Fun Things to Do in Chicago as a Student on a Budget
Landing in Chicago for your studies? Congratulations — you’re in for a wild ride. With deep-dish pizza, great skyline views, and friendly folks, you’ll love this city.
But here’s the thing: living in Chicago can get expensive fast if you’re not careful.
Good news. You don’t need to burn a hole in your wallet to have a good time. The city is packed with amazing things to do — and a lot of them are surprisingly affordable (or even free).
Let’s explore all the fun that fits your budget in the Windy City!
Why should you explore Chicago on a budget?
Honestly? Because it’s the best way to experience the real Chicago.
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Hidden gems > tourist traps — You’ll discover local treasures that tourists totally miss.
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Save money for essentials — like textbooks, rent, or let’s be real, late-night takeout.
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Feel like a real local — nothing beats knowing secret parks, food spots, and art corners.
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Stretch your student life — more adventures, less financial stress.
And honestly, the cheap (or free) experiences often leave a lasting impression.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Free & Cheap Places | Millennium Park, Lincoln Park Zoo, Riverwalk, Navy Pier, Cultural Center |
| Affordable Eats | Portillo’s, Giordano’s, Big Star, Devil Dawgs, food trucks, student discounts |
| Festivals & Events | Taste of Chicago, Blues Fest, Movies in the Park, volunteer at Lollapalooza |
| Budget Housing Areas | Hyde Park, Lincoln Park, Pilsen, Lakeview, Rogers Park |
| Money-Saving Tips | U-Pass for transport, student ID discounts, walk/bike, group outings |
| Where to Book Housing | Trusted platform like University Living for verified student rooms |
What are some free or cheap places every student should visit in Chicago?
If you think fun in Chicago has to come with a hefty price tag—think again.
Here are some absolute musts:
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Millennium Park
Say hello to “The Bean” (Cloud Gate) and lounge around at free concerts and movie nights.
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Lincoln Park Zoo
One of the few free zoos left in the U.S. — and it’s open every day!
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The Chicago Riverwalk
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Perfect for a chill afternoon stroll, people-watching, or a scenic study break.
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Navy Pier
Entry is free! You only pay for rides or special attractions if you want to splurge a little.
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Chicago Cultural Center
Home to stunning art exhibits and often free performances.
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Beaches
Yep, Chicago has real beaches! Oak Street Beach and North Avenue Beach are perfect (and free!) hangouts when the weather is good.
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Museums on free days
Many places, like the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum, offer free admission days for students. So, check their websites!
Where can you find the best cheap eats in Chicago?
Student life = a lot of late-night cravings.
Luckily, Chicago knows how to feed you without draining your wallet.
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Portillo’s — Get your Chicago-style hot dog fix without overspending.
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Giordano’s or Lou Malnati’s — Try deep-dish pizza at lunch for cheaper prices.
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Big Star — Affordable tacos that taste like a mini Mexican vacation.
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Devil Dawgs — Late-night hot dogs and burgers for those midnight hunger strikes.
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Food trucks and pop-ups — Wander around Loop or Wicker Park, and you’ll find a new (and usually cheap) spot almost daily.
Pro tip: Check apps like Too Good To Go or student discount apps before you go out. You might find some great savings!
How can students enjoy Chicago’s festivals and events on a budget?
One thing about Chicago? It loves a good festival.
From spring to fall, you’ll find events almost every weekend — and a lot of them are free or dirt cheap.
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Taste of Chicago — Massive food festival (just pace yourself or you will end up in a food coma).
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Chicago Blues Festival — Free concerts with amazing local and global artists.
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Movies in the Park — Bring a blanket, grab some snacks, and catch a free flick under the stars.
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Lollapalooza (Volunteer Option!) — Volunteering can get you free passes — work a few hours, party the rest.
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Street art tours and pop-up exhibits — Instagram-worthy spots at zero cost.
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Best advice? Always keep an eye on local event calendars — there’s always something happening.
Where should you search for housing in Chicago that fits ?
Living well starts with finding a good place to stay.
If you’re new to the city, check out these student-friendly neighborhoods. They offer comfort, low costs, and quick commutes.
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Hyde Park — Great if you’re studying at the University of Chicago.
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Lincoln Park — student-friendly, lively, and full of green spaces.
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Pilsen — vibrant, artsy, and still relatively affordable.
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Lakeview — popular with young professionals and students alike.
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Rogers Park — affordable, diverse, and close to Loyola University.
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