The Illinois College of Optometry Student Blog

If you’re a graduate student like me, you might be a little, well… broke. I mean, student loans are an option, but I’d rather not think about having to pay extra back. This is why I try my best to budget and limit my spending. Here’s the thing, though- now that I live in downtown Chicago, everyone wants to visit. And I mean everyone.  I personally am more than happy to open my place up, but showing people around the town can get a little pricey. That’s why I’ve developed this

As many of you know, at ICO, we get the summer after our first year off. What we do with this time is entirely up to us. Once we return for second year, however, we have classes and clinic year-round until we graduate. Most students use the summer after their first year to go home to spend time with family and friends, but others travel, or stay in Chicago, or go on their own unique adventures. Here is a short list that reveals how the class of 2019 is spending their summer o

I know, I know, it’s only February and it seems far too early to begin thinking about summer. The thing is, this is the perfect time to begin planning! The summer between first and second year is the last summer break optometry students will have for a while. After this, we will be in class or at externships all summer until graduation- sounds scary right? Since this is my last summer for a while, I want to make the most out of it! Here are a few ideas about ways to jump-star

Everyone needs a break every once in a while- especially if you are in demanding career or program. Some spend this time enjoying the ability to simply do nothing while others travel and plan elaborate vacations. During my most recent break, I decided to head back home to Boston with a list of very specific to-dos to squeeze into my week. Here are a few to-dos that I would recommend for your next holiday, especially Thanksgiving! 1. Read for fun! I absolutely love to read, bu

While many of my peers spent some time in the sun in New Orleans for this year’s American Academy of Optometry conference, I decided to embrace Fall with a trip to the Northeast. ICO does not have classes during this conference, which gave us students some much needed time to unwind and catch up on our studies.  I took this time in New York. Although I love Chicago, Manhattan never ceases to take my breath away. Flying over the iconic Empire State Building and monumental Free