Northwestern Class of 2017

[dolfan0516]

If I may add one more thing: be prepared for very expensive cost of living near NU. The avg 1 bedroom apt within walking distance is $1700. Many students have studios. One student lives in a studio, and it costs $2200/month. It's across the street from the $1700/month one. Both are 4 blocks from school. The groceries are not cheap, either. They're definitely more expensive that NYC groceries. It also doesn't help that most nearby grocery stores are all organic/european-y type stores. (note that most students afford this type of expensive ass city living because they worked for many years and have saved some money. that does not mean anyone likes it lol).

Or you live a 15 min train ride away and pay half the price for a room. And just because you know someone who lives in the Streeter and made a conscientious decision to pay for luxury ($2,200 for a studio is only paying for luxury), doesn't mean anyone else has to. The average 1 bedroom within walking distance is definitely not $1,700. That's nonsense.
I have friends who live in Streeterville for $1,300 for a bedroom to $1,500-$1,600 for a studio. I also have other friends who live walking distance away (River North and Gold Coast) who pay $1,100 for a room to $1,400 for a studio.

And the groceries you are talking about are not more expensive than NYC. Maybe if you go to overpay for Fox & Obel or some other organic supermarket, yes you will, but you know that when you go to those stores. Go to Jewel and get very cheap groceries.

Basically what I am saying is that you having some friends who have money and make a conscientious decision to pay more for rent and everything else because they want to live like kings doesn't mean that is the only option. You can live for a lot less and still live very comfortably doing so. Yes Chicago and Streeterville can be expensive, but its still much cheaper than NYC. And I would suggest not living in Streeterville as there is nothing to do there besides school. When the only two bars within normal walking distance are O'Tooles and D4, you know you're in a nightlife wasteland.

[herrowww]

Or you live a 15 min train ride away and pay half the price for a room. And just because you know someone who lives in the Streeter and made a conscientious decision to pay for luxury ($2,200 for a studio is only paying for luxury), doesn't mean anyone else has to. The average 1 bedroom within walking distance is definitely not $1,700. That's nonsense.
I have friends who live in Streeterville for $1,300 for a bedroom to $1,500-$1,600 for a studio. I also have other friends who live walking distance away (River North and Gold Coast) who pay $1,100 for a room to $1,400 for a studio.

And the groceries you are talking about are not more expensive than NYC. Maybe if you go to overpay for Fox & Obel or some other organic supermarket, yes you will, but you know that when you go to those stores. Go to Jewel and get very cheap groceries.

Basically what I am saying is that you having some friends who have money and make a conscientious decision to pay more for rent and everything else because they want to live like kings doesn't mean that is the only option. You can live for a lot less and still live very comfortably doing so. Yes Chicago and Streeterville can be expensive, but its still much cheaper than NYC. And I would suggest not living in Streeterville as there is nothing to do there besides school. When the only two bars within normal walking distance are O'Tooles and D4, you know you're in a nightlife wasteland.

Seems like you have a lot of insight on Chi-town living.. What areas do you recommend that are close to the school, but also close to good bars and restaurants?

[anneshirley]

If I may add one more thing: be prepared for very expensive cost of living near NU. The avg 1 bedroom apt within walking distance is $1700. Many students have studios. One student lives in a studio, and it costs $2200/month. It's across the street from the $1700/month one. Both are 4 blocks from school. The groceries are not cheap, either. They're definitely more expensive that NYC groceries. It also doesn't help that most nearby grocery stores are all organic/european-y type stores. (note that most students afford this type of expensive ass city living because they worked for many years and have saved some money. that does not mean anyone likes it lol).

Or you live a 15 min train ride away and pay half the price for a room. And just because you know someone who lives in the Streeter and made a conscientious decision to pay for luxury ($2,200 for a studio is only paying for luxury), doesn't mean anyone else has to. The average 1 bedroom within walking distance is definitely not $1,700. That's nonsense.
I have friends who live in Streeterville for $1,300 for a bedroom to $1,500-$1,600 for a studio. I also have other friends who live walking distance away (River North and Gold Coast) who pay $1,100 for a room to $1,400 for a studio.

