Welcome to Chicago, your new city

Get to know Chicago with about 80 incoming freshmen and 22 upperclassmen. We'll live in the Loop — Chicago's downtown — for a week. We'll visit more than a dozen neighborhoods to meet the Windy City's denizens and learn how they're serving their communities. In the evenings, we'll discuss some big-time issues facing Chicago, such as politics, urban planning, criminal justice and education.

This year, FUP will be September 14—20.

Why do FUP?

Learn about Chicago. FUP challenges freshmen to learn and tell the story of Chicago — both its triumphs and its struggles. Get to know the neighborhoods you might not normally visit. Meet the people who make this city thrive. Most importantly, learn how you can come back and join the city you'll come to love.

Make lifelong friends. Freshman year can be tough. We know. Start it it off with a diverse crew of enthused friends. Together, Fuppers help each other transition into college life by building one of the most supportive and active communities in the freshman class.

Grow into a student leader. FUP alumni are some of the most active people on campus. You'll meet former Fuppers no matter what you do at NU — from service, Greek life, and multicultural groups to student government, campus media, and the arts.

So apply today! We can't wait to meet you in September!

Disclaimer: Parents will love this video. You might too. But for those worried FUP is all about mulching trees, it's so much more. Look on for examples!

A day in the life of a Fupper

7 a.m. — 7:45 a.m.: Wake up, eat breakfast in the hostel.

8 a.m. — 9 a.m.: Writer and human rights activist Jamie Kalven speaks about an investigation of public housing.

9 a.m. — 9:45 a.m.: Take the El down south.

9:45 a.m. — 11:45 a.m.: Service at morning sites.

Noon — 1 p.m.: Lunch at Washington Park.

1:30 p.m. — 3:30 p.m.: Work at afternoon sites.

3:30 p.m. — 4 p.m.: Travel to Gary Comer Youth Center.

4 p.m. — 5:30 p.m.: Panel discussion on Chicago Public Schools with principals of local charter, magnet, and traditional high schools.

5:30 p.m. — 6:15 p.m.: Dinner!

6:30 p.m. — 9 p.m.: See NU and Chicago artists perform during Arts Night.

9:45 p.m. — 11 p.m.: Meet with small groups...and, finally, SLEEP!

Photo by Aarohi Shah, FUP 2011