Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL, USA

Reviews

Western Illinois University

Stephenie from Chillicothe, IL

a current student here
15 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
There are a varity of subjects on campus apply to the different types of people here on campus
Am enjoying being here
I love it here because it's only 2 hours from home. There aren't a lot of things to do here but you can make the most of it by going to the Square, Library, and Rec Center.
Bang for the buck
Once you apply and are for sure going here, your tuition will never change if the university decided to up the tuition price
Tips for prospective students
Apply early for housing and request for a roommate your first year of college. It's a great way to transition with someone else who is it your same situation.

Wren

a current student here
11 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I would say that there are many opportunities to learn here at Western, but sometimes I feel like I am not always getting quite the quality education I desire. It is a public state-funded college after all. Although I occaisionally feel like I'm just attending beefed up highschool classes, I also keep in mind that I have very interesting and challenging classes as well, and that I am still only at a Sophomore level. Overall, I think the professors here leave in the student's hands a little more to expand there knowledge of their subjects, which makes sense because students are just as responsible for their education as the professors are. Overall there are a lot of majors to choose from, as well, and plenty of subjects to study. They also have an awesome library.
Am enjoying being here
Macomb may seem like a boring small town to most people, and well, it pretty much is. But I come from a small town myself, so I guess I'd probably prefer that to a big city any day, and it is only 3 hours away from where I live. There are a lot of student clubs and organizations anyway, and a lot of interesting people (artists, social scientists, authors, etc) come to lecture at Western and attending their talks is always well worth it. If you enjoy a quiet, small town environment, you will love it here. The campus is the perfect place for a nice walk and a plethora of interesting sculptures to look at and has plenty of trees and a beautiful lake to study or relax at. There is also the Union with foodcourts and a Rec Center if you like to work out and stay fit.
Bang for the buck
Western is probably one of the most affordable of Illinois' public state schools, and probably in general. They have a tuition lock, so your tuition and even your room and board freezes at the cost of the first year you enroll. Western is the only school in Illinois I think to offer this, and one of the few in the whole country. It is definitely worth taking advantage of.
Tips for prospective students
I'd probably get your dorm room or apartment as soon as possible, because housing in Macomb/Western fills up fast, and there are a lot of students living in the dorms. I'd also visit the Scholarship early and often, and apply for any scholarships as soon as possible.
Great for these types of students
Great for any student probably, but most likely for those who are used to small-town settings, or want a quieter environment to learn and study in.

Samantha from East Dubuque, IL

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Not only does Western Illinois University offer a great deal of programs, but there is also a wide variety of people on campus helping to enhance life experiences.
Am enjoying being here
There are many on campus activities and clubs to join in that there is never a dull moment.
Bang for the buck
WIU was the first university in Illinois to freeze tuition for incoming students. But now they have expanded on their great offer to freeze room and board as well. Also they have many scholarship opportunities for students of all grade levels.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure to apply early for housing and scholarships.
Great for these types of students
Western Illinois University is a great school for students who are out going, and enjoy a challenge.