And the groceries you are talking about are not more expensive than NYC. Maybe if you go to overpay for Fox & Obel or some other organic supermarket, yes you will, but you know that when you go to those stores. Go to Jewel and get very cheap groceries.

Basically what I am saying is that you having some friends who have money and make a conscientious decision to pay more for rent and everything else because they want to live like kings doesn't mean that is the only option. You can live for a lot less and still live very comfortably doing so. Yes Chicago and Streeterville can be expensive, but its still much cheaper than NYC. And I would suggest not living in Streeterville as there is nothing to do there besides school. When the only two bars within normal walking distance are O'Tooles and D4, you know you're in a nightlife wasteland.

I’m gonna jump in and agree with dolfan, as someone whose lived in the city the past four years. Living in Chicago doesn’t have to be as expensive as the previous poster is making it out to be. You absolutely do not need to pay $2200 to live in a studio in Streeterville. You can get a decent studio there for like $1200 if you insist on living in the neighborhood. You can do just fine in Lincoln Park in a studio for like $800-$1000, and you’re short train ride away. Prices will vary depending on where you are but don’t get freaked out about Chicago being a crazy expensive place to live. Also, don’t go to Whole Foods and you’ll be fine on groceries. I’d recommend Trader Joe’s for good, less expensive food.

[kenwash]

What time period do you recommend finding an apartment and making a deposit?

[dolfan0516]

Seems like you have a lot of insight on Chi-town living.. What areas do you recommend that are close to the school, but also close to good bars and restaurants?

It depends. What are you looking for? I personally live in Wrigleyville and love it, but understand completely that its not for everyone. My suggestions for most people are Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and Old Town.

What time period do you recommend finding an apartment and making a deposit?

Most places in Chicago don't hit the market until at most 60 days, many places are 30 days, before its available. Since I'm guessing you are not from Chicago, I'd suggest flying in sometime in July and finding a place then. You can find many places that are being leased by owner by finding a neighborhood you like and walking/driving around looking for for rent signs. Also, just keep checking out craigslist starting early July.

Just be prepared to sign a lease and make a deposit the day you find a place you like. Most quality rentals fly off the market.

[gimmedanger]

Is it worth negotiating with a comparable offer from Vanderbilt/UT? Or am I better off asking for more $ without mentioning offers from lower-ranked schools? Anyone had luck with this?

[scorneli]

Is it worth negotiating with a comparable offer from Vanderbilt/UT? Or am I better off asking for more $ without mentioning offers from lower-ranked schools? Anyone had luck with this?

You won't be able to negotiate with an offer from Vandy, but they will accept a negotiation from UT - Austin. All scholarship negotiations this year are completed via the "Scholarship Reconsideration Form", which has a drop down list of schools to choose from.

Here's the list of schools they'll compete with: Chicago, Columbia, Cornell, Duke, Georgetown, Harvard, Michigan, NYU, Penn, Stanford, UC Berkeley, UCLA, UT - Austin, UVA, and Yale.

And the link to the Scholarship Reconsideration Form: https://apply.law.northwestern.edu/regi ... sideration

[gimmedanger]

Is it worth negotiating with a comparable offer from Vanderbilt/UT? Or am I better off asking for more $ without mentioning offers from lower-ranked schools? Anyone had luck with this?

You won't be able to negotiate with an offer from Vandy, but they will accept a negotiation from UT - Austin. All scholarship negotiations this year are completed via the "Scholarship Reconsideration Form", which has a drop down list of schools to choose from.

Here's the list of schools they'll compete with: Chicago, Columbia, Cornell, Duke, Georgetown, Harvard, Michigan, NYU, Penn, Stanford, UC Berkeley, UCLA, UT - Austin, UVA, and Yale.

And the link to the Scholarship Reconsideration Form: https://apply.law.northwestern.edu/regi ... sideration

perfect. thanks!

[janetdoe]

Almost nothing in Chicago is more expensive than the equivalent in NYC.* Having lived in Chicago for the last three years and in Manhattan/Brooklyn for most of the rest of my life, I feel confident making that statement. I'm sure you can find groceries in NYC that are cheaper than the groceries in streeterville, but you won't find cheaper groceries in an equivalent store in an equivalent centrally-located neighborhood.

