Students sitting on a bench together

Student Life

We're a diverse, close-knit community where all students have a voice and all experiences are celebrated. Whether you’re a first-year, transfer, or international student, you'll be welcomed to our gorgeous college campus with open arms.

students running through gates

Our students love it here

Lake Forest College was ranked #24 Best Quality of Life by The Princeton Review and #22 for Student Experience by the Wall Street Journal.

There's always something happening on campus, and with a student body of 1,753, it's easy to get to know your peers.

World icon

Worldly community

Our student body comes from nearly every state and 108 countries.

Bed icon

Vibrant campus

Our campus is home to over 1,700 students who participate in over 90 clubs and organizations.

Recreation

The athletics department offers a suite of intramurals and club sports for students who thrive on competition and the spirit of team and victory.

Speech balloon icon

Embracing diversity

There are more than 40 languages spoken on campus, and we celebrate the wide array of identities and experiences of our students.

view of chicago from the air

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.

Read more

jack curtis
As soon as I arrived at Lake Forest, I felt like I’d have no trouble finding my place on campus, and that was important to me because I was coming far from home.
Jack Curtis '23
#24 BEST
Quality of Life The Princeton Review
#3 BEST
Counseling Services The Princeton Review
#2 BEST
Health Services The Princeton Review
#13 BEST
Value College U.S. News & World Report

Foresters want a better world, and we're determined to build it

students walking in the breezeway

At Lake Forest College, we are academically excellent, curious about the bigger world, and interested in making connections with others. With a campus community representing 108 countries and nearly every state, Foresters develop a sense of global responsibility and cultural awareness that makes us more empathetic, more connected, and more in-tune with the consciousness of the world

With a community composed of people from nearly every socioeconomic and cultural background, our campus celebrates the rich diversity of our community. Lake Forest College students have experiences that develop understanding, respect, and appreciation for the diverse cultures of the community members around them. 

Our students enjoy our beautiful wooded campus, which is just a ten-minute walk from the beachy shores of Lake Michigan. 

We make the most of being by the fifth-largest lake in the world. 

Everybody loves Boomer the Bear!

Our students make it to the city for classes, internships, and independent excursions. 

High-level research is close within reach thanks to our small class sizes and unique research programs. 

Once you're a Forester, you're a Forester forever. 

chelsea davis
I chose Lake Forest College because it immediately felt like home. Everyone at the College went above and beyond to make me feel welcome. The best part about our campus is the people you meet.
Chelsea Davis '24

the lanternLife in Lake Forest 

Lake Forest, Illinois is a city on the picturesque North Shore of the Chicagoland area. Just 30 miles north of Chicago, the third-largest city in the US and Time Out's third-best city in the world, Lake Forest is a peaceful community with dining, shops, and more in the charming Market Square. (Ever see Gilmore Girls? Think Stars Hollow meets Midwest-nice.) The Metra train station in Lake Forest's downtown leads directly to Chicago with no transfers, ensuring the community can take part in all the big city has to offer. Plus, Lake Forest boasts access to the gorgeous body of water known as Lake Michigan by way of a sandy beach that's perfect for picnics, sun-soaking, and swimming. 

Become a Forester

At Lake Forest College, you'll never have to choose between your passions and pragmatism. We'll help you make both work for you with support from our faculty, staff, and nationally recognized career services every step of the way. 

rachel syverud
I loved walking around campus and recognizing so many people from class, clubs, or sports. There is such a strong sense of community at Lake Forest College and so many fun things to do on campus and in Chicago.
Rachel Syverud '23

Learn more about what you can expect during your first year at Lake Forest.

With nearly 90 student organizations on campus, there’s no shortage of cultural, academic, and personal interest clubs to get involved with.

New Student Orientation provides many ways to meet new friends and learn about all the resources available to you.

When you’re not in the classroom or studying in Wood Lounge, you might find yourself taking a short walk to the lake or going down to Chicago.

Events