1. The lakefront

I usually run down to the lakefront during late afternoons. By the time I make it to the water, I am usually more than ready for a break. Sitting on a bench adjacent to the icy sharpness of the frozen waves and being basically alone on the walkway clears my head and gives me a second to breathe.

2. The size

Being a Chicago (suburbs) girl, I appreciate the buzz of the Windy City and all it has to offer. But, being a college student in Milwaukee has taught me the perks of a rush hour that cannot be compared to Chicago’s 5:30 surge. With a bus pass in hand, I can make it across the city and travel to different neighborhoods in no time.

3. Different neighborhoods

MKE has a lot to offer - from thrifting and a laundry list of yummy places to brunch in the Third Ward to the lakefront path and Bradford beach during steamy summer months, there is always something to explore.

4. Coffee shops

Every Sunday, I hop on the bus and try out a coffee shop. And Milwaukee seems to have one on every street. From Kickapoo in the Third Ward to Anodyne and Rochambo on Brady Street, there is certainly a coffee shop to fit your every mood.

5. The location

Milwaukee is an hour and 29 minutes from Chicago and a Badger Bus ride away from Madison. It’s accessible to a Big Ten school and less than 2 hours away from deep dish Chicago pizza. The best of both worlds?

6. The affordability

Head over to Bel Air on Tuesdays and get $2 tacos. Parking is cheaper, going out to eat costs less, and some of the best things to do in Milwaukee are free.

When I decided to go to college in Milwaukee, I was bummed. Milwaukee was too close to home, a small city. It was always our drive-through city on the way to summer vacations. Yeah, we might stop to grab Starbucks or for a bathroom break, but we never parked long enough to explore and immerse ourselves in the city.

Never did I ever think I would be writing an article about Milwaukee and all its greatness. I guess college really is a transformative experience.