I'm sure it's true that the cost of living for NU is more than many of the T-14, but that's the cost of going to a school that's in the heart of a metropolis. If you don't care about that, and you are worried about cost of living, the schools in college-towns are probably much cheaper. If you want to be in a city, like for real, NU probably has the lowest cost of living for the options available. NYU is undoubtedly more expensive, so much so that many students probably don't even live in the same county as NYU campus. CLS is probably also extremely expensive, and it's relatively removed from a lot of NYC. Even the smaller cities (Boston, Philly and DC) are very expensive, with Philly being the most affordable. If Penn itself is cheaper, it would be based on the location of the school, not the cost of living for the city as a whole. I don't know how California works, and the rest of the schools aren't in real cities.

Cost of living index:
NYC: 216 (Brooklyn: 181)
San Fran: 164
DC: 140
Boston: 132
Philly: 126
New Haven: 122 (Not a real city)
Chicago: 116
Charlottesville: 107 (Not a real city)
Raleigh: 96 (Not a real city)
Ann Arbor and Ithaca (Didn't make the list I was looking at.)

* The only exception seems to be very cheap eats, like pizza or street meat.

^^ I think this is really good information to heed.

Or you live a 15 min train ride away and pay half the price for a room. And just because you know someone who lives in the Streeter and made a conscientious decision to pay for luxury ($2,200 for a studio is only paying for luxury), doesn't mean anyone else has to. The average 1 bedroom within walking distance is definitely not $1,700. That's nonsense.
I have friends who live in Streeterville for $1,300 for a bedroom to $1,500-$1,600 for a studio. I also have other friends who live walking distance away (River North and Gold Coast) who pay $1,100 for a room to $1,400 for a studio.

And the groceries you are talking about are not more expensive than NYC. Maybe if you go to overpay for Fox & Obel or some other organic supermarket, yes you will, but you know that when you go to those stores. Go to Jewel and get very cheap groceries.

Basically what I am saying is that you having some friends who have money and make a conscientious decision to pay more for rent and everything else because they want to live like kings doesn't mean that is the only option. You can live for a lot less and still live very comfortably doing so. Yes Chicago and Streeterville can be expensive, but its still much cheaper than NYC. And I would suggest not living in Streeterville as there is nothing to do there besides school. When the only two bars within normal walking distance are O'Tooles and D4, you know you're in a nightlife wasteland.

I’m gonna jump in and agree with dolfan, as someone whose lived in the city the past four years. Living in Chicago doesn’t have to be as expensive as the previous poster is making it out to be. You absolutely do not need to pay $2200 to live in a studio in Streeterville. You can get a decent studio there for like $1200 if you insist on living in the neighborhood. You can do just fine in Lincoln Park in a studio for like $800-$1000, and you’re short train ride away. Prices will vary depending on where you are but don’t get freaked out about Chicago being a crazy expensive place to live. Also, don’t go to Whole Foods and you’ll be fine on groceries. I’d recommend Trader Joe’s for good, less expensive food.

Just wanted to clarify that I never specified NU will be more expensive than NYC. The groceries within walking distance are, though. The closer Dominicks left. The nearest Jewel Osco is not very close; lots of carrying of groceries, or you could taxi. Just wanted to give people a heads up- Fox & Obel shut down. They had multiple salmonella scares and then didn't re-open. Eep. The NEAREST grocery store to NU which many students frequent is Treasure Island; it is literally right on the way to the library (3 blocks away). The new Whole Foods will be coming in soon (where the old Dominicks was), and that will be about 6 blocks away from school.

Those friends who pay those $1,100 prices in River North must have roommates, OR that's what they paid many years ago. River North is like Chicago's version of Manhattan in the sense that most ppl consider it the nicest/most expensive places to live. It also has a good night life / restaurant situation. As for Lincoln Park--there were recent price raises all over Chicago last year, including Lincoln Park, which has become much more expensive than it was, unfortunately. I currently have UG friends that currently live throughout Lincoln Park, and it used to be much, much cheaper. That being said, it's still going to be relatively cheaper to Streeterville, BUT the newer buildings will be just as expensive as the Streeterville buildings.

