Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN, USA

Reviews

Indiana State University

Nursing Student

a current student here
16 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Within just my first year at ISU, I gained the skills I need to succeed. My professors, teacher assistants, college advisor and employer have provided my with the knowledge required inside and out of the classroom. The teaching staff was extremely understanding and patient, in addition to always willing to help. Through all the academic assitance, I was able to earn my spot on the college's Dean List with a 3.9 GPA!
Am enjoying being here
I love my time at Indiana State University! I have met several people who have developed into incredible friends. I can rely on them for not only study help, but any other issues we encounter during our first semesters at ISU. In addition to the friends I have met, there is always something to do! Whether it is working out at Le Club, studying in the library, or watching the Sycamores at a sporting event, a student can always stay busy and be actively involved with the campus around them.
Bang for the buck
As a younger sister to a fellow Sycamore, it was important to me to find a great school at an affordable cost. ISU is definitely the college I needed. Whether a student is enrolled in 12 or 18 credit hours, the cost does not increase. The room board is affordable, in addition to extra costs such as the library, laboratory fees, and the new recreation center. The college is also great at rewarding strong students with scholarships such as the Lap Top Scholarship, awarded to entering Freshman with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Tips for prospective students
I would advise prospective students to truly take advantage of all hte activities at Indiana State. There were always great Freshman mixers and volunteer activities which really helped me in adjusting to life on campus. I would also suggest meeting your new roommate before moving in together. This way, you have time to get to know the other person before the semester starts. I also suggest holding a job on campus. This really encouraged me to balance my time wisely, and also helped me get to know the ISU campus and staff.
Great for these types of students
ISU is a great university for hardworking, dedicated students who enjoy extracurricular activities! The size of the campus is perfect for those who need a more direct relationship with their professors, but require a wide range of courses.

April from Terre Haute, IN

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
ISU has a large campus, with a lot of degree programs available. Most of the buildings are recently built and they have coffee shops all through campus with food and drinks. ISU is in a smaller city, Terre Haute, with a fairly low crime rate.
Tips for prospective students
Explore beyond campus, things are much cheaper at certain stores rather than relying on the places within a couple of blocks from campus. Also, search for textbooks online, it will save tons of money if you consistently find used and cheap texts to rent/buy.
Academic Rigor
ISU offers good degree programs, and some of the upper level classes can be difficult to take but there are many forms of help such as tutors, writing centers, chemistry and physics help centers, math tutors. And they are free services as well.
Dorm Life
I have never lived on campus but have friends who do and they love it.
Food and Dining
There are dozens of coffee shops and restaurants in different academic buildings all across ISU's campus. They carry good fresh foods and the coffee is good at most places. Prices are about average.
What to do for fun
Again, I would suggest exploring off-campus for coffee houses, parks, museums, art galleries--Terre Haute have several of all of those things. There are lots of on-campus activities, of course. There are bi-weekly open mic nights, community events such as the Special Olympics, Tricycle Races, and the Student Recreation Center is very modernized and has good equipment.
Bang for the buck
It's more expensive than a junior college, such as Ivy Tech, but less expensive than several other universities in Indiana (IUPUI, Ball State, etc. cost much more and the local economy is more expensive in those areas).
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
ISU has one strange tradition that used to make national headlines in the 1980s and 1990s. At the end of homecoming week, there is a parade, but there is also a walk from ISU's campus to the East ISU football stadium for the homecoming game. Locals and students over the age of 21 start on 5th and Wabash Avenue and stop at every bar and have a drink, all the way up to Brown Avenue and Wabash Avenue where the football stadium is. That's about a 2 mile walk with around 20 bars along the way. Let's just say a lot of people don't make it to the game who do that walk each year. It is one of the strangest things I've seen. I've never participated but have worked at bars when it was going on, it's madness.
Great for these types of students
Students who welcome diversity would definitely be comfortable. There are many international transfer students and dozens of different cultural centers on campus.
Clubs and Activities
There are many opportunities to join various organizations and groups at ISU. I currently do not have the free time to join any of them, but always see offers and applications for student organizations and clubs.
Greek Life
I do not participate in a sorority.
Campus Safety
There are on campus police officers, ISU's campus is very safe.

