When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Illinois Institute of Technology
Why Illinois Institute of Technology is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) is a distinguished private research university located in the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois. Established through a 1940 merger of the Armour Institute and Lewis Institute, it boasts a rich history dating back to 1890 and is recognized for its rigorous, multidisciplinary programs in engineering, architecture, business, law, science, computing, and design. One of the university’s most notable aspects is its campus design, influenced by legendary architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, which makes the environment visually inspiring for students and visitors alike. Illinois Tech prides itself on its technology-focused, hands-on educational approach, preparing students with the practical skills and innovative mindset necessary for leading technological and entrepreneurial careers. The university offers a diverse and collaborative community with over 8,800 students enrolled across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Beyond academics, Illinois Tech provides a dynamic social atmosphere supported by more than 170 student organizations, NCAA Division III athletics, Greek life, and deep integration into the cultural richness of Chicago, frequently ranked as one of America’s best big cities. This blend of academic excellence, community engagement, and metropolitan resources makes it an excellent place for students and friends to meet, learn, and grow together.
Here's what people think of Illinois Institute of Technology
As of recent, Illinois Institute of Technology holds a 4.4-star rating based on 434 reviews.
Reviewers consistently highlight Illinois Tech’s strong academic rigor, particularly praising its programs in mechanical and aerospace engineering, computer science, and architecture. Many students appreciate the university’s hands-on, practical learning style, access to knowledgeable and approachable faculty, and the collaborative environment that nurtures both intellectual and personal growth. Positive reviews emphasize the university's commitment to diversity and inclusion, along with abundant research and internship opportunities facilitated through its Elevate program. Students also mention a vibrant campus life filled with events, clubs, athletics, and social activities, all contributing to a well-rounded college experience. On the other hand, some critiques point to the challenging coursework that demands significant effort and self-motivation, with a few students finding certain aspects of academic support or resources could be improved to ease the intensity. Additionally, a small number of reviews mention the urban campus setting as potentially overwhelming for those expecting a more traditional college environment. In summary, Illinois Tech is viewed as a future-facing, technology-driven institution that rigorously prepares students for successful careers while fostering a strong community, with the trade-off being the demanding nature of its academic programs.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Ivan Corona
I was accepted to this university and came very close to accepting. However, after visiting the campus and considering various factors, I ultimately decided not to attend. Firstly, I want to emphasize that my review is solely based on my experience visiting the campus and its facilities; I did not take any classes here. The campus lacks an inviting atmosphere; it doesn't give off the feeling of a traditional university campus. Moreover, there is minimal diversity within the student body. Considering this is an expensive private school, the buildings and facilities appear old and depressing, everything feels disconnected. If I'm willing to invest this much money, I would prefer to choose a different institution. In addition to these concerns, the area around the campus is not very safe. It consistently gives off a sense of unease, with the feeling that someone might be following you. + There is like two or three buildings that have some great qualities and interiors.
Davis Michael
If you are a Masters student looking for admission to Illinois Tech, this is the worst university in Illinois state - mainly because students studying in this university struggle to get on campus jobs, and they graduate with no SSN or no EAD card at the end of their graduation! All the on campus jobs goes to either PhD students, leaving Masters students with no help to fund their studies, and the worst thing is the tuition fees is one of the most expensive in the state - Absolutely the worst!
Vijay Prajapati
This institute is very good acording to study and precticles and all precticles done by student and teachers teach them. This institute is do the agriculture and engineering courses. So if you are interested then you should try to go and take some details about college.
Me
I attended IIT as an under-grad FROM 1959-1963, earning my BSEE in 4 years. I am certain my IIT education absolutely shaped the rest of my career and personal growth. It was hard work and I took heavier than minimum required course loads because I knew this was my unique opportunity to absorb knowledge from some of the best in their fields. In fact, when I subsequently pursued my PhDEE at Univ of So Cal (under a fellowship from Hughes Aircraft Co.) the first two years of USCEE required courses were almost a repeat of a few of my IIT undergrad courses. I was so well prepared by IIT. I’m pleased to see that IIT is again ranking highly in engineering schools. It was in the top 10 when I attended and I hope to see it again ranked up there. It’s a school for students who are serious about learning where the class and staff size allow close interaction between students and faculty that are virtually unattainable at large universities.
Claudia Compostella
During my trip to Chicago I had the chance to visit this university complex and I was very impressed by the size of the spaces and the amount of activity it offers. I had lunch on campus and visited the Crown Hall, the library and the laboratories.
