There’s something for everyone at the University of Iowa, but here are just 10 of the many reasons you should join the Hawkeye family.
This campus
Take a lap around the University of Iowa’s campus and you’ll realize what we’re talking about. Whether you’re taking in the beauty of Old Cap or strolling through one of our amazing new buildings, the beauty of campus is hard to beat. Plus, it’s big enough to not feel overcrowded, but small enough to get to where you need to go within 15 minutes by walking, biking, or taking a bus!
World-renowned programs
No matter what you choose to study at Iowa, you’re going to get the education you need to succeed with one (or more) of our 200 areas of study. We have the #1 creative writing program in the U.S., the first ever computer science and engineering program in Iowa, and one of the best teaching hospitals in the country. These are just a few aspects of the amazing academics offered here! From the arts to the sciences and plenty of overlap in between, you’re going to find your perfect major with a stellar program behind it.
Student organizations
There are over 500 student organizations on campus. That means you have 500+ chances to get involved and find your community! Can’t find an organization you want to join? Start one! Whether you’re looking for a creative outlet, a chance to gain career experience, or just fellow Hawks who share your interests, it’s easy to find something you love.
The Iowa City community
Campus and Iowa City are quite literally intertwined. Downtown is located right across the street from the center of our campus: The Pentacrest. It’s a vibrant community with plenty of local shops, restaurants, and festivals for an experience that’s uniquely Iowa City. It’s been named a top five college town several years in a row!
The Hawkeye family
The support you’ll find at Iowa is unlike any other. Just a heads up: “Iowa Nice” is a thing, and we take pride in that. We’re here for you, whether that’s as simple as holding a door or as complex as providing support in a tough time. When you become a Hawkeye, you join a huge family rooting for your success. There are tons of resources on campus ready to help you out. Struggling with a class? Head to the Academic Resource Center. Need career advice? The Career Center is on deck. Just need to talk through something? The Counseling Center is ready to help. Not to mention all the individuals you can go to for help, like your academic advisor, resident assistant, teaching assistants, professors, and even your peers. While you may be leaving your true family back home, this one is the next best thing!
Be part of something bigger than yourself 
Hawkeyes make a difference. Every day, students are raising money for research, building homes, working with patients at UI Hospitals and Clinics, and strengthening the community. You’ve probably heard of The Wave. If you haven’t, get ready to ugly cry: At the end of the first quarter of each home Hawkeye football game, all 70,000 fans in Kinnick Stadium turn and wave to the patients watching from the top floor of the Stead Family Children’s Hospital. This simple gesture that makes a huge impact is just one of the many ways Hawkeyes make the world a better place.
A small Big Ten school
The “Big Ten” title can make the UI seem, well, big. Spoiler alert: It’s actually not as huge as it sounds. Sure, there are over 33,000 total students on our campus, but that won’t stop you from familiar faces giving hearty hellos on your walk to class. The UI’s big-but-not-too-big size is great for anyone, whether you love a smaller community or to be surrounded by lots of people.
Resources to make your ideas reality
The UI has been named one of the top schools for entrepreneurship, and it’s easy to see why. The John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center has been helping students launch startups for over 20 years. With events like the Startup Games, the Business Model Competition, and even the Elevator Pitch Competition, students can walk away with skills to navigate the world of entrepreneurship (and maybe a little cash, too).
Mentorship
Sure, almost any university can offer campus jobs and research positions. But only at the UI can you find the mentors that come with them. These faculty and staff are passionate about what they’re doing, and are eager to help students along their career paths. Fun fact: 1 in 3 undergraduate students are involved in groundbreaking research at Iowa.
The food
Obviously when you get to college, you need to eat! The food options on this campus are boundless. There are 3 dining halls, 14 campus cafes, and a food truck located all around campus for easy access. And guess what? It’s actually good. UI Dining makes all kinds of effort to source local ingredients and come up with different menus for students. There are also ah-mazing made-to-order options, late night stations, and so much more.
So there you have it. Choosing where you’ll spend your next four years is a big decision, but hopefully you choose to join the amazing Hawkeye family!
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One of the most exciting things about Iowa is the opportunity to join clubs and do things you enjoy. I am a big fan of fashion and graphic design, so I joined a club called Brand You and I’ve had the best experience so far.
