If there is one thing that Chicagoans pride themselves on, it is that they know how to have fun. As college students, we often feel empty, out-of-place, and meaningless when we're not in the grind of school, right? No. When school is out, it's time for us students to let loose and live a little. Here is a list of what we, as Chicago (or Suburban Chicago) students can do to feel alive during summer break.
1. Go to a baseball game.
This may be a little bit of a self-serving bias, seeing that I grew up attached to the game, but there is nothing more Chicago than taking in a game in the friendly confines of Wrigley Field! Or... U.S. Cellular, if that's what you're into. Chicago sports are the pride of the city; America's Pastime is a timeless classic Oh yeah . There is no better time for us students to observe them, than when we have nothing else to worry about.
2. See an outdoor concert.
Whether it's Ravinia, Lollapalooza, Lake Shake, or a one bad concert at Wrigley Field or Soldier Field, Chicago has a near endless lineup of fantastic musicians to see. Whether or not concerts are your "scene," there's something special about being outside in the summer with a group of your closest friends, jamming out to some good music that trumps the overpacked, sweaty experience of inside venues.. Chicago has a wide variety of musicians and outdoor venues to kick back and embrace the summer vibes.
3. Sightsee.
The Bean. Navy Pier. The Skyline. Buckingham Fountain. Chicago is jam packed with architectural wonders meant for aesthetic pleasure. It is a Chicago tradition to crunch as many stops into a sightseeing tour in one day as possible. Chicago's From the rides at Navy Pier to the exhibits at the museums, nothing allows for one to fully experience the story of Chicago, both past and present.
4. Go to a beach.
Last, but certainly not least, the college experience in the Chicagoland area is not complete without a trip to the beach. There's nothing that says "college away from college" more than Chicago's Lake Michigan beaches. Thousands of your closest friends are awaiting your arrival to celebrate one common theme: being young. Being young is being on a beach, listening to live music, and swimming in the cool Lake.
Of all the things to do in Chicago, these are the lone few that I deem "musts" when on summer break. I wish I had time to give you all a detailed list of things to do in the Windy City, but sadly, you'll just have to dive in to uncover all the secrets this great city possesses, but until then, enjoy!
