Chicago Connections

Welcome to the City of Big Shoulders, Paris on the Prairie, and, of course, the Windy City. In and around Chicago, we are builders of beauty and brilliance.

At Lake Forest College, you'll have access to an incredible urban hub with vibrant culture and endless opportunities to advance your dreams.

IN THE LOOP

Up to 20 students live in the Loop every semester, where they complete coursework and up to 300 internship hours.

ACTIVATE: Summer

Spend the summer living and working in Chicago. Our downtown residential campus gives students access to career-making opportunities.

LEARNING IN THE CITY

Faculty travel to Chicago with their classes more than 200 times every academic year—that’s not including individual trips our students take.

INTERNSHIPS

86% of students conduct an internship in Chicago. Our students have worked at places like the Board of Trade, Chicago Public Radio, and the Goodman Theatre.

Our Kind of Town

Make the most of your college experience by taking advantage of opportunities in the country's third-largest city. You'll get the benefits of attending college near Chicago plus the bonus of a quiet campus and a close-knit liberal arts setting.

#10 Most

Diverse City in the US US News

#2 Most

Most Beautiful City in the World Time Out

#2 Most

Fun City in the World Time Out

#3 Best

City in the World Time Out

Chicago: birthplace of the skyscraper, home of the world's first elevated train, steward of the largest collection of Impressionist paintings in the world outside of Paris, and heart of the railroad system. Innovation is in our blood. We are the City that Works.

At Lake Forest College, students experience the best of both worlds. Our beautiful 107-acre wooded campus, just a short walk from the scenic shores of Lake Michigan, is a train ride away from this great city, which was recently voted as the second most beautiful in the world. Chicago's rich history and cultural diversity ensure there's never a dull moment. With world-class museums, an endless supply of amazing cuisine, and access to some of the largest organizations and companies in the country for internship and job connections, Chicago is a wellspring of opportunity.

Maximizing your college experience: the power of big city proximity

Big school in a big city? Rural college town? With so many educational settings available, how do you pick the right college location for you? Lake Forest College students get to make the most of being near the third-largest US city no matter their area of study.

Culture

Located 30 miles north of Chicago, Lake Forest College is roughly an hour train ride from the city. The Metra rail line, located in downtown Lake Forest, is a 15-minute walk from campus. Students can visit world-class museums and make the most of the various shows, plays, and productions throughout the city. Chicago is undeniably tons of fun with music venues, museums, Divvy bikes, sports teams, beaches, and just about any type of food you can imagine.

Cuisine

If there's one thing Chicago is famous for, it's Chicago style...well, everything! From hot dogs to pizza and more, we have our own twist on classic favorites. Chicago is also home to an endless supply of restaurants representing a huge variety of global cultures. Taste your way through the city and find out why Chicago consistently ranks high on America's list of best cities for food.

Connections

Chicago offers countless opportunities for internships and career-advancing networking. We cultivate our connection to the city in order to ensure that our students can maximize their potential. We bring the attention and care of small class sizes and a liberal arts education to bolster student success with the opportunity provided by an urban environment. It’s a combination that gives Lake Forest College students an edge and sets us apart from other colleges.

Notes from Chicago

Lubasi Sikwibele '24

Hi, I’m Lubasi Sikwibele, and I participated in the ACTIVATE: Summer Internship Program in the South Loop of Chicago. This has been an incredible opportunity and a huge learning experience for me. Alongside being able to really explore the city, a highlight has been taking walks along Chicago’s lake front and riding a bicycle through the streets in the warm summer sun.

Trang Do '24

Xin chào! My name is Trang Do, and I participated in the ACTIVATE: Summer Internship Program in the South Loop of Chicago. I loved participating in ACTIVATE so much. It was an amazing experience and one of the best summer memories I've ever had.

Make Memories in Chicago

Make the most of the city with frequent trips with friends, clubs, and classes!

Experience life in the city

Lake Forest College’s ACTIVATE: Summer Internship Program helps you make the most of the moment. Students reside in downtown Chicago at the College’s Chicago residential building, receive cutting-edge career preparation and mentorship, and benefit from an internship in the heart of the city.

Learn more