University of Iowa Top Questions

I think Iowa prides itself on being a diverse campus. We are not dominated by one race or ethnicity so I find it hard to believe that someone would feel out of place. We have a whole learning community dedicated to International Students called International Crossroads. I know that most Iowa students come from Iowa, Illinois or Minnesota. But we do recruitment efforts all across the country. When we have large "Hawkeye Visit Days" where students and their families can attend a formal program and learn more about the campus and what Iowa has to offer, we always give away sweatshirts to people who visit from the farthest away. A lot of times we are handing out sweatshirts to people from California, or Texas but Iowa pulls from many different states and countries. Like I said previously, most students wear Iowa gear to class. "Comfy clothes" are highly accepted on this campus, especially around mid-terms or finals. However, you won't feel out of place if you like to get ready before every class and dress nicer. I know I do on select days. On the other hand, I love being able to wear a "hoodie" most days of the week or going to class in my "work-out" clothes. I honestly do not know what financial backgrounds are most prevalent. A lot of students wear North Face Fleeces or Ugg boots, but I know people that don't own either. I definitely think students are politically active. Like I mentioned above, a lot of the Presidential candidates have visited our campus or surrounding areas, most notably Hilary and Obama. We have Democrat and Republican clubs, but I think our campus is known for being mostly Liberal. I am not much into politics so I can not say if I think this is true.

I love all groups on campus, because all the students involved in any extracurriculars have a true passion for it. They support each other, and love each other, helping each other along the way if anyone has questions. I think a majority of the students have rich parents, so they don't worry about paying for things.

There is a lot of diversity at the University of Iowa, and I believe all students are treated fairly. A wide number of student organization exist to accomodate everyone's interests, and if you have an idea for a new student organization, you can take the initiative to start it! Students pretty much wear whatever to class: some will stumble in still in their pajamas, many wear jeans and a t-shirt, and some (who may work, etc.) will be dressed up.

Staff is predominately left in their political views; same with students most students wear jeans to class, athletes wear sweats and athletic shorts 4 Tables in dining halls: athletes, frat/sorority, non-frat/athlete students, grab bag table

I am in an Athletic Bible Study through Athletes and Action. There are definatly a lot of different religions and the campus is a very diverse place.

All the students seem like they are from 'Chicago' or some some town in Iowa.

I have experienced mild amount of racism while being here at Iowa. Minority students would feel out of place here at Iowa or at least experience a culture shock. Students wear coats, boots, shorts, flip flops, and Iowa paraphernalia to class.Yes, different types of students interact. Most Iowa students are from Iowa. Nobody strikes me as rich here, so the financial backgrounds of students here are more than likely middle class. Students are very politically active here! Students do not talk about earning potential at this school.

I don't have many experiences with racial or religious groups because I don't choose to. No student would feel out of place...the university is open to all and any religious and racial views or backgrounds. Most people wear jeans or sweatpants to class...I prefer sweatpants because I often have to get to practice soon after getting out of class...on the weekends, I put on some jeans. The first couple of days, I just hung out with my teammates or other athletes that I had met but as I went to more classes and got to know other people, I branched out. The dorms are a great place to meet people, either on your floor or not. I would suggest leaving your dorm door open, when you are in there...People will wonder in wanting to meet new people...you can even be the one wandering around shaking people's hands. Students come from all over with different backgrounds and values...some are interested in politics, some are not...it's pretty easy to find your niche.

The student body is very interactive on campus and it is a great part of people to part of. We love to have fun, party, go to sporting events, but working hard and having success is also important too.

My rowing team has a large percentage of lesbians. That in itself was a culture shock for me. I feel that any extremely conservative student might feel out of place at IOWA only because there are so many different types of people with different views on practically everything. Most students wear either jeans or sweats to class -- very casual. I feel that most students are at least somewhat aware of the current events in politics.