Illinois State University
Normal, IL, USA

Reviews

Illinois State University

Paul from Pocahontas, IL

a current student here
Categories Comments
Am learning a lot
Really great school for many different majors. I am a business major, and could not be happier with the professionalism and personal attention for all of the professors in the college of business. When here that Illinois State is a big school with a small school feel its not just a line to get you to come here. It's true you are not a number at Illinois State University.
Am enjoying being here
I couldn't be happier with my decision to attend this school. I have met a ton of great people, and I still have two years to go! Illinois State being the first public school in Illinois has many student organizations that have been around for a long time. With over 300 student organizations on campus you will find at least one the will fit you. Illinois State is definitely my home away from away
Bang for the buck
Illinois State is by no means cheap, but it is a great value. A degree from Illinois State will be similar to a degree from many other big schools. Illinois State is a very respectable school, and is making tons of improvements to stay that way. Illinois State is a great school now and will continue to be great far into the future.
Tips for prospective students
As I stated above, Illinois State although a great value, is not cheap. Look into scholarships still, and find every bit of help you can. Also, when you come to visit Illinois State look at all the residents halls. We have four distinctly different halls. Someone might love Watterson Towers for example, but another might hate it. Find the residence hall that is that right fit for you, and you will enjoy Illinois State much more.
Great for these types of students
Students who want attention from teachers will be very happy with their choice to attend Illinois State University. Illinois State has a great nursing, teaching, and business program. If one of the programs I just listed fits you, when you tour hear check out those colleges. Finding the right specific college fit is just as important as finding the right university.

Becca from Carol Stream, IL

a current student here
Categories Comments
Am learning a lot
I have learned a lot this past year, not just academics but how to be independent as well as getting involved and making the experience worth it.
Am enjoying being here
I love being here, and on breaks I can't wait to go back
Tips for prospective students
You should get involved, there are clubs, sports, and activities for everyone. You meet so many new people and just enjoy the four years you have here. It's a great school, its not to big but not to small, its perfect.
Great for these types of students
If your someone who enjoys a big school with a small school feeling you will get it here.

Katlyn from Lockport, IL

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
I will be a sophmore in the fall of 2012 . I attended last year and my colledge experience has changed my life! I just love it , I work really hard and enjoy going there!
Tips for prospective students
I would definitely check into ISU it is a great school
Academic Rigor
I am a Deaf ed major and my case load is heavy with 17 credit hour per semester but I know it will pay out in the end so I can be the best I can be.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is great I have met so many great people and life long friends.
Food and Dining
I eat mostly at Watterson and subway the food is very good.
What to do for fun
there is always something to do or something going on from bowling, comedy shows ,ping pong and a movie theater.

Porscha from Chicago, IL

a current student here
Categories Comments
Am learning a lot
During my first year of college at Illinois State University I have learned an abundant amount of information. Being an individual who is studying psychology has only boosted my confidence in pursing my profession in the business world. Illinois State University hasn't only taught me a lot of things academically, I have also learned a lot about life in general; like the fact that I need to get adapted to a more diverse environment and how to actually survive the college life on my own. Attending Illinois State University has expanded my intellectual ability as well as my attention span, and as a current student I can honestly say that I have learned a lot here.
Am enjoying being here
My first year of college was amazing! I met a lot of unique individuals. The campus is very diverse which is something that is very important to me because it gives individuals the opportunity to go outside of their comfort zone. I also enjoy being here because the professors show interest/concern in your education and the peers around you also show interest/concern in your education. Also at Illinois State University there is an academic advising building that offers a lot of help with any course, which is another reason I enjoy being here. The environment here is very friendly! The only thing that would make me love this school even more is being involved in some type of club, sport, or organization.
Tips for prospective students
Apply for as many scholarships as possible especially if you receive very low- no income. Know the difference between work and play! Remember that your education comes first and that you are paying for this. Get to know all of your professors! Get involved!
Great for these types of students
Illinois State University is great for all types of students, especially ones that are hard working, motivated, dedicated, and determined!

