Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus
Indiana, PA, USA

Reviews

Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus

Laura from PA

a current student here
15 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
All of my professors push me to do my best. They offer help at any time of the day. I never used to enjoy Chemistry, let alone do well in it, I was very scared that I wouldn't be able to make it as a physical therapy major. My Chem 111 Professor made Chemistry fun and easy to learn. I made deans list that semester and am continuing to do well in the subject. My Chemistry Professor is the same as the other professors in that aspect; they care a lot.
Am enjoying being here
The environment is amazing. The people are very down-to-earth and diverse. You will find your best friends and your otherhalves.
Bang for the buck
You can pay for your college at a decent cost and not have to worry about paying loans off for the rest of your life for the same education as someone going to a private university.
Tips for prospective students
If you introduce yourself to everyone in your classes and who live around you you will always have a study partner or someone to share interests with. There are also peer mentors and CA's that will be happy to help you out. Do not be afraid to ask questions, including to your professors. If you show your professor that you really care they will help you more.
Great for these types of students
This university is great for out-going and intelligent students. If you love the laid back life of the country but the same exciting people as a city, this will be perfect. If you also want to save some money and live more worry-free about debt then this is the choice for you too.

Erin from Pittsburgh, PA

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
IUP is a great school, no matter what you have heard. The education is great, the professors are personal, the dorms are brand new, and the food isn't half bad either. I would highly recommend it to anyone searching a welcoming and comfortable school.
Tips for prospective students
GO TO INDIANA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA!!
Academic Rigor
I have found most of my classes to be fairly moderate in the difficulty and workload. English 101 is killer, some classes are easy, some are average it all depends on the professor.
Dorm Life
The suites are brand new! You can have your own bedroom, the kitchens are furnished with a microwave and mini-fridge, and you have a bathroom located in your suite. You are spoiled at IUP as far as dorming goes.
Food and Dining
The quality of the food depends on where you go. Fosters Dining Hall's food isn't so great, but it is buffet style. The HUB (our student union) has a make-your-own pasta and salad places along with a hamburger place, Chick-Fil-A, and a sandwich shop. Folgers Dining Hall has a pizza place, a wrap station, oriental food, home foods, Quiznos, and Starbucks. You can used meal swipes at most places and flex to cover the rest.
What to do for fun
You could go hang out at Indiana Mall or Walmart. There are also some interesting stores along with the Jimmy Stewart Museum on Philadelphia Street in downtown Indiana.
Bang for the buck
It's cheap compared to other schools in Pennsylvania.
Great for these types of students
Great for all types of students, especially education majors!
Clubs and Activities
There are infinite clubs and activites you could join. There are all kinds of religious groups, anime club, sports teams, residence hall association, everything! There's even video games club.
Greek Life
There are tons of opportunities to go Greek at IUP. There are honor, religious, themed, and just fun fraternities and sororities to join. Don't miss out!
Campus Safety
IUP is a very safe and secure campus. The dorm building lock after 8pm every day. Each wing of the dorm building is always locked. Your dorm room door locks and so does your bedroom door. Your bedroom windows lock and will not open more than 6 inches as a safety precaution. The police are always around and there are emergency buttons located around campus. If you press that button the police will be there within 2 minutes. It's very safe.

Freshman 09

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
All of my current professors are very helpful with everything I need. I have plenty of time to ask for help before tests and study. The course load isn't too difficult and there is always help around campus if tutoring is needed.
Am enjoying being here
The environment is peaceful in a rambunctious way. As ridiculous as that may sound, I simply mean that there is a calming effect that the town has, but there is always something going on. Whether you are a artsy person or a thrill seeker, you can always find something to do.
Bang for the buck
You get way more out of the school than you pay for. The tuition is significantly lower than expected for everything we are offered. From the living facilities to the professors, you are paying for a terrific place to be.
Tips for prospective students
Expect cold weather in October, but mostly expect amazing unity. The IUP campus is big and holds 14,000 students, but you feel so involved when you are here. Whether you join the paper or just play frisbee with friends in the Oak Grove, you will see how unified the students are.
Great for these types of students
IUP is for someone who wants to escape high school. It is such a drastic change and the campus helps you adapt to life so much better. The town is quaint and the people are friendly. Anyone who wants to enjoy the next four years would love IUP.

Adam from York, PA

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I have completed my freshman year at IUP and I absolutely love my college! The campus is very open and easily walkable with lots of trees and quads in the living areas. I love the feel of being on my own while still living in a semi-structured environment.
Tips for prospective students
Come see the campus, do a walking tour with a campus guide, and consider applying over the summer decision day visits offered by the University. That way, you could alleviate the stress of the unknown of the college application process, and enjoy your senior year at high school knowing that you've already been accepted into a great college!
Academic Rigor
Academic rigor is top-notch. I learned a great deal during my freshman year, and I expect to continue to broaden and deepen my knowledge base in the coming years.
Dorm Life
I love living in the newer residence suites that are part of the dorm offerings. I live in 4-person shared quad, and it feels like living in a 2 bedroom 2 bath apartment. I have become very close with my roommates and will live with them again during my sophomore year.
Food and Dining
There are so many types of eateries on campus, and they are building even more. I love the Quiznos and Folgers Dining facilities. The food selection is varied.
What to do for fun
I enjoy working out in the student gym at the Hub. The facilities are expansive and clean.

