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[ { "content": "Preferred Internet Provider?. I am an incoming grad student who will be living in one of the university-owned grad student apartment buildings. I'm looking to set up my Internet connection and was wondering what people had to say on the relative merits of Comcast vs. AT&T. Reliability is more important than cost for me. So, people living in the UChicago/Hyde Park area, what would you recommend? Thanks in advance!", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Both are terrible. Comcast is much faster (I actually get 25 megabits) but connection ends up being spotty. I lose connection entirely at least once a day for a few seconds, which isnt a big deal now that I dont play online games so much. I found ATT to be more reliable, but consistently slow, and only got about 2 of the 6 advertised megabits. Both have atrocious customer service. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I have att in grad housing. I get about 3 of the 6 mbps.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Preferred Internet Provider?. I am an incoming grad student who will be living in one of the university-owned grad student apartment buildings. I'm looking to set up my Internet connection and was wondering what people had to say on the relative merits of Comcast vs. AT&T. Reliability is more important than cost for me. So, people living in the UChicago/Hyde Park area, what would you recommend? Thanks in advance!", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "You can't hook up to the university network? the speed tends to be very good.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I don't actually know yet; I'm a new grad student and am moving in next week, so I don't know what to expect just yet. Being able to just use the university internet from my apartment would probably be the best option, if I can.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "If you're in an apartment through the school you can't get the school's network generally. You're going to be stuck with paying. Comcast is the best bet for any kind of speed. I have had good luck with them at about $40/mo for ~23 down ~3 up. that's promotional with no contract limits so if you want to shift down into a cheaper plan when the promotion wears off in a year you can. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Okay, thanks. The thing about not being able to get school internet from the apartment is definitely worth knowing.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Preferred Internet Provider?. I am an incoming grad student who will be living in one of the university-owned grad student apartment buildings. I'm looking to set up my Internet connection and was wondering what people had to say on the relative merits of Comcast vs. AT&T. Reliability is more important than cost for me. So, people living in the UChicago/Hyde Park area, what would you recommend? Thanks in advance!", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Comcast is perfectly fine, but is a bit pricy. My internet has only been down for about 2 hours the year I've lived in an apartment in Hyde Park.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Preferred Internet Provider?. I am an incoming grad student who will be living in one of the university-owned grad student apartment buildings. I'm looking to set up my Internet connection and was wondering what people had to say on the relative merits of Comcast vs. AT&T. Reliability is more important than cost for me. So, people living in the UChicago/Hyde Park area, what would you recommend? Thanks in advance!", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I have AT&T and have been pleased with my service. My service is advertised as 12 down/1 up and I consistently get 10-11 down/1 up. It's also significantly cheaper ($30/mo promotional rate for 1 year with a 1 year contract) than what I was able to find with Comcast (~$50/mo for one year with a two year contract). I don't live in grad housing, though, so YMMV. Connections seem to be very finicky, and quality can vary substantially from block to block.\n\nI will also freely admit that I think Comcast is a piece of shit corporation that I would like to avoid at all costs, so keep that in mind when considering my opinion. ;)", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Not sure why you were downvoted, this is exactly the kind of information/opinion I was looking for. Thanks for the advice.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Probably Comcast CS or PR people. :P\n\nGood luck.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Preferred Internet Provider?. I am an incoming grad student who will be living in one of the university-owned grad student apartment buildings. I'm looking to set up my Internet connection and was wondering what people had to say on the relative merits of Comcast vs. AT&T. Reliability is more important than cost for me. So, people living in the UChicago/Hyde Park area, what would you recommend? Thanks in advance!", "role": "user" }, { "content": "There was some smaller internet company handing out fliers. I forgot the name but they were pretty cheap and seemed local - anyone ever try them?", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Why is it so hard to apply here?. Ok, so first, I'm a veteran, I'm getting out the marines on the 28th... Ive applied to UIC twice... The first time, it got denied because I didn't send in my H.S transcripts... And the second, well it hasn't been denied yet, but I received and email saying I needed to send a Petition and\nPost Secondary Transcripts Official Prior College.. I dont have any prior colleges... Ive been in the marines since I graduated H.S.... Could someone help me out? Ive tried to call, but every time I call, I keep getting the machine saying they're busy...", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Are you thinking about UIC (University of Illinois at Chicago) or U of C (University of Chicago)? This subreddit is for the latter, whereas the UIC subreddit is /r/uicwhatshot I believe. \n\nIn any case, have you tried e-mailing the admissions offices?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "whoopsie! ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Why is it so hard to apply here?. Ok, so first, I'm a veteran, I'm getting out the marines on the 28th... Ive applied to UIC twice... The first time, it got denied because I didn't send in my H.S transcripts... And the second, well it hasn't been denied yet, but I received and email saying I needed to send a Petition and\nPost Secondary Transcripts Official Prior College.. I dont have any prior colleges... Ive been in the marines since I graduated H.S.... Could someone help me out? Ive tried to call, but every time I call, I keep getting the machine saying they're busy...", "role": "user" }, { "content": "UIC != UChicago. Light-years apart. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Actually more like 8 miles.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Yes, clearly I was talking about the physical distance separating them...", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Why is it so hard to apply here?. Ok, so first, I'm a veteran, I'm getting out the marines on the 28th... Ive applied to UIC twice... The first time, it got denied because I didn't send in my H.S transcripts... And the second, well it hasn't been denied yet, but I received and email saying I needed to send a Petition and\nPost Secondary Transcripts Official Prior College.. I dont have any prior colleges... Ive been in the marines since I graduated H.S.... Could someone help me out? Ive tried to call, but every time I call, I keep getting the machine saying they're busy...", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Thanks though...", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Graduate Student-at-Large Program (GSAL). Has anyone done this program with business classes and used them to help get into Booth (or any other great programs for MBA)", "role": "user" }, { "content": "come on guys there's like 2000 people in program... at least one has to use reddit. And asking UChicago staff about it i get a generic answer that it helps a lot etc etc but it also might mean \"it helps our funding a lot\"", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "There have been lots of advice threads around reddit recently for incoming college freshmen. How about advice geared specifically toward UChicago first-years?. UChicago is a pretty different school from many others around the country. I think incoming first-years may be appreciative of things they should know about going to school at UChicago, over and beyond the standard advice floating around. So what points of advice do other folks have?\n\nI'm a rising third-year myself (majoring in philosophy and cinema & media studies), and I'll try and give a few pointers.\n\n1. Due to the short length of quarters, it's really important not to fall behind on assignments, papers, readings, etc. Playing catch-up is really hard, especially since you usually have something major due each week for the latter 2/3 of each quarter.\n\n2. Staying on top of work is *especially* important if you have a job. If you do have to get a job from the beginning of your first year, I'd at least consider only taking three classes your first quarter. Classes are hard enough to manage on their own.\n\n3. Don't be, for lack of a better term, a that kid. Not only will you come off as an asshole for trying to show off your obscure knowledge, but you will get worse grades for it. Most professors will want to wring your neck, and will do so via your grade. I suppose this is a problem everywhere, but seems to be really prolific at Chicago.\n\nAlso, if any incoming first-years have questions that don't warrant entire threads of their own, I'd be more than happy to try and answer them.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "I'll be a first year in 2013 (taking a gap year). I live in California so I have no idea how to handle the cold winters... should I bring warm clothes from home (the jackets here aren't made too heavy...) or should I just buy them in the city during the fall? Thanks for creating this thread and helping us first-years out!", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Ah, I took a gap year as well. Hope yours is more enjoyable than mine, I just worked retail to save up money. It does get pretty cold, especially with the wind. Although I often find layering does the job fine, there are definitely days when I appreciate having a big coat. If you buy something in the city once you get here, it'll be pretty pricey. What you might want to do is wait until this upcoming winter is over and then hit up REI or backcountry.com and you should be able to find pretty nice sales on coats, many of which have lifetime warranties (such as those from Marmot and maybe Mountain Hardware as well).\n\nBut yeah, judging from the other folks' reactions coming from California, you'll probably want to buy a nice big coat. It'll get cold.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "There have been lots of advice threads around reddit recently for incoming college freshmen. How about advice geared specifically toward UChicago first-years?. UChicago is a pretty different school from many others around the country. I think incoming first-years may be appreciative of things they should know about going to school at UChicago, over and beyond the standard advice floating around. So what points of advice do other folks have?\n\nI'm a rising third-year myself (majoring in philosophy and cinema & media studies), and I'll try and give a few pointers.\n\n1. Due to the short length of quarters, it's really important not to fall behind on assignments, papers, readings, etc. Playing catch-up is really hard, especially since you usually have something major due each week for the latter 2/3 of each quarter.\n\n2. Staying on top of work is *especially* important if you have a job. If you do have to get a job from the beginning of your first year, I'd at least consider only taking three classes your first quarter. Classes are hard enough to manage on their own.\n\n3. Don't be, for lack of a better term, a that kid. Not only will you come off as an asshole for trying to show off your obscure knowledge, but you will get worse grades for it. Most professors will want to wring your neck, and will do so via your grade. I suppose this is a problem everywhere, but seems to be really prolific at Chicago.\n\nAlso, if any incoming first-years have questions that don't warrant entire threads of their own, I'd be more than happy to try and answer them.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "I'll be a first year in 2013 (taking a gap year). I live in California so I have no idea how to handle the cold winters... should I bring warm clothes from home (the jackets here aren't made too heavy...) or should I just buy them in the city during the fall? Thanks for creating this thread and helping us first-years out!", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Hey! I'm a Californian as well! I'm just entering my second-year, and last year we had a pretty mild winter. By mild, I mean it only got below 10 degrees for two of the days last winter. The wind is what makes it really cold, though, and I found that I loved snow and hated ice. I'm from Sacramento, so Northern California, so we actually get some cold, and I found that I actually hated the cold in California more than in Chicago. Why? Because California has a wet winter and Chicago has a dry winter. So when you go outside in California and it's 40 degrees the cold sticks to you (and of course you spend a lot more time outdoors, than you would in Chicago) and then you go inside where the buildings are only heated to 68 degrees, you are constantly slightly cold. In Chicago, though, you will have more protective gear, the cold won't stick to you, you won't spend as much time outdoors, and the buildings are over heated, so for the most part you are fairly warm! It's just going out side for the walk to classes/dorms/food that are miserable, oh and those couple of minutes when class starts and you're having trouble writing because your hands are numb. But again, last year we had a mild winter... so who knows, maybe its worse than I can imagine.\n\nAs for buying jackets and such, DO NOT buy in California. It's weird, because in Chicago you will go into the same department stores as we have in California, but they'll have coat sections. Our stores do not carry the level of jackets you will need because there is no demand for them. I didn't even come across any coats strong enough at my local REI. Also, if you buy one in California, you'll end up wasting space in your luggage for your flight over. If you really can't wait though, try buying online on websites like LandsEnd or maybe what they OP suggested backcountry.com. Also, stores in California don't sell shoes meant for snowy/icy environments. Tennis shoes work okay though, all you need is good traction. I have some snow boots which were good for frolicking through knee-high snow, but I'm a girl and I mainly bought them because they were really cute...", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "There have been lots of advice threads around reddit recently for incoming college freshmen. How about advice geared specifically toward UChicago first-years?. UChicago is a pretty different school from many others around the country. I think incoming first-years may be appreciative of things they should know about going to school at UChicago, over and beyond the standard advice floating around. So what points of advice do other folks have?\n\nI'm a rising third-year myself (majoring in philosophy and cinema & media studies), and I'll try and give a few pointers.\n\n1. Due to the short length of quarters, it's really important not to fall behind on assignments, papers, readings, etc. Playing catch-up is really hard, especially since you usually have something major due each week for the latter 2/3 of each quarter.\n\n2. Staying on top of work is *especially* important if you have a job. If you do have to get a job from the beginning of your first year, I'd at least consider only taking three classes your first quarter. Classes are hard enough to manage on their own.\n\n3. Don't be, for lack of a better term, a that kid. Not only will you come off as an asshole for trying to show off your obscure knowledge, but you will get worse grades for it. Most professors will want to wring your neck, and will do so via your grade. I suppose this is a problem everywhere, but seems to be really prolific at Chicago.\n\nAlso, if any incoming first-years have questions that don't warrant entire threads of their own, I'd be more than happy to try and answer them.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Run away. Fast.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "There have been lots of advice threads around reddit recently for incoming college freshmen. How about advice geared specifically toward UChicago first-years?. UChicago is a pretty different school from many others around the country. I think incoming first-years may be appreciative of things they should know about going to school at UChicago, over and beyond the standard advice floating around. So what points of advice do other folks have?\n\nI'm a rising third-year myself (majoring in philosophy and cinema & media studies), and I'll try and give a few pointers.\n\n1. Due to the short length of quarters, it's really important not to fall behind on assignments, papers, readings, etc. Playing catch-up is really hard, especially since you usually have something major due each week for the latter 2/3 of each quarter.\n\n2. Staying on top of work is *especially* important if you have a job. If you do have to get a job from the beginning of your first year, I'd at least consider only taking three classes your first quarter. Classes are hard enough to manage on their own.\n\n3. Don't be, for lack of a better term, a that kid. Not only will you come off as an asshole for trying to show off your obscure knowledge, but you will get worse grades for it. Most professors will want to wring your neck, and will do so via your grade. I suppose this is a problem everywhere, but seems to be really prolific at Chicago.\n\nAlso, if any incoming first-years have questions that don't warrant entire threads of their own, I'd be more than happy to try and answer them.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "im a grad student. started a month ago. what are some fun things to do on campus? it's been pretty boring so far campuswise, not that i have that much freetime.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "people-watch in cafes? Some people like to sit on the lawns but it might be kind of empty right now", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "There have been lots of advice threads around reddit recently for incoming college freshmen. How about advice geared specifically toward UChicago first-years?. UChicago is a pretty different school from many others around the country. I think incoming first-years may be appreciative of things they should know about going to school at UChicago, over and beyond the standard advice floating around. So what points of advice do other folks have?\n\nI'm a rising third-year myself (majoring in philosophy and cinema & media studies), and I'll try and give a few pointers.\n\n1. Due to the short length of quarters, it's really important not to fall behind on assignments, papers, readings, etc. Playing catch-up is really hard, especially since you usually have something major due each week for the latter 2/3 of each quarter.\n\n2. Staying on top of work is *especially* important if you have a job. If you do have to get a job from the beginning of your first year, I'd at least consider only taking three classes your first quarter. Classes are hard enough to manage on their own.\n\n3. Don't be, for lack of a better term, a that kid. Not only will you come off as an asshole for trying to show off your obscure knowledge, but you will get worse grades for it. Most professors will want to wring your neck, and will do so via your grade. I suppose this is a problem everywhere, but seems to be really prolific at Chicago.\n\nAlso, if any incoming first-years have questions that don't warrant entire threads of their own, I'd be more than happy to try and answer them.