When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Columbia College Chicago
Why Columbia College Chicago is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Columbia College Chicago stands out as an exceptional meeting place for friends who share a passion for creativity and the arts. Located in the vibrant downtown Cultural Mile of Chicago, the college offers a dynamic urban environment where the city itself becomes an extension of the campus, enriching both social and educational experiences. Its comprehensive curriculum spans over 40 undergraduate and graduate programs focused on arts, communications, media, and liberal arts, providing ample common ground for friends to connect through shared interests. The college's facilities include multiple gallery spaces, computer labs, and the Museum of Contemporary Photography, which serve as inspiring venues for gatherings and events. Students and visitors alike enjoy a lively campus climate that encourages exploration and collaboration among diverse backgrounds, mirroring the city's own rich economic and cultural mosaic. Friendly, approachable faculty who are active professionals foster an engaging learning environment, which extends beyond traditional classrooms into real-world creative practices. The presence of frequent guest speakers and special events offers exciting opportunities for social interaction, networking, and cultural immersion, making Columbia College Chicago not just an educational institution but a vibrant community hub for friends to meet, collaborate, and create.
Here's what people think of Columbia College Chicago
As of recent, Columbia College Chicago holds a 3.7-star rating based on 165 reviews.
Reviewers of Columbia College Chicago generally appreciate its hands-on learning approach and the deep integration of the urban Chicago environment into the educational experience. Positive reviews often highlight the strong sense of community, accessible faculty, and a plethora of opportunities to engage with professionals and guest speakers that enrich student life. Many alumni praise the college for opening doors to careers in diverse creative fields and for providing practical exposure that prepares them for industry demands. Additionally, the campus offers numerous spots conducive to study and socializing, backed by excellent technological and artistic facilities. On the flip side, some critiques focus on the high tuition cost and occasional criticisms regarding administrative or organizational aspects. A subset of students express that certain programs may lack resources or have variability in faculty experience. However, the overall consensus in reviews suggests that the college's benefits in creative and career preparation outweigh its drawbacks. In conclusion, Columbia College Chicago earns positive regard for fostering creativity and professional growth in a culturally rich urban setting, making it a recommended choice for aspiring creatives who value practical experience and community engagement.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Stephanie Simmons
Once your student is enrolled it’s crickets other than monthly newsletters. Pretty sure they send out to try to make themselves look good it’s an all a facade. When you have questions there are not any responses. Calls are left unreturned. Calls and waiting time to speak with people have sometimes been over an hour or I get disconnected. The tuition raises every year. Zero help from Financial Aid. Every inquiry you have they just redirect you everywhere. The cost is astronomical and their educational platform is not very encouraging or educational. Also when your child has a concern, the college educator's totally just dismiss it. When your child tells you, they’re not learning anything and that the instructors don’t respond to inquiries about classes or questions/concerns until the end of the quarters or semesters is just ridiculous. There’s zero accountability for the educators or staff because they’re protected by their contracts. Terrible educational facility, Don’t waste your hard earned money sending your child here.
Paul Baczek
I was a student here. This school is a joke, especially its games department. If you want to go to school for something like that, look into DePaul. It's nearby, costs less, and is far more legitimate.
Zara
We had a scheduled tour of Columbia college. Visited a few of their buildings. Great experience overal! Very artsy college in the beautiful downtown area of Chicago.
Demi Kay
Columbia only cares about getting money out of its students. It’s a broken business model that doesn’t actually care about the education it offers or providing proper support for students pursing their careers. The student advisors will give you misleading information in an attempt to keep you there for more than 4 years. I graduated from Columbia in 2016. I made the best of my time there and thankfully finished in 4 years (almost didn’t due to improper advising*), but it really broke my heart to see so many of my peers struggle, drop out, forced to stay 1-2 years longer than expected due to bad advice, or simply lack the skills they need to pursue their desired careers after graduation. Also, they lied about the services that they promised to their alumni, and recently deleted THOUSANDS of our student emails with only two days notice, many of which were actively used and held documentation of our time at Columbia and our portfolios. The disrespect that alone represents should tell you enough about their priorities. Do yourself a favor and invest your money somewhere that will actually benefit the growth of your career.
Brigitte Gholar
HAD A GREAT EXPERIENCE THERE, THE STAFF ARE FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL. THE TOUR WAS GREAT AND MY DAUGHTER WILL BE ATTENDING THE SCHOOL ON SEPTEMBER, 2021
How to reach Columbia College Chicago
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Why Columbia College Chicago may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Columbia College Chicago with your friends?
Columbia College Chicago is not just an academic institution but an inspiring, vibrant hub perfect for gathering with friends or family for a meet-up. Its location in the heart of Chicago provides an urban atmosphere teeming with creative energy, making it an ideal place to rally around shared interests. The college boasts a welcoming, inclusive environment that encourages collaboration and interaction, ensuring every visitor feels at ease. Whether your group shares passions for arts, design, media, or just cherishes quality time in a stimulating environment, Columbia College offers spaces that foster creativity, conversation, and connection. With a respectable rating of 3.7 from 165 reviews, it maintains a well-regarded reputation for its supportive community and state-of-the-art facilities. Moreover, the availability of amenities such as gender-inclusive restrooms, free coffee and tea, and board games enhances the social experience, allowing groups to relax, engage, and enjoy each other's company comfortably. This makes Columbia College Chicago a standout choice for hosting a casual yet enriching meetup with friends or family.
What activities can you do at Columbia College Chicago for a group meetup?
