University of Southern Indiana
Evansville, IN, USA

Reviews

University of Southern Indiana

Shannon from Bloomington, IN

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
You learn a lot about yourself. It sounds cheesy, but it's true. You discover just what you're capable of doing and how much effort you're willing to put out there for what you want.
Am enjoying being here
I love the people down here! My roommates are awesome, we all get along so well! It's a wonderful feeling to go somewhere completely new, and feel so comfortable while you're adjusting to that new environment.
Bang for the buck
Really great school, easy campus to figure out and get around, and for a great price that can fit most family's budget.
Tips for prospective students
Be ready to jump in and work. Don't throw out all your study skills you've developed, because they will be extremely useful once the semester gets going. Don't let yourself slack off, because you'll be paying for it in semesters to come!
Great for these types of students
Any whom are willing to put forth the effort, and have a drive that motivates them to do their best in order to achieve their goal in life (whatever degree you may be pursuing).

Allison from Coatesville, IN

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
USI is absolutely outstanding in every area. I am a freshman and I love going to the gym and using the free personal trainers. I also love all of the resources that are available to help get good grades such as Academic Skills.
Tips for prospective students
For all looking to go here, make sure you understand the meal plans before you choose one. Also, I advice being in a living learning community and living in the freshman dorms your first year- you will meet a lot more people and be closer to everything offered at USI. Look for scholarships early and take advantage of the Office of Financial Aid.
Academic Rigor
I have been challenged in almost all of my classes. However, all of my teachers were more than welcome to help me at any time-including their down time. There are so many people here to help you achieve your academic goals!
Dorm Life
The dorms are AMAZING! That is one of the things that sold me to USI. They are all air-conditioned and carpeted. They are big and have a lot of closet space. You also only have to share a bathroom with your roommate only.
Food and Dining
Sodexo does an outstanding job in serving the USI students. There are many options of where to eat in the loft. There are also many places to stop and get a snack just around the corner from many of your classes. They have many options of where to eat and also have a convenience store right there on campus!
What to do for fun
My roommate and I love to chill in our dorms and play games with other people on our floor. We also like to go play games at the rec center or go see the movies they play on campus.
Bang for the buck
This school is SO cheap compares to other schools yet I do not know why because we have the nicest and BIGGEST dorms! The rec center is a huge advantage as well and offers Personal trainers to keep off (or lose) that freshman 15.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
USI has an awesome Madrigal Dinner. It is the biggest in Indiana that the USI chamber choir puts on. It is a wonderful show around the holidays with great food. There are also beautiful trails on campus and a tradition to play capture the flag at the beginning of the year. The Library is another fantastic and unusual place to go.
Great for these types of students
Great for students who love to meet many new people yet do not want huge classes. There are about 10,000 students on campus which is a perfect size. Also great for students who do not like distraction from parties because there arent any on campus- only off campus.
Clubs and Activities
There are hundreds of clubs to satisfy every person. I am in Chamber Choir and I love it!
Greek Life
I have heard a lot about the greek life yet have not joined. It is great here at USI. It in not clique-based but rather based on family and academics.
Campus Safety
WONDERFUL campus safety. I feel safe walking to my dorm at night because of all of the lights around and how secluded USI is. It is not in the middle of a big city.

Sarah from Fort Wayne, IN

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The University of Southern Indiana is a great way to receive a quality education at an affordable price. The on-campus apartments give you the feeling of independence while still having the college experience. The small campus size makes you feel welcome while placing an importance on academics.
Tips for prospective students
Choose the college which you will attend based on how you feel when you visit. I felt very welcome here, but not everyone is the same. I enjoy the trails and bike path and don't mind walking to class, but if you don't, then this might not be the college for you.
Academic Rigor
For the most part the professors are good at what they do while still being friendly. They want you to succeed, and that is very evident.
Dorm Life
The on-campus apartments are perfect for me--you only share a bathroom with one other person and you have a kitchen to cook your own food.
Food and Dining
The Loft food isn't the best in the world, but this is college. Being able to cook my own meals in my kitchen is a major plus though!
What to do for fun
There are many opportunities here with Greek Life, but going to the Rec Center is probably the best way to spend extra time. You can climb a rock wall, play basketball, ping pong, or even just work out.
Bang for the buck
The tuition here is actually the cheapest in the state of Indiana, but the education is still great!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
If you follow one of the trails off of the bike path, you come to the pond front and there is a picnic table there. I doubt its ever used, but it is quite peaceful.
Great for these types of students
This campus is great for people who love being active and outdoors. Also students looking for a science major!
Clubs and Activities
There are clubs for almost everyone here! Running club, intramural sports, etc.
Greek Life
Greek life is smaller than big campuses, but there are still plenty of opportunities.
Campus Safety
There are many blue light posts with buttons around if you need to contact security.

