Idaho State University Reviews

Pocatello is a very laid-back...

Pocatello is a very laid-back community. It is a liberal stronghold in an otherwise conservative state. The closest major university is Utah State, an hour and a half away. Definitely stay away from the railroad tracks unless you like carnies and other transients. Any mountain around Pocatello offers great chances to engage in many outdoor activities, like hiking.

Good, but Not Diverse

There are some very good restaurants in the area - Mamma Inez, Uncle Jim's, and Buddy's come to mind. But if you have any kind of food restrictions - such as being a vegetarian, there are only a couple things on the menu at most places. Plus, the really good places like Remo's cost an arm and a leg.

Small Town With a Lot of Potential

Pocatello is a very nice town. It has a very good atmosphere, but the town is small - 50,000 in Pocatello proper with about another 30,000 in the surrounding area. The town is still growing very quickly. They are developing many activities here from the arts to other areas. However, they aren't very good at advertising the events, so you have to know the people who run these kinds of things.

Cold Winters

the winters are cold but the summers are hot

there is no real greek life

Lived on Campus One Semester......

And it's changed a lot since. They've added new dorms, and there is new food places too...

My overall experience at Idaho...

My overall experience at Idaho State University has been positive. Though it isn’t an enormous university, I feel it provides a great college atmosphere for its students. The people of Pocatello are very nice and make it feel like home. I recommend ISU over any other university in the state of Idaho.

I like it here. It’s not too...

I like it here. It’s not too big or small, and it’s close to a lot of other places of interest.

I love ISU. All my outdoor...

I love ISU. All my outdoor activities are within a halfhour’s drive, and the campus is nice. But you will hear many people say this: “Pocatello can be so boring.” It’s true. That’s when you pick up and go make your own good time.

The cost/benefit analysis of...

The cost/benefit analysis of attending ISU shows that it is a good school to come to, especially for those living instate. It offers a decent education, lots of extracurricular activities, and a nice environment for a cheap price. I just wish that more students would be more involved in student organizations and activities provided by the program board. With more participation, the school would do more fun things.

I love ISU. It is inexpensive, but...

I love ISU. It is inexpensive, but I get everything that comes with larger, more expensive schools. The faculty is great. The programs are wonderful. I don’t really wish I were anywhere else. Well, maybe the University of Hawaii, but hey, who doesn’t?!

Being a Greek, I can respond to...

Being a Greek, I can respond to this well. Greeks on campus are a unified group. Our Greek system here is growing, but is definitely not ‘small.’ We are some of the most active groups on campus, which is great fun. With choices in both fraternities and sororities, each student can weigh which fits them better. Greeks definitely don’t dominate the social scene, but we are a large part of it, helping out with both on- and off-campus events.

I have no clue about Greek life. I...

I have no clue about Greek life. I never really hear too much about that kind of stuff. However, they do seem to represent at any school function! I saw some Greeks hosting a free barbecue on the quad, and they had an enormous Slip ‘n Slide. It was pretty wild!

When I think of Greek life, I am...

When I think of Greek life, I am reminded of two things: the Greek church on 5th Street that causes traffic backup every year during their festival, and the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding. If Greek life dominates the social scene, then I don’t realize it.

I have no idea about the Greek...

I have no idea about the Greek life. It does not dominate the social scene that I can see.

Greek life? I don’t think it...

Greek life? I don’t think it dominates the social scene much. There are other things to do, which spreads out the Greek-ness more.

The Greek system has struggled...

The Greek system has struggled with membership at ISU for quite some time. The enormous population of LDS students, the fact that ISU is a non-traditional school, and the general ignorance of its community keep the Greek system small. I believe those who are in the Greek system, however, gain a much better opportunity to have a real college experience, where you learn to balance academics and a social life all while doing your best to help the community.

I am not a part of the drug scene,...

I am not a part of the drug scene, but I know that it is there. If it is not something that you are into, then there is no problem finding things to do and people to hang out with who also share your feelings.

I really don’t know too much...

I really don’t know too much about the drug scene, but like any other place, I’m sure drugs are accessible if you know where to look.

The drug scene on campus is not...

The drug scene on campus is not noticeable if you don’t look for it. But, like any other university, drugs are accessible if you look for them.

Alcohol is always a problem. There...

Alcohol is always a problem. There are always these sorts of problems no matter the density of the population and town.

It’s definitely no...

It’s definitely no CU-Boulder; however, illicit drugs are used here just as on every other campus.

Drug use at ISU is not an issue.

I guess the campus police are...

I guess the campus police are pretty strict. I haven’t had the opportunity to personally experience it, but they do give you a warning first, and then if you violate more than once they take action.

All on-campus buildings are dry,...

All on-campus buildings are dry, and the police monitor this closely. Warnings are given to first-time violators for drinking, and then action is taken thereafter. There is very little tolerance given for illegal drugs.