Chicago Opportunities

The department's location in Chicago's north side provides many opportunities to students studying geography and environmental studies. Students in classes at NEIU constitute the most diverse student body in the Midwest, according to U.S. News & World Reports. That diversity includes racial, ethnic, and cultural characteristics, as well as age.

Chicago is a fascinating place to live and an excellent laboratory for students in geography and environmental studies. The City is a complex mixture of hundreds of cultures, languages, communities, and walks of life. A geographer might observe that living in the city is much like a life of travel!

These are some highlights of potential interest to G&ES students..

Housing

Many housing opportunities exist within a short distance from campus, and public transportation is available from almost anywhere within the city.  Although there may be useful information posted on bulletin boards on campus, the University cannot assist students with finding housing. 

Recreation and Parks

How do the city and suburbs manage open and natural areas to provide convenient public access without overrunning the natural area. How are visitors encouraged to interact with the natural environment?

Environmental Organizations

Chicago is headquarters for a wide variety of organizations with environmental concerns. Chicago Wilderness Society, Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission, Metropolitan Chicago Information Center, *** add a complete list!

Environmental Problems

Urban areas come with a fascinating variety of environmental problems. Landfills, powerplants, transfer stations, rail, water supply and treatment plants -- each of these is necessary in a large city, but crate pollution. Other environmental issues that are close at hand include urban brownfields, abandoned hazardous waste sites, environmental equity, suburban sprawl, congestion and traffic pollution, Lake Michigan pollution and water levels, power supply, transportation, runoff and flooding, usage of the Chicago River and lakefront.

Human Geography

Human geographers also won't be disappointed in the opportunities Chicago provides. Segregation, suburbanization, assimilation, syncretism, gentrification, urban renewal, immigration, trade, transportation, recreation -- any of these topics is fertile territory in Chicago. They provide for excellent field trips, a wealth of examples for classroom discussions, and subject matter for group or individual research projects.