and use the CTAbustracker texting service so that you can wait inside the station until a minute before the bus comes, so that you're not out there on the Dan Ryan in a shit neighbourhood by yourself. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Heh okay - good advice\n\nhaha what does \"Dan Ryan in a shit\" mean?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Oh no, I made something hard to parse! On the Dan Ryan expressway, in a shit (read: shitty) neighbourhood. ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "How do UChicago students get to the airport and back?. So I'm looking at the Metra map and I'm srsly going \"WTF\"...\n\nWhat about the CTA Green Line to the CTA Blue Line?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Depends which airport. For O'Hare I take the 55 to the Red Line to the Blue Line or the six bus downtown to the Blue Line. For Midway we just hop on the 55 heading West. Of course some people choose to just take a cab (about $50 to O'Hare and $30 to Midway) or one of the various airport shuttles (some of which are Student Government sponsored during peak travel times). ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Ah yes - thanks! Isn't the intersection between the 55 and the Red Line really dangerous though?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "It's a little shady, but it's really not that bad. I've done it alone a million times.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "How do UChicago students get to the airport and back?. So I'm looking at the Metra map and I'm srsly going \"WTF\"...\n\nWhat about the CTA Green Line to the CTA Blue Line?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Depends which airport. For O'Hare I take the 55 to the Red Line to the Blue Line or the six bus downtown to the Blue Line. For Midway we just hop on the 55 heading West. Of course some people choose to just take a cab (about $50 to O'Hare and $30 to Midway) or one of the various airport shuttles (some of which are Student Government sponsored during peak travel times). ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Ah yes - thanks! Isn't the intersection between the 55 and the Red Line really dangerous though?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "FWIW, I never had an issue waiting for the red line @ garfield/55th – now, the green line, that's a little more... um... exciting.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "How do UChicago students get to the airport and back?. So I'm looking at the Metra map and I'm srsly going \"WTF\"...\n\nWhat about the CTA Green Line to the CTA Blue Line?", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Depends which airport. For O'Hare I take the 55 to the Red Line to the Blue Line or the six bus downtown to the Blue Line. For Midway we just hop on the 55 heading West. Of course some people choose to just take a cab (about $50 to O'Hare and $30 to Midway) or one of the various airport shuttles (some of which are Student Government sponsored during peak travel times). ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Holy fuck, it's 30 to Midway by cab now? I remember it being about 22, including tip.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Really? I may have accidentally exaggerated a bit, but I thought I paid around 30 with tip. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I was an '06er, so my comment was more meaning the increase in cab prices. ProTip: Never let cabs take the Stevenson to Midway. \n", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "How do UChicago students get to the airport and back?. So I'm looking at the Metra map and I'm srsly going \"WTF\"...\n\nWhat about the CTA Green Line to the CTA Blue Line?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Bribe my friends to drive me in my car.\n\nBut before that I took a taxi or the 55, depending on how lazy I felt and how much shit I had to schlep. Cab ride's usually $20-30, tip incl. I never fly out of O'Hare because it's expensive and far.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "How do UChicago students get to the airport and back?. So I'm looking at the Metra map and I'm srsly going \"WTF\"...\n\nWhat about the CTA Green Line to the CTA Blue Line?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Make good friends with someone local who has a car. \n\nI'm from Chicago and while at UofC, I was more than happy to do airport trips with some of my friends.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "ThoughtWorks Hiring Day Next Thursday (2/9)! Looking for Junior Consultant Developers (-:. ThoughtWorks is looking for Junior Consultant Developers!\n\nCome join us next Thursday to take assessments:\n\n* Must have a current passport\n* Must be available to work by March 19\n* Must sign up for the event for building access this Thursday!\n\nsign up for event here:\nhttp://www.eventbrite.com/event/2643371395\n\ncheck us out @ www.thoughtworks.com\n\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Here, this will make your TW experience better. Caricatures of prominent ThoughtWorkers: http://imgur.com/a/p1YkO", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "What are some of the craziest stories involving UChicago students?. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Well, I think everyone has heard about the [scav hunt team](http://www.uchicago.edu/features/20110501_scav/) building a nuclear reactor in their bathroom using sprinkler heads. \n\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "or the equally...*UChicago*, let's say, item where some kid from Max P ate his own umbilical cord that his mom had kept. I want to say this was '06 or '05. But the craziest UChicago story I know is the mere existence of [Jason Shaw](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Shaw)", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "What are some of the craziest stories involving UChicago students?. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "This one time, a friend of mine took a midterm without studying.\n\n*Crazy.*", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Pfft, that's nothing. I once misread my finals schedule, thinking I had my math final on Thursday instead of Tuesday. I found out about the mistake 10 minutes before the final, after having pulled an all-nighter writing a paper for another class. Hadn't studied a word, got one of 6 A's in the class :-p", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "What are some of the craziest stories involving UChicago students?. