Northern Illinois University - Overall Experience

College Prowler Take

NIU isn’t for everybody. It’s a school in the middle of nowhere with a large student population and a less-thanstellar academic reputation. Make no mistake: there are times you will feel like crap if you come to NIU. They will often be spurred by observing or attempting to talk to the meatheads who come to college to party and dropout in a year or two. It can be tough to avoid being affected by that mindset, or the parking, or some of the ancient facilities, or the difficulty of registering for classes, or the—well, you get the idea. The toughest part is getting through the first year. Dorm life can be hell, with small rooms and obnoxious floor mates. On top of that, you can’t take classes in your major until late in your second year. You will probably end up thinking of transferring or quitting school all together at least once. However, in the end, the positives far outweigh the negatives. The people are down-to-earth and not the stuck-up brats you might find at a school like Northwestern. There is always a bar or party or concert to go to, no matter the day of the week. It’s also remarkably affordable when compared to other schools in Illinois and nationwide. Oddly enough, NIU can grow on you. Life in DeKalb becomes a lot more bearable when are eligible to move into an apartment, and once you get to know your teachers and get involved your educational experience at NIU can turn into something special (and just wait until you are 21). It isn’t a perfect institution by any means, but most students come to appreciate their time at Northern Illinois University in the quiet farm town of DeKalb.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

Best decision I ever made.... Best decision I ever made. I’ve made the best friends here and have actually learned something along the way. I am proud to have gone here and will miss it desperately. 12345 Overall Experience Report

Anonymous says:

NIU is great. I’m perfectly... NIU is great. I’m perfectly happy here. I wish I lived where it was warmer year round. I have graduated, and I am in the real world now, and I would do anything to go back to college. The lifestyle is so great, and it is definitely what I miss the most. I really miss being able to go out randomly on a Wednesday night, if I choose to. Also, all the people around, and randomly meeting a next-door neighbor for the first time and just hanging out all night with them. Those were great. 12345 Overall Experience Report

Anonymous says:

Overall, I have had a positive... Overall, I have had a positive experience at Northern. I feel it is an excellent academic institution that offers many great opportunities to succeed. 12345 Overall Experience Report

Anonymous says:

I came from the University of... I came from the University of Michigan, and I was pretty pleased that unlike that school, NIU didn’t have 80 percent of my classes taught by grad students from countries yet undiscovered by the modern world. There are definitely fewer options when it comes to extracurricular activities or social life, but if you put effort into it you can really get a lot out of the school. 12345 Overall Experience Report

Anonymous says:

I am really happy with where I am.... I am really happy with where I am. I am an hour from home, so I can work my part-time job and keep the good pay. I am far enough away to live my own life. I love the people, mainly the people in education. We share the same passion and hope for our future, which makes us click. I love it here. It fits me. 12345 Overall Experience Report

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