Move-in 

Everyone thinks move-in day is chaotic and unorganized, some may even refer to it as a zoo. So, I prepared myself for exactly that. However, when I got here, I was pleasantly surprised. There were so many volunteers that were so helpful that the move-in process was actually pretty easy and went smoothly. There were lines at the elevators, but nothing crazy. My point is, don’t stress about moving in. 

Meeting the neighbors 

After we moved in, my roommate and I left our door open in hopes to make some new friends. But we were at the end of the hall and sometimes people don’t make it all the way down the hall. So, we just went down the hall and introduced ourselves to everyone that had their door open. The important thing to do in the first week is LEAVE YOUR DOOR OPEN!

On Iowa!

Something unique about the University of Iowa is that once you move in, you’ll always have something to do. After I met my neighbors, we all went to various events together the first week. The University puts together a schedule of events going on and you just go to what sounds interesting to you.  

The first big event I went to was karaoke night downtown at the Unimpaired Dry Bar. I know for a fact that singing “Where Them Girls At” on stage with my new best friends will be a solid core memory for me. 

The next night I attended Bingo at the Iowa Memorial Union (IMU). The event was scheduled to begin at 9 p.m., but my friends had heard some upperclassmen talking about how you needed to get there early to get a spot. My friends and I had planned to get there at 8:30 because we figured that would be plenty early. For some reason we just decided to go earlier, so we got there a few minutes after 8:00 and the line was already almost out the door. By the time they started letting us in, the line was wrapped around the building a few times. Since this was a late-night event and it was Bingo, I was expecting a lowkey, people-falling-asleep, regular-old game of Bingo. But I have never been more wrong in my life. This was the most intense game of Bingo I had ever been a part of, not to mention the biggest. People were chanting and cheering the entire time and the vibes were immaculate. My friends and I had so much fun.  

Side note: I won the first game of Bingo😊  

Another random event that I attended was roller skating at the community center. That made for many laughs and some sore backs.

The Cambus tour was also a really helpful event where we got on the bus with a tour guide and learned about the different routes and stops. Did you know Cambus is hiring? 😉  

The big event of On Iowa, which was creating a block I on Kinnick, got canceled because of rain. However, we were able to create the iconic block I picture on the Pentacrest lawn which was still super cool with the Old Capitol in the background.

After creating block I, it was time for Convocation where our President Barb spoke to us along with a student from our freshman class. We each received our yellow tassel which we must hold onto until we graduate.  

Once Convocation was finished, we all headed to Barb’s house for the block party where we ate a lot of food and learned a few Iowa traditions.  

Other notable points 

• When I had free time during my first week, I walked to each one of my classes just so I knew how to get there on the first day. 
• Yes, the campus is big, but it doesn’t have a big school feel to it. Everyone is super helpful, if you’re lost, just ask. 
• Campus and downtown are intertwined, a lot of the On Iowa events take place downtown at a local business. The food, coffee, and dessert crawls are a 10/10 experience. 
• You will never be bored here, like ever. 
• Leave your dorm door open.