For new students at Illinois Tech, whether you’re first-years or transfers, it can be tricky to figure out where to best spend your time – whether that’s studying with friends over a coffee, or locking in by yourself. In a city full of cafés, museums, libraries, and parks, I spent the last year scouring what’s nearby Mies campus for the best one.
Firstly, I can’t recommend Sweet Bean enough. Take the green line north two stops to Roosevelt, and right on the corner of the street where you’ll get off is a small Taiwanese cafe and bakery. They have tea, coffee, and delicious fresh pastries – most importantly, in a quiet little corner of the south side with free wifi, plenty of comfortable seating space, and just the right atmosphere for working. During my first year, I spent plenty of time there with friends writing our architectural history assignments and sipping just slightly overpriced lattes.
Next, if you’re looking for a bit longer of a trek away from campus, I’d recommend the Bourgeois Pig Café in Lincoln Park. It’s definitely on the farther side – I typically take the green line to Adams/Wabash, then transfer to the brown line and get off at Fullerton. It’s about 40 minutes, but, in my opinion, well worth it. Situated in an old but well-loved house, the café has plenty of cozy spots to sit and sip your coffee while taking in the library-esque atmosphere: the walls are lined with books, the furniture is soft and comfortable, and the fireplace is always on in the winter months. Yes, they have free wifi, yes, they have literary-themed drinks, and yes, I always take my reading there.
If you’re looking to enjoy the nice weather while we have it, as well as more of a bustling downtown feel, a few of my favorite parks are Lurie Garden and Oz Park. Lurie Garden is a bit busier, situated in the heart of the loop in Millennium Park. They have descriptions online and on-site of what’s blooming, as well as lots of benches and quiet spaces surrounded by trees and flowers. Oz Park is farther north, in Lincoln Park. It’s small, but quiet and beautiful during the warmer months. It’s also right next to the Lincoln Park Zoo, the waterfront, and the Lincoln Park Conservatory – I’ve frequented their walking paths for a sketching assignment or two.
For a more traditional study space, take the 29 bus north to State/Harrison/Ida B. Wells and see the grand Harold Washington Library Center. To be honest, I think the middle floors are pretty boring; indulge in the gorgeous lobby, and take the elevator all the way up to the top floor, where you’ll find the Winter Garden. In stunning blue, there are beautiful views of Chicago, along with a small museum showcasing Chicago’s history. I’ve done my math homework there a ton. If you’re looking for a library a bit closer by, or maybe that’s just a bit less busy, the Chinatown Public Library is an equally excellent choice. I’ve checked out more than a few Chinese books to brush up on my reading there – they have half their collection in English and the other half in Chinese. The atmosphere there is just as cozy. (An added plus, fellow archies, is that they’re both gorgeous buildings.)
Lastly, a personal favorite is our very own Graham Resource Center downstairs in Crown Hall. It has both talking and non-talking sections, as well as printers, scanners, plenty of seating, and incredibly helpful staff. I’ve spent long hours in there surrounded by El Croquis and making Rhino models, and I know plenty of my friends would deem it decidedly calmer than studio. Plus, you can see lots of cool chairs. No matter what, stay on the lookout for your next favorite study spot – it might just save you during finals week!