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I'm actually writing my BA right now on stories about UChicago. I'm a little behind on it (read: I'm lazy), but I've got some cool stuff. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "omg that's so cool! are you willing to share it with reddit once you're done with it? :D", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Totally! As of now there are going to be stories on: the life of the C-Bench, unbreakable rules of housing, cuts to the core and student demonstration, favorite stories of tour guides, as well as some odd and ends. \n\nThis reminds me, I should be working on it RIGHT. NOW. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "This is one of the people I know. B-lair? E-lie?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "E-lie. ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "What are some of the craziest stories involving UChicago students?. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I'm actually writing my BA right now on stories about UChicago. I'm a little behind on it (read: I'm lazy), but I've got some cool stuff. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "omg that's so cool! are you willing to share it with reddit once you're done with it? :D", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Totally! As of now there are going to be stories on: the life of the C-Bench, unbreakable rules of housing, cuts to the core and student demonstration, favorite stories of tour guides, as well as some odd and ends. \n\nThis reminds me, I should be working on it RIGHT. NOW. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "This is one of the people I know. B-lair? E-lie?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "You WOULD still read the UChicago subreddit, Anees.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "What are some of the craziest stories involving UChicago students?. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "I'm actually writing my BA right now on stories about UChicago. I'm a little behind on it (read: I'm lazy), but I've got some cool stuff. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Have an upvote for being in the midst of the long slog that is BA writing. Just remember: there is an end.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "What are some of the craziest stories involving UChicago students?. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "My friend was expelled and tried in federal court for mail fraud after filling out about 50 different magazine subscription cards in our housemate's name, checking \"bill me later\" on all of them. His mailbox was overflowing with Machine Knitting Monthly, Cat Fancy, Shotgun News, etc. for almost a year. Oh Maclean, good times.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Wait, I lived in Maclean last year and I collected a good number of stories, but I've never heard this one! When did it happen?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "A long time ago, young one, 2003. :)", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "What are some of the craziest stories involving UChicago students?. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I know a guy with some of the oddest roommate horror stories I've ever heard. His roommate, who was supposedly a physics genius, literally didn't shower, subsisted on only Doritos, had 200 fake Facebook profiles, had an obsession with \"midget gang rape,\" stalked him, filmed him at night, and threatened to light him on fire and cut him. At some point they fought each other and the roommate was taken away by the cops and kicked out of housing. \n\nHe still goes here. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "haha wow, what did he use the fake Facebook profiles for?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "elaborate rape jokes I think? some pretty creepy shit.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "What are some of the craziest stories involving UChicago students?. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "I know a guy with some of the oddest roommate horror stories I've ever heard. His roommate, who was supposedly a physics genius, literally didn't shower, subsisted on only Doritos, had 200 fake Facebook profiles, had an obsession with \"midget gang rape,\" stalked him, filmed him at night, and threatened to light him on fire and cut him. At some point they fought each other and the roommate was taken away by the cops and kicked out of housing. \n\nHe still goes here. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I find it kind of worrisome that I can think of more than one fellow student this could be.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "What are some of the craziest stories involving UChicago students?. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "The Lascivious Ball. I see they tried to recreate it this year, but I doubt it lived up to the original.\n\nThen there's Tucker Max...\n\n ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I worked at the Lascivious Ball this year. I saw some things no one should ever see, and not just people in lingerie.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "What are some of the craziest stories involving UChicago students?. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "The Lascivious Ball. I see they tried to recreate it this year, but I doubt it lived up to the original.\n\nThen there's Tucker Max...\n\n ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Oh, and Chamberlin House in Burton Judson used to show porn movies in the basement and charged admission. Until some women's group protested and got them shut down. This was just before I got there, maybe 86 or 87. \n\nWe also used to play laser tag at night in various buildings. The door between BJ and the Law School wasn't locked, so we often went there. People also had the keys to the Social Science building and Hinds, but they weren't as much fun. \n ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Protip: The Law School door is only \"locked.\"", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "What are some of the craziest stories involving UChicago students?. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "check out the basis of Alfred Hitchcock's movie *Rope*\n", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "We built a pretty English dictionary! (For funsies). ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "This is really cool! Congratulations!", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "We built a pretty English dictionary! (For funsies). ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "neat -- what did you scrape for the actual dictionary db?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "wiktionary + Princeton's wordnet", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "We built a pretty English dictionary! (For funsies). ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "This is neat. And it checks misspells. Better than googletranslate", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Good housing spots at Hyde Park?. Hi, I am moving to Chicago and looking for apartments at (or close to) Hyde Park. I was hoping you folks could help me narrow down some good housing spots :) \n\nOne bed apt, $1000 budget, and ....no bed bugs or cockroaches pls (most important~!). Safe and clean neighborhood.\n\nI am also thinking of the south loop, as it is closer to the downtown (shopping! dining! partying! :)) but not sure how long it would take if commuting between SL and HP everyday? Is it difficult to park at HP? \n\nThanks much in advance!", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "At that budget, you have a lot of options. If I were you, I'd look at the area between Lake Park and the lake. The big grocery store is by 55th and Lake Park and the best transit options to downtown (namely, the 6) are there. As for parking, it depends where in HP you are working. The parking probably sucks. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Thank you giziti! Looks like I will be taking it a lot to downtown over the weekends :) Is the Hyde shopping center the big grocery store that you talk about? I see several apts along the Lake Park Ave. Will check them out when I come over hunting for apts next week :)", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Good housing spots at Hyde Park?. Hi, I am moving to Chicago and looking for apartments at (or close to) Hyde Park. I was hoping you folks could help me narrow down some good housing spots :) \n\nOne bed apt, $1000 budget, and ....no bed bugs or cockroaches pls (most important~!). Safe and clean neighborhood.\n\nI am also thinking of the south loop, as it is closer to the downtown (shopping! dining! partying! :)) but not sure how long it would take if commuting between SL and HP everyday? Is it difficult to park at HP? \n\nThanks much in advance!", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "South Loop is a bit far to travel for a daily commute (at least 25-30 minutes on the 6, plus the 10-15 min walk from Stony Island to campus if you miss the Friend Center/Metra shuttle the university provides), especially in the snow. I like the area on 53rd street-- it's near Hyde Park Produce and the main shops in Hyde Park. There are plenty of 1 bedrooms under a 1000-- I've seen several for 850. Avoid MAC Property Management if you can. As for shopping, dining, partying, if you're close to the 55 bus (runs along 55th street), you can catch the 55 to the red line. Or the 6 (or X28) downtown from stony island. All of this is a short walk from most places in the neighborhood, so don't worry about that too much.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Thank you very much IBCreepin :) I heard lots of bad reviews about MAC Property Management too...but they've bought most of the apts in the HP area! I like the walking but the news reported robbery along the road constantly...=( Is it OK if walking in the daytime at HP? at Detroit I learned to drive not walk but at Chicago I am not sure...Thanks", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Daytime is fine, but I've had bad situations south of 64th street as early as noon (worked on 67th for a while). There are plenty of apartments that are not owned by MAC. Chicago Apartment Finders has an office on 53rd, and they can find you a privately owned apartment. No one drives here. And I was just walking around tonight, and it was fine. Just be aware and use UCPD umbrella coverage/university shuttles. Check out uchicago.marketplace.com and you'll find a bunch of apartments that aren't MAC-owned. Good luck! :)", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Thank you!! I am thinking of spending a weekend over there and check the apts at HP. Totally looking forward to my trip now...:)", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Good housing spots at Hyde Park?. Hi, I am moving to Chicago and looking for apartments at (or close to) Hyde Park. I was hoping you folks could help me narrow down some good housing spots :) \n\nOne bed apt, $1000 budget, and ....no bed bugs or cockroaches pls (most important~!). Safe and clean neighborhood.\n\nI am also thinking of the south loop, as it is closer to the downtown (shopping! dining! partying! :)) but not sure how long it would take if commuting between SL and HP everyday? Is it difficult to park at HP? \n\nThanks much in advance!", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "If you decide to live in the South Loop, A lot of people take the [cta 192 bus](http://www.transitchicago.com/assets/1/bus_schedules/192.pdf) from Roosevelt rd. (about a 25 minute bus ride)\n\nPlenty of free street parking in Hyde park and also parking garages ($$$) ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Thank you redditor9000! Will try it when I come over visiting HP. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Did you know about this? Just curious... (I'm of course assuming you are from Japan based on your username..) http://www.uchospitals.edu/news/2012/20120109-nakamura.html", "role": "user" }, { "content": "lol. Nah I am not from Japan...Just like Japanese anime and comics (a lot!!!!) :D Sometimes we have cosplay shows here at the convention center. It was awesome.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Good housing spots at Hyde Park?. Hi, I am moving to Chicago and looking for apartments at (or close to) Hyde Park. I was hoping you folks could help me narrow down some good housing spots :) \n\nOne bed apt, $1000 budget, and ....no bed bugs or cockroaches pls (most important~!). Safe and clean neighborhood.\n\nI am also thinking of the south loop, as it is closer to the downtown (shopping! dining! partying! :)) but not sure how long it would take if commuting between SL and HP everyday? Is it difficult to park at HP? \n\nThanks much in advance!", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Everett Ave has a range of options as well as tons of street parking. It's walking distance to basically everywhere you'd want to go in Hyde Park.