NU Apps '11-'12 - Good Luck Hold Candidates!!!! <3 Forum

[homestyle28]

Not including lodging or transport to Chicago, how much should one bring per day for public transit, food, etc.?

I'd definitely get a multi-day CTA pass...I just used cash when I was there, and since they don't do transfers on the buses (wtf?), it's $2.25 every time you get on. Ran through a lot of $1 bills.

If you're curious, cab fare from O'Hare to Streeterville/Mag Mile is about $40 plus tip. Next time I'm going to try taking the El, but I didn't want to make trying to figure out train changes my very first Chicago experience.

They do transfers on the bus, don't they? I think you have to ask for a transfer card or something when you get off. Definitely do the pass though. A one-day pass is $5.75 and a three-day is $14 so it's a pretty good deal. Unfortunately, you can only buy 3- or 7-day passes at the station vending machines. If you want a 1-day, you have order online (lol) or go to like a Walgreens or Jewel or something.

Riding CTA from O-Hare is pretty easy. Hop on the Blue Line towards Forest Park (Downtown). Transfer to the Red Line at Jackson. Get off at Chicago and walk like four blocks. Google Maps also says you can take the Blue Line to the Washington stop and then the 157 bus, which is apparently four minutes faster and involves less walking.

The walk from the Chicago Redline stop isn't bad, and is a little scenic if you're new to Chicago, you cross Mich Ave, see the watertower, get a good view of Hancock Building...but it can be windy (it's Chicago after all).

[JamMasterJ]

Not including lodging or transport to Chicago, how much should one bring per day for public transit, food, etc.?

I'd definitely get a multi-day CTA pass...I just used cash when I was there, and since they don't do transfers on the buses (wtf?), it's $2.25 every time you get on. Ran through a lot of $1 bills.

If you're curious, cab fare from O'Hare to Streeterville/Mag Mile is about $40 plus tip. Next time I'm going to try taking the El, but I didn't want to make trying to figure out train changes my very first Chicago experience.

They do transfers on the bus, don't they? I think you have to ask for a transfer card or something when you get off. Definitely do the pass though. A one-day pass is $5.75 and a three-day is $14 so it's a pretty good deal. Unfortunately, you can only buy 3- or 7-day passes at the station vending machines. If you want a 1-day, you have order online (lol) or go to like a Walgreens or Jewel or something.

Riding CTA from O-Hare is pretty easy. Hop on the Blue Line towards Forest Park (Downtown). Transfer to the Red Line at Jackson. Get off at Chicago and walk like four blocks. Google Maps also says you can take the Blue Line to the Washington stop and then the 157 bus, which is apparently four minutes faster and involves less walking.

The walk from the Chicago Redline stop isn't bad, and is a little scenic if you're new to Chicago, you cross Mich Ave, see the watertower, get a good view of Hancock Building...but it can be windy (it's Chicago after all).

The Chicago stop to NU is really not worth getting back on a bus unless it's literally sitting right there

[rinkrat19]

Not including lodging or transport to Chicago, how much should one bring per day for public transit, food, etc.?

I'd definitely get a multi-day CTA pass...I just used cash when I was there, and since they don't do transfers on the buses (wtf?), it's $2.25 every time you get on. Ran through a lot of $1 bills.

If you're curious, cab fare from O'Hare to Streeterville/Mag Mile is about $40 plus tip. Next time I'm going to try taking the El, but I didn't want to make trying to figure out train changes my very first Chicago experience.

They do transfers on the bus, don't they? I think you have to ask for a transfer card or something when you get off. Definitely do the pass though. A one-day pass is $5.75 and a three-day is $14 so it's a pretty good deal. Unfortunately, you can only buy 3- or 7-day passes at the station vending machines. If you want a 1-day, you have order online (lol) or go to like a Walgreens or Jewel or something.

I asked for a bus transfer and the driver looked at me like I had two heads and kind of sniffily said "We don't DO transfers on the bus." I thought it was weird, but I'd never ridden the bus anywhere except Portland, so what did I know?

