Ahhh, Chicago! For DePaul University students, the city campus offers a unique opportunity to really explore Chicago and learn the rich history behind it. However, for many out-of-state students, Chicago can take some time to get used to. (Students who lived in Chicago their whole lives already know how to get around in the city.)
How do you become a real Chicagoan? Aside from learning how to move through the city, it does not take much. In fact, you just need to experience some of the best things Chicago has to become a full-fledged city person. For this, I found seven things you need to do to become a Chicagoan.
So, you are not a real Chicagoan until you...
1. Eat deep-dish pizza
Seriously, you need to experience some of the best deep-dish pizza that Chicago offers. It is so good your mouth will water just thinking about it. I am sure plenty of places offer deep-dish pizza, but there is a difference between Chicago deep-dish and everywhere else’s deep-dish.
2. Take a picture at The Bean
As touristy as that sounds for anyone living in Chicago, you really are not a true Chicagoan unless you have taken a photo there. At 33 feet high and 66 feet long, the attraction makes for a great cover on Facebook or Twitter
3. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
What everyone says is true: Chicago is the best place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. On top of a green-dyed Chicago River, there is a huge parade, the occasional drunk celebrator throwing up, and a ton of bar crawls happening. There really is no better place to celebrate the day!
4. Go to a game on Wrigley Field
Another famous landmark of Chicago! Let’s forget about this whole Sox versus Cubs rivalry (Cubs, always Cubs) and take a minute to really enjoy this beautiful area. Walking into Wrigley Field and having a Chicago-style hot dog is something you cannot experience in any other ballpark.
5. Go to Wrigleyville after a game on Wrigley Field
I mean, you are already in Wrigleyville when you go to see a game at that ballpark, so you may as well do it! This area is home to a countless number of bars, so you have plenty of options for getting a drink in victory/drinking your sorrows away after Wrigley Field game!
6. Have the Chicago Mix at Garrett’s Popcorn
You are doing yourself a favor if you go and get this life-changing popcorn! This is without a doubt the best popcorn ever. When here, get the Chicago Mix! The combination of cheese and caramel is something you can never get enough of!
7. Go to Taste of Chicago
Noticed that Chicago’s prime selling point is its food? Well, “Taste” is a good reason why Chicagoans love food! This is one of the world’s largest food festivals and it’s the perfect way to sample a little of every food in Chicago!
