University of Iowa | Student Reviews | Best College

Student Profile

Miss

Class: Junior
Major: Journalism
Gender: F

High School: Wisconsin Lutheran H.S.
Transfer Student: N

Big Picture

I enjoy my academic life at Iowa. I haven't had any boring or uninteresting professors. I have had one TA that wasn't up to par, but the rest have been good. When I tell people I attend UI they always say "oh I've heard about that school, it's very good." I was talking with someone from India(she immigrated here 3 months ago), and even she heard of UI and gave the school much praise. Based on participation and all the people who wear "Iowa gear," I would say much of the students take pride in the campus. I spend most of my time at the main library(2nd floor). The law library is also excellent for studying too. Getting to the critique of Iowa. I would change how much they stress diversity because the students are here, but actually promoting active diversity, talking and learing from cultures is not something that happens as much as diversity is promoted. Being a student of color, I would say this is one of the biggest complaintes among my peers. A recent controversy occurred when two student's had racial slurs written on their door and The University didn't do as much as it could have to intervene. A student group actually did the brunt of the work. I was upset that a spokesperson for UI or someone else didn't take the initiative to put something together since diversity is promoted so much.

Academic Life

Depending on how large your class is, the professor may know your name. Most of the time the answer is no. HOWEVER, they all have office hours and WANT students to come in even it they have no questions. In fact, I went to my physics professor for help, and after that he knew my name from then on. Basically, the student should take the initiative to introduce his/herself and the professor (from my experience) will remember that person. Another true story, I forgot my purse in my communications lecture and the professor found out my name and whenever she saw me, she always addressed me by my name. I honestly have enjoyed all my classes; however, several have presented a challenge. My physics class is one example. The professor always performed experiments to illustrate his point, but the exams were challenging. My favorite by far has been Gender, Race, and Class in US. I enjoyed the readings, videos, and guest speakers. Class participation depends on who is in your class and how much the teacher makes the class participate. I have had some where it was low and others where it was high because the teacher had planned activities or randomly called on students. STUDYING-It depends on the student, a lot of people cram during finals, but others do it in advance. I study throuought, so once finals arrive, I'm really doing a review. OUTSIDE OF CLASS-it's common to hear intellectual conversations outside of class when it's right after. From my experience it's more common to hear something involving going out or drinking, so I wear m ipod ;). COMPETITIVE- I'm not sure if students are competitive, I know alot who want to maintain their GPA so I guess this would make them competitive. UNIQUE CLASS- The most unique class I have taken is Interpretation of Literature. The TA was very into interpretation, and I found myself interpreting fairy tales(cinderella, beauty and the beast) and reading novels and actually applying them to life. Several examples were parenting, the actual value of beauty and what it can do to a person, and even about being a wasteful student. Very good class. My TA is actually putting out her own novel series so I thought that was intersting. MAJOR- My major is journamlism. I have take two prereqs and one actual class. All of my Professors have been into the subject material. My last journalism class allowed me to interview city officials and people who run the campus. The classes are insightful and good. Journalism is a department in which students have be involved(writing and publishing outside of class). I have lagged in this area, but I will be picking this up this semester. I feel like I have more to learn and have been told the school does so much, but I will gain the most through an internship. REQUIREMENTS- At first I didn't like the requirements, but I think they are good. I believe students get a broad understanding of differents subjects because they have to take different subjects.

Student Body

I am involved in a CCF, a christian group and BSU, black student union. The groups have been a good way for me to meet people and get away from my studies. I think a student that does not want to broaden their horizons or not willing to listens to different perspectives would feel out of place. Iowa has something for everyone, and if they don't then students are encouraged to put something together. CLOTHES-Students wear jeans, sweats, T-shirts, sleepers lol INTERACTION- Again, this is one area that could be improved, but is not horrible. DINING HALLS- The dining halls are intersting. I haven't really sectored the tables, depending on what time I go it's too busy. You may have the all girl, the all guy, the all black, the all Asain, the mixed table. It depends. People are friendly though. WHERE STUDENTS ARE FROM- From my experience, students are from IL. I have met some from CA, TX,WI, FL, MD, IA, NE, MO, Africa, China, Haitim, Mexico FINANCIAL BACKGROUND- I think this varies