Iowa State University Reviews

I like the easy-going atmosphere....

I like the easy-going atmosphere. For the most part, there is something for everyone. I like to go on Welch during the weekends.

It depends on the time of the day,...

It depends on the time of the day, but there are computers nearly everywhere on campus and WiFi available anywhere on campus. But, I always prefer to have my own computer because you never know when you may need one, and the labs do close.

I did not like the dorms. My dorm...

I did not like the dorms. My dorm was outdated and either freezing cold or too hot. I also did not like that I had to walk all the way down the hall and use a key to use the bathroom. It also would have been nice to have a fully stocked kitchenette on each floor and a sink in each bedroom.

As with anywhere, the teachers at...

As with anywhere, the teachers at ISU are both good and bad. Sometimes you get really great teachers, and then sometimes you get a dud. However, I have found that if you take time to meet the teachers and let them know you exist, it will take you far. As for the workload, there were some useful things I learned, but I felt that I was faced with a lot of busy work also.

The facilities at ISU are all very...

The facilities at ISU are all very nice. Everything is either updated or in the process of being updated.

I really like the culture on...

I really like the culture on campus and all of the different things you can do. The campus is well-kept. I didn't really have a reasoning for why I came to Iowa State—I just did. It took me a while to really enjoy being here. However, I do feel that I could have gotten an education elsewhere.

I don't think there are that many...

I don't think there are that many different kinds of options but way more than were I came from. Prices are pretty reasonable for a college town. Most of the restaurants you do have to drive to and are not in walking distance. Good ones are probably West Towne Pub, Hickory Park, West Cyde Wings, and Applebee's.

A lot of guys on campus can be...

A lot of guys on campus can be considered farm boys, especially because ISU is an ag college. If they aren't farm boys, a lot of them usually have some background in it, or they are complete city boys. The girls are average—it depends on the individual. A lot are stereotyped as sorority girls and others are down-to-earth. You will find a lot of Asians in the city of Ames, both male and female.

Ames is boring when the students...

Ames is boring when the students are gone. Basically, you can just go to bars, movies, bowling, or out to eat. For anything other than that, people go to Des Moines for things such as shopping.

House parties are fun if you know...

House parties are fun if you know the right people. The bars can be fun at times, but you have to be 21 to get in. Overall, it just depends on who is out and what kind of mood you're in. I would suggest Mickey's, Paddy's, and Outlaws.

The food is not bad if you like...

The food is not bad if you like having the same meal on certain days of the week. The UDCC is probably the best place to eat along with the MU. The dining halls are about the same throughout campus, I think.

Depending on which dorm you live...

Depending on which dorm you live in and how strict your RA will determine how strict campus police are.

Housing is reasonable, and it's...

Housing is reasonable, and it's totally worth it if you wait until mid-summer. Just don't rent through University West.

Winters get cold, so dress...

Winters get cold, so dress accordingly. Summers can be hot. Make sure you have a good winter coat, gloves, hat, scarf, snow boots, and layer.

CyRide will get you about...

CyRide will get you about anywhere. It is the best thing to get to class quickly, and it's free for college students. I would take advantage of it.

Football and basketball are huge.

Labs are crowded all over campus...

Labs are crowded all over campus between 1-3 p.m. regardless of where you go. ISU tries to keep up with the demand, but it gets difficult. Luckily, the building that houses your major usually has a computer lab dedicated to students in that major. The only problem with that is sometimes you need a computer and are across campus or something.

Like any college town, smoking and...

Like any college town, smoking and drinking are fairly common. Weed is, too. I was surprised to learn the hard drugs are common here, too, like cocaine. I'm not sure how people use them and succeed in class. I'm guessing they end up dropping out after a semester or two.

Parking on campus between 7:30 and...

Parking on campus between 7:30 and 5:30 is mainly by permit only, which can be frustrating. The main portion of the school where a lot of the buildings are is gated and only certain vehicles can get through. After 5:30, it's easier to find parking without getting a ticket, although if you are driving to campus, sometimes you have to park a ways from your building. People living in the dorms have to park in the stadium, which is quite far. Buses run out there, though, so I guess it's not bad. Almost everyone around here takes the bus to class anyway.

Greek life is there for parties...

Greek life is there for parties and organizing other entertainment. It's not a big status thing, but the students in a Greek house are known.

Overall, the dorms are nice....

Overall, the dorms are nice. Elevators tend to break in Willow, and the heat is really warm in most rooms during the winter. The top floors of Willow, Larch, and Maple have extra space because of higher ceilings.

The city is relatively offset from...

The city is relatively offset from campus, but some restaurants get heavy use, like Hickory Park.

Most good parties happen at houses...

Most good parties happen at houses just off campus or some frats and apartments. I don't go to clubs, but I do know most of the town bars are fairly popular.

The crime rate is very low, and I...

The crime rate is very low, and I feel very safe moving around campus at all times. Some girls do not always feel safe alone on weekends, though.

I really like this school, and I'm...

I really like this school, and I'm very happy with my choice in school.