Alexandra from Homewood, IL

a current student here
Categories Comments
Am learning a lot
The teachers at this school are unlike any high school teacher; they really care about you and whether or not you pass or fail. They are always willing to make time for you after or outside of class, meet personally and talk with you about your grades and give you opportunities to do extra credit. The school also just opened a tutoring center which is FREE and open to all students! They offer tutoring in a variety of classes, which has greatly helped me out in the past with bringing my grades up to my satisfaction! All of the subjects you can choose from are SO interesting, whether they apply to your major or are just general education. I learned so much about other areas of study other than my own.
Am enjoying being here
Illinois State also has a great social atmosphere. I have met so many nice, fun people. It is a really BIG school, but I feel like I see people I know everywhere I go. Joining clubs and going to the events the school throws also helps you meet a lot of people and have fun even if you're not big on partying. There's something for everyone here!
Bang for the buck
College definitely burns a hole in your pocket, but for being a state school Illinois State does not ask too much of you when it comes to tuition, especially if you are considered an in-state student. However it really helps to apply for as many scholarships as you can and FAFSA has definitely helped my family out a lot with the expenses as well.
Tips for prospective students
Don't be scared! College should be some of the best times of your life; embrace it. Join clubs and get involved and meet new people, but DON'T let your social life take over. You also need to make time for your classes and school work. You need to actually go to class and take it seriously as well. Don't write off a class as a blow off and think you can get away with not going. All they ask of you is 50 to 75 minutes of your time per class, so just roll out of bed and go, even if it's in your pajamas!
Great for these types of students
-Education majors
-Business majors
-Communications majors

Courtney from Wayne, IL

accepted here and planning to attend soon
Categories Comments
Will learn a lot
I'm going to be an elementary teacher, and Illinois State is the best university for education. I've heard it from a lot of academic professionals. I know I will learn so much about teaching. I can't wait!
Will enjoy being here
Of course I'm going to miss my family and friends here, but I know I will meet a lot of new people. I love the campus at ISU too. I feel like it will be a home away from home.
Bang for the buck
It's expensive, and I could really use some help paying for it, so my parents are helping, but they also have to pay for my sister who's going to North Central College in Naperville, IL. That's also really expensive. I know in the end it's worth it though, and my parents want to see me go to school and be successful regardless of the money factor. Help would be appreciated though! :)
Tips for prospective students
ISU is a big school. If you want to go here, I recommend a visit before you make your decision.
Great for these types of students
Any kind of education major should definitely apply and attend ISU.

Christina from Hickory Hills, IL

a current student here
Categories Comments
Am learning a lot
ISU provides a great atmosphere for students to be successful throughout their college career! There are so many opportunites to better yourself as a students!
Am enjoying being here
I absolutely LOVE Illinois State University. The campus is the perfect set up! Nothing is too far away and it is so easy to make friends in the dorms! The food is also good, which helps alot with the transitioning process.
Bang for the buck
The only thing I could say to future students would be to apply for finicial aid early!!
Tips for prospective students
-- GO TO CLASS!
-- Make new friends, be outgoing, everyone is in the same boat!
-- Milner Library can actually be a good time!
Great for these types of students
ALL STUDENTS!

