Hey Hawks! Right now, it is a really busy time with picking where you want to spend the next four years of your life, and it can feel overwhelming and stressful. Sometimes you might even feel like you’re alone or behind, but you’re not. One thing I want to start off with is this: take your time. There’s a lot to consider, and this is one of the first major decisions you get to make on your own, so don’t let other people influence what feels right for you.
With that being said, obviously coming from a Hawkeye, I’m going to say choose Iowa, but that might just be me being biased. What I really hope to do is help make the decision process a little easier. For me, the first semester was rough; I won’t sugarcoat it. But once I started to find where I fit in, I absolutely loved it. One big reason to choose Iowa is the strong academics and the number of opportunities available. No matter what you’re majoring in, there are so many ways to get involved. For example, the hospital is right next to campus, which gives students access to research, labs, hands-on learning, and clinical experiences, all of which look amazing on a resume.
Another reason I chose Iowa is because you truly get the college town experience. Iowa City is built around the university, which makes everything feel very student-centered. From local coffee shops and bookstores to internships and campus events, there’s always something going on. It’s big enough to stay busy but small enough to feel personal. You get that classic college atmosphere without the overwhelming feel of a huge metro campus.
Lastly, choose Iowa because of the school spirit and sense of community. Between game days, student organizations, Greek life, and campus traditions, it’s easy to get involved and feel connected. There are hundreds of clubs and leadership opportunities, so whether you’re into academics, service, the arts, or social groups, there’s a place where you belong.
Overall, it’s your choice, but if someone had given me advice when I was choosing where to go to college, these are the things I would’ve wanted to hear. Just remember, take your time, trust yourself, and don’t let others make the decision for you.
