What's the vibe like at Columbia College Chicago?

I'm curious about Columbia College Chicago. I'm thinking about studying there and want to know more about the campus life and the student community. What should I expect if I choose to attend?

Columbia College Chicago is an arts and media-focused college, so you'll find a creative and energetic atmosphere on campus. The student community is highly diverse, including people from different backgrounds, cultures, and artistic disciplines. This diversity contributes to the vibrant community, and you'll likely find opportunities to participate in a variety of innovative and creative projects.

In terms of urban campus life, Columbia College Chicago is located in the South Loop area of Downtown Chicago, so there is plenty of city life around you. This means you'll have access to a vast array of cultural attractions such as theaters, museums, music venues, and art studios.

One characteristic to consider about Columbia College Chicago is that there isn't much in the way of traditional campus life, compared to a more conventional university. There aren't huge sporting events, and Greek life isn't a major component of campus life. The focus here is largely on the arts and on providing students with career-preparatory experiences.

Furthermore, there are a ton of student clubs and organizations, ranging from film groups to fashion clubs, music ensembles to journalism collectives. This provides outlets for students to pursue their passions outside of the classroom.

One common remark about the vibe at Columbia College Chicago is that it can feel commuter-like, as students tend to live off-campus after their first year. But with that said, students often describe a cooperative rather than a competitive environment where everyone is eager to collaborate on projects and learn from each other.

It's also worth mentioning that the college has a “city as campus” philosophy, meaning that Columbia College Chicago encourages students to use the city of Chicago as a resource, an inspiration, and extension of the classroom. With such an approach, you'll find many opportunities for internships, collaborations, and hands-on experience in the city, which can build up your portfolio for future job applications.

Make sure to visit if you can, to get a more personal impression. Remember, every college experience is unique depending on your expectations and how you're willing to engage in the community!