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "im a grad student. started a month ago. what are some fun things to do on campus? it's been pretty boring so far campuswise, not that i have that much freetime.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "same. i've resorted to borrowing DVDs from the library...watched 3 seasons of Blackadder, 2 of Breaking Bad. Kinda burned out.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Wait, they have ... fun things in the library you can borrow?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I too was surprised. They have quite a collection of TV shows, apparently. The Wire, Sopranos, Breaking Bad, Simpsons, etc.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "There have been lots of advice threads around reddit recently for incoming college freshmen. How about advice geared specifically toward UChicago first-years?. UChicago is a pretty different school from many others around the country. I think incoming first-years may be appreciative of things they should know about going to school at UChicago, over and beyond the standard advice floating around. So what points of advice do other folks have?\n\nI'm a rising third-year myself (majoring in philosophy and cinema & media studies), and I'll try and give a few pointers.\n\n1. Due to the short length of quarters, it's really important not to fall behind on assignments, papers, readings, etc. Playing catch-up is really hard, especially since you usually have something major due each week for the latter 2/3 of each quarter.\n\n2. Staying on top of work is *especially* important if you have a job. If you do have to get a job from the beginning of your first year, I'd at least consider only taking three classes your first quarter. Classes are hard enough to manage on their own.\n\n3. Don't be, for lack of a better term, a that kid. Not only will you come off as an asshole for trying to show off your obscure knowledge, but you will get worse grades for it. Most professors will want to wring your neck, and will do so via your grade. I suppose this is a problem everywhere, but seems to be really prolific at Chicago.\n\nAlso, if any incoming first-years have questions that don't warrant entire threads of their own, I'd be more than happy to try and answer them.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "im a grad student. started a month ago. what are some fun things to do on campus? it's been pretty boring so far campuswise, not that i have that much freetime.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I like Doc Films, personally. They always have interesting films and it's a fun way to get a break from work.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "There have been lots of advice threads around reddit recently for incoming college freshmen. How about advice geared specifically toward UChicago first-years?. UChicago is a pretty different school from many others around the country. I think incoming first-years may be appreciative of things they should know about going to school at UChicago, over and beyond the standard advice floating around. So what points of advice do other folks have?\n\nI'm a rising third-year myself (majoring in philosophy and cinema & media studies), and I'll try and give a few pointers.\n\n1. Due to the short length of quarters, it's really important not to fall behind on assignments, papers, readings, etc. Playing catch-up is really hard, especially since you usually have something major due each week for the latter 2/3 of each quarter.\n\n2. Staying on top of work is *especially* important if you have a job. If you do have to get a job from the beginning of your first year, I'd at least consider only taking three classes your first quarter. Classes are hard enough to manage on their own.\n\n3. Don't be, for lack of a better term, a that kid. Not only will you come off as an asshole for trying to show off your obscure knowledge, but you will get worse grades for it. Most professors will want to wring your neck, and will do so via your grade. I suppose this is a problem everywhere, but seems to be really prolific at Chicago.\n\nAlso, if any incoming first-years have questions that don't warrant entire threads of their own, I'd be more than happy to try and answer them.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "im a grad student. started a month ago. what are some fun things to do on campus? it's been pretty boring so far campuswise, not that i have that much freetime.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Pub trivia night.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Classes for a 1st year. Hey all. I'm going to be a first year this fall and I've been starting to think about what kind of classes I want to take. Besides hum and a math sequence, what are common classes/sequences for a first year to take? Also, any recommendations on particular classes/professors? (Econ major by the way)", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Think about taking Sosc first year as well. (Laura Montanaro's Power class is great.)", "role": "user" }, { "content": "When were you in this class? I had her my first year. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Just took it last year.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Ah, I was in it 2 years ago. Good stuff. ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Classes for a 1st year. Hey all. I'm going to be a first year this fall and I've been starting to think about what kind of classes I want to take. Besides hum and a math sequence, what are common classes/sequences for a first year to take? Also, any recommendations on particular classes/professors? (Econ major by the way)", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "I took: \nHum (Reading Cultures)\nSosc (Power)\nMath (151)\nFrench (102)\n\nIf you're a strong reader/writer, definitely think about getting Hum and Sosc out of the way at the same time. Also, if you don't do well enough on language placement to place out, take that before you forget what little you know. This is a good place to start. People with more Econ background can advise you if there's some econ sequence people start that early on, I'm not sure. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "See, the plus side of taking Sosc your first year is that when you are a second year, you don't have to take Sosc with first years...", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Classes for a 1st year. Hey all. I'm going to be a first year this fall and I've been starting to think about what kind of classes I want to take. Besides hum and a math sequence, what are common classes/sequences for a first year to take? Also, any recommendations on particular classes/professors? (Econ major by the way)", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Unlike the rest of the comments, I can't stress this enough: *don't* take sosc your first year. It's becoming more and more common, and I think it's a really bad idea. For one thing, the core is designed such that you take hum before you take sosc; hum concentrates on developing your reading and writing capabilities as much as possible so that you get a lot out of sosc. 1st years in sosc tended to drag the level of discussion way down, which is irritating to everyone else, *and* they have a much harder time, since they aren't really equipped to deal with the class. But maybe you want to get all of the requirements out of the way as soon as possible, to move on to \"real\" classes, in which case my words will fall on deaf ears. But like your advisers will say: don't take sosc your first year.\n\nMy advice for first quarter would be to take hum, math, one major class, and a language. If you fulfill your language requirement with the test during O-week, you could take a language anyway (that's what I did). Alternatively, take any class that sounds vaguely interesting to you. You are in college now and can take pretty much any class you want, so take one that sounds interesting!\n\nRereading what I just wrote, I realize what a crotchety old man I sound like. I didn't even graduate that long ago. Still, I want to offer a dissenting opinion.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I would agree. I think it's a mistake that most people take all core classes their first year. It's very insular to be surrounded by first years all the time. You don't realize it, (or perhaps more unfortunately you do), but the level of discussion is dreadfully low in hum classes and the like. Although I admire the core in most respects, I think it's silly that we put like with like. Sure, professors can do something, but in a discussion based class if you cannot get beyond the existence of God and basic conundrums of perception you're in trouble, forget discussing social theory from the most intricate and complex texts of the western world.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Classes for a 1st year. Hey all. I'm going to be a first year this fall and I've been starting to think about what kind of classes I want to take. Besides hum and a math sequence, what are common classes/sequences for a first year to take? Also, any recommendations on particular classes/professors? (Econ major by the way)", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Unlike the rest of the comments, I can't stress this enough: *don't* take sosc your first year. It's becoming more and more common, and I think it's a really bad idea. For one thing, the core is designed such that you take hum before you take sosc; hum concentrates on developing your reading and writing capabilities as much as possible so that you get a lot out of sosc. 1st years in sosc tended to drag the level of discussion way down, which is irritating to everyone else, *and* they have a much harder time, since they aren't really equipped to deal with the class. But maybe you want to get all of the requirements out of the way as soon as possible, to move on to \"real\" classes, in which case my words will fall on deaf ears. But like your advisers will say: don't take sosc your first year.\n\nMy advice for first quarter would be to take hum, math, one major class, and a language. If you fulfill your language requirement with the test during O-week, you could take a language anyway (that's what I did). Alternatively, take any class that sounds vaguely interesting to you. You are in college now and can take pretty much any class you want, so take one that sounds interesting!\n\nRereading what I just wrote, I realize what a crotchety old man I sound like. I didn't even graduate that long ago. Still, I want to offer a dissenting opinion.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I think this is the best route -- it's what I did anyway, and I felt it was a lot more rewarding than how I imagine I would have felt swamping myself with hum and sosc (while learning how to write a better argumentative paper!). I think math, hum, science, and a language (take something fun!) makes for a complete workload. \n", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Classes for a 1st year. Hey all. I'm going to be a first year this fall and I've been starting to think about what kind of classes I want to take. Besides hum and a math sequence, what are common classes/sequences for a first year to take? Also, any recommendations on particular classes/professors? (Econ major by the way)", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Unlike the rest of the comments, I can't stress this enough: *don't* take sosc your first year. It's becoming more and more common, and I think it's a really bad idea. For one thing, the core is designed such that you take hum before you take sosc; hum concentrates on developing your reading and writing capabilities as much as possible so that you get a lot out of sosc. 1st years in sosc tended to drag the level of discussion way down, which is irritating to everyone else, *and* they have a much harder time, since they aren't really equipped to deal with the class. But maybe you want to get all of the requirements out of the way as soon as possible, to move on to \"real\" classes, in which case my words will fall on deaf ears. But like your advisers will say: don't take sosc your first year.\n\nMy advice for first quarter would be to take hum, math, one major class, and a language. If you fulfill your language requirement with the test during O-week, you could take a language anyway (that's what I did). Alternatively, take any class that sounds vaguely interesting to you. You are in college now and can take pretty much any class you want, so take one that sounds interesting!\n\nRereading what I just wrote, I realize what a crotchety old man I sound like. I didn't even graduate that long ago. Still, I want to offer a dissenting opinion.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "I agree with this completely, and even though this has been implicitly stated already, I want to explicitly add: don't take civ first year either. First year I took Western Civ and it was a good class, but I did not get as much out of it as I would have had I taken it after hum/sosc. \n\nI would also recommend taking a major class *in the winter.* First quarter can be overwhelming, and you may struggle with all your classes because of that, and you might be driven away from a major because of something silly like first quarter sucks. But it is important to find out soon what you like/don't like, so winter quarter works well. If you still need another class, I would recommend either a class in something you want to minor in or in a major you've considered but aren't attached to, so that if it ends up sucking for whatever reason, it won't be a huge deal to let it go. \n\nI also agree (with what someone else said in the other comments): don't be afraid to take 3 classes only. Most people I know seem to feel that their schedule isn't full without having 4 classes, which is silly and dumb. Especially if you're thinking about participating in any kind of extracurricular activity or multiple (which you should.) \n\nMy own personal addition: take a PE class even if you don't need the credit. It's a great way to set aside some time to work out, and even if that's not your thing, it's a great stress reliever and a nice break from everything else. I recommend Weight Lifting with Coach Zion if it's offered. \n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Your comments make sense, I agree. Certainly don't be afraid to take three classes only, and you may get a lot more out of sosc and civ if you take them after first year.\n\nHowever, if someone feels up to it, I wouldn't discourage taking lots of core classes first year. I did hum sosc civ and math, and it was entirely manageable. You certainly have to be willing to do a lot of reading and writing, but especially if you're a humanities-minded person, it's not *all that bad*. A lot, but not impossible.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Classes for a 1st year. Hey all. I'm going to be a first year this fall and I've been starting to think about what kind of classes I want to take. Besides hum and a math sequence, what are common classes/sequences for a first year to take? Also, any recommendations on particular classes/professors? (Econ major by the way)", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I agree with another post in this thread: don't take Sosc your first year. I took it my second year, and was very happy with my choice. I also agree that first years in sosc are somewhat annoying-- sorry to say it, but it's true. \n\nI would strongly recommend getting your science out of the way ASAP, otherwise you'll turn around third year and realize you still have four quarters left. A number of of the science courses are very easy, especially if you take the Natural Science Sequence or some basic Bio topics courses. ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Classes for a 1st year. Hey all. I'm going to be a first year this fall and I've been starting to think about what kind of classes I want to take. Besides hum and a math sequence, what are common classes/sequences for a first year to take? Also, any recommendations on particular classes/professors? (Econ major by the way)", "role": "user" }, { "content": "There's a lot of dispute over taking Sosc first year or not. I did, I didn't think it was a bad idea. Getting that out of the way also freed a LOT of room in the future for me to take anything I wanted to take instead of the core - I only have Civ left and classes for my major.\n\nI think you should honestly just wait until O-week starts, and talk to your advisor and others in your dorm about it. You really don't need to decide your classes now, and even if you think you're going to do econ, that can change a lot.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "you veteter still be taking econ,", "role": "user" }, { "content": "veteter?", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Classes for a 1st year. Hey all. I'm going to be a first year this fall and I've been starting to think about what kind of classes I want to take. Besides hum and a math sequence, what are common classes/sequences for a first year to take? Also, any recommendations on particular classes/professors? (Econ major by the way)", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I took hum and sosc simultaneously for maximum masochistic pleasure. I was also an econ major, and I wanted to get the Core out of the way as fast as possible, so I basically did sosc, hum, and math classes first year, with some science and stat mixed in. It nearly killed me, but I basically finished the entire core within my first 1.5 years and took only econ and electives (mostly more econ with random other stuff mixed in) from then on out.\n\nI don't recommend my strategy if having a strong GPA is important to you, but it will maximize your fun in the second half of your college experience.\n\nOh yeah, you should definitely do Power, Identity, and Resistance for SOSC if they're still offering it (I assume they are). I was taught by Adam Smith first quarter (yes, a prof named Adam Smith) and we read Wealth of Nations. It was epic.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "As a prospective undergrad, would anyone like to read my extended essay and give me some pointers?. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Do you mean for IB, or the application? Either way, sure, PM me.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "As a prospective undergrad, would anyone like to read my extended essay and give me some pointers?. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Sure", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "As a prospective undergrad, would anyone like to read my extended essay and give me some pointers?. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "This isn't really the right place to be asking people to edit your essays. Go ask friends who can write well, family (if you feel comfortable with that), and English teachers if they'll proofread your essay.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Boxing?. Do you guys know of any place on campus or in Hyde Park where a newbie can learn to box? Can't seem to find any RSOs on campus.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "http://chicagomaroon.com/2011/04/19/dejesus-packs-a-punch/\n\nkid on campus has had some success, check out the article for some more details. I've actually seen him teaching some of his friends in the park!", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Boxing?. Do you guys know of any place on campus or in Hyde Park where a newbie can learn to box? Can't seem to find any RSOs on campus.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Look into JKD. It's relatively informal, but it's pretty close to MMA.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Vote for Taylor Swift to come to UChicago! Top 5 schools also get $10000 grant towards their music department! (You can vote once per day). ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Wat", "role": "user" }, { "content": "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OemNp6hgX4", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Bike shops/barbershops?. Hi everyone!\n\nNew grad student here--was just wondering if anybody had recommendations for bike shops and barbershops in Hyde Park? I know there's quite a few of them, so just wanted to get some info on best deals, customer service, etc.