How to reach Illinois Institute of Technology
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Why Illinois Institute of Technology may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Illinois Institute of Technology with your friends?
Choosing the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) as the venue for a meetup with friends or family offers a unique blend of intellectual stimulation, architectural beauty, and vibrant city life. With a solid 4.4-star rating from over 400 reviews, IIT stands out not just as a prestigious educational institution but as a cultural and social hotspot in Chicago. Rallying here means immersing your group in a setting that fosters curiosity and creativity, surrounded by pioneering architectural works from legends like Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Rem Koolhaas. This creates a stimulating backdrop for conversation and connection. Beyond the campus, the location places you within easy reach of Chicago’s iconic attractions such as Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and the Magnificent Mile, expanding options for entertainment and dining, perfect for extending your gathering into an entire day of memorable activities. The environment here appeals to diverse interests – from history buffs and architecture fans to those who cherish lively urban experiences, making it ideal for group meetups where everyone finds something exciting to enjoy.
What activities can you enjoy at Illinois Institute of Technology and its surroundings?
Illinois Institute of Technology itself offers several activities and sites worth exploring during a group visit. Architectural tours are especially popular, with the campus boasting masterpieces such as the S.R. Crown Hall, a landmark building by Mies van der Rohe known for its minimalist industrial design and open interior space. The McCormick Tribune Campus Center, designed by Rem Koolhaas, and the State Street Village by Helmut Jahn add a modern flair, creating a mix of styles to spark discussions and photography among your friends. These tours provide immersive educational moments and showcase modernist and postmodernist architecture techniques, perfect for groups interested in design and history.
Nearby, the McCormick Place convention center hosts dynamic exhibitions and trade shows that sometimes welcome public attendees, offering contemporary insights into technology and innovation. Just minutes from campus is the bustling Michigan Avenue, also known as the Magnificent Mile, featuring a wide array of shops, restaurants, and landmarks which can easily accommodate a group looking to shop or dine together. Navy Pier provides a waterfront escape with rides, art installations, and street performances contributing to an entertaining, energetic atmosphere tailored for social gatherings.
Why is Illinois Institute of Technology a perfect place for group meetups?
IIT's campus is uniquely suited for group meetups due to its spacious and thoughtfully designed facilities. With capacity to host up to 800 guests, including a permanent stage area, it supports both informal meetups and larger events such as presentations or celebrations. The balance of indoor and outdoor spaces allows versatility whether you prefer engaging in lively conversation in modern halls or enjoying open air in park-like campus settings. Additionally, the location’s accessibility via public transportation (including the nearby Chicago Transit Authority Red Line) makes it easy for all members of your group to convene without logistical stress.
The campus environment is infused with creativity and innovation, which naturally encourages meaningful interactions, making it more than just a meeting point but a catalyst for inspiration. Friends and family can explore the campus architecture, share a meal nearby, or branch out to surrounding Chicago attractions, weaving educational content and leisure into your gathering. Its blend of historic and contemporary buildings creates both a calm retreat and a vibrant urban experience, meeting various preferences within a single outing.
What nearby attractions complement a meetup at Illinois Institute of Technology?
Taking advantage of IIT's prime location in Chicago opens up several excellent options for extending your meetup beyond the campus. Just a short distance away lies Millennium Park, famous for its public art installations such as Cloud Gate (the “Bean”), gardens, and frequent free events like concerts and movie nights, providing a relaxed venue for group activities under the sky. Navy Pier is another iconic spot offering lakeside charm with entertainment options that include sightseeing cruises, theaters, and family-friendly rides. These spaces are perfect for post-meetup leisure, ensuring your group has plenty to do across a broad spectrum of interests.
For those interested in exploring deeper into Chicago’s cultural scene, the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium are nearby landmarks offering fascinating exhibitions and programs suitable for group explorations. The Chicago Riverwalk is also close, providing scenic walking paths, restaurants, and boat tours that encourage socializing in an engaging atmosphere. With so many attractions clustered near IIT, your group can create a varied itinerary that satisfies every participant and turns a meetup into a full-day adventure.
How does Illinois Institute of Technology support large group events or meetups?
Illinois Institute of Technology is well-equipped to handle large group gatherings, with facilities designed for versatility and comfort. The campus boasts meeting spaces capable of hosting up to 700 guests, making it suitable for conferences, workshops, or celebratory meetups alike. The presence of a permanent stage offers possibilities for presentations, performances, or speeches during your event. IIT’s infrastructure supports motorcoach group arrivals, which is ideal if attendees are traveling from across the city or further afield.
