Illinois State University Reviews

The cops around here are really...

The cops around here are really strict. I got a $250 ticket for trespassing on railroad property. I didn't cross the tracks where I was supposed to, and I ended paying that hefty fine along with serving six months of court supervision! The cop was a really big jerk about the whole thing!

Greek life at ISU is not big...

Greek life at ISU is not big enough to dominate the scene, but it can influence the life of a student. If someone likes to be included in events, then Greek life is probably for them. However, you are not missing out on anything if you don’t join Greek life.

It is very strict here. Drinking...

It is very strict here. Drinking tickets are given out all over the place. That is probably one of the biggest complaints, the amount of drinking tickets the cops give.

Try and visit the dorms so you can...

Try and visit the dorms so you can get a feel of the set-up and atmosphere you like. Watterson may have the biggest rooms, but it is not very social.

ISU is not that diverse. I...

ISU is not that diverse. I remember reading somewhere that only, like, 10 percent of the student body belongs to a minority, which I think is low. It would be nice to see the level of diversity increase.

There are very hot girls and guys!...

There are very hot girls and guys! It’s awesome going to school here because of that. Everywhere you look, there is someone hot around.

I loved living in Tri Towers....

I loved living in Tri Towers. It’s a nice transition for freshmen because you form your own community out there. The seclusion of Watterson is bad for freshmen because you can’t meet people as easily.

Greek life here is just one giant...

Greek life here is just one giant party, which is the best. Frats have parties every weekend, and they are usually out of control. If you don’t want to be Greek, you can still go to their parties.

The police are very strict. Many...

The police are very strict. Many times they’ll send undercover officers to parties. While it is funny at the time to see a 30-year-old man hanging around with no one to talk to, it gets annoying having to constantly run from them.

From August to October, it is hot,...

From August to October, it is hot, so make sure you bring your tank tops. The fall is usually nice, breezy weather. From February to April, it snows the whole time.

You have to bring everything from...

You have to bring everything from tank tops to sweaters because you never know what it’s going to be like. This makes it a pain to move in because you have so many things. I do like having the weather change because then it is not boring.

Really, it is just another social...

Really, it is just another social group that is on campus. Greek life is not anything special. Personally, there are enough people at ISU that you don’t need to buy your friends here.

About 150,000 people live in...

About 150,000 people live in Bloomington-Normal, so there is plenty going on without it being too big. It is an upper-middle-class town with State Farm and Country Financial being the major employers. Chicago, Indianapolis, and St. Louis are all within 2-3 hours, and Champaign and Peoria are within 45 minutes. IWU is also just five minutes up the road.

ISU basketball is awesome, and...

ISU basketball is awesome, and Redbird Arena is one of the best basketball arenas in Midwest.

Awesome school! Only U of I is...

Awesome school! Only U of I is better, academically, for state schools, but their classes are taught mostly by graduate students. The basketball arena is awesome, but the football stadium needs some work.

The weather is hot and sticky in...

The weather is hot and sticky in the summer, and in the winter, there is a wind chill of minus 6 degrees about everyday. Snow and rain occur fairly regularly throughout the year. Just be prepared for any type of weather, and you will be okay.

Greek life is pretty big. You...

Greek life is pretty big. You always see the sidewalks chalked with Greek names and people wearing their Greek letters. It is also a ton of fun to be a part of a group.

Police are everywhere looking to...

Police are everywhere looking to bust students for drinking. Party smart, and remember that the huge parties usually get busted. If the police would get off our backs for a little bit and realize that we are responsible, people would respect them more.

Buses are very convenient, and...

Buses are very convenient, and cabs are easy to get as well. If you don’t have a car, public transportation is the best way to get somewhere. Even taking a cab does not cost that much because you rarely have to go anywhere far.

Buses are constantly driving...

Buses are constantly driving around campus. Transportation is free for students, so a quick trip somewhere costs you nothing.

Public transportation is not bad...

Public transportation is not bad here as long as you remember the stops and times. The only bad part is trying to figure out which bus goes where. The staff that works there is also very nice and will help you out if you get lost.

Public transportation is pretty...

Public transportation is pretty good here. It could be better, but it could also be worse. You only really need to use it if you have to go somewhere far because everything here is pretty much within walking distance.

It is very seasonal here. It goes...

It is very seasonal here. It goes from being 90 degrees in the summer to the teens in the winter. you definitely need to bring a heavy winter jacket.

It is very cold in the winter and...

It is very cold in the winter and very hot in the summer. Make sure you bring all types of clothing because you never know what the weather will be. It could seriously be 60 degrees in the morning and then at noon be 85 degrees.

In the summer, it is super hot....

In the summer, it is super hot. The fall is generally windy and rainy, and the winters are extremely cold. You get a little taste of every season at ISU. However, the winters make you want to move to California.