Long post ahead: Anxious first-time move to Chicago for internship - need advice
I recently got an internship in Chicago (Loop area). The offer came together very last minute, and while the pay is only around $15/hour, I’m genuinely grateful for the opportunity and the experience I’ll gain.
The challenge is that I got the offer on May 28 and need to start work on June 8, so I’ve had very little time to find housing. I just finished my Master’s degree in Ann Arbor, and as an international student who came to the U.S. only two years ago, I honestly haven’t traveled much outside Ann Arbor.
I’m also a very introverted person and have PTSD/anxiety, so moving to a major city by myself has been overwhelming. Most of what I’ve heard about Chicago has been negative stories about crime and safety, which has made my anxiety much worse.
Because the internship is only 2.5 months, I was looking for a furnished private bedroom with a private bathroom. Given my budget and short timeline, I eventually found a place in Evanston near Noyes station. The apartment is about a 5-minute walk from the station. My commute would be taking the Purple Line to Quincy in the Loop.
I would likely leave around 6:45 AM and return around 7:00PM.
For people familiar with Chicago and the CTA: does this sound like a reasonable and safe commute? Am I overthinking this? I know thousands of people commute every day, but as someone who has never lived in a big city or regularly used public transportation, I’m honestly pretty nervous.
Please be kind - I know some of these fears may sound irrational, but they’re very real to me. I’d really appreciate any honest advice or reassurance from people who know the area.