For the avg price within walking distance, which I specified in my prompt, expect to pay AT LEAST 1,400, and that would be surprising even. I also specified that's the price for a 1 bedroom. The cheaper places are up on Chestnut. A lot of NU students choose to live right around campus, and a lot of the prices right around campus for a 1-bedroom is NOT going to be 1,100 or 1,300 (will be even cheaper than that if you find a roommate, though). I would also like to clarify that the friend paying 1,700/mo for a 1-bedroom---the place is NOT NICE. The person paying 2,300/mo for a studio--yes, that one's nice; it's across the street from the 1,700/mo one. IF YOU CAN FIND A ROOMMATE, housing in Chicago can become very affordable. The 2-bedroom deals are way better everywhere, so if you can do that and are concerned about keeping COL down, you may want to do that.

However, I agree with the poster dolfan that it's possible to live elsewhere and commute, though it may be inconvenient. If you want to do that, just plan out ahead of time how you want to do transportation. the El is slow, the metra does not make enough stops, and parking will be expensive (just be prepared for that, OP). Of the 3 evils, the El is probably the better option, if price is a concern. NU issues a CTA pass (part of your tuition), so it will feel "free" to you as you swipe and travel around El or bus. The apartments near NU charge around $200-$250 for monthly parking, so if you are bringing a car, just a heads up. It is not unusual that just street parking in the city costs $25+. The first hour or 20 mins is often $20. Just be prepared, or as those 2 posters above suggested, you can live much further away (note: while Lincoln Park has become much more expensive, their parking prices are not. Some of my friends pay anywhere from $100-$150/month).

As for Wrigleyville, that's near the stadium. The night life there is a bit college-y, so if you like that, that may be an ok option for you. The El stop will be Addison. I know you can rent a nice 2-bedroom condo in that area for $1,200-1,600, so you can only imagine the prices of studios and 1 bedrooms. It's much more affordable. There are a few current law students living in Wrigleyville. If you split it with a roommate, that's cheaper for you. It's about 15-20 minutes from school by El. It's personally not for me, but I could see a lot of younger guys or maybe even older guys liking it, idk. I definitely do not recommend it for girls. I just don't seeing a 25 year old girl loving that area. Lakeview is very close to Wrigleyville, and it's an option you should look into, too, if you are okay with living further away.

And yes, dolfan is absolutely correct that Streeterville is NOT life night central, but that's not why the people who live there choose to live there. They choose to live there for convenience. A lot of NU and UofC grads go out in River North or Lincoln Park, whatever their tastes suit. River North is the higher end place to go out. Lots of lounges. Gold Coast and Streeterville are kind of dead. Younger crowds often like to go out in Lincoln Park. NU has bar reviews every Thursday, and students new to Chicago can get to know the city in that way. If anyone has some night life questions, be sure to ask. There's a lot of people on this post who know a lot about Chicago.

IMPORTANT NOTE- dolfan is right that you should fly in during the summer to lock down housing. NOT doing that is a sure way to get stuck paying premium or dealing with some complicated bs (not being able to move into your apt until after school starts, or the day before / etc).

This is a very useful thread, so those who are interested in living in Chicago should check it out for the various view points and info.

[bonerland]

All you need to know is...

Starting location:
Northwestern University School of Law
375 E Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60611

1. Head east on E Chicago Ave toward N Lake Shore Dr

2. Turn left onto N Lake Shore Dr

3. Turn right to stay on N Lake Shore Dr

4. Turn left onto E Division St

5. Slight right onto N Clybourn Ave. (Destination will be on the left)

Destination:
Goose Island Brewing Co.
1800 N Clybourn Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
2.5 miles total.

How do I pay my deposit?

[janetdoe]

All you need to know is...
Destination:
Goose Island Brewing Co.
1800 N Clybourn Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
2.5 miles total.

How do I pay my deposit?

bahahaaha lulz

[Pishee77]

A little late to the party but who is going to ASW? Where is everyone staying? Are you going/staying by yourself? Is anyone going to go a day earlier and visit UChi campus as well? Which airport is closer?
I've procrastinated booking all my ASW's and now I'm stressed.

