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

niuguy85 says: Northern Illinois University 2013 Business

Northern is a great... Northern is a great school—depending on what you're looking for. The Business school is absolutely phenomenal, and is easily in the best building on campus. The social life is great, as long as you're okay with the small town feel. 12345 Overall Experience: March 30, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

I really have no point of... I really have no point of comparison, but I feel that I would have been happier at another college. I don’t like my classes, and DeKalb is such a ghost town sometimes. It’s not an awful place, but it’s hard to be truly happy here. 12345 Overall Experience Report

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:

I could sit and gripe about 800... I could sit and gripe about 800 things about this place, but you know what? I’ve had a pretty positive experience here despite all the crap. I feel prepared for what’s next, and I had fun along the way. 12345 Overall Experience Report

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