Kelsey from Island Lake, IL

a past student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
ISU is a great place to learn and grow as an adult. There are so many great people, professors, and faculty. It's not too small and it's not too big. It is great to be a Redbird!
Tips for prospective students
Get involved! Study hard! Have fun! College is the best 4 years of your life. Try to get the most out of every moment and you will have a wonderful college experience.
Academic Rigor
ISU is a great state school. I always had to work hard for good grades but I never felt that It was impossible. I always always encouraged by professors and faculty and was presented with many resources to help me graduate and succeed.
Dorm Life
I still miss the food in the dorms. It is a great place to go to with friends and has all the variety you could want. When I went home for breaks I would crave the dorm food.
Food and Dining
Bloomington- Normal has every restaurant you can think of. There are lots of places close to campus to eat as well!
What to do for fun
Tailgate has become a popular activity on campus. Our football team went to the national championships this past year. Cheering on our redbirds and tailgating for home football games is a fun activity everyone loves. There are lots of great bars and activities in the downtown area!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The Pub II is a bar in uptown normal, it is close to campus and a great place to watch sports games. Everyone goes there on Wednesday nights to take part in Pub Wednesday it is a great place to have drinks with friends.
Great for these types of students
Teaching, Nursing, and Business majors.
Clubs and Activities
There are so many clubs and activities on campus, if you can name it, ISU has it. Just reach out and get involved, I promise it will enhance your college experience exponentially.
Greek Life
Greek life at ISU is great! It is not too big where greek life runs the school and if you don't go greek you won't have a social life but it is big enough where there are lots of sororities and fraternities to choose from. They have a great presence on campus. Each greek organization has a house with personal chefs and promise of brotherhood and sisterhood. I was a member of a sorority and those girls are still my best friends. They made ISU 10x more enjoyable for me and I made lifelong memories.
Campus Safety
There were many incidences of attack or assault while I was attending ISU but that happens at every college. I always felt safe at ISU. I felt comfortable walking to and from the library or the rec late at night. Just be smart and walk with a friend and don't walk down constitution trail at night alone. If you don't feel safe ISU has many programs like having someone walk you to your car or the safety poles all over the quad.

Shauny from Chicago, IL

accepted here and planning to attend soon
Categories Comments
In three sentences
If you are looking for a college that has a lot of tutoring this is the one everyone helps each other out. There is no such thing as every man for themselves as soon as you step foot on this campus you feel like your home. Overall Illinois state university is the best college so far.
Tips for prospective students
Stay focused, surround yourself around the people that want better for you, always follow your first mind, and listen more than you speak.
Dorm Life
The beds are very comfortable and everyone living on the same floor just loves each other and treat each other like sisters.
Food and Dining
The food is awesome!
What to do for fun
Go to the gym, rent bikes, play pool, go swimming, go bowling.

Vince from Plainfield, IL

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
ISU has a lot of great features. Professors are friendly and I feel I am getting a good education. I enjoy living on campus and meeting new people every day.
Tips for prospective students
Try to have an idea of what you would like to major in before attending college and live on campus to get the full experience of college. Visit the campus a few times before attending. That's what I did and it made it easier for me to get around places.
Academic Rigor
Studying is very important. It is not like high school. I actually have to crack open my books and study in order to pass test. Take plently of notes in classes and always pay attention to deadlines that the professor gives you.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is fun and exciting. Meeting new people all the time and getting together just to chat or to study with them. You always have someone with you to go places with.
Food and Dining
Food and Dining are ok. I always enjoy it when my parents send me Home Cooked Food vs cafeteria food. Cafeteria hours are very flexible to accomodate my schedule.
What to do for fun
There is a lot to do for fun. Play football with buddies. Work out at the gym. Bowling, swimming, wall climbing, etc. Join clubs such as the hot sauce club. There is always something available for everyone.
Bang for the buck
My education is very important to me and my parents. I want to get the most out of my College experience. My parents moto to myself and my sisters is Study Hard Play Hard. That is what I go by. If I study and get good grades, I deserve to have a good time with friends.
Great for these types of students
ISU is great for all types of students no matter what your interest is.
Students of all races gather at ISU and we become one big happy family.
Clubs and Activities
There is a club available at ISU to interest just about everyone.
If ISU does not offer a certain club, you can create a new club.
Activies are always available from concerts in the park to barbeques. Attending Football games every weekend is always a good time.
Campus Safety
Safety on campus is good. I have a few evening classes that I do have to walk alone to and from my dorm. I feel safe walking on campus. If anyone feels that they need security, there are areas all over campus that you just press a button and security will be there to escort you.