That bus driver was kind of a jerk, too. The bus was almost empty and he wouldn't answer any questions about what we were passing. I had a really nice lady bus driver later in the day who practically gave me a tour of Lake Shore Drive, even pointing out where on the route her favorite view of downtown was.

[JamMasterJ]

Not including lodging or transport to Chicago, how much should one bring per day for public transit, food, etc.?

I'd definitely get a multi-day CTA pass...I just used cash when I was there, and since they don't do transfers on the buses (wtf?), it's $2.25 every time you get on. Ran through a lot of $1 bills.

If you're curious, cab fare from O'Hare to Streeterville/Mag Mile is about $40 plus tip. Next time I'm going to try taking the El, but I didn't want to make trying to figure out train changes my very first Chicago experience.

They do transfers on the bus, don't they? I think you have to ask for a transfer card or something when you get off. Definitely do the pass though. A one-day pass is $5.75 and a three-day is $14 so it's a pretty good deal. Unfortunately, you can only buy 3- or 7-day passes at the station vending machines. If you want a 1-day, you have order online (lol) or go to like a Walgreens or Jewel or something.

I asked for a bus transfer and the driver looked at me like I had two heads and kind of sniffily said "We don't DO transfers on the bus." I thought it was weird, but I'd never ridden the bus anywhere except Portland, so what did I know?

That bus driver was kind of a jerk, too. The bus was almost empty and he wouldn't answer any questions about what we were passing. I had a really nice lady bus driver later in the day who practically gave me a tour of Lake Shore Drive, even pointing out where on the route her favorite view of downtown was.

that's odd. Most of the CTA personnel I've dealt with have been really nice.

[bk1]

The CTA stopped doing cash transfers a while ago (1, 2 years? I don't know for sure), but they still do transfers for people with paper passes (only available at L stops) or Chicago Cards (CTA's plastic swipe cards that you get from supermarkets or online).

I definitely second getting the multi-day passes if you are visiting (3 day one is $14) since then you won't have to worry about transfers or how many times you use the bus and it costs less than 2 bus/L rides per day.

[JamMasterJ]

The CTA stopped doing cash transfers a while ago (1, 2 years? I don't know for sure), but they still do transfers for people with paper passes (only available at L stops) or Chicago Cards (CTA's plastic swipe cards that you get from supermarkets or online).

I definitely second getting the multi-day passes if you are visiting (3 day one is $14) since then you won't have to worry about transfers or how many times you use the bus and it costs less than 2 bus/L rides per day.

You are very unlikely to save money by paying each time if you don't have a car and want to avoid cabs. Go with 2 1-days or a 3-day

[Eugenie Danglars]

The CTA stopped doing cash transfers a while ago (1, 2 years? I don't know for sure), but they still do transfers for people with paper passes (only available at L stops) or Chicago Cards (CTA's plastic swipe cards that you get from supermarkets or online).

I definitely second getting the multi-day passes if you are visiting (3 day one is $14) since then you won't have to worry about transfers or how many times you use the bus and it costs less than 2 bus/L rides per day.

You can also get paper passes from CVS, Walgreens, grocery stores, etc.

[kaveman]

Is it bad form to ask for on-campus interview advice on this forum?

[tmon]

Is it bad form to ask for on-campus interview advice on this forum?

Nah. Check out the first post if you haven't first though.

[Opie]

Thanks for all of the help, guys. I am busing in to Union Station in the morning. I'm assuming all manner of passes can be purchased there? I'll be there roughly three days so I'll get a three day pass. I'm staying with a friend of my wife who lives downtown. I'm not sure exactly where he lives yet, but I think she said it is near Streeterville, so at that time of day I can probably take the Red Line most of the way there. I'll try to bring extra cash for food though. I'm going to miss Des Moines prices. $3 for beer is way too expensive! I don't even spend that on mixed drinks here.