\n\nthanks!", "role": "user" }, { "content": "http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Hyde+Park+Bike+Shop&find_loc=Chicago%2C+IL\n\nand\n\nThe barber shop in the Reynolds Club basement. Opinion varies widely on the best bike shop, depending on who you ask. It depends on what kind of service you're looking for.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Don't go to they Reynolds Club basement. He gives everyone the exact same cut. You can spot it from half a block away.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "We call it \"the regular\"", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Bike shops/barbershops?. Hi everyone!\n\nNew grad student here--was just wondering if anybody had recommendations for bike shops and barbershops in Hyde Park? I know there's quite a few of them, so just wanted to get some info on best deals, customer service, etc.\n\nthanks!", "role": "user" }, { "content": "http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Hyde+Park+Bike+Shop&find_loc=Chicago%2C+IL\n\nand\n\nThe barber shop in the Reynolds Club basement. Opinion varies widely on the best bike shop, depending on who you ask. It depends on what kind of service you're looking for.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Don't go to they Reynolds Club basement. He gives everyone the exact same cut. You can spot it from half a block away.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "What the fuck are you talking about? Just tell the barber what you want.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Bike shops/barbershops?. Hi everyone!\n\nNew grad student here--was just wondering if anybody had recommendations for bike shops and barbershops in Hyde Park? I know there's quite a few of them, so just wanted to get some info on best deals, customer service, etc.\n\nthanks!", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "My boyfriend uses [Hydepark Hair Salon](http://hydeparkhairsalon.net/about) and really likes it. It's known for being where Obama gets his hair cut. They are really tailored towards mens hair and have great customer service. If you don't really care how your hair looks though, use the barber shop in the Reynolds Club basement which I believe is fairly cheap. \n\nAs for bike shops it depends upon what quality/how much you want to spend. There are a couple ones in hyde park. Blackstone bikes sells refurbished ones, but in my opinion, they are a little over priced. If you want a nice new one then there are shops downtown, but they're probably going to be very pricy. You can also look around to see if anyones selling one. Maybe check [marketplace.uchicago.edu](http://marketplace.uchicago.edu/)", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Yes, Hyde Park hair salon all the way. They are like artists. Make an appointment though. ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Bike shops/barbershops?. Hi everyone!\n\nNew grad student here--was just wondering if anybody had recommendations for bike shops and barbershops in Hyde Park? I know there's quite a few of them, so just wanted to get some info on best deals, customer service, etc.\n\nthanks!", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Lots of people like the one in the Reynolds Club Basement. I think they charge $18. I went there once and didn't think it was anything special. It's very convenient, though.\n\n[Orlando's Barber Studio](http://www.orlandosbarberstudio.com/) is up on East 53rd and charges about the same, but IMO the customer service is much better. \n\nA less-popular option is a barbershop near 53rd and Ingleside, called (I think) Brown's Barbershop. This place has no online presence because it's run by one dude who's almost 80, but haircuts are only $15 for UChicago students and I liked the cut I got there. The guy can tell you a lot of interesting stuff about the neighborhood's history, too. If I lived nearer it would probably be my go-to spot. \n\nEDIT: Yes, I made an account just to debrief someone on barbershops.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "53rd between ellis and greenwood", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Bike shops/barbershops?. Hi everyone!\n\nNew grad student here--was just wondering if anybody had recommendations for bike shops and barbershops in Hyde Park? I know there's quite a few of them, so just wanted to get some info on best deals, customer service, etc.\n\nthanks!", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Lots of people like the one in the Reynolds Club Basement. I think they charge $18. I went there once and didn't think it was anything special. It's very convenient, though.\n\n[Orlando's Barber Studio](http://www.orlandosbarberstudio.com/) is up on East 53rd and charges about the same, but IMO the customer service is much better. \n\nA less-popular option is a barbershop near 53rd and Ingleside, called (I think) Brown's Barbershop. This place has no online presence because it's run by one dude who's almost 80, but haircuts are only $15 for UChicago students and I liked the cut I got there. The guy can tell you a lot of interesting stuff about the neighborhood's history, too. If I lived nearer it would probably be my go-to spot. \n\nEDIT: Yes, I made an account just to debrief someone on barbershops.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Yes. This guy is hilarious and he gives a great cut at a great price. I also don't know the name but it's right next to Valley of Jordan which is another awesome place you might not know about.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Bike shops/barbershops?. Hi everyone!\n\nNew grad student here--was just wondering if anybody had recommendations for bike shops and barbershops in Hyde Park? I know there's quite a few of them, so just wanted to get some info on best deals, customer service, etc.\n\nthanks!", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Try Blackstone Bikes. They rehab old bikes quite well and their prices are reasonable. Beware of their odd hours. I think they only sell bikes on Monday and the rest of the time they only fix bikes.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Bike shops/barbershops?. Hi everyone!\n\nNew grad student here--was just wondering if anybody had recommendations for bike shops and barbershops in Hyde Park? I know there's quite a few of them, so just wanted to get some info on best deals, customer service, etc.\n\nthanks!", "role": "user" }, { "content": "The barbershop I use is on the corner of 59th and Harper, I don't remember the name. It's a few ladies who do a decent job, I haven't seen anyone come out looking butchered. Plus haircuts are a bit cheaper either Tuesdays or Wednesdays for students. \n\nI'd recommend buying a bike online. You can get some nice and cheap ones, whereas most students really beat up their bikes and then ask way too much for them on marketplace. ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Bike shops/barbershops?. Hi everyone!\n\nNew grad student here--was just wondering if anybody had recommendations for bike shops and barbershops in Hyde Park? I know there's quite a few of them, so just wanted to get some info on best deals, customer service, etc.\n\nthanks!", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Blackstone Bikes are terrific guys, extremely friendly. They run an after-school program with the kids from the school at 63rd and Blackstone. The kids get to learn how to build and repair bikes, and each eventually gets to keep a bike s/he's made. The shop moves slowly, and I wouldn't go there in a super pinch, especially not after 2:30 or whenever the middle school lets out. But it is a great atmosphere.\n\nAlternatively, if you're looking for a super cheapo bike, check out Working Bikes. You take the 55 to the 49, I think, and the hours are very funky. The bikes are very cheap, and you get only slightly more than you pay for. But they're definitely good enough cruisers to take around Hyde Park. Remember that the best ways to not get your bike stolen are to 1) store it inside overnight if possible, 2) make it unattractive to robbers, and 3) use a U-Lock or heavy-duty chain. 2 and 3 are similar sometimes, since a robber will choose the more poorly locked bike, all things being equal. Always lock at least one of your wheels, and your front one if it is quick-release.\n\nThere's more available in the UChicago Disorientation Zine that came out last year and the year before (and maybe again this year?). PM me if you'd like a PDF copy.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Double Majoring?. I'm looking to transfer into UChicago from McGill for a multitude of reasons, one of which being that I can't properly double major in arts/science (Biology and Philosophy), and the advisors here are beyond useless. Are there usually any problems (beyond a presumably intense workload) associated with double majoring at UChicago? ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Double majoring is worthless and can be detrimental if you plan on post-graduate education. You want your transcript to convey a specific interest.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Double Majoring?. I'm looking to transfer into UChicago from McGill for a multitude of reasons, one of which being that I can't properly double major in arts/science (Biology and Philosophy), and the advisors here are beyond useless. Are there usually any problems (beyond a presumably intense workload) associated with double majoring at UChicago? ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "If you're going to double major, then you might want to have some sort of plan as to what you're going to do beyond just getting the degrees. Like DirtPile pointed out, if you plan on getting a graduate degree, you're probably going to suffer in some way, especially if it's a specific field. The other thing is you have yet to feel what the workload may be for either Biology or Philosophy at Chicago. Check that out first before you jump to any conclusions. Nearly every Chicago student or grad will tell you that. \n\nLots of college and grad students enter the school expecting to make this happen right away. Don't. If there's one thing the University loves to do, it's humble people very quickly. \n\nGood luck and keep us posted. ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Uchicago frats. Im an incoming freshman, and I'm interested in joining a frat, but I dot know much about them. Can anyone give me information about joining or differnt reputations of the frats.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Greek life isn't that big at uchicago, and . But here is my best summary.\n\nFiji - lots of football players in this one. Jock kinda reputation, but I ended up in an organic chemistry lab section with many of them and none of them lived up to the stereotype. \n\nPhi Delt \n\nPsi U \n\nAlpha Delt - Known for having rich kids, and for bar night (opens up as a bar on wednesdays)\n\nD U (on Woodlawn, a block off)\n\nOff campus you have:\n\nDKE (deek) - More racially diverse than the other frats. They rent out a couple apartments, so no house. \n\nSig Ep - Nerdier than the other frats on here. I think they have a house near south campus now. They dont attract as much attention as the others on here.\n\nAEPi - Jewish frat. Also rents out apartments. \n\nThese impressions are a bit old, as I graduated a while ago now. I remember Phi Delt, Psi U, and Alpha Delt being most active in the party scene. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "For Chicago, Fiji is definitely the closest thing to a Jock frat you'll see. Definitely not what you'd see at a state or D1 school, but for our school? Yeah.\n\n", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Uchicago frats. Im an incoming freshman, and I'm interested in joining a frat, but I dot know much about them. Can anyone give me information about joining or differnt reputations of the frats.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Greek life isn't that big at uchicago, and . But here is my best summary.\n\nFiji - lots of football players in this one. Jock kinda reputation, but I ended up in an organic chemistry lab section with many of them and none of them lived up to the stereotype. \n\nPhi Delt \n\nPsi U \n\nAlpha Delt - Known for having rich kids, and for bar night (opens up as a bar on wednesdays)\n\nD U (on Woodlawn, a block off)\n\nOff campus you have:\n\nDKE (deek) - More racially diverse than the other frats. They rent out a couple apartments, so no house. \n\nSig Ep - Nerdier than the other frats on here. I think they have a house near south campus now. They dont attract as much attention as the others on here.\n\nAEPi - Jewish frat. Also rents out apartments. \n\nThese impressions are a bit old, as I graduated a while ago now. I remember Phi Delt, Psi U, and Alpha Delt being most active in the party scene. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Greek life is growing slowly; I hear more of those names in relation to \"party\" than those 3, though that might also be because South seems to attract a lot more of the frat/party types these days. \n\nkelny also missed Sigma Chi, who re-founded in 09 -- I honestly don't much about them. The one guy I really know and the few I vaguely know in Sigma Chi are some of the nicest guys I've ever met, though. ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Uchicago frats. Im an incoming freshman, and I'm interested in joining a frat, but I dot know much about them. Can anyone give me information about joining or differnt reputations of the frats.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Greek life isn't that big at uchicago, and . But here is my best summary.\n\nFiji - lots of football players in this one. Jock kinda reputation, but I ended up in an organic chemistry lab section with many of them and none of them lived up to the stereotype. \n\nPhi Delt \n\nPsi U \n\nAlpha Delt - Known for having rich kids, and for bar night (opens up as a bar on wednesdays)\n\nD U (on Woodlawn, a block off)\n\nOff campus you have:\n\nDKE (deek) - More racially diverse than the other frats. They rent out a couple apartments, so no house. \n\nSig Ep - Nerdier than the other frats on here. I think they have a house near south campus now. They dont attract as much attention as the others on here.\n\nAEPi - Jewish frat. Also rents out apartments. \n\nThese impressions are a bit old, as I graduated a while ago now. I remember Phi Delt, Psi U, and Alpha Delt being most active in the party scene. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Sigma Chi's house is up on 52nd and Kimbark behind HPP. They don't throw as many parties as other fraternities (some people get offended when you say \"frat\"), about 2/quarter. I think they have the best drinks and party atmosphere for my taste. And I don't feel like I'm going to get ruphied.\n\nIf you want to judge the quality of the frats, make sure you check what the dues are. It's insanely cheap to join DU, and that is generally considered to be the lowest quality. Of course price /= quality, but it's something to consider.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Uchicago frats. Im an incoming freshman, and I'm interested in joining a frat, but I dot know much about them. Can anyone give me information about joining or differnt reputations of the frats.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Greek life isn't that big at uchicago, and . But here is my best summary.\n\nFiji - lots of football players in this one. Jock kinda reputation, but I ended up in an organic chemistry lab section with many of them and none of them lived up to the stereotype. \n\nPhi Delt \n\nPsi U \n\nAlpha Delt - Known for having rich kids, and for bar night (opens up as a bar on wednesdays)\n\nD U (on Woodlawn, a block off)\n\nOff campus you have:\n\nDKE (deek) - More racially diverse than the other frats. They rent out a couple apartments, so no house. \n\nSig Ep - Nerdier than the other frats on here. I think they have a house near south campus now. They dont attract as much attention as the others on here.\n\nAEPi - Jewish frat. Also rents out apartments. \n\nThese impressions are a bit old, as I graduated a while ago now. I remember Phi Delt, Psi U, and Alpha Delt being most active in the party scene. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Graduated in June, so a couple updates:\n\nPhi Delt and Psi U throw way fewer parties than DKE, DU, and Alpha Delt, even Sig Ep since they got a house. And if you're into the weed, Alpha Delt's probably the way to go.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Well, things change. When I was a student half of us didnt even know we had a Sig Ep, and they never had parties.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Uchicago frats. Im an incoming freshman, and I'm interested in joining a frat, but I dot know much about them. Can anyone give me information about joining or differnt reputations of the frats.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Greek life isn't that big at uchicago, and . But here is my best summary.\n\nFiji - lots of football players in this one. Jock kinda reputation, but I ended up in an organic chemistry lab section with many of them and none of them lived up to the stereotype. \n\nPhi Delt \n\nPsi U \n\nAlpha Delt - Known for having rich kids, and for bar night (opens up as a bar on wednesdays)\n\nD U (on Woodlawn, a block off)\n\nOff campus you have:\n\nDKE (deek) - More racially diverse than the other frats. They rent out a couple apartments, so no house. \n\nSig Ep - Nerdier than the other frats on here. I think they have a house near south campus now. They dont attract as much attention as the others on here.\n\nAEPi - Jewish frat. Also rents out apartments. \n\nThese impressions are a bit old, as I graduated a while ago now. I remember Phi Delt, Psi U, and Alpha Delt being most active in the party scene. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Greek life is getting bigger. \n\nLast year there were 2 new frats:\nDelta Tau Delta- the baseball frat, mostly chill guys. \nZeta Beta Tau- I know some of the guys and they're pretty cool dudes, their parties were smaller apartment type but dope nonetheless. They do some nice community service and are pretty racially diverse", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Uchicago frats. Im an incoming freshman, and I'm interested in joining a frat, but I dot know much about them. Can anyone give me information about joining or differnt reputations of the frats.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "don't", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Uchicago frats. Im an incoming freshman, and I'm interested in joining a frat, but I dot know much about them. Can anyone give me information about joining or differnt reputations of the frats.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "I think it boils down to who you meet during the pre-Rush period. A lot of the frats struck me as interchangeable when I went (class of 09), but I spent most of my time at PsiU because I was close friends with 3 of the brothers. I never rushed, and I met them independently through class and extracurricular. I also got along with the DU guys.\n\nEither way, Chicago frats are fun but decidedly unlike state school frats.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Alright. Well thanks for the info. I'll be sure to check em out.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Uchicago frats. Im an incoming freshman, and I'm interested in joining a frat, but I dot know much about them. Can anyone give me information about joining or differnt reputations of the frats.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "As a girl involved in greek life who is friends with many frat brothers: The frats here certainly aren't for everybody, but if you find one where you think you truly belong, it can be an amazing and defining part of your college experience. I'm happy you have an interest, but don't feel pressured to join any and also don't let anybody dissuade you because it's automatically assumed that frat = bad. I could give you stereotypes/reputations of each frat, but I'm not sure it's fair to have preconceived notions. You'll probably figure out the general feel of each one pretty quickly if you spend any amount of time talking to a few brothers. If you're interested, go to parties at the beginning of the year and try to talk to brothers and definitely talk to the ones you meet naturally while around campus. Good luck! ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "That's good advice, thank you. I'll be sure to do that.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Uchicago frats. Im an incoming freshman, and I'm interested in joining a frat, but I dot know much about them. Can anyone give me information about joining or differnt reputations of the frats.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Here is the reputation of frats at the University of Chicago.\n\nBad. ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Uchicago frats. Im an incoming freshman, and I'm interested in joining a frat, but I dot know much about them. Can anyone give me information about joining or differnt reputations of the frats.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Frats at UChicago? Are you sure you picked the right university?", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Uchicago frats. Im an incoming freshman, and I'm interested in joining a frat, but I dot know much about them. Can anyone give me information about joining or differnt reputations of the frats.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Alpha Delt and DU both had some serious [racial incidents](http://www.suntimes.com/news/education/12932080-418/story.html) last year. Speaking as an alum, the fraternities are an embarrassment to the University.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Yeah, I read about that in the paper. I'll steer clear of them.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I'm not saying the racial incidents were ok, because they totally weren't, but keep in mind that (at least in DU's case) it was more the mistake of a few people in charge of planning the party. It's not like the hundred or so brothers got together and said \"we should throw a party and give it a racially demeaning theme!\". They did everything that was asked of them as an organization to make amends. While that particular party name/theme was exceptionally bad, many parties, not just in fraternities, are some variation of the ______ bros and ____hos theme.\n\nStill, it was a grossly racist and sexist theme. But try not to put too much weight on what a bunch of Uchicago students trying to party do.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Right, and I get where you are coming from. But I'm quite possibly going to enter politics some day, and scars like that stand out.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "lulz\n", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Uchicago frats. Im an incoming freshman, and I'm interested in joining a frat, but I dot know much about them. Can anyone give me information about joining or differnt reputations of the frats.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "To be honest, I've never liked any of the frats; my opinion is one of almost complete hostility to the idea.\n\nProbably because I lived in an apartment one year above a frat, and after a girl got carted off to the hospital with alcohol poisoning, the fraternity brothers suggested that she was visiting my roommates and I. My roommates weren't around. I was half-asleep -and sober- watching some DVD. Yet I had to endure thirty minutes worth of questioning by the cops because some dumb shits wanted to deflect the blame.\n\nOr it could have been the time that I got roofied at a frat party. Not because I'm an attractive lady--I'm not, I'm a dude. But a friend handed me her punch, given to her by a fraternity brother, and she didn't want to finish it, so...\n\nSo yeah, while I might be a little biased when I say that I view them as a toxic influence on student life...\n\nThe only ones I'll say to completely fucking avoid because a decade ago they were horrible douchebags are: Psi U, and DK.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Uchicago frats. Im an incoming freshman, and I'm interested in joining a frat, but I dot know much about them. Can anyone give me information about joining or differnt reputations of the frats.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "The first question is why do you want to join a fraternity?\n\nFraternities at the U of C are very different from other schools. By no means do you need to be in one to have a healthy social life. I believe something like 10% of the student body is a member of a greek society. \n\nAlso, fraternities at the U of C are still at the U of C. The party-all-the-time frat sometimes portrayed in films isn't prevalent. (Largely because it'd be near impossible to do that & still graduate.)\n\nSo if it's for those reasons, I wouldn't encourage you to join one.\n\nThat's not to say you *shouldn't* join one. I graduated in the late 90s & was a member of DU. I didn't have any opinions on fraternities when I joined, but I ended up liking a bunch of the guys, so did it. \n\nFor me, it was a great decision. It was a good forcing function to break out of my shell & socialize. It also was a good support network. The U of C workload can be challenging at times (esp. if you work and/or play a sport). \n\nHowever, in hindsight, what I liked the best was it connected me to people I may not have met otherwise. I work in tech, but two of my good friends are now professors at Harvard. Another is a heart surgeon. Another sold his hedge fund & is semi-retired, living with his wife & kids in India. \n\nOthers may naturally socialize with they everyone they meet, and while I was good about knowing people in major, it's unlikely I would have forged a friendship with people in drastically different areas. \n\nMy two cents.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Who else is pumped? Guys behind Longman and Eagle opening a restaurant in Hyde Park. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I'm excited for this.\n\n^Sent ^from ^[Reditr](http://reditr.com)", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Who else is pumped? Guys behind Longman and Eagle opening a restaurant in Hyde Park. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "My property value is pumped.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Who else is pumped? Guys behind Longman and Eagle opening a restaurant in Hyde Park. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Wow, this is really, really awesome - a bar and concert venue. I think it'll be great to have a place to possibly play/watch shows at, and a BAR! I think there are only 2 or 3 in Hyde Park? This is pretty nice.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "The University of Chicago is now ranked 4th nationally according to US News & World Report!. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Hoo boy here we go again with the rank train", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Well, they might be kinda arbitrary, but I'll take it. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Here comes the \"rankings are killing UChicago's legacy\" discussion again.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "E-mail from Dean Boyer on end of phys. ed. & swimming requirement.. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "As someone who can't swim, I approve of this.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Are you saying you are an advocate of increased rates of death by drowning in U of C graduates? How could you?! ಠ\\_ಠ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "E-mail from Dean Boyer on end of phys. ed. & swimming requirement.. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "As someone who can't swim, I approve of this.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "I can't swim. I \"know\" how, but I sink. That said, I was able to go through the process of drowning for four pool lengths, and hence passed the test. Hard times though.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I don't believe that you truly know how if you are still sinking. Do you have extremely low body fat and low strength? What's your height? I wouldn't mind helping you at this year for just a little bit.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "E-mail from Dean Boyer on end of phys. ed. & swimming requirement.. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "So many people are getting angry about this on Facebook.\n\nWho gives a shit? If you really love PE classes so much, go and take them, nobody's stopping you.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Same could be said about the rest of the core?", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "E-mail from Dean Boyer on end of phys. ed. & swimming requirement.. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Are people upset about this? Honestly, requiring PE classes and then not giving people any credit for having taken them kind of pissed me off when I was an undergrad. I think it's a good idea to be physically fit and know how to swim, but students should be able to judge for themselves what's best.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "E-mail from Dean Boyer on end of phys. ed. & swimming requirement.. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I guess I'm the only one who is actually disappointed by this decision. I just don't see the rationale to eliminate an existing institution like this. It seems like the exact *opposite* of the knee-jerk reaction of people bitching about UChicago being ranked high in the US News rankings. I really don't understand...we should pull out of ranking systems or at the very least condemn them for praising us because it contradicts and diminishes the UChicago culture, but we should also breath a sigh of relief that one of the country's oldest and few remaining physical fitness requirements has been eliminated? \n\nYes, people can take P.E. classes whenever they want, yes UChicago is about the life of the *mind*, but isn't this the whole purpose of the Core in the first place? To force students to leave their comfort zones and enter new disciplines they wouldn't normally choose to? Anyone who's played sports can tell you that there's plenty of thinking involved, and in a very different way than a shut-in academic would be used to. Plus, come on...it's not like UChicago students couldn't use a slight push in the direction of physical fitness and recreation. Engaging in physical activity another two hours a week for (at most) 3 quarters isn't going to kill anyone.\n\nR.I.P. fitness and swimming requirement :'(", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "E-mail from Dean Boyer on end of phys. ed. & swimming requirement.. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Guys, this is the best. One step closer to getting rid of sports! ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "The new NightRide program starts tomorrow, replacing SafeRide and Evening Shuttles. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "So they made the time it takes to get from place to place longer by expanding the service? ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Are you talking about part that says shuttles \"will run approximately every 20 to 30 minutes\"? I'm guessing they'll leave more frequently during heavy periods, as they did before.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "wasnt it also every 20 min before this change? they're just starting the service earlier. new route means i have to walk further to get home.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "The new NightRide program starts tomorrow, replacing SafeRide and Evening Shuttles. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "So they made the time it takes to get from place to place longer by expanding the service? ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Are you talking about part that says shuttles \"will run approximately every 20 to 30 minutes\"? I'm guessing they'll leave more frequently during heavy periods, as they did before.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "No, I mean that the distances that the shuttles will run are longer. But apparently they run in reverse? So that might actually make things better. Or... worse. I have no idea; I have a car. But in winter, or late at night, or when I'm really drunk, it's nice to have a dependable shuttle service as opposed to just trekking it. The issue is, sometimes it's faster to just walk it since the shuttle has to run all over campus before going to where I need it to go. Especially travelling from South. Sure it's not a long walk from South to Reynolds, but in the winter or late at night or even in the rain, that walk can be made into quite an annoying trip. But the South has to go all around campus (not literally, of course) first before going to the Reynolds club. Eh, I don't know. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "South campus huh? Coming from Broadview I don't have that much sympathy... :P\n\nI also heard they're supposed to run in reverse (2 at onces, opposite directions). That should help, I think. I hope they're every ten minutes during evenings like before, but then again, I'm used to waiting 20 minutes for the 171 and to the Central taking 15 minutes from pickup to dropoff...\n\nSomeone else says they've had several people in charge of transportation over the last few years, and each one gives up/is let go after a short time. Supposedly the new head said \"hey, why not rethink the whole thing?\" Take that with a grain of salt though.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Come and find fellow redditors at the College Meet Up Day in Uchicago!. Friends and family welcome!\n\nhttp://redditgifts.com/meetups/university-chicago-meet/", "role": "user" }, { "content": "u realize that school not yet in session?", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "I think the meet up is scheduled for October 6 (first Saturday of the school year). \n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Yep, it's scheduled on Oct 6. ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Come and find fellow redditors at the College Meet Up Day in Uchicago!. Friends and family welcome!\n\nhttp://redditgifts.com/meetups/university-chicago-meet/", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Woo. What's the time? ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "I'm sorry if you guys get these a lot, please ignore if you do. I'm a misguided senior in highschool. I need some advice and I figured you guys could give me some honest criticism. . Info:\n\nRaised in Santa Cruz, CA by parents who don't care much about education. I didn't care. My Sister was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Start getting involved and really curious about neuroscience. Started researching and learning more as she got worse. Then I found a passion for most things related to brain. Rose my 1.7GPA (sophomore year) to 3.5(junior) w/ a 4 on the AP Biology exam. Now I have a 4.5 GPA (senior 1st sem, in progress). Most of the kids in my class are above that. Now I'm obsessed knowledge and I don't want to stop learning for the rest of my life. My teachers said I've shown remarkable academic improvement and that they've neither seen nor expected before. Completely discouraged to apply due to my Freshman-Junior years. \n\n*I'm taking 2 languages.\n*I help manage a small non-profit breast cancer relief foundation\n*I've spent the past year leaning to fly airplanes, I'll have my private pilot license by the end of the year. \n*I'm in the Red Cross Club?\n\nI'm also good at writing if it helps, the valedictorian is always frustrated when my English teacher reads my essays - especially my creative stories. \nI've always loved Uchicago and read/researched about it. I want the challenge, and know I'm academically capable. Alas, I still feel like it's just an unreal fantasy. \n\nI'll probably write the college essays just for fun, but should I fill out the rest of the application too?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Just do it, dude. What have you got to lose?", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "I'm sorry if you guys get these a lot, please ignore if you do. I'm a misguided senior in highschool. I need some advice and I figured you guys could give me some honest criticism. . Info:\n\nRaised in Santa Cruz, CA by parents who don't care much about education. I didn't care. My Sister was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Start getting involved and really curious about neuroscience. Started researching and learning more as she got worse. Then I found a passion for most things related to brain. Rose my 1.7GPA (sophomore year) to 3.5(junior) w/ a 4 on the AP Biology exam. Now I have a 4.5 GPA (senior 1st sem, in progress). Most of the kids in my class are above that. Now I'm obsessed knowledge and I don't want to stop learning for the rest of my life. My teachers said I've shown remarkable academic improvement and that they've neither seen nor expected before. Completely discouraged to apply due to my Freshman-Junior years. \n\n*I'm taking 2 languages.\n*I help manage a small non-profit breast cancer relief foundation\n*I've spent the past year leaning to fly airplanes, I'll have my private pilot license by the end of the year. \n*I'm in the Red Cross Club?\n\nI'm also good at writing if it helps, the valedictorian is always frustrated when my English teacher reads my essays - especially my creative stories. \nI've always loved Uchicago and read/researched about it. I want the challenge, and know I'm academically capable. Alas, I still feel like it's just an unreal fantasy. \n\nI'll probably write the college essays just for fun, but should I fill out the rest of the application too?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Well, if you're gonna write the essays anyway, I don't see why not. CommonApp makes it an easy process. Good luck.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "I'm sorry if you guys get these a lot, please ignore if you do. I'm a misguided senior in highschool. I need some advice and I figured you guys could give me some honest criticism. . Info:\n\nRaised in Santa Cruz, CA by parents who don't care much about education. I didn't care. My Sister was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Start getting involved and really curious about neuroscience. Started researching and learning more as she got worse. Then I found a passion for most things related to brain. Rose my 1.7GPA (sophomore year) to 3.5(junior) w/ a 4 on the AP Biology exam. Now I have a 4.5 GPA (senior 1st sem, in progress). Most of the kids in my class are above that. Now I'm obsessed knowledge and I don't want to stop learning for the rest of my life. My teachers said I've shown remarkable academic improvement and that they've neither seen nor expected before. Completely discouraged to apply due to my Freshman-Junior years. \n\n*I'm taking 2 languages.\n*I help manage a small non-profit breast cancer relief foundation\n*I've spent the past year leaning to fly airplanes, I'll have my private pilot license by the end of the year. \n*I'm in the Red Cross Club?\n\nI'm also good at writing if it helps, the valedictorian is always frustrated when my English teacher reads my essays - especially my creative stories. \nI've always loved Uchicago and read/researched about it. I want the challenge, and know I'm academically capable. Alas, I still feel like it's just an unreal fantasy. \n\nI'll probably write the college essays just for fun, but should I fill out the rest of the application too?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "You have an amazing story! There is always room for incredible people here! Apply! Honestly though, the daunting statistics aside there is nothing more important than being interesting and real. And you seem to be both of those. Apply apply apply", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "I'm sorry if you guys get these a lot, please ignore if you do. I'm a misguided senior in highschool. I need some advice and I figured you guys could give me some honest criticism. . Info:\n\nRaised in Santa Cruz, CA by parents who don't care much about education. I didn't care. My Sister was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Start getting involved and really curious about neuroscience. Started researching and learning more as she got worse. Then I found a passion for most things related to brain. Rose my 1.7GPA (sophomore year) to 3.5(junior) w/ a 4 on the AP Biology exam. Now I have a 4.5 GPA (senior 1st sem, in progress). Most of the kids in my class are above that. Now I'm obsessed knowledge and I don't want to stop learning for the rest of my life. My teachers said I've shown remarkable academic improvement and that they've neither seen nor expected before. Completely discouraged to apply due to my Freshman-Junior years. \n\n*I'm taking 2 languages.