University of Iowa Top Questions

I am involved in many groups. Most students leave their dorm room doors open which is much more inviting to the other people that live on your floor, and makes the dorms seem much smaller than they are. Athletic events (mainly football) are very big events here. Everyone attends the football games. As far as the dating scene goes, I know nothing about it because I am in a fairly long relationship, but it seems alright for most of the people I talk to. To me, my sorority means a lot, but only about 40{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the campus is in the Greek community. It doesn't define who you are or make anyone think any different about you.

I was in the Marching Band/Pep Band here, and that was one helluva experience. I met all my closest friends through band. We are one crazy group, and we are known for it. Hell week (week of practice prior to fall classes) is only hell because we are all hungover from all the parties. The vast majority of the band is there not because they are that into marching, but instead to get into football games for free and go on a bowl trip. There is a lot of partying on campus - Sunday for football games or for funsies; Monday for mental health mondays; Tuesday for wing night at Brothers; Wednesday for hump day; Thursday for thirsty Thursdays/mug night; Friday for FAC; Saturday for football games or whatever. There's a lot of drinking. I don't really do all that anymore, mostly because I'm now married and have a kid, but it was fun while it lasted.

I recommend starting in the dorms to meet people. Most halls bond closely by then end of the year. Music, sports, drama, religion, and drinking are all mixed in Iowa City.

There are many opportunities for college students to be involved in extra activities outside of class...the opportunities are almost endless and there's always something for everyone. Also, downtown life is amazing!

Dance Marathon is one of the coolest things I've ever been part of. 24 hours of 1500 students dancing without any caffeine. We raise money for the Children's Hospital (oncology in particular) and the event is most emotional, but fun school event I've done. You can't describe it until you take part- largest student group west of the Mississippi. Plus, we are #1 in the country for raising money- over one million dollars. Greek life is only 10{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} or so... great system to be a part of, but you do not feel left out at all if you are not.

Lots of students leave their doors open. Athletics are huge here. Especially football and wrestling and basketball. If I am awake at 2am on a tuesday I am studying. People partying pretty much tuesday thru satuday. Frats and sororites are big but no where near as big as other schools. Last weekend I went out one night to the bars and hung out the next night with girls on my floor. On satuday nights you can do a lot of things that don't involve drinking. You can hang out, watch a movie, do homework, movie, out to eat, shop. Off campus I am usually at the mall, other wise I'm always on campus.

I think that while the greek system isn't that strong at Iowa I think it is still prodominent in the Student's social life. I feel like students either join orgs or they don't. Intermurals are big too. Depending on the dorm there is more of a social life. Burge and mayflower are among the more social where as Daum and Stanely are not. Dating doesn't happen.

The most popular organization is probably Dance Marathon. The most popular teams are probably intramurals. I've done intramurals volleyball. Students in the dorms are always friendly; you can find doors open all the time. The athletic events are popular no matter what sport it is. Guest speakers are popular, I've been to one before. I was surprised with how many people came into college still in relationships. The closest relationships/friendships I've made have been in the dorms. If I'm awake at 2am on a Tuesday, I'm in the lounge of Quad studying. People party quite often, sometime every night of the week. Iowa is pretty laid back on Greek Life. There's no pressure to join or anything. Last weekend I went to the bars and then the next night I stayed home and studied for chem. If I don't drink on a Saturday night, I can watch movies!

Look it up, there's too many things to do

While partying is definitely one of the main attractions and benefits of Iowa, it is not the only thing to do. This campus has so many activities to partake in, other than partying. Whether that is attending a CAB event, going to a movie at the Bijou, or hanging out with your friends. In addition, there are so many ways to get involved on this campus, which is a great way to meet people and make great friends.