Stacie from Lebanon, IN

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The amount you learn depends on the amount of effort YOU put into schooling. The professors, like at any other college, expect you to put time in outside of class to do your own studying. They do not spoon feed you all the information you need for tests, but are extremely willing to help when you do not understand things you are trying to learn on your own.
Am enjoying being here
The campus is very well kept and the staff is extremely friendly. The advisors are more than willing to meet with you for any scheduling concerns, no matter how many times you need to see them. The groups and committees on campus offer many activities, such as new movies in the forums about twice a month or ice-skating during the winter. With all those kinds of activities, gym access, sports events, theater productions, etc., there is always something to do if you want. However, if you just want to take a break and relax, there are many quiet places to hang out or grab a cup of coffee on campus as well.
Bang for the buck
The education and overall academic setting and experience are well worth the money. USI has several nationally ranked programs... you cannot ask for a better education than that for less money! Almost all of the activities offered on campus, such as the movies, are free, which offers nice, cheap entertainment to students who are watching their dollars and cents. The dorms are VERY nice and worth the cost as well. However, only freshmen are allowed to stay in the dorms. Other students who wish to live on campus may sign up for on campus apartments, which include a small kitchen. While these apartments are extremely convenient, they are not very nice. The college pays students to paint and clean them over the summer... and you can tell. There is paint all over the ceilings, mirrors, woodwork, and carpets. The woodwork is broken off in chunks and the carpets are pretty stained and filthy. Appliances such as water heaters and dishwashers act up quite a bit, but the maintenance crew is very good about fixing them in a timely manner.
Tips for prospective students
Visit campus during one of USI's Southern Hospitality Days. They give you a tour of campus including the dorms and let you meet some of the faculty. They also break you up into groups depending on what field of study you might be interested in and let those groups meet with professors and faculty who are in that area. Going to a Southern Hospitality Day really lets you get the feel of the campus and decide if it is right for you.
Great for these types of students
USI is great for any student who wants a big university education with a small, friendly campus. The university is small enough to stand out and make a name for yourself if you want, but also big enough to let yourself blend in if you so choose.

Alyssa from Ellettsville, IN

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The University of Southern Indiana is a beautiful small campus which is easy to navigate. The campus is very clean and well kept. The professors are very knowledgeable, easy to contact, and genuinely care about the students.
Tips for prospective students
I would tell the in-coming students to register for classes very early because they fill up quickly. I recommend living in the dorms as a freshman. Also the weather can be brutal so bring appropriate attire.
Academic Rigor
Academically, you can pick challenging courses that keep you interested and really help you learn the material.
Dorm Life
I currently live in the dorms; I think they are wonderful. I only have one complaint: burnt popcorn. There were at least 4 fire alarms in the past 4 weeks due to burnt popcorn. Otherwise the dorms stimulate great community feeling and provide opportunities to know other students.
Food and Dining
The Loft is wonderful. It's the on campus cafeteria that has a great variety of food options. There are also a variety of on campus restaurants.
What to do for fun
There are SO many clubs and sports. There is literally something for every student here, and if there isn't you just make your own club! Not to mention free movies in forum 1 every Thursday and Saturday night.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
We have the cone. I'm not sure why it's there, but we have a giant cone shaped building.
Campus Safety
Everywhere on campus there are these blue security poles and if you are standing at one you should be able to see at least two more.

