Winter in South Bend can be as fun as an 8:30 a.m. seminar. No one ever has a good time, and most students wait impatiently for deliverance by staring at the clock. But, there is an escape from South Bend in the form of a bigger brighter star to the west that goes by the name of Chicago, offering a plethora of entertainment, cuisine and the occasional oddities South Bend does not support.

For a little enlightenment, the museums spread out on the lakeshore can provide a vast amount of knowledge and interesting facts. The Field Museum holds collections such as Egyptian mummies and the art Lacquer of Japan. Also, in the main corridor, visitors can breeze by a lady named Sue, the largest and most complete T. Rex ever recovered. Plus, only a short walk away is the Museum of Science and Industry. Main attractions include a coal mine and a "fairy castle" doll house and visitors can even tour a U-505 German submarine from World War II.

Also, on Lake Shore Drive is the Shedd Aquarium, which boasts of having the largest indoor aquarium in the world. It is definitely a must-see for everyone interested in the gill. Sea creatures such as sharks, turtles, anaconda, piranhas and beluga whales all call the Shedd their home.

A good laugh can be easily procured from the city's many comedy clubs. The infamous Second City offers comedy that is both topical and universal. This establishment has been a spring board for talented comedians such as Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Chris Farley, and you can be sure rising stars are in the cast now.

For dinner, it may seem like a daunting task to choose a place to eat at. But, if it's variety you're after, I recommend China Town. It offers a wide assortment of Asian cuisine, and each restaurant has its own specialty from fruit drinks to beef tripe. Most establishments are reasonably priced, and the authentic character of the neighborhood makes China Town a great place to visit.

If you're all about the bands, live music can be easily procured in one of the many venues located in the metropolis. Some of the better places to visit include the Metro, Double Door and the city's crowning achievement, the House of Blues. Tickets are usually around $10, which means you can save most of your money for something more important, such as drinks.

So, when the winter chill hits the Bend and it seems like there's no where to turn to, get a group of friends together and strike out to the west. Just hop in a friend's car, hire a rickshaw or shell out $10 to ride the South Shore Line and you'll be there in no time. As long as you make it back in one piece, the trip will be a success and will allow you to struggle through the rest of the semester. There are a thousand adventures waiting for you in the big city and all you have to do make an appearance.

• Going to Chicago