Madison from Roodhouse, IL

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I have learned more in one semester than I feel like I have learned during all four years of high school. At first it was a real struggle trying to adjust from the high school atmosphere of getting straight As with little to no effort, to actually having to deal with failure from time to time. It is really a satisfying feeling to reach an earned grade that so much hard work is put into. I could not ask for more knowledgeable and enjoyable to be around faculty either. They keep me motivated to do well and they are extremely supportive when failure does occur and only try to suggest ways for it to be avoided in the future. They offer a ton of help, time, and resources.
Am enjoying being here
I do not think I could have picked a better fit for a college. My main reason for choice was that it is one of only two in the state that offers my major, Music Therapy. The other was that it was closer to home than the other option, yet still far enough to get homesick. All of the other great things have just come along while I have attended. I love the campus size because it is very big for me, coming from a high school class of 71, but still small enough to create many friendships and feel a sense of belonging. My farthest walk from my dormitory last semester was only about ten minutes and they also offer a bus system but I choose to be green. Like I said before, the faculty, food, and exercise options are great. Besides academics and daily living, there is so much to do with all the possible people to meet, movie theaters, restaurants, music, and there are so many clubs. I joined the Chi Omega fraternity and am involved with the campus recyclers, the Green Energy Team. It is definitely not hard to keep busy!
Bang for the buck
This university is one of the cheaper in the state and it is amazing because there is still so much offered. Two of my favorite aspects, included in the costs, are the recreation center that offers fitness classes from cardio to weight lifting to yoga and also has an entire gym of equipment, three floors, an indoor pool and hot tub, basketball courts, a floor of ellipticals and stationery bikes, and so much more. The second is the food options that have rarely dissapointed me. I especially love the fact that there are vegetarian, which I am, options everyday and sometimes even vegan.
Tips for prospective students
Only getting ready to start my second semester, all I can advise is: It is worth it to prove to professors that you care and give it all you have. It can only benefit you in the end. Also, get involved with hobbies or groups you can relate to because it brings great and new experiences and friends. Lastly, it is always necessary to have a little fun, but be sure to stay on top of the studies. It is not worth it to party every night and get bad grades. You are in college and paying for a reason!
Great for these types of students
Ready to obtain a great deal of knowledge, have many worthwhile experiences, adjust to college comfortably, and have a great time fulfilling all wishes and needs.

Kelsey Engle from Plainfield, IL

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
When I first started my classes i wasn't sure what to expect. i had never been in a lecture hall before and it was definetely interesting trying t come up with unique ways to make my notes organized. it was very challenging when it came to a few exams, in high school i was always good at memorizing material. However in my Zoology class my first semester at Western i realized i had to do much more than just study specifc definitions. Through all my unique classes i learned material that was mostly interesting to me and each professor tried their hardest in their individual ways to make the class fun for the students.
Am enjoying being here
Academic wise i am enjoying Western. the professors are great and really personable if your not in a class of 100. It's really important that you take the time to actually email your professors if you have any questions regarding the class. Trust me they want you to. It is better to ask the professors about the material your confused on or you'll regret it when it comes to exam time.
Bang for the buck
My time at Western has definitely been worth the money so far. If your from a big suburb, there are for sure some things you have to get accustomed to. You get a great education for a fair price concerning some other schools.
Tips for prospective students
This school is labeled as a party school but only you can make that decision. Everyone has a choice to either party every night or take time to actually study. It is a great atmosphere no matter what type of personality you have and there are tons of things to do, only if you feel up to it though. It being your freshman year, you will not know what to do with all your time.


Also make sure you apply for scholarships and housing early, it will only benefit you. I got the best dorm building my freshman year all because i applied for it more than six months beforehand.
Great for these types of students
every type of student is great here.