Heather from Oblong, IL

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
USI is the perfect school for me. There is a small town feel, where people actually care and it is still easy to make friends and be accepted, while having thousands around you everyday! The school work is challenging but there are professors who care and will help you if you need them and ask.
Tips for prospective students
Relax your first year. Do not fret too much. Yes, you will have to study, this will be much harder than high school. Will this actually be fun? absolutely! you are studying for something that you WANT TO DO! Remember you are going to have to do core your first two years. So if you have to change your major you should be fine. Also, choose a back up especially if you are a nursing or engineering major. Half the nursing students will drop due to frustration with CHEM 141 or BIO 121. You will struggle. Everyone does. Even the geniuses.
Academic Rigor
This all depends on your classes. PED classes like table tennis are easy and great GPA boosters. Pretty much every other class is hard and you have to work your tail off on in. Again, BIO 121 is HARD! Work at it from the beginning and please, what ever class you are in read the chapter BEFORE class. That way you have a head start on the material!
Dorm Life
The real question when you apply is apartment vs. dorm. I chose Dorm first. Though the location is great the meal plan for the dorms is pretty scary. It made me sick most of the time. My room mates and I typically avoid the loft. With the apartment you are further from the library (and Starbucks!!) but you have a kitchen and a bigger living space. The problem is the bus is not on time, so standing out in the cold or walking quite a distance(depending on where you live) may be necessary. Being close to the library will help your grades, but depending on where you live and who you live with (aka choose roomies that will study with you!) the apartments are a better choice
Food and Dining
I really do not like the loft and if you live in the dorms you have to eat there a lot. On the other hand with your munch money I recommend Salsa Rico and Cyclone Salad! Avoid the fatty fried foods and go with some greenery! Salsa Rico has great quesadillas, but be ware of the queso. Cyclone has marvelous salads and great baked potatoes!
What to do for fun
Join a club! Work on campus! Go to the Rec! During welcome week there are hundreds of activities to do that will be advertised all around campus. You can find your club or clubs during the club fair. Or possibly a group of friends during a trip to Starbucks or in one of your classes. Campus jobs are great because they work around your schedule. Everyone need a bit of gym time! Try zumba with Alice! It is one of the most popular groups on campus! Or check a rugby or basketball game! There is always something to do!
Bang for the buck
USI has a good price tag. It is decently priced school. Not to mention you can get a good degree for a good price.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There is a flag football game during welcome week, but you have to know someone who is going to find out the where and when. The Holiday lighting ceremony is always fun (free hot chocolate!). Don't forget each final has a midnight breakfast! Bring a canned good at about 9-12 to the loft during the advertised time and eat, hang, and enjoy then go back and study!
Psuedostarbucks! There is this area in the library on the opposite side from Starbucks that people hang out and study at. If you are in need of some friends find a group of loud friends and say hey!
Clubs and Activities
As far as I can tell, there is a club for everything. There are different types of religious groups, book groups, singing groups, Greek life, etc. Research before you join. Each group has perks but each has TIME COMMITMENT! Remember why you are here? It is to get a degree! So have fun, but not too much fun!
Campus Safety
Campus security is very vigilant! Use basic caution though. Don't walk home alone after dark, but if you do or are attacked there are tones of blue emergency polls that you can get to and push and security will be there asap! Oh, and if you go out and party, be careful... Go in groups! That is off campus though..

Katelynn from Kokomo, IN

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
University of southern Indiana is challenging. University of Southern Indiana provides everything a larger college does in a smaller atmosphere. University of Southern Indiana engages every level of student to achieve.
Tips for prospective students
Consider University of Southern Indiana if you are looking for a large school curriculum in a small school environment. You are not just a number at the University of southern Indiana.
Academic Rigor
Academics is challenging at Univeristy of Southern Indiana. I am currently enrolled in the radiology program and even though it is challenging it is what is needed to succeed in society today. Everyone needs a challenge and the professors are good at challenging you everyday. They are also there to help in anyway possible.
Dorm Life
University of Southern Indiana provides one dorm for Freshman and the others are personal apartments. The apartments allow you to be safe but become your own person.
Food and Dining
University of Southern Indiana provides a variety of food options for students. There are healthy selections such as salads along with pizza, subs and smoothies.
What to do for fun
Univeristy of Southern Indiana has a large selection of on campus fun. Each department is always doing something to ensure there are a variety of fun things to do to remain on campus. There are several weekend trips scheduled that allow you to be adventures without breaking the bank.

