Illinois State University
- Local Atmosphere

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!

Small Town Feeling in a Big School

Illinois State gives you that small school feeling within a largely populated school. There are plenty of things to do for entertainment and knowledge on campus and in the local area. You are able to get a feeling of closeness to your school and area and always have something to do to fit your interests.

So Much to Do!

There is SO much to do in Bloomington-Normal. Uptown Normal is right off campus, with restaurants and shopping and cultural activities, and Downtown Bloomington is just a short bus ride away, even more packed with fun stuff. There are several schools in the area; Illinois Wesleyan is in Bloomington and Heartland Community College is just up the road from Illinois State, so the area caters very well to college students. There's plenty of shopping, with most of it centered along Veterans Parkway. College Hills is a cool shopping center, with a bunch of stores and restaurants clustered in the same area, and Eastland Mall and other shopping plazas just down the road. The university itself does a great job of entertaining students, putting on a range of activities throughout the week. The new Student Fitness Center was built just two years ago and it's got state-of-the-art everything, and the university brings in big musical acts a few times a year for concerts. I absolutely adored my two years at ISU and I'm hoping to move back to the area after graduate school.