Meghan from Frankfort, IL

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Immediately stepping foot on campus I have transformed into a better individual with a higher education. Westerns motto is higher values in higher education, they apply this very well with their amazing professors, numerous extracurricular activities, and multiple job positions on campus that can better you as a student. Western is a great size school, with a diverse amount of colleagues who make the college transfer experience easier!
Tips for prospective students
Take a campus visit! We have beautiful residence halls of different statures, an enormous beneficial recreational center. A 5 story library with immense information for papers and helpful librarians. So many intramural sports that are fun to grab some friends and involve yourself in.
Academic Rigor
Classes are at a great size where they are not to big to not have the professions individual attention and not to small so you can seem familiar faces in them. Homework has been moderate at all my years here, and tests/exams are always announced and I have been well prepared for with reviews, study sessions, and with graduate assistant help.
Dorm Life
The residence hall rooms themselves are a great size where two people can live comfortably and four if you are in a suit. Some are co-ed (by floors) and very nice to have the first couple floors for honors students. The RAs are always great individuals who upkeep rules and regulations.
Food and Dining
The cafeterias always have something new and exciting to be served in their clean, nutritional, and affordable atmosphere. You have convenient stores in multiple spots on campus for a late night snack. In our union we hold a Sbarros pizza, burger king, and bagel shop. Swipe your WIU student card at ease to pay for everything you pay off your meal plan or pay with cash. You also can find great student jobs at these locations for the extra pocket cash.
What to do for fun
Enjoy a walk around our beautiful campus. Go to the recreational center to enjoy basketball, volleyball, raquet ball, running, weight lifting, swimming, or the sauna to relax. The recreational center always has a bunch of intramural sports happening from tennis, flag football, softball, volleyball, or even a paper airplane toss! Visit The Square which is our downtown area to look at the cool shops or the chow down on some amazing food!
Bang for the buck
With being a great affordable state school you do earn a great education for a reasonable tuition price that is locked in once you start your freshman year! There are several book stores that offer great prices on text books so you don't empty your pocket out immensely.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
5th floor in the library is the complete and utter silence floor. You don't even hear a pin drop!
It is said that some of the floors of the dorms are haunted which is always a scare around Halloween to hear about.
Haunted Higgins is a great haunted house on the very top floor of the residence hall around Halloween that is a great charity event that provides you with a scream while walking through.
Chicks in The Square the best chicken fingers they call lips you'll get anywhere dipped in their original famous sauce!
Great for these types of students
EVERYONE! Campus is diverse with so many different types of individuals, from rural, suburban, & urban and everyone gets along. It's great coming from Chicago and learning about someone growing up in the south on a farm.
Clubs and Activities
Scuba club, MMA club, or trivia at the library. Western seriously has it all and if your interested in it and we don't have it (highly unlikely) start your own club up! Western is great for their clubs and activities to have leadership roles in.
Greek Life
There is a ton of academic and social fraternities and sororities on campus. Whichever you decide to join they are a great bunch of individuals who help your transition into college much smoother and more enjoyable. Plus it never hurts to build your resume with highly looked at organizations!
Campus Safety
There is a student escort service on campus, especially for those late nights at the library where you just want to be safe and not walk home alone. However, I feel campus is very safe with our campus security and patrol that are always out and don't feel a need to use this service.

Andre from Naperville, IL

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Coming to Western was the best descion of my life. It is a great university and I plan to earn my PhD here.
Tips for prospective students
Focus only on class, all the fun stuff will find your way to you when its time.
Academic Rigor
The teachers are very hand-on and are wiling to stay after hours to help a student in need.
Dorm Life
Almost every dorm room has a great view of the campus, and are very roomy.
Food and Dining
the meal plan is amazing and the food is great too. Just be sure not to earn the freshman 15.
What to do for fun
I usually go to the rec for a good workout. Im kind of a sports fan.
Bang for the buck
When you attend WIU you definately get your money worth. U will rarely have to spend your money on anything. Food comes with the meal plan, the buses around the campus and city are free, internet is free, everything basically except for washing your clothes..thats about a $1.25 a load
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Students will paint the mascot statue a different color every week, or sometimes everyday
Great for these types of students
There is something for every one at western, you just have to look.
Clubs and Activities
There is a club for everything here, and if not then you can have one made the next day. and you will be in charge.
Greek Life
Greek life is live. They always have some type of something going on. and they do great community work also
Campus Safety
The camous is so safe that they have a number u can call 24/7 if you dont want to walk somewhere alone. They will bring someone to walk with you

Holland from Montgomery, IL

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The faculty for my specific major (music) is amazing. They are always pushing me to do my best and are very supportive and helpful.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved and make friends. When you move in, keep your door open and meet the people on your floor. You may not be best friends with everyone, but at least get to know as many people as you can.
Great for these types of students
Music, Education

William from Silvis, IL

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
One of the best schools in the Midwest for Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
Tips for prospective students
Apply for grants as WIU has many opportunities.
Academic Rigor
You must buckle down to get the full content of your courses.
What to do for fun
Attend sporting events and events for veterans.
Bang for the buck
Well worth the investment into your future career.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
None known.
Great for these types of students
Business and technical
Clubs and Activities
Veterans Club
Campus Safety
One of the best!

Dominique from Chicago, IL

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Bang for the buck
There's a bus system with nice bus drivers if you catch them on a good day. Has everything you can possibly need on campus.
Tips for prospective students
Don't miss class. If you do miss class and you end up emailing the professor, don't ask them 'if you've missed anything important?' b/c then they'll think you don't like the class.