Your Fall semester has finally kicked off and you are slowly getting into the groove of things.  Ideally you’ve been to all of your classes and you now know what to expect from your teachers in the weeks ahead. You are making new friends, running into old ones, and checking out the ever changing South Loop.  You are juggling your time between classes, work, friends, commuting, roommates, and your latest binge watching addiction to make it all happen.  That being said, the In The Loop staff thought it necessary to help your semester go by as smoothly as possible.  We have compiled our “Top 4 Semester Essentials” list to keep you fed, healthy, and ready for anything.

1. Dunkin Donuts – 1231 S Wabash Ave – Open 24 Hours.

You overslept, or stayed up all night, either way class starts in thirty minutes and you are running late.  You need something to help you make it through that quantum physics lecture.  Dunkin Donuts answers your call.  Located on Harrison and Wabash, open 24 hours, this Dunkin location is really what fuels the community here at Columbia.  Donuts, coffee, breakfast sandwiches, ice cream, Dunkin Fries, and most importantly….. munchkins.  They will provide you with the boost you need to make it through the day in a relatively quick fashion.  Their proximity to Columbia can’t be beat.

2. Columbia College Chicago Library – 624 S. Michigan

Everything vintage is back in style again.  You can’t walk too far in any Chicago neighborhood without running into a vintage or resale shop.  Well, the library is literally a vintage version of the internet. All jokes set aside, Columbia is an art community, and the library is FILLED with floors of art books.  Thousands upon thousands upon thousands of books about graphic design, photography, music, illustration, etc.  If you take a little time to explore the different floors we guarantee you will feel like you are walking around a virtual Pinterest.  Sure it’s not the place to socialize, it’s a place to unwind, explore, study, nap, or gather your thoughts.  You can feel the tranquility when you walk in the door.  Be sure to check out their monthly programming as well.

3.   Artist’s and Craftsman Supply Chicago – 828 S. Wabash

Columbia’s closest art store containing all of you art supplies and needs sits on Wabash Ave.  It’s easy to walk right by this location and not even know it.  Once inside, you can instantly tell they have any sort of art supply you might need. Their large basement area has an extensive selection of products that try to cover a variety of price ranges.  This store is packed floor to ceiling with art supplies. Aside from a great selection, they also carry unique items such as cards, small gifts, and engaging kids products.  If you need supplies, be sure to keep them at the top of your list.

4. Trader Joes – 1147 S. Wabash Ave

Take the Red Line to Roosevelt and you will see Trader Joe’s at Wabash and Roosevelt.  When you need to eat healthy around campus this is the place to go. They have the cheapest options around.  A pre packaged salad will cost you $3.99 to $5.00.  You can ask for a free fork at the check out.  The salad section might look small but upon further inspection you will see well over 20 options to choose from to fit many dietary needs.