[dolfan0516]

Just wanted to clarify that I never specified NU will be more expensive than NYC. The groceries within walking distance are, though. The closer Dominicks left. The nearest Jewel Osco is not very close; lots of carrying of groceries, or you could taxi. Just wanted to give people a heads up- Fox & Obel shut down. They had multiple salmonella scares and then didn't re-open. Eep. The NEAREST grocery store to NU which many students frequent is Treasure Island; it is literally right on the way to the library (3 blocks away). The new Whole Foods will be coming in soon (where the old Dominicks was), and that will be about 6 blocks away from school.

Those friends who pay those $1,100 prices in River North must have roommates, OR that's what they paid many years ago. River North is like Chicago's version of Manhattan in the sense that most ppl consider it the nicest/most expensive places to live. It also has a good night life / restaurant situation. As for Lincoln Park--there were recent price raises all over Chicago last year, including Lincoln Park, which has become much more expensive than it was, unfortunately. I currently have UG friends that currently live throughout Lincoln Park, and it used to be much, much cheaper. That being said, it's still going to be relatively cheaper to Streeterville, BUT the newer buildings will be just as expensive as the Streeterville buildings.

For the avg price within walking distance, which I specified in my prompt, expect to pay AT LEAST 1,400, and that would be surprising even. I also specified that's the price for a 1 bedroom. The cheaper places are up on Chestnut. A lot of NU students choose to live right around campus, and a lot of the prices right around campus for a 1-bedroom is NOT going to be 1,100 or 1,300 (will be even cheaper than that if you find a roommate, though). I would also like to clarify that the friend paying 1,700/mo for a 1-bedroom---the place is NOT NICE. The person paying 2,300/mo for a studio--yes, that one's nice; it's across the street from the 1,700/mo one. IF YOU CAN FIND A ROOMMATE, housing in Chicago can become very affordable. The 2-bedroom deals are way better everywhere, so if you can do that and are concerned about keeping COL down, you may want to do that.

However, I agree with the poster dolfan that it's possible to live elsewhere and commute, though it may be inconvenient. If you want to do that, just plan out ahead of time how you want to do transportation. the El is slow, the metra does not make enough stops, and parking will be expensive (just be prepared for that, OP). Of the 3 evils, the El is probably the better option, if price is a concern. NU issues a CTA pass (part of your tuition), so it will feel "free" to you as you swipe and travel around El or bus. The apartments near NU charge around $200-$250 for monthly parking, so if you are bringing a car, just a heads up. It is not unusual that just street parking in the city costs $25+. The first hour or 20 mins is often $20. Just be prepared, or as those 2 posters above suggested, you can live much further away (note: while Lincoln Park has become much more expensive, their parking prices are not. Some of my friends pay anywhere from $100-$150/month).

As for Wrigleyville, that's near the stadium. The night life there is a bit college-y, so if you like that, that may be an ok option for you. The El stop will be Addison. I know you can rent a nice 2-bedroom condo in that area for $1,200-1,600, so you can only imagine the prices of studios and 1 bedrooms. It's much more affordable. There are a few current law students living in Wrigleyville. If you split it with a roommate, that's cheaper for you. It's about 15-20 minutes from school by El. It's personally not for me, but I could see a lot of younger guys or maybe even older guys liking it, idk. I definitely do not recommend it for girls. I just don't seeing a 25 year old girl loving that area. Lakeview is very close to Wrigleyville, and it's an option you should look into, too, if you are okay with living further away.

And yes, dolfan is absolutely correct that Streeterville is NOT life night central, but that's not why the people who live there choose to live there. They choose to live there for convenience. A lot of NU and UofC grads go out in River North or Lincoln Park, whatever their tastes suit. River North is the higher end place to go out. Lots of lounges. Gold Coast and Streeterville are kind of dead. Younger crowds often like to go out in Lincoln Park. NU has bar reviews every Thursday, and students new to Chicago can get to know the city in that way. If anyone has some night life questions, be sure to ask. There's a lot of people on this post who know a lot about Chicago.

IMPORTANT NOTE- dolfan is right that you should fly in during the summer to lock down housing. NOT doing that is a sure way to get stuck paying premium or dealing with some complicated bs (not being able to move into your apt until after school starts, or the day before / etc).

This is a very useful thread, so those who are interested in living in Chicago should check it out for the various view points and info.

