Chicago!!

I am moving to Chicago soon, and I want to know what to expect! I would love to hear from anyone that lives/lived there on what it is like! And also, if anyone happens to go to Columbia College Chicago, please let me know what that is/was like as well!!

You can expect really hot and really cold. We don't have much in between

And get ready to fall in love with our skyline.  I've been here all my life and still love seeing it.

Don't try going into the lake until this time of the summer and late summer.  The water is too cold otherwise.

First of all, welcome to Chicago! What brings you to the "City of Big Shoulders?" SO where/what area are you moving to?

I've been a native of the Chicagoland area my whole life, and I can honestly say I never want to leave...that's what vacations are for!

You can expect great food, friendly people, tons of activities/fests/museums/etc, extreme hot/cold temps, and liek vkalmorick said, a beautifully stunning skyline! :)

I love love love it here. I think it is one of the greatest cities, if not the greatest city, in the world.  Take advantage of the lake, even if you have to run or walk a mile to get to it.

Explore all of the fun cultural foods, indian on devon, mexican in pilsen, jamaican on Howard.  So many of the authentic restaurants serve up some really tasty, healthy fare with lots of fresh veg!

Columbia college is great too.  It is big, with lots and lots of students, so be confident and take advantage of the amazing resources there.

Original Post by valsgoal:

And get ready to fall in love with our skyline.   

I'm 110% loyal to my city, but I absolutely agree, Chicago has the BEST skyline.

And I _LOVE_ how easy it is to catch a cab.  Easier and cheaper to take a cab than any other city I've been to.

Chicago is summed up in two things, food and gentrification, which is really one thing. Expect a lot of both.

There are only two things you have to never do: insult any architecture or ask for ketchup on a hot dog. Either can cause fights.

Columbia is wonderful and terrible, depending on the department. The only thing that's really annoying about it is the clusters of students of well-heeled backgrounds with a sense of entitlement and not enough chops to make the arrogance worthwhile.

You're catching at the end of the summer festival season, but Chicago's big on doing stuff outside. Also, hit the museums. They're really amazing, and free on the right days.

Finally, get a bike and get a CTA pass. This will come in handy quickly.

Welcome to the CHI! I love Chicago it's the best city in the world.. whether you like the city or the 'burbs. There is so much to do.. festivals, we have the best museums! The best clubs.. I love this city.  I hope you enjoy it to the fullest.. GO SOX~!

Yes, its the greatest city in the world.  And there are two seasons in Chicago:  Winter, and construction.  And they overlap.