Destination :: Chicago Chicago is the third largest city in the US and has a bustling day to day atmosphere and one of the most picturesque skylines in the world. It is the New York of the ‘mid-west’ as many post-grad students, and others seeking refuge in a ‘happening’ city, from all neighboring states flock there in droves. The city runs along the shores of Lake Michigan and covers an area of over 200 square miles, and 20 miles of the city. Most people think Chicago received the title of ‘The Windy City’ due to its blustery streets, but it actually got its title because of its pretentious politicians and their ‘hot air’. At one stage there seemed to be little separation between organized politics and organized crime. ‘Chi-Town’ is famous for many things, especially it’s professional sports teams including the Chicago White Soxs and Chicago Cubs baseball teams, the Chicago Bulls basketball team, the Chicago Blackhawks hockey team, and also is notorious for housing gangsters (namely Al Capone) and skyscrapers. It was in Chicago where the world’s first skyscraper, the Home Insurance Building, was erected in 1885. Visit www.choosechicago.com Some practical stuff to know: Climate: The change in weather between the different seasons in Chicago can be quite severe. July is the warmest month with an average high temperature of 84 °F (29 °C) and an average low of 63 °F (17 °C). Time Difference: Chicago is 6 hours behind GMT (5 during daylight saving months). Getting Around: Navigating Chicago is easy. The city is divided east-west by State Street and north-south by Madison Street and broken up into blocks. One block is just a street that is about an 1/8th of a mile long and each block has 100 addresses. www.transitchicago.com – Lists bus and train times including maps of routes. Would be a good idea to get an unlimited use 7-day passes that only cost $20 when you first get there and are looking for places to live and work. www.metrarail.com – if you plan on living in the suburbs you will probably use the metra to commute into the city. Trolleys: Downtown there are also FREE "trolleys", used mostly by tourists. They're a quick way to get around downtown and use specially-marked bus stops, however they'll usually let you off wherever you want. By air: Chicago’s main airport for international flights is O’Hare Airport which is 27 kilometers (17 miles) from the city centre. All USIT J1ers come in via O’Hare which is one of, if not thee busiest airport in the world. ** To get to the city you can take a taxi BUT it can cost upwards of $40. The CTAtrains, the ‘EL’ as the locals call it, provide direct service to/from both main airports and are cheap. They are a strongly recommended alternative. Check out: tripsweb.rtachicago.com for times and cost. Where to live: The majority of the J1 students head to the north side of Chicago. The area to the north of the city is relatively safe and caters to many local students including those studying at DePaul University. Look to find a place on the north side around Lincoln Park and Wrigley field, home to the Chicago Cubs. Also try out the following websites (as well as other college/university websites that may have links to finding student accommodation): o Hostels o Just Passing Through Month-to-month apartment rentals in Chicago. o University Center Summer housing in the heart of Chicago's Educational Corridor (call 312-924-8088 for summer housing rates). Where to work: There is a strong Irish following in Chicago and past participants have reported little difficulty finding summer work because they utilized their Irish charm. Additionally, many of the American students from nearby states studying at Chicago Universities head home for the summer, freeing up countless jobs. You could also try the following websites: www.chicagojobs.com www.jobsinchicago.com www.collegegrad.com Where to go and what to see and do: You won’t find it hard to find your type of hotspot or local. What makes Chicago unique to the rest of America is that it is home to two of the world’s most widely listened genres of music. The blues originated in the 19th Century and, while similar to jazz in some ways, was a bit rough around the edges when compared to it. It may have been born in New Orleans but it quickly moved to Chicago. Blues originating in the windy city is known as ‘urban blues’. Due to the music’s history in the city, there are numerous blues clubs and most the world’s best known blues musicians have played in Chicago at some stage in their career. There are a million things to do in Chicago during the summer. No summer is complete though without going to a ‘cubbies’ baseball game, enjoying a cola in the Signature Bar atop the John Hancock building, throwing a Frisbee around Lincoln Park, checking out Navy Pier, and swimming or sailing on Lake Michigan. Check out the following festivals while you’re there also: JULY - Taste of Chicago, Grant Park Every year the 4th of July weekend, an outdoor food showcase of Chicago restaurants, vendors, and producers. Also a great opportunity to watch Independence Day fireworks from the park and lakefront. AUGUST - Air & Water Show Chicago is host to the fantastic Air and Water Show each August with the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds alternating as the final act from year to year. Where to Eat in Chicago: People in Chicago take great pride in their hot dogs (wiener circle is a good and must do dog stand). Considering its size, it isn’t surprising to learn that there are well over 6,000 restaurants, cafés and eateries in Chicago. These range from Thai restaurants, to pizza and burger ‘joints’ and steakhouses serving the most succulent pieces of meat you are likely to find in any of the fifty states. Don’t miss out on the deep-dish pizzas. Heaven on Seven: This restaurant may be a bit shore to get there during lunch, but Cajun-style food will make it worthwhile. The Original Gino`s East: If you are in the Loop area, find this pizzeria which is famous and serves delicious pizza. The decorations on the walls will keep occupied for the duration of your meal. Amarit: If you like Thai cuisine than this restaurant will keep you happy, you can dine out on the patio. A good place for both lunch or dinner.