Alexandria from Williamsport, IN

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I started last year with the intentions of being a physical therapists and was really looking forward to the challenges. Unfortunately being away from home for the first time and the hard class schedule put me behind fairly quickly. As a freshman you are given course classes instead of gen ed classes because they only have a certain amount of space for the classes later on and this is their way of weeding out the students who have chosen the wrong career. After the first semester I can honestly say that I have learned a lot since being here you are responsible for your choices and in the real world you can't rely on your parents or anyone else to help you out.
Am enjoying being here
My first semester was kind of bad but with the help of new friends I really have enjoyed being here. I helped to create something new to the campus to help keep the students out of the alcohol scene. We created the late night challenge. We took different things and pitted a representative from each floor against each other. One was a hot dog eating challenge after the famous Nathans challenge. It started out small but at the end of the year we had backing from the student organization for pizza and soft drinks for everyone attending and to purchase the supplies for the challenges.This helped to break the newness of being away from home for a lot of the freshmen attending. I am really looking forward to my next year here at Indiana State to tackle new challenges.
Bang for the buck
Since the fees are the same for 12credit hours up to 18 credit hours you can set your course load to your ability not to your pocket book. The room and board fees are comparable to any in the area and you can use the credits for your meals at the student union at places like Taco Bell when you miss lunch or dinner because of your schedule.
Tips for prospective students
Meet your roommate before you move in. It is easier to change before you move in than after. Make sure of your career objective if your not sure take a general education and take 1 class a semester of something that you may want to study. You may discover something your naturally good at and a new career.
Great for these types of students
This is a great school for people from small towns. The city is large enough to give you a lot of options for entertainment and small enough to make you feel comfortable.

Kat from ISU

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
i love indiana state and i 'm glad i chose to come here. it had what i was looking for and the campus is really clean and well kept.
Tips for prospective students
go to class. do the work and do it on time. don't take any of your classes for granted. work hard and get the best grade possible.
Academic Rigor
i personally carry a full load plus, so i keep really busy with classes and assignments. i also work everyday, which makes it essential that i budget my time well. i am also involved in an extracurricular activity that requires a substantial amount of my time, so i have to be and extra hard worker.
Dorm Life
share a dorm room. of course a roommate is a big adjustment. rooms aren't huge, but okay. helps to make the best of whom you are selected to room with, if it doesn't work out in the beginning keep trying it may turn out to be okay and liveable.
Food and Dining
lots of local food places near campus or within a short drive for those with a car. on campus dining halls for on campus residents.
What to do for fun
lots to do on campus. all kinds of games for the university to attend. all kinds of organizations to join. great buildings for students to access for exercise and fun with friends.
Bang for the buck
plenty of clubs, organizations and activities to get involved with. campus transportation provided to local stores, etc.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
team tricycle race in the fall. afrotc is a great program and gets you emersed into another group of people and lifestyle. it's a good challenge.
Great for these types of students
students who work hard. students who attend classes and do the work. those who work hard for expected grades. not much on partying, so can't tell you much on that.
Clubs and Activities
afrotc
Greek Life
there are several here although i'm not a participant. no opinion.
Campus Safety
seems to be a good clean and safe campus to live on. no problems here.

Nicole

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Depending on which classes you take, they can be easy or challenging. It depends a lot on how much work you put into it. For myself, I am taking 15 credit hours, which is just the right amount. I have learned a lot through my classes this semester.
Am enjoying being here
I really enjoy living on campus. I live in the Honors dorm, which has 24 hour quiet hours, so it is really easy to study and sleep, which are both important. There are a lot of activities going on both on and off campus during the week and on the weekend. Classes are close, and you can reach almost all of them within 10 minutes. The food is pretty good, although there are only three places to eat on campus; two cafeterias and one food court.
Bang for the buck
Tuition is more affordable here than many schools because it is a public, state school. Some things are lost, such as a small class size and very personalized attention that comes with small, private schools, but you still get a lot out of ISU. You will definitely get a great education here.
Tips for prospective students
First, I would make sure that ISU has your major, and back up major. A lot of students change their minds throughout the years, so it's important that you have a fallback within the same university; that way you won't have to worry about transferring. I would also look at cost and distance. Visit before making any decisions.
Great for these types of students
ISU has great programs for Nursing, Education, and Business. Those are some of the larger programs, but there are a lot of other majors besides these categories. I chose ISU for the fact that it was one of two schools that has the major I am interested in. It is also great for completing general education credits and for those students who cannot afford private universities.

Sydnie from Indianapolis, IN

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Being at Indiana State has taught me alot. Its taught me how to be around people that are like me all the time, and taught me how to use my time wisely when it comes time for preparing for tests and quizzes. Indiana State has so many activities and events for any and everyone. I've never been judgemental but being at this school really helps you want to get to know people who are like you and some who aren't like you.
Am enjoying being here
My time here has been fun. There are so many activities and events to go to that once you get settled in, you will rarely if ever be home sick. The only problem that I've had while being on campus is my roommate. I would honestly either have roomed with someone I knew or had a single room. But besides the roommate situation, I love Indiana State, this was the perfect college for me
Bang for the buck
Indiana State University is a good college with reasonable tuition. But I strongly suggest that ahead of time or start now, that you apply for as many scholarships as you can. My mom pays my tuition out of her own pocket but I know that it's not easy for her. Besides the tuition the meal plan with commons cash/ credits are very useful. I suggest that you get very familiar and understand the difference between commons cash and credits because if you don't understand them, you will run out of them quick, trust me I know.
Tips for prospective students
In order to be successful at Indiana State you should be willing to do the work and be determined to reach your goals.
Great for these types of students
I feel Indiana State is for students who are ready to make their lives better and want to be very successful. They give you alot of hands on training and opportunities to experiment with whatever your major is.