This info I agree with a lot more. I was more taking exception to your first post that seemed to make Northwestern COL ridiculously expensive. I just wanted to share that their are many, many options and those all range in price and have their own plusses and minuses. I do not think the commute for living away from school is bad at all. Express busses are fast up and down Lake Shore Drive and the El is not slow (unless you're talking the Brown/Purple line into the loop, which you wouldn't do to get to school). The worst part of my commute from Wrigleyville is the walk from the Chicago red line stop to school and my commute is at most 30 minutes door to door.

[herrowww]

A little late to the party but who is going to ASW? Where is everyone staying? Are you going/staying by yourself? Is anyone going to go a day earlier and visit UChi campus as well? Which airport is closer?
I've procrastinated booking all my ASW's and now I'm stressed.

Don't stress, I haven't booked a hotel yet either. Just booked my flights and I'll look into hotels this week. I have a SW card so I always fly SW to rack up points, and SW flys into Midway. Honestly both airports are about equal distance from NU. Hop on the L or grab a roundtrip ticket with a taxi van company at the airport to get to your hotel. I believe I fly in Thursday and fly out on Monday, but I wanted some extra time to check out apartments in different areas. I also wouldn't be opposed to seeing Evanston if I can fit it in!

[Trig]

Has anyone heard back yet about scholarship reconsideration? If so please PM me.

[Marshmallow]

Has anyone heard back yet about scholarship reconsideration? If so please PM me.

more specific question: have any very recent admits (like, last week) heard back re: scholarships? I'm wondering how much faster the turnaround time will be this late in the cycle.

[Pishee77]

Has anyone heard back yet about scholarship reconsideration? If so please PM me.

more specific question: have any very recent admits (like, last week) heard back re: scholarships? I'm wondering how much faster the turnaround time will be this late in the cycle.

+1

[lemons]

Has anyone heard back yet about scholarship reconsideration? If so please PM me.

more specific question: have any very recent admits (like, last week) heard back re: scholarships? I'm wondering how much faster the turnaround time will be this late in the cycle.

+1

+2!

[samoby]

Has anyone heard back yet about scholarship reconsideration? If so please PM me.

+1

[herrowww]

Has anyone heard back yet about scholarship reconsideration? If so please PM me.

+1

+2

[lastsamurai]

Just withdrew...feels strange, but hopefully my $/spot goes to someone who really wants it! Best of luck to everyone w/ your decisions!

[lawschool22]

Just withdrew...feels strange, but hopefully my $/spot goes to someone who really wants it! Best of luck to everyone w/ your decisions!

Hey NU send some of that $$$ my way.

[EEguy5]

Is it worth negotiating with a comparable offer from Vanderbilt/UT? Or am I better off asking for more $ without mentioning offers from lower-ranked schools? Anyone had luck with this?

You won't be able to negotiate with an offer from Vandy, but they will accept a negotiation from UT - Austin. All scholarship negotiations this year are completed via the "Scholarship Reconsideration Form", which has a drop down list of schools to choose from.

Here's the list of schools they'll compete with: Chicago, Columbia, Cornell, Duke, Georgetown, Harvard, Michigan, NYU, Penn, Stanford, UC Berkeley, UCLA, UT - Austin, UVA, and Yale.

And the link to the Scholarship Reconsideration Form: https://apply.law.northwestern.edu/regi ... sideration

Do you mind sharing where you got this link? I have searched all over the website but can't find it linked from anywhere. I feel strange about filling out a form that isn't directly from the website. Is it only provided to certain applicants or am I just missing it?

[NYC-WVU]

Did everybody vote for LS22 to choose NU?

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=226583&start=75

He is choosing between NYU (with less money), Duke and NU. Currently Duke is leading (vomit <-- basketball reasons).

C'mon y'all. We want people in our class who do shit like take the initiative to start the Class of 2017 thread and can make spreadsheets and stuff. Vote. Don't let him spend 3 years in Durham.

[snapdragon25]

Did everybody vote for LS22 to choose NU?

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=226583&start=75

He is choosing between NYU (with less money), Duke and NU. Currently Duke is leading (vomit <-- basketball reasons).

C'mon y'all. We want people in our class who do shit like take the initiative to start the Class of 2017 thread and can make spreadsheets and stuff. Vote. Don't let him spend 3 years in Durham.

Just voted! LS22: come join us!!