Bucktown, Wicker Park or Lincoln Park- which is best for young students on a budget?

I would advise against moving to Lincoln Park, as it is prohibitively expensive to live there, and the more affordable apartments tend to be old (not updated). Outside of the DePaul area of Lincoln Park, there's really nothing young about the area. Wicker Park, on the other hand, is very hip and vibrant, but the rising costs in the area have made it the go-to spot for young families (aka lots of stroller moms), as those are the people who can afford the area. Wicker Park and Bucktown have the same Chamber of Commerce, although its easier to find affordable housing in Bucktown as its a bit farther off of the commercial strip/ six-corners area of WP. If I were you, I would move to Logan Square or Bucktown. Logan Square is rapidly becoming the hipster mecca of Chicago (following Wicker Park/Bucktown and Pilsen). Logan Square is an incredibly vibrant, young area, and it couldn't be easier to take the blue line from the LS or California stop to Wicker Park for dinner and shopping. Hope that helps!