\n*I help manage a small non-profit breast cancer relief foundation\n*I've spent the past year leaning to fly airplanes, I'll have my private pilot license by the end of the year. \n*I'm in the Red Cross Club?\n\nI'm also good at writing if it helps, the valedictorian is always frustrated when my English teacher reads my essays - especially my creative stories. \nI've always loved Uchicago and read/researched about it. I want the challenge, and know I'm academically capable. Alas, I still feel like it's just an unreal fantasy. \n\nI'll probably write the college essays just for fun, but should I fill out the rest of the application too?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "With a story like that, you've got a shot! I'd apply; you've got nothing to lose!", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "I'm sorry if you guys get these a lot, please ignore if you do. I'm a misguided senior in highschool. I need some advice and I figured you guys could give me some honest criticism. . Info:\n\nRaised in Santa Cruz, CA by parents who don't care much about education. I didn't care. My Sister was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Start getting involved and really curious about neuroscience. Started researching and learning more as she got worse. Then I found a passion for most things related to brain. Rose my 1.7GPA (sophomore year) to 3.5(junior) w/ a 4 on the AP Biology exam. Now I have a 4.5 GPA (senior 1st sem, in progress). Most of the kids in my class are above that. Now I'm obsessed knowledge and I don't want to stop learning for the rest of my life. My teachers said I've shown remarkable academic improvement and that they've neither seen nor expected before. Completely discouraged to apply due to my Freshman-Junior years. \n\n*I'm taking 2 languages.\n*I help manage a small non-profit breast cancer relief foundation\n*I've spent the past year leaning to fly airplanes, I'll have my private pilot license by the end of the year. \n*I'm in the Red Cross Club?\n\nI'm also good at writing if it helps, the valedictorian is always frustrated when my English teacher reads my essays - especially my creative stories. \nI've always loved Uchicago and read/researched about it. I want the challenge, and know I'm academically capable. Alas, I still feel like it's just an unreal fantasy. \n\nI'll probably write the college essays just for fun, but should I fill out the rest of the application too?", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Unless you have a huge scholarship or a way to pay without student loans, do not even attempt. This may puns pessimistic but it is actually realistic. This is a very expensive school. You do not want to graduate with debt. Think about it, is it really worth it to pay so much for four years of college? Maybe you should stick to a state school in California or even do Community College for two years and then transfer to a four year university. This plan is especially helpful if you plan on going to graduate school. You should look into the book entitled: A debt free-U by Zac Bissonatte. Sorry if this is not what you want to hear.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "why be so bitter and pessimistic when OP didn't even mention finances? You don't know his/her financial situation, and the College actually gives pretty decent aid, especially for people from families under a certain income level. Also, if you plan on going to grad school, it's important to position yourself at a school with world-class faculty and a learning environment that will ACTUALLY prepare you for grad school at an awesome university. (let's face it, going to grad school at some no-name school is not going to get you a job in today's market, unfortunately) Money, after a certain point, is just money--it can always be made in the future. You only have a short time to experience college and to mould yourself as a scholar, hijklmn, and your situation and experiences sound like they would make for a stand-out application.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Where you go does not determine whether or not you get a job", "role": "user" }, { "content": "That's just not true. Of course, going to a good school doesn't guarantee you a job of any kind, but it does open doors. And, sad to say, the \"brand-name recognition\" of schools matters. If you were hiring someone, would you be more likely to hire someone who went to Harvard over someone who went to a small college you'd never heard of? Thought so. It kind of sucks, but it's true. And it's one of the reasons that getting an education at the University of Chicago is so competitive. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Actually the small college, they were probably more in touch with their professors and perhaps learned a little more.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "lol someone feels bitter about their uchicago experience.\n\nwait..unless you're from northwestern!?! ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "I'm sorry if you guys get these a lot, please ignore if you do. I'm a misguided senior in highschool. I need some advice and I figured you guys could give me some honest criticism. . Info:\n\nRaised in Santa Cruz, CA by parents who don't care much about education. I didn't care. My Sister was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Start getting involved and really curious about neuroscience. Started researching and learning more as she got worse. Then I found a passion for most things related to brain. Rose my 1.7GPA (sophomore year) to 3.5(junior) w/ a 4 on the AP Biology exam. Now I have a 4.5 GPA (senior 1st sem, in progress). Most of the kids in my class are above that. Now I'm obsessed knowledge and I don't want to stop learning for the rest of my life. My teachers said I've shown remarkable academic improvement and that they've neither seen nor expected before. Completely discouraged to apply due to my Freshman-Junior years. \n\n*I'm taking 2 languages.\n*I help manage a small non-profit breast cancer relief foundation\n*I've spent the past year leaning to fly airplanes, I'll have my private pilot license by the end of the year. \n*I'm in the Red Cross Club?\n\nI'm also good at writing if it helps, the valedictorian is always frustrated when my English teacher reads my essays - especially my creative stories. \nI've always loved Uchicago and read/researched about it. I want the challenge, and know I'm academically capable. Alas, I still feel like it's just an unreal fantasy. \n\nI'll probably write the college essays just for fun, but should I fill out the rest of the application too?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "YES! From what you've said you will probably have a killer application essay. That is genuinely the most important part. If you can get some really good recommendation letters (make sure they discuss your improvement) then I think you have a pretty decent shot. Your extra curriculars seem pretty good as well. How are your standardized test scores? They aren't the most important thing by any means but take them into consideration as well. I'd say you aren't a shoe in but you have a chance so you might as well go for it.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Can you guys chance me for U of Chicago?. .", "role": "user" }, { "content": "You have nice numbers. But so does everybody here.\n\nYou want to know if you can get in? **Apply.**", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "I'm an alumnus now, but I was in this wonderful men's vocal group called CMAC, and they are looking for some fresh voices.. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "[Facebook event](http://www.facebook.com/events/430120200356722/)\n\n[Website](http://www.cmacsings.com)", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Prospective undergraduate...can you give me the pros and cons of UChicago?. I am currently weighing my options between UChicago and Northwestern. I'm really looking for a great academic experience and I'm willing to work hard, but I don't want my 4 years of college to be anything like the tedious and monotonous work of high school. I'm looking for a combination of productive and rich academia with a fun social experience as well, and I definitely do not want to be stuck in another 4 years of academic competition like it was in high school.\n\nBasically, what about UChicago do you love? And what about it do you hate?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I only saw this now. I definitely had a rich and productive academic life with a fun social experience as well, sure. The work was not tedious and monotonous - well, maybe the Core was. As for academic competition, outside of a few specific contexts, I don't think people are very competitive. In my department (math), the only real competition is with yourself. For everything else, cooperative is the only way to get through. It's not a zero-sum game. However, in some arenas, I definitely got the sense that people compete (and duel with their mind-cocks) - particularly places with people wanting to go into medicine or whatever. \n\nBut in the stuff I was interested in, it wasn't a zero-sum game. You're not going to figure it out on your own, so you should work together. If everybody in the class is smart and gets the material, everybody gets an A. If everybody's dumb and doesn't get the material, they all fail. \n\nI was a math major, but I was able to take a lot of diverse classes that suited my interests - Sanskrit, Attic Greek, a history of monasticism course... Tons of great stuff. I'm not going to gild it at all, they expected a lot. In everything. It wasn't monotonous, but it wasn't easy. ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Prospective undergraduate...can you give me the pros and cons of UChicago?. I am currently weighing my options between UChicago and Northwestern. I'm really looking for a great academic experience and I'm willing to work hard, but I don't want my 4 years of college to be anything like the tedious and monotonous work of high school. I'm looking for a combination of productive and rich academia with a fun social experience as well, and I definitely do not want to be stuck in another 4 years of academic competition like it was in high school.\n\nBasically, what about UChicago do you love? And what about it do you hate?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "The cons are that the place will destroy any sense of joy you might have. Seriously, do not go. Read some of [these comments](http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/search.php?searchid=41628366) to get a sense of why it's a terrible school that should be shut down, bulldozed, and then lit on fire.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "22F looking to sublet for summer 2013!. Hello! 22F looking for subletting or renting an apartment or room for next summer while I'm there for a 10-week internship (but I will pay for the whole summer). PM me or comment for more information!", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Holy bajeezus, this is really early to be looking for that. Check marketplace.uchicago.edu around April or May for a good place or in June for a good deal.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Haha I see what you did thar, you gentlemen sir! Your comment was a work of art, you gorgeous beautiful person.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "22F looking to sublet for summer 2013!. Hello! 22F looking for subletting or renting an apartment or room for next summer while I'm there for a 10-week internship (but I will pay for the whole summer). PM me or comment for more information!", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Holy bajeezus, this is really early to be looking for that. Check marketplace.uchicago.edu around April or May for a good place or in June for a good deal.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Is it? Haha, I had no idea. I tend to plan things early, and I figured people may have leases signed already. :) I'll check then, thanks for the website!", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "April/May might be a little late. Kids usually know their summer plans sometime after the new year. A lot of them will want to plan early too. I'd start checking it around February. Good luck!", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Thanks so much!", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "UChicago bringing 1 gigabit fiber network to Hyde Park and the surrounding neighborhoods. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Brings a tear to my eye. I never thought itd happen. Too bad I won't be around to see it.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "UChicago bringing 1 gigabit fiber network to Hyde Park and the surrounding neighborhoods. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I guess it's time to go back for grad school.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "UChicago bringing 1 gigabit fiber network to Hyde Park and the surrounding neighborhoods. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Woohoo! Thanks for sharing this find.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "UChicago bringing 1 gigabit fiber network to Hyde Park and the surrounding neighborhoods. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Baller", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "UChicago bringing 1 gigabit fiber network to Hyde Park and the surrounding neighborhoods. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Article is confusing me a bit. When does the university get the Gigabit Internet, and where will the coverage be?", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Building tomorrow's elitist pricks, today.. Overheard from two UC Lab students on the 171 today:\n\n\"I can't believe we got D's in Latin\"\n\"Yeah I know, in a public school we would be getting A's\"\n\"I'm too smart for public schools.\"", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Considering the sorry state of Chicago Public Schools, I'm not sure this is inaccurate.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Very unhappy here; any advice?. Hey all. Im a freshman here at Uchicago and I know it is super super early but I am having a pretty shitty experience.\n\nI don't feel like complaining at length on reddit, but suffice it to say that it is not the place I expected it to be, and, early as it is, I am considering transferring.\n\nI just wanted to know if anyone had a similar experience that turned around for them evenutaly. For reference, this isn't about the social life (I have a few friends I really like, though the general dearth of sociableness does suck), but more that the atmosphere of pre-professionalism and learning just to get a degree are much stronger than I ever expected. I am at college to enjoy learning for a few years, not to feel bad about the fact that I don't already have a Morgan Stanley internship set up. \n\nI know I could adjust to it, but I'm worried that would involve becoming cynical as a defense mechanism (something I feel from a lot of older kids here). \n\nThis is also not supposed to be a castigation of my fellow students; there are some of the nicest people ever here, I just don't think I quite fit the mold for this school.\n\n\n*Figured I would post this reply up here to clarify, also thank you all for the responses, it does give me hope.\n\nI do think that my experience is very personal. I feel like this is a very hit or miss type of place with a lot of ifs that go into happiness. I really don't feel like I am a part of my house culture, for one. Again, all seem like wonderful people its just the culture at large is not predominated by people that I am really going to become very close with. I some closer friends I met early, and I feel like we have become insular but I'm not sure how to change that.\n\nMy classes are here and there--can't expect much from Calc so thats fine, but there really isn't much class participation in my hume class despite the brilliant professor, and my chem class has been hands down my worst academic experience to date (and I'm doing well in the class, this isn't me complaining about a bad grade).\n\nI also don't feel like I am meeting people, which seems to be a pretty key part of a college experience. A lot of this is definitely on me, and I could probably use a good deal of advice in this arena, but I feel like it shouldn't be this much work to meet people when I am surrounded by people my age. I am a very social person, and I have never in my life had trouble meeting people (I have changed schools plenty and always landed on my feet) and I just feel like I can't break though here.\n\n\nI guess all in all, I expected to feel more like I went to a college, and I feel more like I go to a grad school. An amazing grad school filled with brilliant people, mind you, but just not the experience I was looking for (yet--I realize its been 5 weeks and this is ridiculously hasty but I just figured I would reach out for help).\nThanks for the advice, by the way.\n\n\n\n\nP.S. just for reference I am thinking I may be better suited to a small liberal arts school", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "What are some of the details of your shitty experience? I'm not sure I understand enough to give advice. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Same feeling here. What exactly were you expecting, and how did UChicago fail those expectations? \n\nJust from my experience here, this is probably the last place one would feel bad about not having a Morgan Stanley internship set up.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "jpfry, you transferred here, correct?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Yeah I did, from NYU. One of the reasons was because of NYU's pre-professional atmosphere. \n\nI agree with pretty much everything that's been said, especially that once one breaks away from the core classes it's much more easy to be around like-minded individuals. Everyone I'm around now genuinely cares about what their studying, and I even have a few pre-professional friends who take their humanities degree really seriously. ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Very unhappy here; any advice?. Hey all. Im a freshman here at Uchicago and I know it is super super early but I am having a pretty shitty experience.\n\nI don't feel like complaining at length on reddit, but suffice it to say that it is not the place I expected it to be, and, early as it is, I am considering transferring.\n\nI just wanted to know if anyone had a similar experience that turned around for them evenutaly. For reference, this isn't about the social life (I have a few friends I really like, though the general dearth of sociableness does suck), but more that the atmosphere of pre-professionalism and learning just to get a degree are much stronger than I ever expected. I am at college to enjoy learning for a few years, not to feel bad about the fact that I don't already have a Morgan Stanley internship set up. \n\nI know I could adjust to it, but I'm worried that would involve becoming cynical as a defense mechanism (something I feel from a lot of older kids here). \n\nThis is also not supposed to be a castigation of my fellow students; there are some of the nicest people ever here, I just don't think I quite fit the mold for this school.\n\n\n*Figured I would post this reply up here to clarify, also thank you all for the responses, it does give me hope.\n\nI do think that my experience is very personal. I feel like this is a very hit or miss type of place with a lot of ifs that go into happiness. I really don't feel like I am a part of my house culture, for one. Again, all seem like wonderful people its just the culture at large is not predominated by people that I am really going to become very close with. I some closer friends I met early, and I feel like we have become insular but I'm not sure how to change that.