Do people live in Hyde Park?  Yes; approximately 80% of first-year students live in Hyde Park, and around 65% of upperclass students live in the neighborhood.  For many, the neighborhood offers an ideal environment to be a student, it is quiet, affordable, and there are many good study spots.  However, some students prefer the hustle and bustle of downtown neighborhoods such as Lincoln Park, Bucktown or Lakeview. Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, and there is definitely someplace for everyone!

Is it safe?  Hyde Park, like any big-city neighborhood, has its share of petty crime, but the neighborhood is actively monitored by both the Chicago Police and the University Police department.  Because of this, crime rates in Hyde Park are actually lower than in most other neighborhoods of the City.   

What is the atmosphere like?  Chicago students are extremely collaborative in their studies, a function of both the small class size and the friendly atmosphere among students. Study groups and shared class notes are the norm, and with the huge variety of job opportunities, there is little reason to be competitive!