I have also enjoyed attending football games, basketball games, and concerts on campus.
Bang for the buck
I am getting a top notch education for a fair price, vs. attending an out of state university and paying triple the costs.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
IUP Patties is a St. Patty's Day tradition on campus.
Great for these types of students
All students, especially students who are looking for a good value for their educational dollar.
Clubs and Activities
Baseball club, lifting club, sports, etc.
Campus Safety
Safe campus.

Elkin Hall CA ''09-''10

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
All of the professors that I have had made sure to make the class interesting as well as informative. Each professor made it nearly impossible to fail his/her class. That's not to say that the classes are easy. The classes really challenged me to learn more and study harder, but it is way worth it. Also, the mandatory classes such as English and History aren't the same boring classes from high school. My professors made sure that what we learned in class could be applied to life in some way. This helped me to stay focus and learn more.
Am enjoying being here
The very first day I became great friends with my roommate. I was very lucky. Then I began making more friends, getting involved in clubs and such. Trust me when I say that there is something for everyone. If you like football you can either join the team or watch the games. If you're into ultimate frisbee IUP has a team waiting for you.

Also, the campus is within walking distance of great fast food and a grocery store. AND there's a starbucks on campus that you can use Flex dollars (basically IUP money) rather than cash or debit/credit.
Bang for the buck
When I was considering IUP I attended an open house in the summer before my junior year in high school. I met the head of my department (Journalism) and when I had him as a professor this spring semester, he recognized me and worked with me to achieve the goals we had discussed nearly two years ago. That's what I call a dedicated professor.
Tips for prospective students
As always, studying and grades are important, but don't forget to have fun, make friends and experience new things. College is what you make it, always remember to study and get the grade that you want, but grades aren't the only reason you're going to college right? Good grades, new experiences, new friends and fun. Those are your keywords.
Great for these types of students
You'll definitely want to get involved in the numerous activities IUP has to offer. Within the residence halls alone there are clubs such as the Residence Hall Council (which is a lot of fun). There are also sports/sporting events, greek life, and clubs such as PRIDE Alliance, SOAR, Anime Club, Art Association, Asian Studies Club, Boxing Club and many more.

Jeremy from Monroeville, PA

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Indiana University of Pennsylvania indeed has a highly accredited school of music. I am privileged to attend there, and be taught by some of the most educated and talented professors that music education has to offer.
Am enjoying being here
IUP is in a beautiful setting, but also relatively close to grocery, fast food restaurants, and department stores. Even if you do not have a car, the campus runs a shuttle hourly to met you needs to go into town. Although IUP has been tagged as a party school by many, and like anywhere else, you can party, it is up to you to get involved in constructive extra-curricular activities; of which there are many.
Bang for the buck
Regarding my major, Music Education, IUP by far offers the best education for the money, by comparison to other colleges in Pennsylvania.
Tips for prospective students
Study, stay busy with constructive activities, get involved in a fraternity that does charity and volunteer work on and off campus. Take advantage off and enjoy the many performances that are available on campus; concert and theatrical performances by students, professors, and professional entertainers alike. Get the most for your money regarding; education and time, and also have fun, but, BE SAFE. don't let things cloud your own better judgment.
Great for these types of students
My major, Music Education, which is a very rigorous schedule by the way, has not left me much opportunity to get to know much about students outside of my major. What I do know is; again, if music is your forte, you can not go wrong at IUP. Outside of the classroom, you also have the opportunity to participate in the Marching Band, The Legend, along with performing at football games, and various campus events, this band travels all over the U.S. and in the past has performed in Paris France by invitation. It is a rewarding experience and great way to make friends and have some outstanding travel experiences.

Kianna from Philadelphia, PA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
indiana university of pennsylvania is a very beautiful, peaceful enviornment.
indiana university has a lot of helpful recources, programs, organizations and clubs.
indiana university of pennsylvania employees care about and try their best to help students.
Tips for prospective students
for prospective students, i would say organization, time management, and good study skill are all useful when trying to recieve the best grades.
Dorm Life
the dorms/suites located on the campus of indiana university of pennsylvania's campus are very beautiful, peacful and relaxing. there are also quiet areas and computer ;abs inside dorm buildings where students are able to complete their work in a quiet enviornment without having to travel to the library.
Food and Dining
there are multiple places to eat on campus. there is an iup dining hall, as well as fast food restaurants. many of them are healthy choices that sell foods such as salads, wraps, and other foods that are low in calorie.
What to do for fun
almost every night, there are always events available to attend. if you need a break from doing work, or you are just tired of being in your dorm, you could go to many social events that are held on campus. there are often on campus parties to attend as well.
Bang for the buck
iup is very inexpensive and very affordable.
Great for these types of students
any type of student will feel comfortable at iup because it is a diverse school with many different types of clubs, organizations, and programs for every ttype of student to join and be apart of.
Clubs and Activities
anything that you are interested in, whether it is a club, sport or hobby, it is definitely available here at iup. there are many clubs and activites available for every type of person.
Greek Life
greek life is wonderful at iup. different soroities and fraternities always have social events where everyone is welcomed to play games, have discussions and enjoy refreshments. everyone is invited, not only soroity/fraternity members
Campus Safety
campus safety at iup is very useful and effective. iup's police is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week whenever they are needed. for any problem, situation they will always come quick to help. there are also places to aid, guide and counsel rape, or abusived victims.

