Living in Chicago, this is what I’ve learned...Living in Chicago, this is What I’ve Learned...

Cab drivers are allowed, and expected, to honk at you a split second after the light turns green, but if you were ever to honk at a cab driver for any of his numerous transgressions, expect to see the middle finger or an attempt at an aggressive manuever. In short, cab drivers expect you to clear the way for them no matter what, as if they are the only ones on the road that matter. And yet they so seldom deserve such recognition.

If you see someone looking up at the tall buildings or driving at least 10 m.p.h. slower than the allowed speed, they’re usually a tourist. Those people who don’t know to hold on to something when an El train takes off and end up flying into someone standing next to them, they’re usually tourists too. Treat them with respect, because they’re spending money and enjoying the city we are proud to call home, but don’t be afraid to pass them or make fun of them if the need arises.
— Trent Modglin

Always, ALWAYS carry something to do with you that will keep you occupied for at least 30 minutes. Inevitably, your train will get stuck waiting for signals ahead, your bus will break down, or your cab driver will suddenly start swearing incomprehensibly and stop the car. There's no excuse for wasting time.
Learn something! There are over 50 colleges, universities and graduate schools in the Chicago area, and many of them have speaker sessions or will let you audit classes. It's a great way to meet people and to start proving you're really as smart as you think you are.

Remember that Chicago is a city of neighborhoods – and that Lincoln Park, River North, and Lakeview are only three of them. Sample some dim sum in Chinatown, go sari shopping on Devon Avenue, snack on some Swedish pastries in Andersonville, and visit used bookstores in Hyde Park. There are great hangouts in every neighborhood. It's a big city out there: make it yours.
— Karin Kane

Never rely on a “24-hour bus.”
If you see a girl or guy at a bar you think you might be into, talk to them immediately. Cause you’ll probably never see them again.

Staying awake while drinking at a bar until 5 a.m. on a Sunday morning is hard work.

Every bar in this city, no matter how trendy, classy or high-priced it is, has a $2.50 can of Old Style. Just ask for it.

Don’t ever hesitate to ask a cab driver where the hell he’s going. Most of the time you have more of a clue than they do.

Speaking of cab drivers, there is only one female one in all of this city (that I’ve had). She’s an old Polish lady that drinks vodka only on Christmas, thankfully.
— Jeremy Schnitker

If you ever get in a cab, and it is one of the driver’s very first days, get out and get into another cab. If there isn’t a language barrier, then you may be better off with your slow moving tutorial of the city.
— Jesse Alejos

I may be showing how “not with it” I am anymore, but I recall that no matter what you may think at that point in time, going to Beaumont’s at 3 a.m. is never a really good idea.
— Faustino Santucci

At O’Hare, the moving walkway from Terminal 1 to the CTA will tell you the drive time downtown compared with the blue line time (45 minutes). I had heard this information existed, but didn’t fly United enough to know where, and it does help you make the cab vs. train decision.
— Michelle Seagraves

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