u/junkyardjoyride

Tomorrow is my 21st birthday and I’m trying to figure out the best place in Chicago to spend it. I really want a memorable brunch/cocktail experience for my first legal drink somewhere lively, social, and with a great atmosphere where I could potentially meet people and just enjoy the city for the day.

Right now I’m considering: • Gemini in Lincoln Park • Chalet in River North • Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! • maybe LH Rooftop or Cindy’s Rooftop

Would love somewhere with outdoor seating, good brunch food, cocktails, good music/energy, and just an overall special vibe.

A big reason this birthday matters to me is because my mom recently passed away from cancer in March. Our plan was always to get a drink together when I turned 21, so unfortunately I can’t do that with her anymore. But I still want to make the day meaningful and celebrate it for her like we talked about.

Also random question: if I turn 21 tomorrow but still only have my vertical ID for now, will most places still serve me if it’s technically my birthday?

Would really appreciate any recommendations from Chicago people for somewhere memorable.

I honestly need advice from people who’ve been in a similar position. I’m currently an upcoming sophomore at DePaul University in the Fall and I’ve been commuting this year which financially has been amazing since my tuition situation is pretty good right now. I only spend around $200 a month on trains/Ubers compared to dorming or getting an apartment. But the commute is an hour and then a 20 min brown line ride that scares me everyday. The issue is time too because I wake up at 7 am for an 11:20 class just to make it in time. But I know the cost is so cheap because my tuition and aid is being covered I’m so tor on what to do.

The problem is socially and mentally I honestly feel disconnected a lot. I’m 21 and I haven’t really found my people yet at DePaul. I go downtown and genuinely love the city environment and feel more alive there but commuting sometimes makes me feel isolated from everything socially especially at night or during events.

Now I’m trying to decide if it’s actually worth dorming for one year in Lincoln Park or getting a studio apartment somewhere in Chicago. Dorming would probably end up around $15k-$18k total with housing and meal plans. Apartments seem cool in theory but realistically they’re like $1500-$1900 a month plus food utilities furniture and usually 12 month leases which honestly scares me because I’d be fully alone and don’t really have roommates or close friends lined up.

Part of me feels like if I’m paying that much anyway maybe I should just transfer out of state or somewhere else entirely. Another part of me feels like maybe I just need to immerse myself more in Chicago and DePaul life before making a huge decision.

For people who were in a similar situation was dorming actually worth it socially and mentally? Was getting a studio apartment lonely? Or should I just keep commuting and save the money? Honestly looking for real advice because I feel very stuck right now and I need to know for housing this fall to make the right choices.

Hey everyone,

I’m currently a freshman at DePaul University and honestly I didn’t have the best first year socially. Most of my classes ended up being very individual/lecture-heavy, and I never really got the chance to meet many people or make friends.

For Fall quarter, I really want to put myself out there more and take classes that are more social, discussion-based, interactive, have group projects, or just naturally make it easier to get to know people.

Does anyone have any recommendations for: • intro classes • electives • fun/social classes • professors who really encourage discussion • classes where people actually talk to each other

Could be any subject honestly. I’m just trying to build a better experience for myself and meet some good people.

Thank you, I’d really appreciate any advice.