Illinois State University

Get Around Town

Public transportation is good in Normal. ISU has its own bus system to get around campus and the Bloomington-Normal Public Transit bus has stops all around the town and campus. It makes not having a car at school manageable. If its late a night we also have a service that will pick you up., and if you know you will be drinking a "party bus" is available to be the designated driver and bring people too and from the bars. Also, the amtrak train station is within walking distance of campus which makes for easy travel.

Jersey Shore...Meet ISU

Diversity on this campus does exist but not in strong numbers. Especially on the weekends and at night, the guido wanna-bes crawl out of hiding. This college campus is sometimes known to be a party college and that because 90% of the people here act like they are fist pumping with the MTV Jersey Shore cast. The truth is though in any of your classes you will find a ton of student of all ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds. Illinois State University has clubs for all types of diverse group such as LGBT clubs, Asian and Latino Heritage clubs, and African American Sororities and Fraternities. Also located in our student center is both a list and hanging are all flags representing the countries of our students.

Bloomington-Normal, One of a Kind

The local atmosphere in Bloomington-Normal is a unique one, all its own. The diversity of students is what sets this campus apart more than anything. Some consider this area a big city, others a small town, and to some its all pretty foreign. However this campus at Illinois State University welcomes students from all over. It's picturesque, kids play their guitars on the quad, guys who don't know each other have a friendly pick-up game of catch, people sit beneath trees and read. Its what every young kid imagines a college campus to be. The campus is also all about supporting one another. Cultural groups, greek life, and UPB organizations always have some event planned each month for all university students to participate in; whether it be a dodgeball tournament or a cultural dinner. The rec center offers an abundance of physical activity class open to all students, as well as recreational swimming, basketball, and soccer. The nice thing about that is you can go consistently and still meet new people each week! If your interest in what the local town has to offer there always an abundance of bars, shopping (Eastland mall), and of course eating. The nice thing about Illinois State University is that it is right near Illinois Weslyan University and the students often co-mingle really well. The towns are welcoming to all the kids and sets up a home like feeling whether your from two hours away or an entire state!