University of Iowa - Campus Housing

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

The University of Iowa offers many different options in terms of housing for incoming students. The best part of housing is that only primarily first-year students live in the dorms, which makes the transition to college life a little more inviting and gives every incoming student a realistic shot at being able to live where and in whatever type of room they want. Each dorm offers students a certain style of dorm life—some are extra quiet, and some are quite noisy. The general feeling is that the east side of campus is a little bit wilder, and residence halls on the west side seem to have a more laid-back, quieter feel—that isn’t to say those students don’t enjoy partying, though.

On the east side, Burge is known as the “party dorm” and is often referred to as the Dirty Burge. Sometimes, it seems like all the students in that dorm never go to bed and just want to party all the time. Daum houses many of the students in the honors program. Mayflower allows students to live in more of an apartment-like setting—they are suite-style with a bathroom and a kitchen joining the two rooms. It’s a 20-25 minute walk to campus, but the Cambus picks students up right in front every 20 minutes. On the west side, Hillcrest is the most popular residence hall. It has the largest dining area and is also the nicest in terms of living conditions. However, it is also the hardest to get into because it houses many of the scholarship atheletes, as well as most of the international students. Also on the west side are Slater and Rienow, which are mirror images of each other, split by Grand Avenue. These are the tallest dorms on campus, and it can be a pain to move in and out of them if you’re on the top floors.

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Students Speak Out

IowBL says: University of Iowa 2015 Law and Legal Studies

If I had to live in a dorm again,... If I had to live in a dorm again, I would only live in Mayflower. If I had to live somewhere else, I'd drop out. 12345 Campus Housing: March 28, 2009 Report

Iowbm says: University of Iowa 2015 Psychology

The dorms are probably some of the... The dorms are probably some of the nicest ones I've seen at any college around here. The worst one would probably be Burge, but it's still bigger and nicer than most other colleges. The best dorm would have to be Mayflower because you get your own kitchen and bathroom, and the rooms are huge! There is also a convenience store, a gym, study areas, a computer lab, and lots of movies to rent! 12345 Campus Housing: March 27, 2009 Report

IowKM says: University of Iowa 2015 Communication and Journalism

I loved my experience in... I loved my experience in Mayflower. I liked having my own kitchen and bathroom, and the extra study space was a lifesaver. There's also a workout room and a convenience store! The people on your floor will become your best friends, and you'll spend all your free time doing stupid stuff with them. 12345 Campus Housing: February 22, 2009 Report

IowBL says: University of Iowa 2015 Law and Legal Studies

The dorms aren't anything special,... The dorms aren't anything special, but they aren't bad either. I would avoid Parklawn because it is so far away from campus, and you have to walk around a giant parking lot to get to the closest bus stop. Students usually love whichever dorm they are put in, though. 12345 Campus Housing: February 21, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

Burge is very popular, and it’s... Burge is very popular, and it’s kind of a party dorm. Other good ones are Hillcrest or Slater on the west side, because the west side has better food. 12345 Campus Housing Report

Facts

Did You Know?

Every residence hall has its own student-run organization which is like the government for your hall. There are often events for students to meet and socialize, such as UI Idol (modeled after American Idol) or Yoga classes. The RAs also have events to build a sense of floor community.

Choosing Sides:
There are UI residence halls located on either side of the Mississippi River. The “west side” dorms are generally newer with more facilities, while the “east side” dorms are located closer to the center of campus. Parklawn and Mayflower residence halls are considered “north side” dorms.

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