student moving from NYC to Chicago (New York, Hyde Park: neighborhoods, school, living in)

[egyptian]

Hi,

I will be starting graduate school at UChicago in the fall and I'm a bit nervous about moving there. I've never been to the Midwest and I'm not really sure what to expect from the city and culture. I lived in NYC the past four years (originally from NJ) and I hate to admit it, but I've become one of those people who compares everywhere I go to my beloved NYC. That said, I've traveled a good amount and am pretty adaptable (currently living in Cairo). But how will I find Chicago, from a New York perspective?

I also haven't decided whether to live on campus in Hyde Park, or more central/downtown. Which are the hip, student-friendly neighborhoods? Is there anything similar to NYC's East Village (I lived there and in Williamsburg)? One of my favorite things about Manhattan is that you can walk everywhere. Will I miss that in Chicago?

The other reason I find it hard to leave NY is the multiculturalism. I'm interested in the Middle East, and in NYC there are tons and tons of cultural and intellectual Middle Eastern events happening all the time (film festivals, lectures series, etc). Anyone have any idea how vibrant the ME community is in Chicago?

Many thanks.
y

[Viralmd]

Chicago is a GREAT city - reminds me a lot of NY. But you should really post this in the Chicago forum.

[egyptian]

thanks, i need that reassurance. i did post there too, but i figured i might get some new yorker perspectives here.

[Ron.]

Go to the Chicago Forum and use the search box. Type " moving to Chicago"