Dillion from Sullivan, IN

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Indiana State University is a great college for everyone across the globe.
All my classes have been personal enough that I get the attention that I need and still do not stick out.
Everyone that I have met since I have been on the grounds has jumped at the opportunity to help each other.
Tips for prospective students
Take the chance and come here. I love this college!
Academic Rigor
All my class have been academically challenging, but I never had a shortage of help in completing something I did not understand.
Dorm Life
I am not currently staying in the dorms but the ones I have been in have been set up really well.
Food and Dining
I have had better food at other colleges.
They are all really kind and have many different kinds of food.
What to do for fun
I usually just hang with my friends but I know that there are plenty of clubs and fraternities on campus to join and be a part of.
Bang for the buck
I love this college and the price tag the major factor. I am still glad I chose it.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The walk though the arch to officially become a tree is fun!
Great for these types of students
The lawn and the water fountain are great for the nature lovers! I know that I enjoy it all very much.
Clubs and Activities
I currently work too much to participate but I have been invited to a lot of clubs that seem to be really fun.
Campus Safety
The police here are really nice.
They all want to honestly help you with what ever you need.

Hannah from McCordsville, IN

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I have just completed my first semester of college here at Indiana State and I have gained a lot of knowledge in and out of the classroom. I had two large lecture classes and one teacher learned the names of everyone in the class and was always willing to help. She even sat down with me to plan out my next semester and I plan on going back to her if I ever have any questions about more of my classes. The rest of my classes were small and the teacher was always willing to work with you to ensure you understood what you were doing and emailed you back right away if you had questions. I am very satisfied that I will receive an excellent education here.
Am enjoying being here
I love being here at school so much. I worried about whether or not I would fit in or if I would find any friends here, but I immediately knew that this is where I was meant to be. I also became best friends with my roommate who I picked at random along with the two girls next door and I plan on being friends with them for the rest of my life. I am on the track team and I have clicked really well with the other people on the team, especially the other freshmen within my specific event. I can't imagine being at any other college right now and having as much fun as I am right now.
Bang for the buck
Indiana State is definitely the cheapest state school and many people do not consider it a very good school, but as long as you apply yourself and try to be apart of clubs or other activities, Indiana State is just as good as any other school. There are many scholarships to apply for and financial aid is willing to work with you to help you save as much money as possible. The student to teacher ratio is also excellent to allow ample time for one on one work.
Tips for prospective students
Come to college with an open mind and be prepared for anything. It is a time for you to find new friends and develop lasting relationships. Go out and meet people, and be active with other members of your college. College is a very diverse place and it is a time for you to expand your experiences, and dive into new and different opportunities.
Great for these types of students
Indiana State is great for anyone. It has ample degrees and majors to choose from and even allows you to create your own major if it does not have exactly what you want. It has the most diverse campus population among all colleges in the state of Indiana to meet people for all walks of life. It is also home to about 12,000 students to be a good size campus while still being a Division I school as well.

morgan - seymour, in

researching this school
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Greek Life
housing is great and the greek letters are very close
Tips for prospective students
i went on a visit recently and the campus was just gorgeous! i love the size! you can probably walk across campus in 15 minutes. i love it and is definitely one of my top choices. i recommend taking a visit!!!!
Academic Rigor
i love the campus a lot. everything just seems perfect. i recommend taking a visit
Campus Safety
probably the safest public college i've ever seen
Clubs and Activities
you should always be involved in something. it would be stupid not to. there is so much to do
What to do for fun
so many activities it's not even funny. the rec. center is astonishing.
Food and Dining
the dining hall is enormous
Dorm Life
very nice rooms with areas on each floor to hang out in. some even have an in-dorm bathroom.
In three sentences
great size. friendly faculty. amazing programs and benefits.
Great for these types of students
it's great for people who prefer to walk everywhere. coming from a bigger city may be a culture shock. it is a small and fabulous town.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
the fountain is cool
Bang for the buck
tuition is a little below average cost and there was so many free services thay you really get your money's worth out of everything

Milton from Chicago, IL

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Indiana State University is a great school. They have a lot of student resources and really focus on their retention rate. Lastly every student is bound to get involved on campus.
Tips for prospective students
Come to Indiana State University with an open mind and try to reach your dreams to your full potential.
Academic Rigor
Students are challenge on daily basis but if you adapt to the learning you will succeed.
Dorm Life
The living environment is awesome you'll meet new friends instantly.
Food and Dining
There are multiple options for food everyday, you'll even try new things.
What to do for fun
For fun I hang out with my friends or is with people from the multiple organization that I am involve in.
Bang for the buck
They really stress on the care of the student so you can talk to anyone around campus for advice, roommate, problems and etc.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The fountain
Great for these types of students
Students who want to have fun, relax, or study. It's a great view and the climate is outstanding.
Clubs and Activities
The resident hall executive board, Student government association, BOMB, and E.L.E.G.A.N.C.E
Greek Life
The greek life is wonderful and anyone who is involve creates some type of bond or brotherhood/sisterhood with the member in it.
Campus Safety
There is a help button by every building around campus and a police station on campus so most people feel safe.