DePaul vs. UIC: Differences in Student Life?

Hey! I've been accepted to both DePaul University and the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). I know both schools are in Chicago, but I'm wondering what the differences in student life are like between them. Can anyone share some insights? Thanks!

Congratulations on your acceptances! Both DePaul and UIC have their unique aspects when it comes to student life, so understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision.

DePaul University is a private institution with two main campuses: Lincoln Park and the Loop. The Lincoln Park campus is located in a more residential area, surrounded by parks, cafes, and shops. This campus offers a more traditional college campus feel and hosts most of the undergraduate programs. The Loop campus, on the other hand, is in the business district of downtown Chicago and caters more to graduate students and specific undergrad programs like business or theatre. DePaul has a strong focus on community involvement and encourages students to engage in service work throughout their time at the university. Furthermore, DePaul has NCAA Division I athletics, so if school spirit and attending sports events are important to you, this may be a factor to consider.

UIC, on the other hand, is a public research university in the heart of Chicago, near the West Loop, Little Italy, and Greektown neighborhoods. With an urban campus, students have easy access to public transportation and city attractions. UIC has a more diverse student body, which provides unique opportunities for cultural exchange and learning. Research opportunities and resources may be more abundant at UIC, especially in fields like engineering, pharmacy, and health sciences. Due to its urban location, UIC doesn't have quite the same traditional college campus feel that you'll find at DePaul's Lincoln Park campus, but it does offer several on-campus housing options and student centers to foster a sense of community.

Overall, your choice will depend on what type of environment you prefer. If you're looking for a more traditional campus feel with an emphasis on community engagement, DePaul may be a good fit, particularly the Lincoln Park campus. However, if you're more interested in a diverse, urban setting with ample research opportunities and resources, UIC could be the better choice.

To get a better sense of each school's culture, consider attending admitted student events, visiting the campuses, or reaching out to current students to ask about their experiences. Good luck with your decision!