Living in Chicago is definitely different than any other city. But moving away for college to a smaller city is a huge change. I have lived in Chicago all my life and just recently moved to Peoria for college. Peoria is still a fairly large city in the Midwest area, however, it is nothing like Chicago. Besides the typical homesickness of college, coming from Chicago inclines a specific yearning for certain things in Chicago such as:

1. Portillos

Literally EVERYTHING at Portillos is good. Their hot dogs, beefs, cheese fries, EVERYTHING. In-N-Out has nothing on Portillos, sorry west coast

2. Crossing the street when the walk light is still red

Other cities pedestrians actually wait the entire time at the crosswalk light until it says "go" even if there are no cars coming. I know, crazy.

3. Having a million things to do at all times

Bored? Take a train downtown. Stroll through Millennium Park. Drive down Lake Shore. Visit a Museum. Go to the Bean. The list is endless.

4. Pizza.

NO PIZZA IS AS GOOD AS CHICAGO PIZZA. THIS IS A FACT. DO NOT ARGUE THIS.

5. Water.

Chicago has one of the best water filtration systems. I don't know if this one is just me, but water in other places is unbearable.

6. People saying they're from Chicago AND ACTUALLY MEANING IT.

Whenever you leave the city and ask people where they are from, if they live anywhere within the borders of Illinois, it is almost guaranteed they say "Chicago". Then, when people ask them what part, they say the suburbs. This is definitely one of the biggest pet peeves of actual Chicago residents. People take pride in living and growing up in Chicago. And the people that are actually from Chicago can definitely relate to these wonderful attributes of our beautiful city.