First-years, Your U-Pass is Your Best Friend!

First-years — and transfer students, I’m sorry you guys are all too regularly overlooked — welcome to Loyola! As a grizzled, fourth-year, veteran Rambler, allow me to offer you an unsolicited but important piece of advice — take the fullest possible advantage of your U-Pass.

Just as your Loyola ID is your key to access the university and its boundless resources, your U-Pass is the key to the diverse urban mosaic that is the city of Chicago. With unlimited access to the Chicago Transit Authority, you have the entire City of Broad Shoulders at your fingertips all for a grand total of $0. 

One of the things that makes Loyola so unique is its place within one of the largest cities in the country. Don’t let that access go to waste. Get off campus and explore some of the 77 culturally distinct neighborhoods that make up Chicago.

Take the Red Line down to Argyle and grab some Pho or Goi Cuon in Little Vietnam, or go further to Sox-35th and explore Bronzeville and its historic venues for Jazz and Blues. Take the Blue Line to Damen and take in the trendy styles on display in Wicker Park and Bucktown, or ride the Green Line’s southern branch to 51st Street where you can take in the University of Chicago, Promontory Point and the beautiful architecture of Hyde Park.

If you’re looking for a small-town feel within the big city, I’d suggest taking the Brown Line to Western where you can wander the shops of Lincoln Square. Get off the Pink Line at 18th Street and follow up a trip to the Mexican American Museum of Art with a plate of carnitas. 

And of course don’t forget about the CTA’s bus service, which fills any gaps in the “L” system and are perfect for trips within neighborhoods. Take the 151 down West Devon Avenue from the Lake Shore Campus and pull the cord in Little India where you can try an array of Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines. Alternatively, catch the 22 on North Clark Street and check out nearby Andersonville.

While it’s probably impossible to explore every neighborhood while still meeting the duties of a full-time student, if you ever find yourself with a free afternoon, hop on the Red Line and see what you can find exploring this incredible city.

Oh, and I have one more piece of advice for you — read the Loyola Phoenix every Wednesday! This week check out news for an update on how nationwide debates are affecting Loyola’s policies surrounding sexual assault, in arts peruse a colorful review of an off-the-wall local play and in sports catch up on all the Rambler news you may have missed over the summer.