T from Indiana, PA

a past student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
IUP was an amazing college experience for the price. I was highly qualified for my first teaching job, and it was in Florida (they sought IUP teachers in that district). The social life was great but so were the classes.
Tips for prospective students
One regret: not utilizing semester abroad that was available. DO IT WHEN YOU ARE IN COLLEGE!!!
What to do for fun
Sports, Clubs, Programs, Chill
Bang for the buck
Great as a BEST BUY experience.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
1) Sidewalk Chalk in the Oak Grove was an amazing way to see issue-charged artwork.

2) Jack-o-lantern contest on the steps of Waller Hall in the Oak Grove!

3) Senior Walk bar crawl.
Great for these types of students
Middle class kids looking for an affordable yet worthy college experience.

Krissy

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Although I have only attended IUP for one semester I learned a lot. The professors I had were some of the nicest people I have ever met. They not only are extremely smart but they are also very helpful. They have office hours most days of the week but if that doesn't work with your schedule they are very flexible and will figure out something so you can meet with them. Meeting with your professors is something that really helped me to do as well as I did, they pushed me and told me I could do anything I set my mind do no matter how hard it may seem.
Am enjoying being here
I can honestly say that IUP is a place I enjoy being. I attended IUP my first semester of my freshman year, I wanted to get away from home and be on my own. I was so excited to be there but then I got really home sick and ended up transferring to a college by my home and went there for the spring. I regretted my decision big time and missed IUP so much. I ended up going back to IUP some weekends to visit because i missed it so much there. It has an amazing atmosphere with amazing people. There is always something to do there and the campus is beautiful. I can't wait for this fall semester to start because I want to be back there so bad. I wish I would have been more involved my first semester that way I wouldn't have become home sick and stayed there the whole time.
Bang for the buck
The tuition is very reasonable at IUP, that was one thing that put me to ease about going to school here. I know my brother is attending college this fall as well and the school he is going to is twice as much if not more than mine is. The only thing i will say is that the new on campus housing is expensive. Don't get me wrong it is extremely nice but pricey. I am living off campus this year and my rent and bills for 2 semesters is about the same or a little less than one semester of on campus living.
Tips for prospective students
Meet with your professors if you are struggling or having problems, it's like everyone always says it's not like high school they won't always come to you and say hey you aren't doing so well do you need help. They want you to come to them and show that you care and are trying. They won't turn you away they will do the best they can to help you out and get you to understand, you just have to ask and put forward an effort.

Christine from Pittsburgh, PA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
IUP has a very welcoming and friendly environment.Lots of diversity and fellowship on and around campus. Very homey feel to it.
Tips for prospective students
Challenge yourself to find new and interesting avenues to explore, whether it may be a new class or club.
Academic Rigor
Classes here at IUP are challenging and push you to truly be the best student you can be. There is a class on just about anything you can imagine- from Stagecraft to Gender and Women's Studies. Make sure to take advantage of your opportunities around you.
Dorm Life
The best part is that the rooms have a bathroom in them. Every room has a fridge, microwave, and kitchen sink. Overall an awesome experience living in the dorms!
Food and Dining
Plenty of variety and options for all types of eaters. The new North Dining Hall is huge and has a bunch of options. The food here is pretty good, and most of the time you can find at least one place that is open.
What to do for fun
There is always so much going on here at IUP. Every student receives a daily newsletter called The Beak that details some of the activities going on that day and for the week. There is always something to do if you just look!
Bang for the buck
Coming to IUP will prove to be a great decision. Always make sure that you are getting your money's worth out of it, whether it be by joining clubs or finding your niche in another organization here at IUP.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The best place on campus is the third floor of the Stapleton library. A great place to study or do homework without having to worry about being distracted. Seriously, try it for yourself, you'll love it!
Great for these types of students
IUP is great for all types of students. They welcome everyone with open arms and there is an abundance of services on and off campus to benefit your academic success, mental health, and overall well-being.
Clubs and Activities
There are over 120 clubs and organizations to get involved in on campus. Why not try one... or three... or twelve?
Greek Life
Plenty of sororities and fraternities that you can join. Just make sure you do your research so you know what your sorority or fraternity support before you join.
Campus Safety
IUP Police do a great job at patrolling the campus, both during the day and the night. We have a blue light emergency system, and you can always see at least one in sight all over campus. Campus is well lit and definitely safe.