Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
Edwardsville, IL, USA

Reviews

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

Katie from Chicago, IL

a current student here
16 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Classes here at SIUe are challenging. However SIUe is a great place to learn outside of the classroom. Your instructors and professors make it a priority to teach you what you need to know and help get real-life, hands-on experience.
Am enjoying being here
I love SIUe a lot. I have lived in housing for both my years here and I love it. The Resident Assistants are wonderful and help when you need them.
Bang for the buck
I think I am getting a great education here. Housing is wonderful and the prices are reasonable.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved just like high school, when you join activities you meet so many new people!
Take advantage of the Student Fitness Center! It is apart of your tuition!
Great for these types of students
If you like:
~ To meet people from all over the USA and world
~ Nature and animals
~ To learn about yourself and others
~ Cheer for division 1 soccer and volleyball

Paris from Chicago, IL

a current student here
10 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The teachers here at SIUe are dedicated to ensuring that their students understand the material taught in their classes. Before I attended college, I heard many horror stories of professors who do not really teach but expect students to learn on their own time. This made me weary of the grades I would earn, but after taking one semester all of my worries vanished. Every teacher I have taken in the two years I've been at SIUe were exceptional and honestly care about their students education. Of course, every teacher cannot be perfect and some classes are more difficult than others. There is no need to panic though; when registering for a class the teacher's names are listed and can be inquired about on ratemyproffessor.com or by asking around. The average rating for teachers here is 3.45 according to this website, and many of them score higher than that. I do not question whether I am receiving an adequate education at SIUe.
Am enjoying being here
The campus is very scenic, and it is the second largest in the nation. It only takes 10-15 minutes to walk across the part of campus where classes are held, but a lot of the surrounding land is covered in trees. There are many food places and grocery stores located just a few minutes off campus and there are three malls in the area. The body of students that attend are very diverse. The campus often hosts free events and gives away everything one can think of from ice cream to key chains.
Bang for the buck
The resources here are almost unlimited. There is an office for everything one can think of where information about a particular subject can be obtained. There are over 300 student organizations and we also have a variety of greek organizations. It is also possible for one to start their own organization with a mere agreement of four other people. The gym, known as the vadalabene center, has a vast array of workout machines, a track, an indoor pool, and a variety of classes one can take such as yoga and even belly dancing. The co-ed freshman dorms are very nice, with only four people to a bathroom and two people to a room. The rooms and bathrooms are very spacious. There is no curfew for freshman and from each dorm (of which are 3) the cafeteria is only a few minutes walk away. Upperclassman can choose to live in either Cougar Village or Evergreen, where 2-4 people share an apartment. The cost of education is very reasonable, which was one of the main reasons I chose to attend.
Tips for prospective students
Develop good relationships with your teachers. Most of them enjoy talking to students and this often ensures they will be a little more lenient when it comes to grading, if they know you are trying and working hard. They are very helpful and will do whatever they can to help their students learn.
Great for these types of students
There is a substantial number of majors offered here at SIUe. There is also a student organization for almost every one of them. For students that major in or like business, there is a business fraternity where both men and women can join. There is also a minority organization called OMBUS. For those who are interested in science, there is Cougars Volunteering for Science, where students do science projects at elementary schools. We also have Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental, Pre-Pharmacy, and Pre-Optometry organizations. For those who earn a 3.5 GPA or higher in their freshman or sophomore year, they can be a part of the nationally established honors programs of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars or Golden Key. Both of these organizations offer scholarship, intern, volunteer, and study abroad opportunities. There are also a number of leadership/volunteer groups, one of them being the Student Leadership Development Program. These organizations are by no means all-inclusive, but are just a few of the many extracirriculars a student can partake in.

