This may sound cliché, but the first time I stepped on The University of Iowa campus, I fell in love. At that point I had already accepted my offer of admission, so I was relieved that it lived up to all of the expectations that I had created in my mind. While this year has been challenging, there are still so many things about the University of Iowa as a whole that I will miss this summer and that make me proud to be a Hawkeye.
1. The atmosphere
The best feeling is walking around campus on a nice day when you can literally feel the happy vibe radiating off of everyone around you. This, plus the beauty of the Pentacrest, just makes an amazing combination. However, even when the weather isn’t perfect, campus is still very pretty and enjoyable. One of my favorite parts of my day is walking over the bridge to get back to west campus after a long day of classes. I am drawn to the water, and it is just so beautiful (P.S. sorry to everyone that folows me on Snapchat that has to endure my daily picture of the river).
2. Because campus is so huge, it is easy to find friends
One of the scariest parts about coming to the University of Iowa for me was the huge campus. I didn’t know if I would love it or wish I went to a smaller school. At first it was intimidating, but after a while I realized that since there are so many people, I was bound to find the friends that I needed in my life. Also, sometimes it is nice not knowing everyone around me becasue I don’t feel like I have to impress anyone. If I am having an off day where I look like a hobo, chances are that I won’t see most people again.
3. The food options
This is both a blessing and a curse because I have definitely become more addicted to Jimmy Johns, Chipotle and Starbucks since coming to college. Since campus is so close to downtown, there are so many places to go to grab either lunch or dinner or even coffee. I got extremely sick of the dining halls after only a couple months on campus, so I resorted to going downtown for most of my meals. This has taken a toll on my wallet, but I feel super lucky to have all those options so close to campus. Also, it is also pretty easy to find healthy options, which helps prevent the freshman fifteen.
4. There are so many options for places to study
Whether is it is a bookstroe, coffee shop, library or random building, it is very easy to find somewhere perfect to study. I usually love to study in either the Library by the cafe or in the Petersen lobby. Also, when it is nice out there are many places outside to go like the Pentacrest or outside of your favorite restaurant.
5. Hawkeye Spirit
I love seeing all of the Hawkeye apparel and laptop stickres as I walk around campus. So many people have so much pride and love for this school, and it just really adds to the positivity of the atmosphere. Game days are extra special and unlike anything I have ever experienced. Many colleges have spirit, but I think Iowa really overdoes it in such a great way.
Overall, The University of Iowa has so much life and personality. There is something special to find in every day, and I am so proud to be a Hawkeye. <3