Columbia College Chicago offers a rich variety of activities and spaces that perfectly cater to group gatherings. One notable space is the Multi-Purpose Lounge on the 4th floor of 618 S. Michigan Avenue, designed as a welcoming area where groups can lounge, relax, and spend quality time together. This lounge often hosts student organizations for weekly meetings but is also available for any group to book, making it ideal for friends or family seeking a comfortable spot to chat and participate in group activities. The lounge features board games and occasional snacks, further enhancing the experience. Beyond just socializing spaces, the college offers interactive art and media facilities where groups interested in technology and creativity can collaborate on projects using cutting-edge equipment like digital cameras, VR gear, and audio recorders. This blend of relaxation and hands-on creative opportunities makes the campus an excellent choice for groups looking to make their meetup both fun and productive.
How does Columbia College Chicago’s creative and media facilities enhance group meetups?
Columbia College Chicago’s extensive creative and media facilities significantly enhance the experience of group meetups by offering access to professional-grade tools and collaborative spaces. For example, the Fabrication Facility and Fabrication Lab located at 623 S. Wabash Ave provide 15,000 square feet of equipment for making everything from jewelry to 3D models and furniture. These spaces feature power tools, laser cutters, large-format printers, and electronics components, perfect for groups interested in design, art, and technology. Such a facility encourages teamwork and innovation, making it a thrilling venue for groups wanting to engage in creative projects together. Additionally, the Fashion Lab offers industry-standard equipment to take garment concepts to reality, which is ideal for fashion enthusiasts within the group. The availability of these varied creative spaces means that meetups at Columbia College Chicago can go beyond traditional socializing to include experimenting with new skills and collaborative creation, fostering memorable and unique experiences.
What social and collaborative spaces make Columbia College Chicago ideal for hosting a group?
Columbia College Chicago has thoughtfully designed social and collaborative spaces that make it outstanding for hosting groups. One standout is HAUS, a space that functions as both a hangout and a study area with a nightclub vibe, complete with a stage suitable for concerts, comedy, and readings. This ambiance is perfect for friends or family gatherings looking for a lively, engaging environment to enjoy performances or casual hangouts. The college also offers a Collaborative Space and a Computer Lounge equipped with the latest professional software, supporting group work and digital creativity. For those with an interest in communication or sign language, the ASL Labs provide unique educational opportunities in a supportive setting. The Student Diversity and Inclusion space additionally provides a warm, inclusive environment with amenities like gender-inclusive restrooms, free beverages, and board games. Collectively, these spaces encourage openness, creativity, and connection, enhancing the appeal of Columbia College Chicago as a destination for meetups.
Why is Columbia College Chicago’s location and atmosphere beneficial for a group gathering?
The college’s prime location in Chicago’s South Loop is a major advantage for group meetups, as it situates visitors near a bustling city atmosphere rich with culture, dining, and entertainment options. This urban setting encourages exploration before or after visits to the college, making the meetup more versatile and enjoyable. The architecture and interior design of the college itself create an inspiring atmosphere that channels the city’s creative spirit. The campus fosters diversity and inclusion, ensuring all guests feel welcome and comfortable regardless of background. Furthermore, the college’s hours of operation and the ability to book spaces for group use mean that meetups can be scheduled flexibly around everyone’s availability. The blend of metropolitan energy with the college’s creative and welcoming spaces makes it a dynamic and stimulating place to gather, discuss ideas, and build memories with friends or family alike.
What makes Columbia College Chicago a good choice for meetups compared to other venues?
Compared to other venues, Columbia College Chicago offers a unique combination of creative resources, inclusive social spaces, and urban vibrancy that is hard to match. Many meetup spots offer only social or leisure activities, but Columbia College integrates educational and artistic experiences alongside casual hangout settings. Groups can engage in hands-on projects using advanced technology, take in performances, or simply relax in cozy lounges — all within one location. The college’s commitment to diversity and inclusion also means that meetups here can be more welcoming and respectful of all identities. While some venues may cater solely to events or dining, Columbia College’s variety of labs, studios, and lounges create an environment conducive to both learning and unwinding. Its moderate rating suggests a well-maintained, generally positive experience for visitors, supported by robust facilities and friendly staff willing to assist with space booking and event planning. This makes it a versatile, thoughtful choice for those seeking a meaningful group gathering place.
How can groups book and use spaces at Columbia College Chicago for special events or meetups?
Groups interested in hosting events or meetups can book various spaces at Columbia College Chicago by contacting the Student Diversity and Inclusion office or respective departments managing specific facilities. The Multi-Purpose Lounge and other social spaces are frequently used by student organizations but are open to all who want to reserve them; inquiries can be made via email to the SDI office. The flexibility of these spaces allows groups to tailor their meetup to activities such as casual lounging, board game nights, project collaboration, or even performance rehearsals in venues like HAUS. Also, many creative labs and studios can accommodate group bookings depending on availability, providing professional environments for group projects or workshops. Staff members are available to help groups navigate equipment checkouts and space logistics, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. This ease of access combined with the variety of spaces allows friends and family groups to create customized, engaging gatherings at Columbia College Chicago.
What amenities at Columbia College Chicago improve the meetup experience for friends and family?
Columbia College Chicago improves the meetup experience through several thoughtful amenities designed to make visitors comfortable and entertained. Free daily coffee and tea, along with occasional snacks, add a welcoming touch to any meetup, helping guests feel refreshed and at home. The gender-inclusive restrooms ensure that all attendees can use facilities comfortably without concern for privacy or inclusivity. The availability of board games and lending resources means groups have entertainment options readily at hand, perfect for casual, low-key gatherings. For tech-savvy visitors, check-out access to high-quality cameras, microphones, gaming consoles, and VR equipment enriches creative explorations during meetups. The presence of friendly, knowledgeable staff to assist with equipment and space reservations further helps groups enjoy their time without worry. Such amenities collectively enhance the social and creative atmosphere, making Columbia College Chicago a well-rounded choice for memorable group meetups.