Iowa State University

Iowa State University

Ames, IA, USA
Public
4 Year

Nick's Review

Review of Iowa State University

from River Falls, WI

Do you feel you’re learning a lot?

You learn a lot in college, but at Iowa State you can learn anything you could imagine. The professors are true experts in their fields, and do an excellent job teaching. The living experience at ISU leads to a lot of great insights too, especially if you're living in Friley or Helser Halls.

Do you enjoy the experience at your school?

Ames, IA has one of the lowest crime rates in the U.S., and is generally relaxed. Football and basketball games are an absolute blast, and the town does get a little crazy. The school has a very friendly atmosphere, and it's easy to meet new people. There are all kinds of big events that happen, like E-Week or VEISHEA (if you don't know about VEISHEA yet, Google it), but there are also plenty of small ones. Whether you collect famous toothbrushes or like smashing computers to bits, you can find a student organization to share your passion with others. In short, it's hard not to enjoy Iowa State.

Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?

Tuition is a hefty load on out-of-staters, and if you're an engineering major, your tuition goes up after two years. There are scholarships available, along with $5600 and $7000 packages for those not from Iowa (very easy criteria apply). Overall, the facilities are nice. Engineers and design majors get to enjoy brand new additions and buildings, and there's also a new chemistry building going up. To paraphrase, the equipment, opportunities, and experience offered by Iowa State make it great for the price.

Do you have any tips for prospective students?

The campus is gorgeous, and feels more like a state park than a college. Definitely go to a football game if you get a chance, but stay away from Welch Avenue afterward. Jimmy John's, Jeff's Pizza, and The Fighting Burrito are located a few feet from campus, have delicious food, good prices, make deliveries, and are all open until around 3 AM. Take your parents to Hickory Park when they visit, you'll be glad you did. First year roommate assignments are usually random, so be prepared. Cyride, the bus system, makes it easy to get anywhere in Ames. The guy to girl ratio is unfavorable for men, but every female in that count is hot enough to be a model. Girls, you'll find every type of man you could imagine, and then some. Take the time to meet some of the international students. There are a lot of them, and you can learn a lot from them. The career fairs are huge and bring big opportunities. Always be in attendance.

Which types of students will excel at your college?

Prospective engineers, design majors, those pursuing computer-related fields, Iowa residents, and those looking for big opportunities.