\n\nMy classes are here and there--can't expect much from Calc so thats fine, but there really isn't much class participation in my hume class despite the brilliant professor, and my chem class has been hands down my worst academic experience to date (and I'm doing well in the class, this isn't me complaining about a bad grade).\n\nI also don't feel like I am meeting people, which seems to be a pretty key part of a college experience. A lot of this is definitely on me, and I could probably use a good deal of advice in this arena, but I feel like it shouldn't be this much work to meet people when I am surrounded by people my age. I am a very social person, and I have never in my life had trouble meeting people (I have changed schools plenty and always landed on my feet) and I just feel like I can't break though here.\n\n\nI guess all in all, I expected to feel more like I went to a college, and I feel more like I go to a grad school. An amazing grad school filled with brilliant people, mind you, but just not the experience I was looking for (yet--I realize its been 5 weeks and this is ridiculously hasty but I just figured I would reach out for help).\nThanks for the advice, by the way.\n\n\n\n\nP.S. just for reference I am thinking I may be better suited to a small liberal arts school", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I had very similar feelings as you when I was a 1st year. I guess all I can say is to stop focusing on what other people are freaking out about and just do you. There's so many people here, and there's certainly people around you that feel similarly. I find that being active in RSOs is super super helpful, at least in non-academic RSOs (I'm in MODA, for example). You are the one that dictates your experience here, and if you focus on what others are doing too much you'll have a hard time just enjoying your experience here.\n\nIt's kind of hard to avoid the atmosphere of pre-professionalism at a school that's known for rigorous degrees like economics and the sciences. As a pre-med, it's absolutely insane how worked up my peers get about it, and that's part of the reason why I struggled my first year. Taking a non-career-related minor helps immensely, but also not getting caught up in the froth of everyone else is the most important thing.\n\nI decided to give it another year before deciding if I still wanted to transfer, and ultimately came to the decision that I didn't want to. I would give that a try.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Very unhappy here; any advice?. Hey all. Im a freshman here at Uchicago and I know it is super super early but I am having a pretty shitty experience.\n\nI don't feel like complaining at length on reddit, but suffice it to say that it is not the place I expected it to be, and, early as it is, I am considering transferring.\n\nI just wanted to know if anyone had a similar experience that turned around for them evenutaly. For reference, this isn't about the social life (I have a few friends I really like, though the general dearth of sociableness does suck), but more that the atmosphere of pre-professionalism and learning just to get a degree are much stronger than I ever expected. I am at college to enjoy learning for a few years, not to feel bad about the fact that I don't already have a Morgan Stanley internship set up. \n\nI know I could adjust to it, but I'm worried that would involve becoming cynical as a defense mechanism (something I feel from a lot of older kids here). \n\nThis is also not supposed to be a castigation of my fellow students; there are some of the nicest people ever here, I just don't think I quite fit the mold for this school.\n\n\n*Figured I would post this reply up here to clarify, also thank you all for the responses, it does give me hope.\n\nI do think that my experience is very personal. I feel like this is a very hit or miss type of place with a lot of ifs that go into happiness. I really don't feel like I am a part of my house culture, for one. Again, all seem like wonderful people its just the culture at large is not predominated by people that I am really going to become very close with. I some closer friends I met early, and I feel like we have become insular but I'm not sure how to change that.\n\nMy classes are here and there--can't expect much from Calc so thats fine, but there really isn't much class participation in my hume class despite the brilliant professor, and my chem class has been hands down my worst academic experience to date (and I'm doing well in the class, this isn't me complaining about a bad grade).\n\nI also don't feel like I am meeting people, which seems to be a pretty key part of a college experience. A lot of this is definitely on me, and I could probably use a good deal of advice in this arena, but I feel like it shouldn't be this much work to meet people when I am surrounded by people my age. I am a very social person, and I have never in my life had trouble meeting people (I have changed schools plenty and always landed on my feet) and I just feel like I can't break though here.\n\n\nI guess all in all, I expected to feel more like I went to a college, and I feel more like I go to a grad school. An amazing grad school filled with brilliant people, mind you, but just not the experience I was looking for (yet--I realize its been 5 weeks and this is ridiculously hasty but I just figured I would reach out for help).\nThanks for the advice, by the way.\n\n\n\n\nP.S. just for reference I am thinking I may be better suited to a small liberal arts school", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "If you are trying to transfer somewhere with a more academic non-pre-professional program, you're not gonna be happy. This place still is the academic powerhouse it has always been. The life of the mind is still strong. There's just so many econ majors here who just want money when they graduate. Find some people who share your interests. Join some RSOs that appeal to you. I can assure you most universities share a similar level of pre-professionalism--many are even more oriented towards that. It's just the times. Parents want a return on their investments, not their children going to grad school. So universities are moving in that direction. It used to be things like CAPS was nonexistent here and many people were left to getting shitty jobs that don't pay well. The university has worked hard to change that so that they get well-paid alumni who will in turn scratch the university's back when it comes to donation time. \n\nWhat you need to realize is that this place attracts the foreign (and domestic) students who are here to get a degree and get a high-paying job because that is what is drilled in to them. That is why there are so many Asian students here. They're building up their own Wall Street and they need people with great schooling in econ and business to run it. \n\nDon't let them get to you. It's a little sad for those more academically minded (life of the mind and all). But if you want an atmosphere that encourages that, this is the place. Once you get out of the core classes, you'll find many more like-minded individuals that don't care about the degree (to some extent) and just want to take classes that interest them. \n\nI'm not trying to discourage you from transferring. If you're set on that, then there is nothing any of us can say to change it. You should just know that this place is a great academic environment. There may be other places like this, but they will most definitely not have the same support structure UChicago has. When you do graduate, you will want to get a job or get into grad school. If you look for it here, you will get a lot of great help and advice. You aren't likely to find that elsewhere. \n\nIt would be great to here more specific complaints you have. You'll get more succinct answers. :D ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I do think that my experience is very personal. I feel like this is a very hit or miss type of place with a lot of ifs that go into happiness. I really don't feel like I am a part of my house culture, for one. Again, all seem like wonderful people its just the culture at large is not predominated by people that I am really going to become very close with. I some closer friends I met early, and I feel like we have become insular but I'm not sure how to change that. \n\nMy classes are here and there--can't expect much from Calc so that fine, but there really isn't much class participation in my hume, and my chem class has been my worst academic experience to date (i'm doing well in the class, this isn't me complaining about a bad grade). \n\nI also don't feel like I am meeting people, which seems to be a pretty key part of a college experience. A lot of this is definitely on me, and I could probably use a good deal of advice in this arena, but I feel like it shouldn't be this much work to meet people when I am surrounded by people my age. I am a very social person, and I have never in my life had trouble meeting people (I have changed schools plenty and always landed on my feet) and I just feel like I can't break though here.\n\nI guess all in all, I expected to feel more like I went to a college, and I feel more like I go to a grad school. An amazing grad school filled with brilliant people, mind you, but just not the experience I was looking for (yet--I realize its been 5 weeks and this is ridiculously hasty but I just figured I would reach out for help). \n\nThanks for the advice, by the way. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "You need a prescription of alcohol. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "that hasn't been an issue...", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Well, it's not the dose, its the where and who. Shitty frat parties are the worst for meeting people. Maybe you should just get a case of decent beer into your room and have a few of your housemates come and drink a bit. It's a good social lubricant. \n\nOr, as quite a few people have been saying, maybe some herb would be even better.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Yeah, I mean I've been set on both. A lot of my house is very new to the drugs and the alcohol though. I think I have mildly been labeled as \"cutty\" for my experience, which to anyone I know outside of uchicago would be the most hilarious assessment ever. ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Very unhappy here; any advice?. Hey all. Im a freshman here at Uchicago and I know it is super super early but I am having a pretty shitty experience.\n\nI don't feel like complaining at length on reddit, but suffice it to say that it is not the place I expected it to be, and, early as it is, I am considering transferring.\n\nI just wanted to know if anyone had a similar experience that turned around for them evenutaly. For reference, this isn't about the social life (I have a few friends I really like, though the general dearth of sociableness does suck), but more that the atmosphere of pre-professionalism and learning just to get a degree are much stronger than I ever expected. I am at college to enjoy learning for a few years, not to feel bad about the fact that I don't already have a Morgan Stanley internship set up. \n\nI know I could adjust to it, but I'm worried that would involve becoming cynical as a defense mechanism (something I feel from a lot of older kids here). \n\nThis is also not supposed to be a castigation of my fellow students; there are some of the nicest people ever here, I just don't think I quite fit the mold for this school.\n\n\n*Figured I would post this reply up here to clarify, also thank you all for the responses, it does give me hope.\n\nI do think that my experience is very personal. I feel like this is a very hit or miss type of place with a lot of ifs that go into happiness. I really don't feel like I am a part of my house culture, for one. Again, all seem like wonderful people its just the culture at large is not predominated by people that I am really going to become very close with. I some closer friends I met early, and I feel like we have become insular but I'm not sure how to change that.\n\nMy classes are here and there--can't expect much from Calc so thats fine, but there really isn't much class participation in my hume class despite the brilliant professor, and my chem class has been hands down my worst academic experience to date (and I'm doing well in the class, this isn't me complaining about a bad grade).\n\nI also don't feel like I am meeting people, which seems to be a pretty key part of a college experience. A lot of this is definitely on me, and I could probably use a good deal of advice in this arena, but I feel like it shouldn't be this much work to meet people when I am surrounded by people my age. I am a very social person, and I have never in my life had trouble meeting people (I have changed schools plenty and always landed on my feet) and I just feel like I can't break though here.\n\n\nI guess all in all, I expected to feel more like I went to a college, and I feel more like I go to a grad school. An amazing grad school filled with brilliant people, mind you, but just not the experience I was looking for (yet--I realize its been 5 weeks and this is ridiculously hasty but I just figured I would reach out for help).\nThanks for the advice, by the way.\n\n\n\n\nP.S. just for reference I am thinking I may be better suited to a small liberal arts school", "role": "user" }, { "content": "If you are trying to transfer somewhere with a more academic non-pre-professional program, you're not gonna be happy. This place still is the academic powerhouse it has always been. The life of the mind is still strong. There's just so many econ majors here who just want money when they graduate. Find some people who share your interests. Join some RSOs that appeal to you. I can assure you most universities share a similar level of pre-professionalism--many are even more oriented towards that. It's just the times. Parents want a return on their investments, not their children going to grad school. So universities are moving in that direction. It used to be things like CAPS was nonexistent here and many people were left to getting shitty jobs that don't pay well. The university has worked hard to change that so that they get well-paid alumni who will in turn scratch the university's back when it comes to donation time. \n\nWhat you need to realize is that this place attracts the foreign (and domestic) students who are here to get a degree and get a high-paying job because that is what is drilled in to them. That is why there are so many Asian students here. They're building up their own Wall Street and they need people with great schooling in econ and business to run it. \n\nDon't let them get to you. It's a little sad for those more academically minded (life of the mind and all). But if you want an atmosphere that encourages that, this is the place. Once you get out of the core classes, you'll find many more like-minded individuals that don't care about the degree (to some extent) and just want to take classes that interest them. \n\nI'm not trying to discourage you from transferring. If you're set on that, then there is nothing any of us can say to change it. You should just know that this place is a great academic environment. There may be other places like this, but they will most definitely not have the same support structure UChicago has. When you do graduate, you will want to get a job or get into grad school. If you look for it here, you will get a lot of great help and advice. You aren't likely to find that elsewhere. \n\nIt would be great to here more specific complaints you have. You'll get more succinct answers. :D ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "I do think that my experience is very personal. I feel like this is a very hit or miss type of place with a lot of ifs that go into happiness. I really don't feel like I am a part of my house culture, for one. Again, all seem like wonderful people its just the culture at large is not predominated by people that I am really going to become very close with. I some closer friends I met early, and I feel like we have become insular but I'm not sure how to change that. \n\nMy classes are here and there--can't expect much from Calc so that fine, but there really isn't much class participation in my hume, and my chem class has been my worst academic experience to date (i'm doing well in the class, this isn't me complaining about a bad grade). \n\nI also don't feel like I am meeting people, which seems to be a pretty key part of a college experience. A lot of this is definitely on me, and I could probably use a good deal of advice in this arena, but I feel like it shouldn't be this much work to meet people when I am surrounded by people my age. I am a very social person, and I have never in my life had trouble meeting people (I have changed schools plenty and always landed on my feet) and I just feel like I can't break though here.\n\nI guess all in all, I expected to feel more like I went to a college, and I feel more like I go to a grad school. An amazing grad school filled with brilliant people, mind you, but just not the experience I was looking for (yet--I realize its been 5 weeks and this is ridiculously hasty but I just figured I would reach out for help). \n\nThanks for the advice, by the way. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "The classes here are not great in terms of class participation and general camaraderie. In fact, a lot of them suck. Most of them even. \n\nThe trick is, you are thinking of this as high school. In high school, what classes you had really mattered, and the time you spent in class was what you called \"school\".\n\nHere, you learn from the people around you. You spend time with the people around you. That \"class participation\" and \"life of the mind\" you are looking for happen outside of the classroom. This can be strange and scary, as most people (myself included) are not used to having discussions about class material outside of class on a regular basis. let alone with friends. Let alone MAKING friends that way. But thats how it works here.\n\nI still have those days, maybe once or twice a quarter, where I wish i had gone to a small liberal arts college (i call them haverford days). Then i see the people around me, the brilliant friends, the strange people who leave near me, the general atmosphere of the place, the fact that you can just go up to someone before HUM in the classroom and start talking about the reading, and i feel at home. \n\n\nNo, its not what i was expecting. It is better, and stranger, and a little scarier. \n\nHang in there, make some new friends (if you are in max or south or the tower of sadness, i'm sorry, transfer to breckinridge and never look back), and you will be fine in no time. ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Very unhappy here; any advice?. Hey all. Im a freshman here at Uchicago and I know it is super super early but I am having a pretty shitty experience.\n\nI don't feel like complaining at length on reddit, but suffice it to say that it is not the place I expected it to be, and, early as it is, I am considering transferring.\n\nI just wanted to know if anyone had a similar experience that turned around for them evenutaly. For reference, this isn't about the social life (I have a few friends I really like, though the general dearth of sociableness does suck), but more that the atmosphere of pre-professionalism and learning just to get a degree are much stronger than I ever expected. I am at college to enjoy learning for a few years, not to feel bad about the fact that I don't already have a Morgan Stanley internship set up. \n\nI know I could adjust to it, but I'm worried that would involve becoming cynical as a defense mechanism (something I feel from a lot of older kids here). \n\nThis is also not supposed to be a castigation of my fellow students; there are some of the nicest people ever here, I just don't think I quite fit the mold for this school.\n\n\n*Figured I would post this reply up here to clarify, also thank you all for the responses, it does give me hope.\n\nI do think that my experience is very personal. I feel like this is a very hit or miss type of place with a lot of ifs that go into happiness. I really don't feel like I am a part of my house culture, for one. Again, all seem like wonderful people its just the culture at large is not predominated by people that I am really going to become very close with. I some closer friends I met early, and I feel like we have become insular but I'm not sure how to change that.