University of Iowa Reviews

I love the stand in the library....

I love the stand in the library. It has a lot of food, like sushi, fruit, and coffee, so you don't have to leave while you're studying. Also, you can charge the food to your parents.

The drug scene at Iowa is not...

The drug scene at Iowa is not really big, although it depends on who you hang out with. If people are doing drugs, they're usually just smoking. Drinking is a much more popular activity.

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.

I got in trouble for public...

I got in trouble for public intoxication last year because a police officer was in the hallway of my dorm and stopped me right when I got out of the elevator and was walking to my room. Horrible. But, the head of housing was really nice about it and helped me fight it just for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I didn't rush at first, but...

I didn't rush at first, but informally did second semester, and I love it. I'm not the typical sorority girl but found a group that I really liked, and I get to hang out with them all the time.

There are a lot of ITCs all over...

There are a lot of ITCs all over campus with PCs, Macs, and plenty of printers. They are lifesavers when your paper won't print out at home.

It's so easy to get around campus...

It's so easy to get around campus that you don't really need a car for everyday use. Just make sure you find someone with one you can borrow for a few much-needed grocery trips.

Every night of the week has a...

Every night of the week has a different bar to be at. My favorite is Punchcard Wednesdays at Jake's. You pay $10 for a 15-drink punchcard—it can't get much better than that.

Off-campus housing is just across...

Off-campus housing is just across the street from campus and super convenient. It feels great living without an RA, but I recommend that you live on campus your first year.

I'm a journalism major, and the...

I'm a journalism major, and the building is one of the nicest buildings on campus. But, if you're a poli sci or mathematics major, you'll be mostly in the older buildings, which have shady heating and air conditioning.

Some people love Greek life, and...

Some people love Greek life, and others don't. It's really not a big deal if you join or not—you're guaranteed to make lots of friends no matter what.

Downtown Iowa City has so many...

Downtown Iowa City has so many different types of restaurants. Most of them are small places like Saloon, The Wedge, and Z'mariks, but there are also a few bigger places like Buffalo Wild Wings and Chipotle.

There aren't that many drugs in...

There aren't that many drugs in campus. If there are, it's usually just pot.

There isn't a lot of diversity at...

There isn't a lot of diversity at Iowa, but that doesn't mean that everyone isn't accepted.

Parking on campus is a complete...

Parking on campus is a complete nightmare. Unless your class is at 8:30 a.m, there won't be a parking spot near it. It's so much easier just to walk or take the Cambus.

They are pretty strict, especially...

They are pretty strict, especially since the legal age to get into the bars is only 19. Police will randomly walk into bars and give out tickets if they see you holding a drink or even standing near a drink. To be safe, use the "arm's-length" rule: if you see a cop, get an arm's length away from any drinks. As for the dorms, as long as you're not being loud or breaking things, you will probably not get caught drinking. Just be responsible, lock the door, and look through the peephole before you open it!

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!

If you start early, they are very...

If you start early, they are very easy to find. Most places list availability for the next school year after winter break, so if you don't wait, you can find a great place.

There are buses going everywhere...

There are buses going everywhere at every time, even out to the mall in Coralville.

It really all depends. If you are...

It really all depends. If you are walking home from the bars and not causing any trouble, you'll be fine. But, if you're swinging around a drink, falling over, and yelling, then the cops will come after you.

Most people bring laptops, but...

Most people bring laptops, but it's not a big deal if you don't. There are computer labs all over campus that are usually open for 24 hours.

The best thing to do is use common...

The best thing to do is use common sense. Don't walk alone at night, especially while talking on your cell phone. Iowa has something called Night Ride that operates Thursday through Saturday nights—girls can call them, and they will pick you up downtown and drive you home for free.

Iowa City is the most diverse city...

Iowa City is the most diverse city in Iowa, but it's still about 90 percent white and middle- to middle-upper class. Despite that, there is a place for every student at this school, and no one will have a problem fitting in.

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.

Nightlife here completely revolves...

Nightlife here completely revolves around the bars. The big ones are Summit, Jake's, Union, Sports Column, Vito's, and Fieldhouse, but there are literally dozens more to try out and choose which ones you fit into.