Bang for the buck
I considered private schools and some of the larger colleges such as Purdue and believe that University of Southern Indiana gives you the best value. All the private schools were twice as much and after speaking with a few of my friends they ae considering transferring.
Great for these types of students
University of Southern Indiana is great for the student looking for the larger student academic rigor without the large number of students.
Clubs and Activities
There are several activities on campus such as intramural volleyball, softball and baseball. There are science clubs and academic clubs for all.
Greek Life
Greek Life is available. I did not participate
Campus Safety
Security on campus is high and very well protected. The campus is very well lit and has many stations for emergencies. I never felt unsafe walking on campus even at night. The apartments are also very well secured and protected.

Miranda from Olney, IL

accepted here and planning to attend soon
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The Campus is very pretty and everything is very easy to locate. They are very helpful when it comes to asking questions about classes, etc. they are welcoming when it comes to the campus and where to go and what to do.
Academic Rigor
They have a good amount of classes and many professors that are willing to teach you the information you need for that class.
Dorm Life
The dorms and apartments are very nice and homie feeling. They are close to campus and also walking distance. There is also people to help
You.
Food and Dining
They have a variety of restaurant choices that range from healthy to not so healthy.
What to do for fun
There is a mall about 20 minutes away you can go to or just got to the fitness center
Clubs and Activities
There is a variety of clubs to choose from.
Campus Safety
They have on campus security that are there all day and night.

Anon from West Indy

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I never expected to love USI since it was a last minute decision, but it's growing on me! Really great school for the price.
Tips for prospective students
GET INVOLVED. May that be greek life, or your major. Most of my grief from my freshman year was that I was lonely and didn't have much too do. I'm not very social, but once I got involved with my major and got an on campus job, this school is really really growing on me!
Academic Rigor
Most of my core classes have been laughably easy, but as my major courses, they are a lot more difficult then my other classes, but what I would expect from any university.
Dorm Life
Housing is amazing at USI. The dorm are new and clean. If you have an on campus apartment, try to get recently renovated apartments because a lot of them are old, but they are still very livable, and you only share a bathroom with one person, and have a kitchen.
Food and Dining
This department is kind of lacking. The food isn't bad or gross, just not amazing.
What to do for fun
Join clubs, greek life, do university run activities. Or, of course, there are some frat parties, and sport houses that throw parties also. Just meet the right people.
Bang for the buck
This is the cheapest state university in Indiana, and the teachers are great and the campus is modern and beautiful.
Greek Life
Greek life is very inviting and reasonable priced.
Campus Safety
I feel generally safe on this campus. Generally Public Safety is really only looking out for your safety. Don't be surprised if you get caught for drinking, it is a dry campus.

Gwendolyn from Westfield, IN

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
USI is a wonderful school academically and socially. The professors and faculty here are dedicated to ensuring we receive the best education and will be prepared for our careers once we graduate. It is also just a wonderful environment to be a part of with so many great people on campus to make friends and tons of organizations and clubs that offer fun and exciting events.
Tips for prospective students
Just like any other college, you get out what you put in at USI. It's easy to fall behind in classes if you aren't dedicated to your schoolwork but so long as you put forth an effort you will succeed. Coming to USI is a great opportunity to form relationships with professors and faculty because with smaller class sizes it is easy for them to know students by name. Making connections like that help to further your goals because the faculty here love working with students here to build resumes and will happily work with you on projects or write fantastic letters of recommendation so long as you make the effort to stand out from the crowd.
Academic Rigor
College classes aren't meant to be easy and they won't be but here the professors want every student to succeed. They don't ask for an unreasonable amount of effort and are always willing to work with you if there's any impediment to your academic performance.
Dorm Life
The dorms here are fantastic! They're large, clean, and have private bathrooms. USI has a system to pair you with a roommate you will get along with and will help you with any issue that may come up.
Food and Dining
As a smaller campus, the food options are somewhat limited. The cafeteria and restaurants available however, have excellent quality food for a reasonable price and it is easy to get out into Evansville when you need something else.
What to do for fun
USI is located right on the edge of Evansville, which is a fairly large city. This means there is a ton of stuff to do at all times! Not only does USI have a ton of clubs and organizations that are constantly holding events but there is also always something to do in the city. Evansville has multiple movie theaters, malls, parks, and even its own zoo!