How to Make the Most of Your Time in Rogers Park: A Student’s Guide
Being a student in the city can seem overwhelming. So much to do and see, along with going to classes and making friends, can seem like an impossible task. As time goes on, you will find it easier to take advantage of all the perks the city has to offer. Especially living near Rogers Park, a prime location for students to benefit from the perks of the city while making a neighborhood feel like home.
Rogers Park offers diversity, exploration, engagement, and growth with unique dining spots, local events, gorgeous lakefront views, and some of the best apartments to live in. This guide will help you make the most of your time in Rogers Park so you can learn, live, and thrive here.
Embrace Local Art and Theatre
Rogers Park is home to many cultural attractions and is known for its thriving arts scene, with many galleries, theaters, and music venues. One of the most popular cultural attractions in Rogers Park is the Lifeline Theatre, which puts on a variety of shows throughout the year, including plays, musicals, and children’s shows.
The theater is known for its innovative and creative productions and is a great place to catch a show. Another popular cultural attraction in the neighborhood is the Glenwood Avenue Arts District, which features many galleries, studios, and performance spaces. This area is home to many artists and musicians, and there are often events and festivals that showcase their work.
Spending Time Outdoors
Another major draw of Rogers Park is its beautiful lakefront location. The neighborhood is situated right along the shores of Lake Michigan, and there are many parks and beaches in the area where you can enjoy scenic views.
One of the most popular beaches in the neighborhood is Loyola Beach, which features a wide expanse of sand and plenty of amenities for beach-goers, including restrooms, showers, and concessions. You can also spend a fall day sitting on the grass near the lake or walking the many paths near the Loyola campus and the lakefront.
Exploring Local Coffee Shops
Rogers Park is packed with local coffee shops that can provide the perfect atmosphere where academia and relaxation meet. Some favorites in the area are The Common Cup and Cafe Sol, where you can connect to the Wi-Fi and enjoy a latte. These shops are usually filled with other students, so you will feel right at home in the study sanctuary these shops provide.
Dive Into the Food Scene & Shops
A hub for foodies of the city, Rogers Park is home to Devon Ave, which is nicknamed “Little India”. With countless good restaurants to try, you will never run out of delicious places to eat. The area is filled with shops and foods of all sorts – so whatever you’re in the mood for, they have! Little India boats about having food from all different regions of the country as well as all over South Asia.
If you’re looking for a place to get some authentic garb for Diwali or any other event of the year, the shopping on Devon Avenue compares to none. Whether you’re looking for bindis, bangles, Bollywood DVDs, and more – there is a spot on Devon Avenue for you. Even if you know nothing about the culture, stopping in to support and get to know your neighbors fosters an incredible community.
Get Involved in the Community
From Diwali celebrations to the Glenwood Ave Art Fest, there isn’t a weekend with nothing going on in Rogers Park. While you live here, take the opportunity to get involved in the community, attend Art Fests, support local businesses, attend neighborhood meet-ups, visit farmers’ markets, and more. This will help you build a connection to where you live, and as a bonus, you will never be bored!
Use Public Transit
An ideal location to utilize all the public transit in your area, exploring Rogers Park can be quick and fun when you want to visit other places in your neighborhood and beyond. Take advantage of your downtime and experience a Cubs game, visit Downtown with all the museums, or just visit across Rogers Park to eat and shop and new places. A bit of exploring can give you a fuller view of the city and help you love where you live.
Utilize Your Apartment
Rogers Park offers a wide range of housing options, from historic homes to modern apartments. Many beautiful old buildings in the neighborhood have been lovingly restored, and these homes often feature unique architectural details and plenty of character.
For those looking for more modern housing options, many new apartment buildings in Rogers Park offer amenities like fitness centers, rooftop decks, and concierge services. Whether you are looking for a cozy studio to get your study on or a bachelor pad to party your college days out, you will surely find something that suits your needs in Rogers Park.