The University of Iowa

This is a great school. The class load is good and there is no doubt you can obtain a good education. One thing to try to avoid is the bars as an underclassmen on weekdays. When you get into college you will find there is an excuse to go out and party everyday of the week. Try not to get caught up in that. Also, actually use your TA's and professors office hours, they are there for a reason. This university also offers a ton of great extracurricular activities, just like every other big university. All in all, the programs seem to be very fair and well taught for the most part. If you are looking to go to a big school with out having it feel TOO big, with a good night life, and an average to slightly above average education, this is the place.

2nd Year Male -- Class 2012

Perceived Campus Safety: A+, Scholastic Success: B

I love this place! I was so afraid to leave for college, but now I'm sad to leave for semester break. Our hall is like one big family. Everyone goes out and parties together. I feel like I know a ton of people here and I love seeing everyone everyday. There are house parties everywhere (at least when it's warm out) and you just go even if you don't know anyone. Downtown is pretty fun too. Iowa City never sleeps. I am from Des Moines and I still love Iowa City even though it's smaller.

The professors are pretty interesting. If you have the chance, take one of Jay Holstein's classes. The classes are about as challenging as I expected. There is free tutoring almost every night for students who live in the residence halls. I still have good grades even though I go out on the weekends.

The one thing people tried to scare me about was the number of rapes. Honestly, I walk home by myself at night a lot. Just be aware of your surroundings and you'll be fine. On the weekends the cambuses run until 2a.m. and Nite Ride for girls goes until 3 a.m.The food is pretty good but it does get old after a month. I am so happy I go here. Even though I am in debt for attending a four year college instead of a community college, I would not trade this experience for anything! It is amazing.

1st Year Female -- Class 2013

Campus Aesthetics: A+, Scholastic Success: B

The town started to lose interest to me and I feel like I am definitely ready to be done this year (I'm a Senior). The degree holds merit and will probably look nice on resumes though. Also, the abundance of research opportunities in fields related to Medical Biology made it great being so close to the the University hospital. The night life is fun but people can get out of control. Coming from someone who works at a bar, there are too many people that go around looking for fights at night. That aspect gets old fast. Also, the police are not very helpful unless there is a fight, drinking and driving, or drugs involved. Theft is rampant.

3rd Year Male -- Class 2009

Faculty Accessibility: A, Collaboration/Competitive: C-