[Samara]

Thanks for all of the help, guys. I am busing in to Union Station in the morning. I'm assuming all manner of passes can be purchased there? I'll be there roughly three days so I'll get a three day pass. I'm staying with a friend of my wife who lives downtown. I'm not sure exactly where he lives yet, but I think she said it is near Streeterville, so at that time of day I can probably take the Red Line most of the way there. I'll try to bring extra cash for food though. I'm going to miss Des Moines prices. $3 for beer is way too expensive! I don't even spend that on mixed drinks here.

$3 for a beer is expensive? I assume you're talking about bottles of Miller Lite? If you're talking about pints of specialty beer (Sam Adams Octoberfest) then your Miller Lite beer water must be less than a dollar a bottle.

According to the CTA website, you can buy 3-day passes at Union Station, but the machine is over by the Metra line. You can't buy 1-day passes there, which is dumb. Looks like you'll want to hop on the 157 or 125 bus to get to NU. HTH

[JamMasterJ]

Thanks for all of the help, guys. I am busing in to Union Station in the morning. I'm assuming all manner of passes can be purchased there? I'll be there roughly three days so I'll get a three day pass. I'm staying with a friend of my wife who lives downtown. I'm not sure exactly where he lives yet, but I think she said it is near Streeterville, so at that time of day I can probably take the Red Line most of the way there. I'll try to bring extra cash for food though. I'm going to miss Des Moines prices. $3 for beer is way too expensive! I don't even spend that on mixed drinks here.

want. I wouldn't have to sit at home drinking

[rinkrat19]

Just a PSA for everyone: I went to Sonic and tried their "Chicago Dog," and it is not an acceptable substitute for the genuine article. The toppings were fine (it'd be hard to screw up relish and celery salt, I guess), but the hot dog, while ok on its own, was way too bland to support all the strong flavors of the different toppings. It really does require a good kosher beef dog.

[homestyle28]

Just a PSA for everyone: I went to Sonic and tried their "Chicago Dog," and it is not an acceptable substitute for the genuine article. The toppings were fine (it'd be hard to screw up relish and celery salt, I guess), but the hot dog, while ok on its own, was way too bland to support all the strong flavors of the different toppings. It really does require a good kosher beef dog.

I believe I've spotted your mistake

[rinkrat19]

Just a PSA for everyone: I went to Sonic and tried their "Chicago Dog," and it is not an acceptable substitute for the genuine article. The toppings were fine (it'd be hard to screw up relish and celery salt, I guess), but the hot dog, while ok on its own, was way too bland to support all the strong flavors of the different toppings. It really does require a good kosher beef dog.

I believe I've spotted your mistake

Hey, I'm in Oregon. Not a lot of places serve Chicago dogs out here!
I thought Sonic was supposed to be decent food, for fast food. They're pretty new out here so I've only been one other time.

[Samara]

Just a PSA for everyone: I went to Sonic and tried their "Chicago Dog," and it is not an acceptable substitute for the genuine article. The toppings were fine (it'd be hard to screw up relish and celery salt, I guess), but the hot dog, while ok on its own, was way too bland to support all the strong flavors of the different toppings. It really does require a good kosher beef dog.

Was it the neon green relish at least? Also, I'm told that only southside-type people (read: poors? ) do celery salt.

On a related topic, never go to an Uno outside of the Chicago region. I went to one in Florida once and it's nothing like the real thing. Once you've had the real stuff...

[JamMasterJ]

Just a PSA for everyone: I went to Sonic and tried their "Chicago Dog," and it is not an acceptable substitute for the genuine article. The toppings were fine (it'd be hard to screw up relish and celery salt, I guess), but the hot dog, while ok on its own, was way too bland to support all the strong flavors of the different toppings. It really does require a good kosher beef dog.

Was it the neon green relish at least? Also, I'm told that only southside-type people (read: poors? ) do celery salt.

