jmcomicÂþ»­

I attended Iowa State University and would rate my overall experience a 3 out of 5. While the university offers a strong academic foundation and a wide range of programs, my experience was somewhat mixed. I appreciated the opportunities to meet diverse people and engage in campus life, but at times I felt that certain aspects, such as personalized support or campus resources, could have been more consistent. The campus itself is vibrant and has a lot to offer, but not every experience fully met my... Read More expectations. Overall, it was a solid environment for learning and growth, though with some areas that could be improved.

Iowa State University is a place that will forever be near and dear to my heart. In a time where I was looking to find myself and establish who I wanted to be as an adult I found everything that I was looking for through that place. I received a stellar education that immediately resulted in me landing a great job after graduation but more importantly than that, every meaningful relationship that I have in my life (friends, spouse, kids) came because of Iowa State. It truly is the greatest place... Read More in the world.

Iowa State's psychology program has a wide variety of course options available. Additionally, they advertise work for research labs every semester, which is crucial if you want experience for grad school. (Most psychology careers require some form of grad school). They had great public transportation. I have heard that some professors (particularly in engineering) are extremely stingy on absences or makeups in cases of emergency. The university does not have great support for filing for assistance... Read More with professors if a true emergency happens.

Iowa State University is a great college to not only learn, but to make life long connections. Getting involved in activities/clubs is vital to the college experience, and Iowa State offers a wide variety of these. There are hundreds of classes to choose from, with some being simply for fun, but still counting towards a degree. Professors are willing to work with you, whether it is with class work or other circumstances, they are there to help. The environment and energy at Iowa State University... Read More is one that you don’t come by often.

Do not go here. The professors and dean only care about each classes top student and how that student can be exploited to further the professor’s research or program reputation. They do not care about your future and they certainly do not care about your well being. One time a professor didn’t come to class for two days and instead had the class drive to another town and collect data for one of the professors other classes. This data had nothing to do with what we were suppose to be learning or working... Read More on. We’ve also been told multiple times that we’re expected to pull all nighters regularly wich is detrimental to short term and long term health and abiliest against people with mental health issues.

This university has a very beautiful campus and is known for strong programs in agriculture and business. However, it is also true that the atmosphere is designed to benefit local students over internationals. The location is remote, which makes travel quite cumbersome for international travelers. Also, international students are charged way more than locals and it is not guaranteed that your chosen program holds value for money. As an international student, be prepared to deal with racial micro-aggression... Read More and sometimes straight-out aggression, even from professors. The quality of courses are highly dependent on the quality of professors, so some courses were excellent while others were a waste of time and money. With regard to university accommodation, there are a wide range of housing options depending on how much one is willing to pay. The only trouble is towards the end of the year when you have to clear out your things out of the apartment. No provisions /facilities are given to internationals to store their furniture/personal items over the summer, while locals have the option of taking their things home. Moving facilities are scarce and very expensive. This was one of the most stressful aspects of living in Ames, at the end of the academic year when I had to make international trips back home and had no place to store my things over the summer. I solved the problem by renting my place for the entire summer, or by asking friends to store my things for me. Overall, I would not recommend this university for international students, due to expensive and cumbersome travel, remote location, racial microaggression/aggression and lack of benefits for international students in terms of your future after college. International students, DO NOT choose this university unless your program of interest has enough good ratings to be considered value for money.

Iowa State University has an outstanding, well-established "STEM" curriculum. Majority of my classes were in large lecture halls; however, don't be deferred. I felt like every professor I had over the course of four years cared about my achievements and overall well-being. When I was falling behind in my courses, the university offered tutoring service. The tutors were very resourceful and I could tell very knowledgeable on the subject.
Additionally, my academic advisor was very helpful when it came... Read More to career-orientated discussions and financial situations. He not only listened to my concerns but spent time brainstorming potential solutions. Outside of schoolwork, Iowa State offers diverse student groups. You would see student government participants handing out apples, nature focused groups laying in hammocks, language clubs vocalizing an event to test out foreign foods, and sororities raising funds for their designated organization just walking to the library.