\n\nMy classes are here and there--can't expect much from Calc so thats fine, but there really isn't much class participation in my hume class despite the brilliant professor, and my chem class has been hands down my worst academic experience to date (and I'm doing well in the class, this isn't me complaining about a bad grade).\n\nI also don't feel like I am meeting people, which seems to be a pretty key part of a college experience. A lot of this is definitely on me, and I could probably use a good deal of advice in this arena, but I feel like it shouldn't be this much work to meet people when I am surrounded by people my age. I am a very social person, and I have never in my life had trouble meeting people (I have changed schools plenty and always landed on my feet) and I just feel like I can't break though here.\n\n\nI guess all in all, I expected to feel more like I went to a college, and I feel more like I go to a grad school. An amazing grad school filled with brilliant people, mind you, but just not the experience I was looking for (yet--I realize its been 5 weeks and this is ridiculously hasty but I just figured I would reach out for help).\nThanks for the advice, by the way.\n\n\n\n\nP.S. just for reference I am thinking I may be better suited to a small liberal arts school", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "I'm really surprised to hear that the atmosphere feels pre-professional to you. I've been associated with a number of universities, and I've always considered uchicago the last bastion of the \"life of the mind\". It's the only place where I'm not embarrassed to tell people that I study something other than engineering --- and not just because there is no engineering program.\n\nSo there are two possibilities: 1) the school really has succumbed to the student-as-customer model that everyone else has. Like all alumni, I think things were much better \"back in my day\". So maybe this happened. Or 2) for some reason or another, your environment is different enough from what mine was that our experiences differ.\n\nI'm not sure what I can say in terms of advice, other than: 1) make *sure* that wherever you want to transfer to isn't going to have the same problems you're encountering at UChicago. I would be surprised if the problems weren't worse anywhere else that you go, but then again I like UChicago more than I probably should. 2) If I didn't have the same problems you are, and the school is still similar enough (I only graduated a few years ago), then it seems like it should be possible for you to avoid these problems. Unfortunately I don't have any great advice on how.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I agree. Coming from the class of 2008, at least, this complaint is pretty mind boggling. I was an econ major, too, but I did not notice everyone being super-concerned about their summer internships and post-college jobs in their first year. That could have changed (nobody was worried about not being able to find a job post-college in 2004/5), but \"back in my day\", the life of the mind mentality was very solidly in place.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Very unhappy here; any advice?. Hey all. Im a freshman here at Uchicago and I know it is super super early but I am having a pretty shitty experience.\n\nI don't feel like complaining at length on reddit, but suffice it to say that it is not the place I expected it to be, and, early as it is, I am considering transferring.\n\nI just wanted to know if anyone had a similar experience that turned around for them evenutaly. For reference, this isn't about the social life (I have a few friends I really like, though the general dearth of sociableness does suck), but more that the atmosphere of pre-professionalism and learning just to get a degree are much stronger than I ever expected. I am at college to enjoy learning for a few years, not to feel bad about the fact that I don't already have a Morgan Stanley internship set up. \n\nI know I could adjust to it, but I'm worried that would involve becoming cynical as a defense mechanism (something I feel from a lot of older kids here). \n\nThis is also not supposed to be a castigation of my fellow students; there are some of the nicest people ever here, I just don't think I quite fit the mold for this school.\n\n\n*Figured I would post this reply up here to clarify, also thank you all for the responses, it does give me hope.\n\nI do think that my experience is very personal. I feel like this is a very hit or miss type of place with a lot of ifs that go into happiness. I really don't feel like I am a part of my house culture, for one. Again, all seem like wonderful people its just the culture at large is not predominated by people that I am really going to become very close with. I some closer friends I met early, and I feel like we have become insular but I'm not sure how to change that.\n\nMy classes are here and there--can't expect much from Calc so thats fine, but there really isn't much class participation in my hume class despite the brilliant professor, and my chem class has been hands down my worst academic experience to date (and I'm doing well in the class, this isn't me complaining about a bad grade).\n\nI also don't feel like I am meeting people, which seems to be a pretty key part of a college experience. A lot of this is definitely on me, and I could probably use a good deal of advice in this arena, but I feel like it shouldn't be this much work to meet people when I am surrounded by people my age. I am a very social person, and I have never in my life had trouble meeting people (I have changed schools plenty and always landed on my feet) and I just feel like I can't break though here.\n\n\nI guess all in all, I expected to feel more like I went to a college, and I feel more like I go to a grad school. An amazing grad school filled with brilliant people, mind you, but just not the experience I was looking for (yet--I realize its been 5 weeks and this is ridiculously hasty but I just figured I would reach out for help).\nThanks for the advice, by the way.\n\n\n\n\nP.S. just for reference I am thinking I may be better suited to a small liberal arts school", "role": "user" }, { "content": "It might take some time - uh, a couple more weeks - to find more non-pre-prof people, but I assure you they are there. In my time, I felt like everybody around me was pre-academic and I actively and vigorously avoided the pre-professionals - but I cultivated that environment. It is quite possible to do so. But I didn't want (at the time) to become an academic, either, so what was I to do? Well, I liked hanging around the guys going into academia, so it wasn't a problem, really. Maybe the demographics have changed a little, but, I assure you, there are a lot of people who think the wannabe i-bankers are wankers.\n\nSo what are you interested in?", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Very unhappy here; any advice?. Hey all. Im a freshman here at Uchicago and I know it is super super early but I am having a pretty shitty experience.\n\nI don't feel like complaining at length on reddit, but suffice it to say that it is not the place I expected it to be, and, early as it is, I am considering transferring.\n\nI just wanted to know if anyone had a similar experience that turned around for them evenutaly. For reference, this isn't about the social life (I have a few friends I really like, though the general dearth of sociableness does suck), but more that the atmosphere of pre-professionalism and learning just to get a degree are much stronger than I ever expected. I am at college to enjoy learning for a few years, not to feel bad about the fact that I don't already have a Morgan Stanley internship set up. \n\nI know I could adjust to it, but I'm worried that would involve becoming cynical as a defense mechanism (something I feel from a lot of older kids here). \n\nThis is also not supposed to be a castigation of my fellow students; there are some of the nicest people ever here, I just don't think I quite fit the mold for this school.\n\n\n*Figured I would post this reply up here to clarify, also thank you all for the responses, it does give me hope.\n\nI do think that my experience is very personal. I feel like this is a very hit or miss type of place with a lot of ifs that go into happiness. I really don't feel like I am a part of my house culture, for one. Again, all seem like wonderful people its just the culture at large is not predominated by people that I am really going to become very close with. I some closer friends I met early, and I feel like we have become insular but I'm not sure how to change that.\n\nMy classes are here and there--can't expect much from Calc so thats fine, but there really isn't much class participation in my hume class despite the brilliant professor, and my chem class has been hands down my worst academic experience to date (and I'm doing well in the class, this isn't me complaining about a bad grade).\n\nI also don't feel like I am meeting people, which seems to be a pretty key part of a college experience. A lot of this is definitely on me, and I could probably use a good deal of advice in this arena, but I feel like it shouldn't be this much work to meet people when I am surrounded by people my age. I am a very social person, and I have never in my life had trouble meeting people (I have changed schools plenty and always landed on my feet) and I just feel like I can't break though here.\n\n\nI guess all in all, I expected to feel more like I went to a college, and I feel more like I go to a grad school. An amazing grad school filled with brilliant people, mind you, but just not the experience I was looking for (yet--I realize its been 5 weeks and this is ridiculously hasty but I just figured I would reach out for help).\nThanks for the advice, by the way.\n\n\n\n\nP.S. just for reference I am thinking I may be better suited to a small liberal arts school", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "I had some of the same feelings (still do on off days) so here's some advice in no particular order:\n\n* get into advanced courses as quickly as possible\n* take some really arcane shit where you can feel segmented from the school\n* meet more people\n* get into the city \n* smoke pot\n* party~ as ludicrous as that seems you can have a lot of fun here and learn a lot about yourself\n* get involved with the hyde park community\n* realize that unless you go to Deep Springs, this really is the best place for the life of the mind.\n* Wander through the JRL, and realize that we have the largest set of stacks of any University in the country.\n* take a long bike ride\n* get a job on campus, something where you'll get to be social. turns out people are human (mostly)\n* last but not least; learn buy side analysis, join the student mutual fund, take only econ courses, join a frat, get a morgan stanley internship, ?????, lifelong happiness.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "smoke pot, then do your homework high. It makes it far more fun, and the you know the friends who join you are doing their work out of enjoyment rather than necessity. This is especially true with math and physics.\n\nIt sounds like you're having the classic problem: the friends you made in O week are not your real friends. You may protest now, but over the year, and especially in your second year, you will find your people. You don't like hearing about people with Morgan Stanley internships? (Which, by the way, most people don't care about that, and everyone thinks your friend is an asshole for bragging about it.) Then don't hang out with those people.\n\nAlso, cynicism comes with experience. If you don't want to be cynical, I suggest finding a nice, large rock, and living under it. Not that you will inevitably develop it, but you have to start basing your perceptions of campus on *your* experience, not others'. You can transfer to another school, but I can just about guarantee you're going to have the same problem all over again because it is a problem of transition, not a problem with this university.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Very unhappy here; any advice?. Hey all. Im a freshman here at Uchicago and I know it is super super early but I am having a pretty shitty experience.\n\nI don't feel like complaining at length on reddit, but suffice it to say that it is not the place I expected it to be, and, early as it is, I am considering transferring.\n\nI just wanted to know if anyone had a similar experience that turned around for them evenutaly. For reference, this isn't about the social life (I have a few friends I really like, though the general dearth of sociableness does suck), but more that the atmosphere of pre-professionalism and learning just to get a degree are much stronger than I ever expected. I am at college to enjoy learning for a few years, not to feel bad about the fact that I don't already have a Morgan Stanley internship set up. \n\nI know I could adjust to it, but I'm worried that would involve becoming cynical as a defense mechanism (something I feel from a lot of older kids here). \n\nThis is also not supposed to be a castigation of my fellow students; there are some of the nicest people ever here, I just don't think I quite fit the mold for this school.\n\n\n*Figured I would post this reply up here to clarify, also thank you all for the responses, it does give me hope.\n\nI do think that my experience is very personal. I feel like this is a very hit or miss type of place with a lot of ifs that go into happiness. I really don't feel like I am a part of my house culture, for one. Again, all seem like wonderful people its just the culture at large is not predominated by people that I am really going to become very close with. I some closer friends I met early, and I feel like we have become insular but I'm not sure how to change that.\n\nMy classes are here and there--can't expect much from Calc so thats fine, but there really isn't much class participation in my hume class despite the brilliant professor, and my chem class has been hands down my worst academic experience to date (and I'm doing well in the class, this isn't me complaining about a bad grade).\n\nI also don't feel like I am meeting people, which seems to be a pretty key part of a college experience. A lot of this is definitely on me, and I could probably use a good deal of advice in this arena, but I feel like it shouldn't be this much work to meet people when I am surrounded by people my age. I am a very social person, and I have never in my life had trouble meeting people (I have changed schools plenty and always landed on my feet) and I just feel like I can't break though here.\n\n\nI guess all in all, I expected to feel more like I went to a college, and I feel more like I go to a grad school. An amazing grad school filled with brilliant people, mind you, but just not the experience I was looking for (yet--I realize its been 5 weeks and this is ridiculously hasty but I just figured I would reach out for help).\nThanks for the advice, by the way.\n\n\n\n\nP.S. just for reference I am thinking I may be better suited to a small liberal arts school", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "I had some of the same feelings (still do on off days) so here's some advice in no particular order:\n\n* get into advanced courses as quickly as possible\n* take some really arcane shit where you can feel segmented from the school\n* meet more people\n* get into the city \n* smoke pot\n* party~ as ludicrous as that seems you can have a lot of fun here and learn a lot about yourself\n* get involved with the hyde park community\n* realize that unless you go to Deep Springs, this really is the best place for the life of the mind.\n* Wander through the JRL, and realize that we have the largest set of stacks of any University in the country.\n* take a long bike ride\n* get a job on campus, something where you'll get to be social. turns out people are human (mostly)\n* last but not least; learn buy side analysis, join the student mutual fund, take only econ courses, join a frat, get a morgan stanley internship, ?????, lifelong happiness.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "DUDE IS YOUR NAME JAKUB?", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Very unhappy here; any advice?. Hey all. Im a freshman here at Uchicago and I know it is super super early but I am having a pretty shitty experience.\n\nI don't feel like complaining at length on reddit, but suffice it to say that it is not the place I expected it to be, and, early as it is, I am considering transferring.\n\nI just wanted to know if anyone had a similar experience that turned around for them evenutaly. For reference, this isn't about the social life (I have a few friends I really like, though the general dearth of sociableness does suck), but more that the atmosphere of pre-professionalism and learning just to get a degree are much stronger than I ever expected. I am at college to enjoy learning for a few years, not to feel bad about the fact that I don't already have a Morgan Stanley internship set up. \n\nI know I could adjust to it, but I'm worried that would involve becoming cynical as a defense mechanism (something I feel from a lot of older kids here). \n\nThis is also not supposed to be a castigation of my fellow students; there are some of the nicest people ever here, I just don't think I quite fit the mold for this school.\n\n\n*Figured I would post this reply up here to clarify, also thank you all for the responses, it does give me hope.\n\nI do think that my experience is very personal. I feel like this is a very hit or miss type of place with a lot of ifs that go into happiness. I really don't feel like I am a part of my house culture, for one. Again, all seem like wonderful people its just the culture at large is not predominated by people that I am really going to become very close with. I some closer friends I met early, and I feel like we have become insular but I'm not sure how to change that.\n\nMy classes are here and there--can't expect much from Calc so thats fine, but there really isn't much class participation in my hume class despite the brilliant professor, and my chem class has been hands down my worst academic experience to date (and I'm doing well in the class, this isn't me complaining about a bad grade).\n\nI also don't feel like I am meeting people, which seems to be a pretty key part of a college experience. A lot of this is definitely on me, and I could probably use a good deal of advice in this arena, but I feel like it shouldn't be this much work to meet people when I am surrounded by people my age. I am a very social person, and I have never in my life had trouble meeting people (I have changed schools plenty and always landed on my feet) and I just feel like I can't break though here.\n\n\nI guess all in all, I expected to feel more like I went to a college, and I feel more like I go to a grad school. An amazing grad school filled with brilliant people, mind you, but just not the experience I was looking for (yet--I realize its been 5 weeks and this is ridiculously hasty but I just figured I would reach out for help).\nThanks for the advice, by the way.\n\n\n\n\nP.S. just for reference I am thinking I may be better suited to a small liberal arts school", "role": "user" }, { "content": "as pre-professional as it's gotten, we're still way less career-oriented than most comparable schools. plus you're surrounded by all the first year pre-meds that haven't yet realized that they don't actually want to go to med school. it'll improve. ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Very unhappy here; any advice?. Hey all. Im a freshman here at Uchicago and I know it is super super early but I am having a pretty shitty experience.\n\nI don't feel like complaining at length on reddit, but suffice it to say that it is not the place I expected it to be, and, early as it is, I am considering transferring.