From campus to city

It was fall—a season of change, of fresh beginnings—and with a handful of college visits ahead, I found myself on a journey that was as much about discovery as it was about decisions. Chicago, the Windy City, was my first stop, and what a start it was. From the moment I stepped into its bustling downtown, I was struck by the architectural grandeur—the kind that humbles you. Willis Tower loomed above, a giant among giants, while Cloud Gate, affectionately dubbed “The Bean,” reflected both skyline and spirit in its mirror-like curves.

But beyond the steel and glass, I felt the pulse of a city full of heart. There was warmth in the people, a vibrancy in the neighborhoods, and culture on every corner—from jazz echoing out of bars to the aroma of deep-dish pizza tempting me at every turn.

The University of Chicago left a lasting impression. Nestled in Hyde Park, its Gothic architecture and leafy quads felt like they belonged in an old-world university town. As I walked its stone paths, I could picture myself there—books in hand, ideas in motion.

And then there was Lake Michigan. Strolling along the lakeshore, the city faded into the background as the waves whispered their own story. Blue, endless, and still, it was the calm counterpoint to the urban energy I had just experienced.

Chicago was more than a destination; it was a perfect prologue. It made the unfamiliar feel exciting, the future feel wide open. It was the beginning of an American adventure, one city—and one campus—at a time.

Home of the venerable deep dish pizza

Unlike the typical academic traveler focused solely on campuses and lecture halls, I was just as eager to dive into Chicago’s legendary food scene—and that meant one essential stop: Lou Malnati’s for deep-dish pizza. This wasn’t just dinner—it felt like a rite of passage, an edible initiation into the heart of the city. That first bite into the thick, buttery crust, overflowing with gooey mozzarella and topped with rich tomato sauce, was nothing short of revelatory. It wasn’t just pizza; it was Chicago on a plate—hearty, bold, unapologetically indulgent.

While other cities make claims about their own pizza styles, Chicago’s deep dish wears the crown, and rightly so. Each slice was a comforting, cheesy hug that somehow captured the city’s spirit—its grit, generosity, and larger-than-life personality. It was the kind of meal that lingered not only on my palate but in my memory.

But food was just the beginning. Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, affectionately known as the Golden Mile, called to me next. A stretch of Michigan Avenue buzzing with life, it was the perfect blend of shopping, history, and design. I meandered past high-end boutiques and flagship stores, stopping often—not just to window-shop—but to look up and admire the neo-Gothic drama of the Tribune Tower and the sleek modernity of the John Hancock Center. Each building told a story of the city’s past and future, carved in stone and steel.

When I needed a break from the bustle, I’d find a sidewalk café, order a hot cup of coffee, and just watch the city move—a skyline of towering ambition overhead, and an ever-shifting crowd at street level. There’s something beautiful about how Chicago’s old soul dances so effortlessly with modern energy.

In the end, what struck me most was the richness of the experience—both cultural and culinary. Chicago didn’t just fill my stomach; it fed my curiosity. From deep-dish to designer boutiques, from Gothic spires to café corners, this city left a flavor I won’t soon forget. Whether you’re a foodie, a fashionista, a history buff or all three, Chicago will speak to you—in layers, like its pizza. And like that final bite, I was already craving more.