Jesse from Galva, IL

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
SIUe is an average sized University on a large beautiful campus located in the metropolitan St. Louis area. It is currently one of the quickest growing Universities in the United States. If you want to get top of the line academic's, and leave with a great social college experience this is the school for you.
Tips for prospective students
Don't be shy! If you make a lot of friends at SIUe not only will you have a great social life, but you will always be able to get help with school work. Networking is the key to success.
Academic Rigor
I personally have had all great professors that have all been willing to work with students outside of the class. Most of my professors know me by name. SIUe also has a great tutor program that is free to all students.
Dorm Life
Dorm life at SIUe is very fun, and the rooms are actually very big compared to a lot of other schools. (esp. other University's) There's never an excuse to be bored while you're in the dorms, because you will have tons of friends that you can go up to anytime. I currently live in Bluff Hall, and the dorm has been throwing fun events the whole year.
Food and Dining
The food and dining at SIUe are amazing! There are places to eat in many different buildings so it's easy to grab a snack between any classes. SIUe's food and dining include: an Entree's, a pasta bar, nacho bar, potato bar, Deli/Panini/ a Grill, Wok (Chinese), Chick-Fil-A, University Restaurant, Kaldi's, Starbucks, Pizza Hut/Wing Street, Taco Bell, Union Station, Skywalk Food Court, Commons Grill, Woodland Cart, Bluff Cafe, Auntie Ann's, Sweet E's (ice cream), and my personal favorite Freshens. There's also a rumor on campus about a Panara Bread for the 2012-2013 year.
What to do for fun
There are endless possibilities of things to do for fun at SIUe. There are always pick-up games such as football, basketball, sand volleyball, or soccer to play if you like athletics. The campus throws all sorts of events every week such as a foam party, Halloween party, Greek week, Springfest, and all sorts of fun events. A lot of people live just off campus too, so there's always places to hang out on the weekends.
Bang for the buck
SIUe is great if you're looking for a bang for the buck school. It is one of the cheapest University's out there. (under 17,000 for room, board, and tuition) It's academics are still outstanding even though it's one of the cheapest University's. (Was a no brainer for me.)
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
SIUe's campus is very different compared to others. It's right on the outside of Edwardsville. It is one of the biggest campuses in the nation and it is a nature reserve. It's extremely beautiful and there are always new places you'll discover on the campus.
Great for these types of students
SIUe is very diverse, but I've noticed the social people that make a lot of friends always seem to love SIUe the most.
Clubs and Activities
There are tons of club and intramural sports to participate in. Most likely any sport you played in high school or ever wanted to play will be here.
Greek Life
The Greek Life is pretty good at SIUe. The only downfall is that there isn't any on campus Greek Housing. It's still a great way to network, and every Greek person I know loves it and says it was the best decision they've ever made.
Campus Safety
SIUe is rated as one of the top 50 safest campuses in the nation, and has been for many years in a row. I've never been in a circumstance where I felt I was in danger. The scariest thing about SIUe is their deer. They're so used to people you can walk right up to them without them running away. (creepy, but awesome.)

Edward from Springfield, IL

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
All of the general education classes in which I have enrolled have managed to peak my interest in topics that I otherwise would not have payed any attention. I was unaware of many of the remarkable events retold to me by the instructors of my French History and History of Black America classes. So many inspiring people and stories are often overshadowed by those whom our elementary and secondary education boards deem more important. The instructors here, overall, organize and present information in an engaging format and help develop a connection between their students and the subject matter so that test taking and paper writing is not generally difficult. The same is true of my general education English, Math, and Science classes. If you come to class regularly and pay attention, you will learn a lot; and if you learn a lot, you will do well on assessments.
Am enjoying being here
SIU Edwardsville does a lot to cultivate community, creativity, recreation, and safety on campus. The Morris University Center has a Starbucks, Chick-Fil-A, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, as well as seven or eight less common food services including a relatively inexpensive Asian stir-fry stand. There is also a billiards room and a bowling alley. On the main floor, there is a large square pit lined with couches that is often used to host entertainers - from student musicians to belly dancers - and monthly multicultural days when clubs that celebrate the various ethnic heritages represented on campus will provide free food and entertainment typical of their culture.

The Student Recreation Facility is large and extensively equipped. There are multiple weight rooms, an indoor pool, a group activities room with aerobics equipment and a speed bag and heavy bag for martial arts training, a rock climbing room, several basketball, squash, and racket ball courts, a running track, and lots of cardiovascular exercise machines.

The Gardens are a beautiful, tranquil place to go for a walk, clear your mind, and just relax. A small pond at the edge of the gardens has a really cool pagoda gazebo surrounded by fragrant fir trees and, in the spring and late summer, lots of lush flowers.

It is very easy to make friends at this school. Most people are very easy to talk to and have a good balance of work and play. SIU Edwardsville isn't a party school but it's not so rigorous as to be lifeless either. Clubs, classes, and even work-study jobs are great ways to meet some of the really cool people here.
Bang for the buck
The Construction Management program here has placed all of its graduates. That's right: 100% of people who earned Bachelors Degrees in Construction Management either had jobs or graduate schools lined up when they graduated.

You want to expand your horizons to be able to work in a higher-paying, more fulfilling job than you are able to get without a college education. SIUE can help. The faculty here are not in the business of separating boys from men so to speak, but instead train people to become effective workers and contribute to society. You can do well here. SIUE will set you up for success and give you the ability to compete in the area of work that interests you.
Tips for prospective students
Getting here will not be hard. Once you're here: go to class. Don't skip unless it's an emergency. I've made that mistake in a couple classes and the results were all but catastrophic. Don't try to get through with the least effort possible. Your adult life will begin here and fewer people will be peaking over your shoulder to make sure you're doing what you're supposed to than ever before. Don't let your freedom go to your head. Balance fun and work or, better yet: study something you enjoy, so that you won't be miserable working hard. Don't spend tens of thousands of dollars to come here and risk not getting a job when you get out.
Great for these types of students
SIUE is great for students who want to live a full and balanced life. There is lots of opportunity for fun and lots of opportunity for advancement. Take as many of these opportunities as possible without burning yourself out.