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Thank you very much coolkid9. It looks that Flamingo apartments are there too. I like 2 or 3-floor building better than compact apts but it may be a good option too :) My friends are suggesting me to find a temp living place on campus and check out the area first. But moving is lots of work...not talking about moving twice...I may come over and stay there for 1 week and check out apts. Thank you all for the great suggestions!!!", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Good housing spots at Hyde Park?. Hi, I am moving to Chicago and looking for apartments at (or close to) Hyde Park. I was hoping you folks could help me narrow down some good housing spots :) \n\nOne bed apt, $1000 budget, and ....no bed bugs or cockroaches pls (most important~!). Safe and clean neighborhood.\n\nI am also thinking of the south loop, as it is closer to the downtown (shopping! dining! partying! :)) but not sure how long it would take if commuting between SL and HP everyday? Is it difficult to park at HP? \n\nThanks much in advance!", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Thank you everybody!!!! for such great inputs!!! :D I am in Troy at Detroit and so get used to driving everyday...it looks like in Chicago everybody takes buses, hmmm. I am curious is it really bad if driving between the South Loop and Hyde Park? I noticed that there is route #41 that seems fast (or maybe I am wrong :D)? Thanks! ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Between South Loop and Hyde Park isn't a bad commute at all if you're driving. The bus could be awkward. Parking in HP is the big problem, but that really depends on where precisely you're trying to get in HP. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Thank you!! This is awesome. Good to hear that driving is not too bad :) I like living close to the downtown but not too far away from the school. If driving is like 20 mins then I could survive :)", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "South Loop to Hyde Park is a \"reverse commute\", so it shouldn't be so bad. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Thanks! :) Here it is the same. Downtown is always hard to drive by. ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Are academic departments at UChicago especially idiosyncratic compared to those at other schools?. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "It depends on the department. For things like economics, the humanities, and maybe even biology I'd say that the curriculum is pretty typical. However, there are some departments (*cough* computer science *cough* that are a bit...theoretical.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Are academic departments at UChicago especially idiosyncratic compared to those at other schools?. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Do you mean, do they interact with other departments? With what other institutions are you comparing? Which academic department? Would anyone be able to faithfully answer this question having been a graduate student at only one institution? I just don't even know. Could you please be more specific?", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Are academic departments at UChicago especially idiosyncratic compared to those at other schools?. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I've heard comp sci is much more theoretical than at other schools. Most everything else I believe is fairly typical (in that you'd be taking courses with the same titles no matter where you go). There are lots of fun humanities offerings, but the core courses are all the same.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Are academic departments at UChicago especially idiosyncratic compared to those at other schools?. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "All I know is the math department is run by pricks", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "interesting - what is the story?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "They care way too much about the bureaucracy for classes; even if you demonstrate that you know the prerequisite knowledge to take a class they won't let you unless you have taken *their* class on it, almost no classes are taught by actual professors, mostly grad students, unlike every other department I've taken many classes from (Physics major, also lots of comp sci and statistics).\n\nThey offer a few applied classes: Math Methods for Physical Sciences I,II and Math Methods for Physics. The third one is especially bad since physics majors have to take either that or the analysis sequence, but since the math department runs that class, they only put terrible grad students as lecturers. I'm convinced that teaching Physics Math is punishment for grad students who lied about their English competency; every time I've seen that class, the lecturer didn't speak English, and I don't mean was bad at English. I mean, she had never even tried to speak the language before coming here. When I took it, we had to have a kid who spoke Mandarin translate questions and answers back and forth. \n\nAlso, Differential Equations at uchicago is a worthless class. All proofs and it actively avoids learning how to compute anything. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "As a chem major that might be coming here(/there?) What would I take instead, Linear Algebra?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I mean, linear algebra won't teach you differential equations, but it's a better set up class.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Are academic departments at UChicago especially idiosyncratic compared to those at other schools?. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "All I know is the math department is run by pricks", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Seconded. I've been given the run-around to five different admins in the department about counting my classes (calc 2-3, linear algebra, and diff eq college courses at a different, good school) as prereqs for vector calc. Not even credit, just as showing I'm qualified to take a course I've technically already taken. They are very strict about everyone taking their useless calc sequence, and they are quite rude about it.\n\nMy friends peed on the building. It made me feel better.", "role": "assistant" } ]