On a related topic, never go to an Uno outside of the Chicago region. I went to one in Florida once and it's nothing like the real thing. Once you've had the real stuff...

that's like skyline outside of Cincy

[tmon]

Just a PSA for everyone: I went to Sonic and tried their "Chicago Dog," and it is not an acceptable substitute for the genuine article. The toppings were fine (it'd be hard to screw up relish and celery salt, I guess), but the hot dog, while ok on its own, was way too bland to support all the strong flavors of the different toppings. It really does require a good kosher beef dog.

Also, I'm told that only southside-type people (read: poors? ) do celery salt.

No way! Celery salt is city-wide in my experience.

[Tiago Splitter]

Thanks for all of the help, guys. I am busing in to Union Station in the morning. I'm assuming all manner of passes can be purchased there? I'll be there roughly three days so I'll get a three day pass. I'm staying with a friend of my wife who lives downtown. I'm not sure exactly where he lives yet, but I think she said it is near Streeterville, so at that time of day I can probably take the Red Line most of the way there. I'll try to bring extra cash for food though. I'm going to miss Des Moines prices. $3 for beer is way too expensive! I don't even spend that on mixed drinks here.

First five beers in Cedar Falls cost me $4. On a Friday night. High quality place.

[JamMasterJ]

Just a PSA for everyone: I went to Sonic and tried their "Chicago Dog," and it is not an acceptable substitute for the genuine article. The toppings were fine (it'd be hard to screw up relish and celery salt, I guess), but the hot dog, while ok on its own, was way too bland to support all the strong flavors of the different toppings. It really does require a good kosher beef dog.

Also, I'm told that only southside-type people (read: poors? ) do celery salt.

No way! Celery salt is city-wide in my experience.

yeah, they had it at Water Tower Place as part of the everything dog

[Samara]

Just a PSA for everyone: I went to Sonic and tried their "Chicago Dog," and it is not an acceptable substitute for the genuine article. The toppings were fine (it'd be hard to screw up relish and celery salt, I guess), but the hot dog, while ok on its own, was way too bland to support all the strong flavors of the different toppings. It really does require a good kosher beef dog.

Also, I'm told that only southside-type people (read: poors? ) do celery salt.

No way! Celery salt is city-wide in my experience.

yeah, they had it at Water Tower Place as part of the everything dog

My smug, mega-Cub-fan, northside-pride-4life-even-though-he's-never-actually-lived-in-the-city father-in-law told me that. So, consider the source I guess.

[JamMasterJ]

y u so mad tho?

[rinkrat19]

yeah, they had it at Water Tower Place as part of the everything dog

My smug, mega-Cub-fan, northside-pride-4life-even-though-he's-never-actually-lived-in-the-city father-in-law told me that. So, consider the source I guess.

I plan on rooting for the Cubs over the Sox. I'm basing this entirely on the fact that I'd rather say "I'm going to Wrigley" than "I'm going to US Cellular Field." Although, I've never really watched much NL baseball and the lack of a DH concerns me.

They had celery salt at Portillo's, and the Vienna hot dog kiosk at O'Hare.

[elibrarian]

yeah, they had it at Water Tower Place as part of the everything dog

My smug, mega-Cub-fan, northside-pride-4life-even-though-he's-never-actually-lived-in-the-city father-in-law told me that. So, consider the source I guess.

I plan on rooting for the Cubs over the Sox. I'm basing this entirely on the fact that I'd rather say "I'm going to Wrigley" than "I'm going to US Cellular Field." Although, I've never really watched much NL baseball and the lack of a DH concerns me.

They had celery salt at Portillo's, and the Vienna hot dog kiosk at O'Hare.

Agreed, though I grew up on the Southside and am shaming my family by preferring the Cubs.

[crumpetsandtea]

My smug, mega-Cub-fan, northside-pride-4life-even-though-he's-never-actually-lived-in-the-city father-in-law told me that. So, consider the source I guess.

What is all this prejudice against Cubs fans? I've heard it from others too--that they're 'fratty'/'douchey' and etc etc...I don't get it.