SIUE is great for students who have their priorities in order.

SIUE is great for students who have not done well in the past and want a fresh start.

Olivia from Madison, IL

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I have learned so much more in my two years of college at SIUE than I did throughout high school. I am a better student now because i am doing this at my freewill.
Am enjoying being here
I enjoy being at SIUE because it is close to my home. I commute to school and I meet with study buddies and have lunch at Pizza Hut,Taco Bell, Auntie Annie's, or star bucks that are all located on campus in the MUC.

My professors help me during their office hours and respond to my questions via e-mail in a timely manner. I like the landscape and design of the campus buildings. The classroom halls are not too far or hard to find. The academic advisers help you set up your classes to your availability in most cases.
Bang for the buck
The price of tuition verses the education are phenomenal portioned. SIUE is one of the cheapest universities to attend in Illinois and it is worth every penny.
Tips for prospective students
Wake early,be prepared to walk to class(usually 10 minutes or less from parking lots no more than 15),prepared to learn with all needed materials to learn, listen to your professors, take notes, ask questions if you do not understand, and meet with your professor during office hours for extra help if needed.
Great for these types of students
Anyone that is motivated and willing to increase their knowledge.

alicia from Champaign, IL

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Tips for prospective students
Don't be afraid to interact with other students. You can learn a great deal from the different cultures represented on campus. Also make good use of your professor's office hours. Make sure you meet with them even if you don't need help with anything. This will show them that you are a serious student. They may even be able to write a letter of recommendation for you one day.Also when it comes to the meal plan use it carefully. Although we have a pretty decent meal plan where all you pay is for 40% of the price for food it can add up quickly. Beware of union station, they do not accept 60/40 there and you have to pay full price for the snacks in there.
Academic Rigor
I feel like the education I'm receiving from SIUe is very good. I believe the academic rigor depends on your major. I'm a social work major so we write a great of papers. However, I have friends who are elementary education majors and they do mostly hands on work like making lesson plans, creating activities for their students, grading papers, etc.
Dorm Life
The dorm I satyed in my freshman year was very nice. What I like the most about it is that the rooms were set up like suites. The suite is comprised of two rooms with two people in each. For every suite there was one bathroom. This was really nice because at most universities the whole floor will have to share one bathroom. But in this case there were four people to each bathroom. Also there are activities that happen in the dorm for the residents. One time there was an ice cream social provided in the lobby. One downfall of the dorms is to constantly have to check in every time you return to the hall. But this is done for safety purposes.
Food and Dining
As I stated before the incoming freshmen all have to pick a Resident hall meal plan. These are two meal plans that freshmen have to pick from. One plan has more money on it than the other, but both of these are apart of the 60/40 plan. This means when you go to purchase food you tell the cashier you are a resident and you receive a discount to where you only pay 40% of the total. The food options on campus are pretty good. They are currently trying to expand more and add other choices.

Brianna from Saint Jacob, IL

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The teachers here are really helpful when they teach and if you ask a question, they are more than willing to answer it for you.
Am enjoying being here
The campus is absolutely beautiful, but it's a walk. The people around here are really nice and they befriend others easily. No one here has the same attitudes that high school students usually do.
Bang for the buck
Although the campus is extraordinarily big, it definitely costs a pretty penny to attend. But even though tuition is rather high, it's still a college worth looking at.
Tips for prospective students
Be prepared for a walk from the parking lot. Don't feel stupid when asking questions, that's what the teachers are there for. And even if you need extra help, the teachers will help you out or there are others places on campus to get help at!

Mikaela

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
siue is a place where you can get a great state school experience and education at an affordable cost. the campus is very scenic and detached from the city, which gives everything a more intimate feeling. there's always something to do on campus, in edwardsville, or half an hour away in st louis.
Tips for prospective students
if you are planning on coming here, i recommend you bring all of your bad weather gear! the weather in edwardsville can be a bit extreme at times (think very humid summers, stormy springs, and chilly winters). whether you'll be living on campus or commuting, you'll be doing a lot of walking to get to class, so keep that and the forecast on your mind when you get ready for the school day.