\n\nI just wanted to know if anyone had a similar experience that turned around for them evenutaly. For reference, this isn't about the social life (I have a few friends I really like, though the general dearth of sociableness does suck), but more that the atmosphere of pre-professionalism and learning just to get a degree are much stronger than I ever expected. I am at college to enjoy learning for a few years, not to feel bad about the fact that I don't already have a Morgan Stanley internship set up. \n\nI know I could adjust to it, but I'm worried that would involve becoming cynical as a defense mechanism (something I feel from a lot of older kids here). \n\nThis is also not supposed to be a castigation of my fellow students; there are some of the nicest people ever here, I just don't think I quite fit the mold for this school.\n\n\n*Figured I would post this reply up here to clarify, also thank you all for the responses, it does give me hope.\n\nI do think that my experience is very personal. I feel like this is a very hit or miss type of place with a lot of ifs that go into happiness. I really don't feel like I am a part of my house culture, for one. Again, all seem like wonderful people its just the culture at large is not predominated by people that I am really going to become very close with. I some closer friends I met early, and I feel like we have become insular but I'm not sure how to change that.\n\nMy classes are here and there--can't expect much from Calc so thats fine, but there really isn't much class participation in my hume class despite the brilliant professor, and my chem class has been hands down my worst academic experience to date (and I'm doing well in the class, this isn't me complaining about a bad grade).\n\nI also don't feel like I am meeting people, which seems to be a pretty key part of a college experience. A lot of this is definitely on me, and I could probably use a good deal of advice in this arena, but I feel like it shouldn't be this much work to meet people when I am surrounded by people my age. I am a very social person, and I have never in my life had trouble meeting people (I have changed schools plenty and always landed on my feet) and I just feel like I can't break though here.\n\n\nI guess all in all, I expected to feel more like I went to a college, and I feel more like I go to a grad school. An amazing grad school filled with brilliant people, mind you, but just not the experience I was looking for (yet--I realize its been 5 weeks and this is ridiculously hasty but I just figured I would reach out for help).\nThanks for the advice, by the way.\n\n\n\n\nP.S. just for reference I am thinking I may be better suited to a small liberal arts school", "role": "user" }, { "content": "One of my friends puts it this way - \"There are two types of people at UChicago: the people here who legitimately follow the philosophy, and the people here to get Economics degrees and go to business school.\" Several people have brought up pre-meds, and that's definitely something to add to that statement. However, there's very little I can actually add as far as academic philosophy due to a. not knowing your major and b. pretty much everything else being said. One thing I will echo is don't even think about transferring 3.5 weeks into your experience. You haven't even hit the first round of midterms yet, let alone the good classes. Talk to older students in your house and get their opinions on this, they will certainly see it the way those in this thread do.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Very unhappy here; any advice?. Hey all. Im a freshman here at Uchicago and I know it is super super early but I am having a pretty shitty experience.\n\nI don't feel like complaining at length on reddit, but suffice it to say that it is not the place I expected it to be, and, early as it is, I am considering transferring.\n\nI just wanted to know if anyone had a similar experience that turned around for them evenutaly. For reference, this isn't about the social life (I have a few friends I really like, though the general dearth of sociableness does suck), but more that the atmosphere of pre-professionalism and learning just to get a degree are much stronger than I ever expected. I am at college to enjoy learning for a few years, not to feel bad about the fact that I don't already have a Morgan Stanley internship set up. \n\nI know I could adjust to it, but I'm worried that would involve becoming cynical as a defense mechanism (something I feel from a lot of older kids here). \n\nThis is also not supposed to be a castigation of my fellow students; there are some of the nicest people ever here, I just don't think I quite fit the mold for this school.\n\n\n*Figured I would post this reply up here to clarify, also thank you all for the responses, it does give me hope.\n\nI do think that my experience is very personal. I feel like this is a very hit or miss type of place with a lot of ifs that go into happiness. I really don't feel like I am a part of my house culture, for one. Again, all seem like wonderful people its just the culture at large is not predominated by people that I am really going to become very close with. I some closer friends I met early, and I feel like we have become insular but I'm not sure how to change that.\n\nMy classes are here and there--can't expect much from Calc so thats fine, but there really isn't much class participation in my hume class despite the brilliant professor, and my chem class has been hands down my worst academic experience to date (and I'm doing well in the class, this isn't me complaining about a bad grade).\n\nI also don't feel like I am meeting people, which seems to be a pretty key part of a college experience. A lot of this is definitely on me, and I could probably use a good deal of advice in this arena, but I feel like it shouldn't be this much work to meet people when I am surrounded by people my age. I am a very social person, and I have never in my life had trouble meeting people (I have changed schools plenty and always landed on my feet) and I just feel like I can't break though here.\n\n\nI guess all in all, I expected to feel more like I went to a college, and I feel more like I go to a grad school. An amazing grad school filled with brilliant people, mind you, but just not the experience I was looking for (yet--I realize its been 5 weeks and this is ridiculously hasty but I just figured I would reach out for help).\nThanks for the advice, by the way.\n\n\n\n\nP.S. just for reference I am thinking I may be better suited to a small liberal arts school", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Give it time. A lot of the \"hyper-professional\" gunners will get their egos taken down several notches over the course of the year (mostly when their first round of grades comes back). I had a lot of classmates in my house who started off as some of the most obnoxious, unpleasant, super-intense careerists I'd ever met, and mellowed out into being humanities majors by the beginning of their second year. The level of obnoxiousness won't stay constant.\n\nAlso, consider doing the scavenger hunt when it comes up. It's a good way to meet some offbeat people. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "This is also true. Everybody hates first-years, so the fact that the OP doesn't like his fellow first-years should not be surprising. They'll turn into normal human beings in the end, though.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "So maybe I'm not just a misanthropic asshole? \nThis one comment has made me considerably less worried...", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Well, it's too early to rule out that hypothesis...\n\nBut, no, that was my experience. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "When did things turn around for you? When am I justified in thinking I could be happier somewhere else?", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Oh, well, I discovered that I'm a misanthrope and I was quite happy from my first day with that. \n\nBut by the winter quarter, I definitely noticed that the first years were far more \"human\" (used ironically in the \"Dune\" sense). I noticed this in subsequent years when making friends with first years, as well (I lived in the dorms all four years, so I made plenty of first year friends every year). The new first years were often insufferable at first but were definitely cool by winter quarter. ", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Very unhappy here; any advice?. Hey all. Im a freshman here at Uchicago and I know it is super super early but I am having a pretty shitty experience.\n\nI don't feel like complaining at length on reddit, but suffice it to say that it is not the place I expected it to be, and, early as it is, I am considering transferring.\n\nI just wanted to know if anyone had a similar experience that turned around for them evenutaly. For reference, this isn't about the social life (I have a few friends I really like, though the general dearth of sociableness does suck), but more that the atmosphere of pre-professionalism and learning just to get a degree are much stronger than I ever expected. I am at college to enjoy learning for a few years, not to feel bad about the fact that I don't already have a Morgan Stanley internship set up. \n\nI know I could adjust to it, but I'm worried that would involve becoming cynical as a defense mechanism (something I feel from a lot of older kids here). \n\nThis is also not supposed to be a castigation of my fellow students; there are some of the nicest people ever here, I just don't think I quite fit the mold for this school.\n\n\n*Figured I would post this reply up here to clarify, also thank you all for the responses, it does give me hope.\n\nI do think that my experience is very personal. I feel like this is a very hit or miss type of place with a lot of ifs that go into happiness. I really don't feel like I am a part of my house culture, for one. Again, all seem like wonderful people its just the culture at large is not predominated by people that I am really going to become very close with. I some closer friends I met early, and I feel like we have become insular but I'm not sure how to change that.\n\nMy classes are here and there--can't expect much from Calc so thats fine, but there really isn't much class participation in my hume class despite the brilliant professor, and my chem class has been hands down my worst academic experience to date (and I'm doing well in the class, this isn't me complaining about a bad grade).\n\nI also don't feel like I am meeting people, which seems to be a pretty key part of a college experience. A lot of this is definitely on me, and I could probably use a good deal of advice in this arena, but I feel like it shouldn't be this much work to meet people when I am surrounded by people my age. I am a very social person, and I have never in my life had trouble meeting people (I have changed schools plenty and always landed on my feet) and I just feel like I can't break though here.\n\n\nI guess all in all, I expected to feel more like I went to a college, and I feel more like I go to a grad school. An amazing grad school filled with brilliant people, mind you, but just not the experience I was looking for (yet--I realize its been 5 weeks and this is ridiculously hasty but I just figured I would reach out for help).\nThanks for the advice, by the way.\n\n\n\n\nP.S. just for reference I am thinking I may be better suited to a small liberal arts school", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "Give it time. A lot of the \"hyper-professional\" gunners will get their egos taken down several notches over the course of the year (mostly when their first round of grades comes back). I had a lot of classmates in my house who started off as some of the most obnoxious, unpleasant, super-intense careerists I'd ever met, and mellowed out into being humanities majors by the beginning of their second year. The level of obnoxiousness won't stay constant.\n\nAlso, consider doing the scavenger hunt when it comes up. It's a good way to meet some offbeat people. ", "role": "user" }, { "content": "This is also true. Everybody hates first-years, so the fact that the OP doesn't like his fellow first-years should not be surprising. They'll turn into normal human beings in the end, though.", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "So maybe I'm not just a misanthropic asshole? \nThis one comment has made me considerably less worried...", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Dude, I feel you. Anti people isn't necessarily pro uofc, but anti preprofessional is pro uofc in my book.", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Very unhappy here; any advice?. Hey all. Im a freshman here at Uchicago and I know it is super super early but I am having a pretty shitty experience.\n\nI don't feel like complaining at length on reddit, but suffice it to say that it is not the place I expected it to be, and, early as it is, I am considering transferring.\n\nI just wanted to know if anyone had a similar experience that turned around for them evenutaly. For reference, this isn't about the social life (I have a few friends I really like, though the general dearth of sociableness does suck), but more that the atmosphere of pre-professionalism and learning just to get a degree are much stronger than I ever expected. I am at college to enjoy learning for a few years, not to feel bad about the fact that I don't already have a Morgan Stanley internship set up. \n\nI know I could adjust to it, but I'm worried that would involve becoming cynical as a defense mechanism (something I feel from a lot of older kids here). \n\nThis is also not supposed to be a castigation of my fellow students; there are some of the nicest people ever here, I just don't think I quite fit the mold for this school.\n\n\n*Figured I would post this reply up here to clarify, also thank you all for the responses, it does give me hope.\n\nI do think that my experience is very personal. I feel like this is a very hit or miss type of place with a lot of ifs that go into happiness. I really don't feel like I am a part of my house culture, for one. Again, all seem like wonderful people its just the culture at large is not predominated by people that I am really going to become very close with. I some closer friends I met early, and I feel like we have become insular but I'm not sure how to change that.\n\nMy classes are here and there--can't expect much from Calc so thats fine, but there really isn't much class participation in my hume class despite the brilliant professor, and my chem class has been hands down my worst academic experience to date (and I'm doing well in the class, this isn't me complaining about a bad grade).\n\nI also don't feel like I am meeting people, which seems to be a pretty key part of a college experience. A lot of this is definitely on me, and I could probably use a good deal of advice in this arena, but I feel like it shouldn't be this much work to meet people when I am surrounded by people my age. I am a very social person, and I have never in my life had trouble meeting people (I have changed schools plenty and always landed on my feet) and I just feel like I can't break though here.\n\n\nI guess all in all, I expected to feel more like I went to a college, and I feel more like I go to a grad school. An amazing grad school filled with brilliant people, mind you, but just not the experience I was looking for (yet--I realize its been 5 weeks and this is ridiculously hasty but I just figured I would reach out for help).\nThanks for the advice, by the way.\n\n\n\n\nP.S. just for reference I am thinking I may be better suited to a small liberal arts school", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Give it time. A lot of the \"hyper-professional\" gunners will get their egos taken down several notches over the course of the year (mostly when their first round of grades comes back). I had a lot of classmates in my house who started off as some of the most obnoxious, unpleasant, super-intense careerists I'd ever met, and mellowed out into being humanities majors by the beginning of their second year. The level of obnoxiousness won't stay constant.\n\nAlso, consider doing the scavenger hunt when it comes up. It's a good way to meet some offbeat people. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "This is also true. Everybody hates first-years, so the fact that the OP doesn't like his fellow first-years should not be surprising. They'll turn into normal human beings in the end, though.", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Is it just me or does everyone hate first years? I'm a first year and even I can see that as a whole, people don't like us >__>", "role": "assistant" } ]

[ { "content": "Very unhappy here; any advice?. Hey all. Im a freshman here at Uchicago and I know it is super super early but I am having a pretty shitty experience.\n\nI don't feel like complaining at length on reddit, but suffice it to say that it is not the place I expected it to be, and, early as it is, I am considering transferring.\n\nI just wanted to know if anyone had a similar experience that turned around for them evenutaly. For reference, this isn't about the social life (I have a few friends I really like, though the general dearth of sociableness does suck), but more that the atmosphere of pre-professionalism and learning just to get a degree are much stronger than I ever expected. I am at college to enjoy learning for a few years, not to feel bad about the fact that I don't already have a Morgan Stanley internship set up. \n\nI know I could adjust to it, but I'm worried that would involve becoming cynical as a defense mechanism (something I feel from a lot of older kids here). \n\nThis is also not supposed to be a castigation of my fellow students; there are some of the nicest people ever here, I just don't think I quite fit the mold for this school.\n\n\n*Figured I would post this reply up here to clarify, also thank you all for the responses, it does give me hope.\n\nI do think that my experience is very personal. I feel like this is a very hit or miss type of place with a lot of ifs that go into happiness. I really don't feel like I am a part of my house culture, for one. Again, all seem like wonderful people its just the culture at large is not predominated by people that I am really going to become very close with. I some closer friends I met early, and I feel like we have become insular but I'm not sure how to change that.\n\nMy classes are here and there--can't expect much from Calc so thats fine, but there really isn't much class participation in my hume class despite the brilliant professor, and my chem class has been hands down my worst academic experience to date (and I'm doing well in the class, this isn't me complaining about a bad grade).\n\nI also don't feel like I am meeting people, which seems to be a pretty key part of a college experience. A lot of this is definitely on me, and I could probably use a good deal of advice in this arena, but I feel like it shouldn't be this much work to meet people when I am surrounded by people my age. I am a very social person, and I have never in my life had trouble meeting people (I have changed schools plenty and always landed on my feet) and I just feel like I can't break though here.\n\n\nI guess all in all, I expected to feel more like I went to a college, and I feel more like I go to a grad school. An amazing grad school filled with brilliant people, mind you, but just not the experience I was looking for (yet--I realize its been 5 weeks and this is ridiculously hasty but I just figured I would reach out for help).\nThanks for the advice, by the way.\n\n\n\n\nP.S. just for reference I am thinking I may be better suited to a small liberal arts school", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Give it time. A lot of the \"hyper-professional\" gunners will get their egos taken down several notches over the course of the year (mostly when their first round of grades comes back). I had a lot of classmates in my house who started off as some of the most obnoxious, unpleasant, super-intense careerists I'd ever met, and mellowed out into being humanities majors by the beginning of their second year. The level of obnoxiousness won't stay constant.\n\nAlso, consider doing the scavenger hunt when it comes up. It's a good way to meet some offbeat people. ", "role": "assistant" }, { "content": "SCAV SCAV SCAV SCAV", "role": "user" }, { "content": "I feel like this is the standard response when Scav comes up. Even among grad students. ", "role": "assistant" } ]