Illinois State University
- Local Atmosphere

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ISU is located in Normal, Ill., which is conveniently situated next to Bloomington, Ill. This area of twin cities is called Bloomington-Normal or "Blo-No" to the local crowd. The population of these two cities is roughly 127,000 people, yet there is still a small-town feel to this large, metropolitan area. A number of residents are local farmers who work in the outskirts of town on one of the plentiful cornfields that occupy Illinois. The residents of Bloomington-Normal are friendly to visitors as well as students and will always lend a helping hand. They are the first to give suggestions about the town, such as where to eat and shop.

The main road that connects Normal and Bloomington is Veterans Parkway, and it hosts a number of different shops, eateries, and hotels. There are two main shopping centers: The Shoppes at College Hills and Eastland Mall. There are many clothing stores, but Bloomington-Normal lacks a number of popular chains that can be found closer to Chicago or St. Louis. There are many movie theaters around town that offer discounted prices for students. Situated right off campus is a quaint area called Uptown Normal that has locally-owned shops for students and residents to visit. Bloomington-Normal is home to the Bloomington Prairie Thunder hockey team, the Bloomington Extreme Indoor Football team, and the Normal CornBelters baseball team. Overall, there is a lot of entertainment around campus, and local residents are more than willing to give advice on what to do.

Illinois State Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Local Atmosphere at Illinois State University

jschweppe

Social Work and Youth Services '13

5.0

A+

Tons of Activities

There is always something to do on campus. The quad is like a huge park. ISU always has an activity planned. This ranges from bowling at the bowling and billiards center to bumper cars in the arena. There are tons of shops in uptown normal including restaurants, record stores, frozen yogurt, etc. You won't get bored on campus.

May 21, 2012

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Local Atmosphere at Illinois State University

cubsfan2733

Business Administration and Management '15

4.6

A

Safety

I feel very safe in the surrounding town of Normal/Bloomington.

Apr 14, 2012

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Local Atmosphere at Illinois State University

amballina

Accounting '15

3.8

B+

Illinois State's Atmosphere

Illinois state has a friend and well rounded atmosphere. While there is a small downtown for attractions and good eats, it is close to a movie theater, offers bowling and billiards, many activities throughout the year and on most weekends, and is close to many popular restaurants as well as a shopping mall.

Apr 09, 2012

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