summers on campus are very laid back, and the campus takes on a totally different vibe. i definitely recommend trying at least one summer session while you're here.
Academic Rigor
most of the general education classes i've taken have been a breeze. when you finally start taking major-specific courses, things start to get tougher, so don't slack off! there are plenty of on-campus resources in the student success center and specific departments if you need tutoring or if you need someone to proofread anything- utilize these!
Dorm Life
the halls and cougar village are very safe! housing staff provides a lot of things to do outside of class as well, and there are trails, basketball courts, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, and a disc golf course to use nearby.

i really like the suites in the first year halls. two people are in each room, and two rooms share a bathroom- no community showers! the halls are also co-ed, which i really appreciate.
Food and Dining
dining services is wonderful! there is a good variety of food in the entree line, but you can get burgers and fries, stir fry, salad, or sandwiches too. we have a handful of fast-food choices as well that are all covered on your meal plan.

i love the university restaurant upstairs in the morris university center! it's only open around lunchtime, but it makes for a nice break from the busy center court area.
What to do for fun
i myself am not big into the party scene, and i was worried that college would be like a crazy party scene from a movie. you can find that environment here, but there's not a huge pressure to be wild and crazy. there are plenty of fun things to do on campus on the weekends and in the surrounding area that don't involve drinking.

also, take advantage of st louis while you're here! the city is wonderful and there are many free forms of entertainment!
Bang for the buck
this is the cheapest state school in illinois. scholarships are a bit trickier to come by since it's a public school, but it's definitely a good value.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
homecoming week and springfest are super fun times to be on campus!

we do not have a football team, so the homecoming sport is soccer.

there's a big rock in the middle of campus that students paint on a regular basis- it's fun to see what it changed to every few days.
Great for these types of students
students that want a smaller state school vibe, students interested in nursing, pre-med or pre-dental, students that don't want an overwhelming greek life on their campus.
Clubs and Activities
there's a ton to do outside of class at siue, so i highly recommend you get involved. stop by kimmel leadership center when you visit campus (inside of morris university center) and ask for information about clubs and greek life.

most performances and athletic events are free to students. just don't forget your student id!
Greek Life
it's here, but there is currently no greek housing on campus. greek life is still pretty active, but there's not a huge power struggle between greeks and non-greeks.
Campus Safety
this campus is super safe. if anything fishy ever happens, students are notified right away via signs, text alerts, and emails. there is awesome front desk security in all of the halls, so you won't have to worry about strangers wandering about your home.

if you go here, sign up for the e-lert system. the school will send you a text if school is canceled or if there's an emergency. the best e-lerts are for snow days!

George from Chicago, IL

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I have learned a lot from this college and applied it to my long-term memory.
Am enjoying being here
The college is made to help students be successful and have a nice time while being on the verge.
Bang for the buck
This campus provides students with everything they need.
Tips for prospective students
Become a friend to the Student Success Center. Their resource center is very helpful.
Great for these types of students
This school would be great for those who are looking to go into the school of Business, Nursing or Law Enforcement.

Joseph from Edwardsville, IL

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I have been here for 3 years now and can honestly say that the quality of education here at SIUE has been excellent. I'm studying biochemistry here with a minor in physics and have enjoyed every moment of it. The university provides so many opportunities to expand your learning through practical and real-life experiences. For example in the chemistry, biology, and physics department ( as well as every other department) there are opportunities to do hands on research in the laboratories with the professors. The opportunities are open for whoever has the desire to pursue them. Compared to other big named schools SIUE has an awesome environment because there isn't thousands of people competing for the same opportunity. You truely recieve a quality education here I've also been able to travel with students from SIUE as they compete and display their knowledge at various symposiums and competitions and many have recieved national recognition and honors.
Am enjoying being here
Over the course of time I have been here I've met countless people of all shapes, sizes, colors, ethnicities, interests, fears, etc. The relationships I've made have been probably one of the most significant factors causing me to really enjoy being here. I've made awesome friends here who are now like brothers and sisters. SIUE is not a crowded place where you're just another student with a backpack, people know each other; even the administrators are friendly and known around campus.
Besides the amazing friendships made the campus is beautiful, surrounded by very scenic woods, lakes, wildlife (deer) etc.

One last note, the dorms are of very high quality. Excellent place to stay; there are photos and virtual tours available on the school website. www.siue.edu
Tips for prospective students
My greatest peice of advice to prospective students would be to really examine the desires and dreams that burn within you. There are countless students who (sometimes unconsciously) go into college pursing a career because it is highly esteemed with great financial payoff, and find themselves either changing their major or unsatisfied with thier end occupation. When you are fascinated with what you're studying no one has to force or even tell you to study- A's will come naturally. SIUE offers many opportunities to be creative and study or do what you love to do in a style that is truly your own so get involved and explore all the campus has to offer. Just from personal experience- when you put yourself into your work it becomes something that has never been seen or done before; SIUE allows the freedom and even encourages you to do so because it will cause both you and the university to look good and receive recognition.