Beyond size capacity, IIT offers a stimulating backdrop that doubles as an experience in itself. The architectural significance of the campus adds a distinctive charm that many institutions lack, ensuring your group event is not just functional but memorable. Furthermore, the availability of modern amenities including Wi-Fi, food service options, and accessible public transport contribute to a smooth, well-organized meetup. Whether you are planning a special occasion or an informal gathering, IIT’s resources accommodate both logistical needs and inspirational surroundings.
What makes the architecture at Illinois Institute of Technology a unique draw for groups?
The Illinois Institute of Technology campus is renowned worldwide for its collection of mid-20th century modernist architecture, primarily highlighting the works of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, one of the most influential architects of the era. His hallmark minimalist style emphasizes open spaces, the integrity of materials, and structural clarity—most notably expressed in the S.R. Crown Hall. This building, often regarded as a masterpiece, is celebrated for its innovative use of steel and glass, creating a vast, uninterrupted interior that redefines communal space.
Groups visiting IIT can appreciate the deep architectural history represented on campus. Alongside Mies van der Rohe’s work, the campus features contemporary designs like Rem Koolhaas’s McCormick Tribune Campus Center with its futuristic curves and practical urban integration, and Helmut Jahn’s State Street Village housing, which brings a vibrant and playful energy to student life. This mix serves as a live exhibition of architectural evolution, ideal for walking tours, photography walks, or casual exploring with friends who share an interest in design, history, or the arts. The campus encourages interactive learning and appreciation of these architectural jewels, turning a group meetup into a cultural excursion.
How accessible and convenient is Illinois Institute of Technology for meetups?
Accessibility and convenience are vital for any successful group gathering, and Illinois Institute of Technology excels in these areas. Located at 3300 S. Federal Street, Chicago, IIT is well-served by public transit, including the Chicago Transit Authority’s Red Line, enabling easy access from various parts of the city. The campus is also visible and approachable from major roads such as the Dan Ryan Expressway, making it straightforward for drivers and motorcoach groups. Ample parking facilities are available for visitors who prefer to come by car.
Inside the campus, wheelchair accessibility and modern facilities ensure that all attendees can participate comfortably regardless of mobility needs. Nearby amenities including diverse dining options, shops, and accommodations make it convenient to plan meals or overnight stays, tailoring your meetup to fit your group’s preferences. The combination of proximity to Chicago’s transportation network and comprehensive on-campus services means your meetup can focus on quality time and experiences rather than logistical hurdles.
Why choose Illinois Institute of Technology over other meetup venues in Chicago?
Selecting a place to gather in Chicago involves considering atmosphere, convenience, amenities, and opportunities for engagement. Illinois Institute of Technology ticks all these boxes while offering a distinctive angle thanks to its architectural heritage and scholarly environment. Unlike typical restaurants or parks, IIT provides an enriching setting that blends education, history, and modern urban life, making your meetup more than just social—it becomes an experience worth remembering.
While Chicago has many popular meetup locations, none bring the intellectual and cultural dimension that IIT does, especially for groups with varied interests. The campus allows combining leisurely exploration with richer conversations around design, technology, and innovation, fostering bonds through shared discovery. Its surrounding neighborhood further complements this by offering entertainment and relaxation spots close at hand, unlike venues isolated from city life. This balance of campus charm and urban vitality encourages longer, more fulfilling gatherings suitable for friends, families, or professional groups.
What should groups plan to do after visiting Illinois Institute of Technology?
After soaking in the architectural and cultural offerings of IIT, groups have abundant nearby options to continue their outing. Heading to Millennium Park offers a chance to relax among gardens, iconic sculptures, and often free public events, providing a mellow scenic contrast to the intellectual atmosphere on campus. Navy Pier, with its lakeside location, amusement rides, and dining venues, caters to those seeking an active, social vibe, perfect for both families and friend groups.
Exploring the Magnificent Mile allows for shopping sprees and a variety of restaurant experiences, giving groups flexibility to tailor their post-visit plans, whether it’s casual dining or upscale meals. For those interested in museums, a short trip opens access to the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium, enriching your day with science and nature education. Finally, walking along the Chicago Riverwalk offers a picturesque end to a day of exploration, letting the group unwind and reflect in an urban yet tranquil setting. These varied options ensure your meetup at Illinois Institute of Technology can extend seamlessly into an exciting and comprehensive Chicago adventure.