10 Things to Do Before You Graduate

Believe it or not, we are over halfway through the spring semester. What?! For most of us that means summer is approaching. For seniors, that means graduation is approaching. Whether you’re an underclassman going home for summer or a graduating senior leaving Loyola, here’s a list of things every rambler should do at Loyola and in Chicago. 

1. Take advantage of that U-Pass! As Loyola students, we get to take public transportation for free. As soon as graduation or summer hits, however, we have to start paying for those individual el rides. Make use of your free pass to all over Chicago. Ever been to Skokie? No? Well, you have nothing to lose. Take an adventure of the yellow line…for free!

2. Take advantage of the Shuttle Service! While we are talking transportation, how about that amazing shuttle service Loyola has between Lake Shore and Water Tower Campus? When in your life will you ever be able to get a free nonstop twenty minute service to and from downtown? Take advantage of this exclusive service by using the shuttle on days when you have too much to carry from Michigan Ave shopping or when you want to avoid the “entertaining” characters on Chicago public transit.

3. Study at Loyola Beach. No one likes to study, but with finals coming up and a beautiful beach just minutes away from campus, why not take advantage of this location. Be productive while having a view of the Chicago city skyline in your view.

4. Eat at Thai Spice. Famous for having the best Pad Thai in Chicago, Thai Spice offers delicious and affordable meals in a cozy and authentic Thai setting. Tell the owner Anthony that you’re a Loyola student for an extra discount. BYOB and just a few blocks down diverse Devon Ave. 

5. Go to McFadden’s or Pco’s, or both. Yes, it’s messy. Yes, it’s drunken. But it’s college. You will never want to return to these places after college, so why not go now?

6. Eat at Wiener Circle. Need something greasy after a night out at one of bars mentioned above or after a night out anywhere in Chicago. Head to Wiener Circle in Lincoln Park for their famous hot dogs, burgers, fries, and verbal abuse. Yes, you heard me right. As well as being known for delicious food as late as 5am in the morning, Wiener Circle is probably best known for the verbal abuse between staff and customers. And they’re pretty famous for their chocolate milkshake, too.

7. See a Second City performance. Second City has produced some of the most famous comics today such as Tina Fey (who references RoPo in her book Bossypants!), Amy Poehler, and Steve Carell, just to name a few. Loyola often offers student deals for a one-of-a-kind improv show. Take advantage of these discount tickets to see a show that could produce the next star of Saturday Night Live!

8. Rent a bike from Chain Links. As spring and summer approach, Loyola becomes an even more ideal location for outside activities. Rent a bike for a day, week, or semester from Loyola’s own rental bike shop Chain Links. Take a leisurley ride down the Lake Shore Path or take a pleasant trip by the lake up to Evanston. 

9. Go rock climbing at Halas. Not many college students can boast about their afternoon activity of climbing some rocks just steps from their student center. Once again, that student ID comes in handy allowing Loyola students to climb for free. We may not have a football team, but we have a rock climbing wall. 

10. Sit in the middle of the East Quad. Ok, this might sound a little cheesy and simple, but you’re only an undergrad once. Take at least five minutes to sit in the middle of the East Quad and really take in your undergrad campus. Look at the beautiful IC where you have spent many sleepless nights (ahh, the memories). Grab a burger, pizza, burrito or baguette (so many choices!) from our snazzy Damen food court and have a picnic with your friends. Gaze at the Cudahy observatory (that we don’t use) because it’s really pretty (and I feel really smart and sophisticated when I look at it). Do whatever you want. Just take in the feeling of being a student at Loyola Chicago.

For those of you with a few years to go before graduation, enjoy college. It flies by with all the fun (and albeit, sometimes stressful) activities and events. Being apart of Loyola, however, also means that you get to have another experience in the city of Chicago. Try to take advantage of everything you can. 

For those graduating, what’s your plan for after graduation? Ha. Just kidding. About a month and a half remains. If there is something you have been meaning to do, do it now. Take advantage of those last few times you can get student discounts or free food in Damen Center. 

Good luck!