As we look forward to welcoming prospective students to campus throughout the Fall, our Admissions team wanted to share their favorite spots around the University and our Hyde Park neighborhood. Check out some of our recommendations the next time you are in town! 

Ranjan Daniels, Senior Associate Dean of Student Recruitment and Global Outreach

Ranjan recommends that visiting students eat at the Medici on 57th—his favorite spot in Hyde Park—because of the diverse mix of people and the stellar milkshakes.

Jenny Erickson, Director of Enrollment Management and Marketing Strategy 

“I always refer students to my favorite bookstores on campus: 57th Street Books, The Seminary Co-op Bookstore, and the UChicago Bookstore. Stopping at all three gives you a nice little walk of campus. If I’m going to stop for lunch, my new favorite place is Pret a Manger on University Ave. They have a nice variety of healthy snacks to eat and there are lots of places to stop on the way if you want to check out some of the buildings on campus.”

Devon Reber, Director of Student Recruitment and Operations 

“I enjoy picking up lunch from one of the food trucks on Ellis Ave. and taking a walk around Rockefeller Chapel.”

Shilin Liu, Director of International Partnerships & Executive Education 

“I like to start my day with a 20-minute still meditation or group yoga at Rockefeller Chapel, swing by the Plein Air cafe to have a delicious and healthy sandwich, and then spend the afternoon reading at the Seminary Co-op bookstore next to it. I like to end my day back at Rockefeller with the Tea and Pipes free concert.”

Sparkle Dalphinis, Associate Director of Recruitment

"My favorite places in Hyde Park include breakfast at Mellow Yellow and live entertainment at the Promontory. Hyde Park is a great neighborhood rich in history and diversity."

Andy Wolanski, Assistant Director of Recruitment 

"My favorite thing to do is to walk through the main quad (I’m a sucker for pretty buildings) and then grab a delicious lunch from one of the many food trucks parked on Ellis Ave! I love to venture out more into Hyde Park during the spring and summer months and experience the neighborhood."

Samantha Ng, Assistant Director of Recruitment 

"I love checking out the downtown Hyde Park area—there are a ton of local shops and restaurants to explore! Check out the Jolly Pumpkin-- a Midwest brewpub that’s well known for their selection of sour beers.  And it’s a quick walk to the Promontory Point, which has the best view of the city!"

Riyanna Coleman, Student Recruitment Specialist

"I really enjoy walking by 55th Street and Lake Park Avenue and looking at the murals under the viaduct. They were created originally as part of the public art movement of the late 1960s and they add a historic but still contemporary touch to Hyde Park."

Andie Ingram Eccles, Student Recruitment and International Programs Specialist 

"The Garden of Phoenix, a Japanese Garden, is my quiet get away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. It is a good place to take a break from studying, and to bring friends to take pictures. Despite its close proximity to campus and the museum, this hidden gem is never crowded. After strolling through the garden, my husband and I often wander across Jackson Park. We pass the soccer fields and basketball courts to Jackson Bark, the local dog park. We stop at the fenced play area and watch the dogs of all sizes explore the different play equipment."

Nathan Robbins, Assistant Director of Recruitment

"On campus, I like to visit the Bond Chapel and Ida Noyes courtyard because they're both intimate, small spaces with very interesting architectural details and great views of campus. Since they don't get as many visitors as other campus spots, they tend to be pretty quiet. When I have the opportunity to take a walk, I like to head north into Kenwood to see the historic homes and buildings." 

Blake Edwards, Associate Director of Recruitment Marketing and Communications

"The lakefront is a 20 minute walk from campus, and I make an effort to visit as often as possible, regardless of the weather (there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing choices). I recommend going when it's less crowded to enjoy the horizon in (relative) solitude."

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