City Atmosphere

Introduction
I choose DePaul because of the city atmosphere. When you're on the campus you don't even really realize you're on a college campus because it is stuck in the middle of shopping areas, bars, and restaurants. So if you like the city life, this is definitely the school for you. Don't expect big frat houses everywhere or even a football team, because DePaul has neither. It's also a great school academically, if that's what you're looking for. DePaul is known for is College of Commerce business school. DePaul also has a ton of commuter students so there aren't that many students that live in the dorms, which is kind of nice because it is easy to get to know alot of people fast because you are always seeing the same people. At the same time it's easy to meet a wide variety of people because it's in the city.

Campus Life and Social Life
Social life on the DePaul campus consists of bars, there are hardly any house parties and when there are some, they can't get to big because of the apartment space. Weekends are actually less crazy then the weekdays. Bars get more expensive during the weekends so more people tend to go out during the weekdays for drink specials. Thursdays are a big going out nights around DePaul. There are a ton of club and intramural sports to try and the rec center is top of the line with free instructional classes. Basketball games are also fun to go to. A free bus takes you out to the games, you can even drink on the buses. The bars around DePaul are definitely the place to be. Kelly's is right off of campus and is probably one of the most popular DePaul bars. Also Lincoln Avenue has tons of bars and restaurants to check out and that are always crowded. DePaul does have frats and sororities, but I would definitely say that they aren't as big here as they are at other schools. Since the area has no huge houses it's hard for greek life to have any sort of houses. However, they do still sponsor parties at bars and occasionally house parties. Academics
The classes at DePaul are small, so if that's what you like, then this is the place for you. A typical class size is anywhere from about 15-40 students. Most professors like to get to know the students individually and encourage you to meet with them outside of class. The professors are also willing to help students figuring out what classes they need to take and what programs are right for them. DePaul is known to be a pretty good school academically, but it's really not hard. Of course, there is the occasional professor that is a prick, but overall most are pretty friendly and not that challenging. Workload varies by major and if you're an honors student or student athlete, but even then, it's not enough to make you go crazy and there is always someone there to help you. DePaul has a Writing Center to help you with any papers and there is a Career Center to help you get a job or help you with your resume.

Student Body
There is no typical student at DePaul. There is every kind of student from the hippie vegan to a sporty jock. Definitely every type is represented here. No matter what you're like, you can find a group of people here. If you can't find a group of friends right for you on your own, there are TONS of clubs for every thing, which we have a day at the beginning of every school year with every club recruiting members. Most of the students here are from the city or suburbs, some are from the surrounding states (Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Iowa, and Minnesota). Occasionally there are kids from around the country, but the majority of students are Midwesterners.

In Closing...
DePaul is great place to learn new things, not only insde the classroom. With the city around you it is easy to get new experience, even like taking the L to and from class if you're not from the city is a new experience. Plus, if you're out of state going to school in Chicago will make your friends want to come visit you more. There is so much to do in the city, shopping, museums, shows, entertainment. It's at least worth a visit. The only downside to living here would be the price. Living in the city is definetly not cheap, but it's worth it. Also, going to DePaul you will never have to worry about not having a job when you graduate! DePaul makes sure you are taken care of in that area.