Upon first coming to the University of Iowa, there is so much to learn. It’s an information overload, and so much of that information revolves around locating campus buildings, operating the Cambus system, or finding the best food to eat in the dining hall. It can be totally overwhelming. At the same time, something worth learning to navigate is Iowa City itself! It’s a huge part of what makes the University of Iowa such a great place to be. As women in this beautiful college city, there are important staples we need to know! Where are the best place to get our nails done? Where can we go to get our fitness on? Where can we buy cute clothes to make it look like we’ve just come from a good sweat sesh?
Well, look no further because the ladies of Her Campus Iowa have helped to compile a list of the best places to do just that!
Brunch Restaurants
The Bluebird Diner @ 330 E Market St, Iowa City, IA 52245
The Bluebird Diner is a great place for families and college students alike to get a cheap and yummy breakfast.
Crêpes de Luxe Café @ 309 E College St, Iowa City, IA 52240
“Crêpes de Luxe Café is super small and cozy, plus they make their crepes into butterflies.” -Christina Hui, sophomore
Hamburg Inn No. 2 @ 214 N Linn St, Iowa City, IA 52245
“I like that it’s historical and small and cozy. Plus the food is delicious.” -Sarah Nelson, junior
Clothing Stores/Quirky Gift Stores
Four Seasons @ 201 S Clinton St #141, Iowa City, IA 52240 (Inside Old Capitol Mall)
Four Seasons is located so near to campus and all of its clothing is adorable—you can’t help but love it once you step inside!
Plato’s Closet @ 1801 2nd St #150, Coralville, IA 52241
“Plato’s Closet has tons of Hawkeye stuff.” -Shannon Nolan, junior
Ragstock @ 207 E Washington St, Iowa City, IA 52240
“Ragstock is one of my favorite places to shop! It’s cheap, pretty popular, and they have a lot of unique clothing.” -Rachel Green, junior
Raygun @ 103 E College St, Iowa City, IA 52240
Are you the kind of girl who loves quirky t-shirts? Do you also love the Midwest? What about complete and total sarcasm? Then look no further! With products ranging from t-shirts to stickers to beer mugs, you’ll be able to find something with a witty phrase that speaks to you.
White Rabbit @ 112 S Linn St, Iowa City, IA 52240
“White Rabbit is a cool place for clothes and cute little gifts!” -Carly Koemptgen, sophomore
Nail Salons
Candy Nails @ 201 S Clinton St #172, Iowa City, IA 52240 (Inside Old Capitol Mall)
Candy Nails is not only a great place for getting mani/pedis, but other spa treatments including facials, permanent makeup, eyelash extensions, and waxings as well.
Milady Nails @ 945 25th Ave, Coralville, IA 52241
“If you’re of age, you get cheap champagne when you get your nails done.” -Shannon Nolan, junior
V’s Nail Studio @ 20 S Clinton St, Iowa City, IA 52240
“It’s busy, but you can make appointments! My no chip lasts 3-4 weeks, and it’s only $25!” -Liz Panella, senior
Tattoo/Piercing Parlors
Iowa City Tattoo @ 393 E College St, Iowa City, IA 52240 (Formerly known as Nemesis)
“I’ve gotten two tattoos from [Iowa City Tattoo]. I love its vibe.” -Taylor Claman, junior
Release Body Modification @ 110 S Linn St, Iowa City, IA 52240
“I got a piercing at Release Body Modification, and the dude’s hair was longer than mine, but he rocked!” -Alex Seavey, junior
Yoga/Dance Classes
Hot House Yoga @ 224 S Clinton St, Iowa City, IA 52240
“They have $8.00 open house nights Mondays and Wednesdays. [It’s] so fun to get a group of girls going, and it is right next to Starbucks, so go over there for a treat before or after!” -Michelle Lee Kannenberg, junior
Lululemon @ N. Linn Street, #281, Iowa City, IA 52245
Lululemon is known for their cute (if pricey) athletic wear, but did you know they offer rooftop yoga classes? Like them on Facebook to keep up to date when classes and other events are offered.
University Dance Classes (For class credit!)
“I’ve taken the ballroom and Brazilian dance course, both of which I enjoyed.” -Taylor Claman, junior
Places to meet other girls/other important resources to know about
“The bathroom of any bar.” -Amy Luong, junior
Bowman House: Women’s Resource & Action Center @ 230 North Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA 52245
Bowman House serves as a safe place to go for people of any gender. They provide resources, such as support groups or counseling.
Nite Ride
Nite Ride is a gender inclusive bus system for late nights (10pm-6am) when the Cambus is no longer running. By calling 319-384-1111 or using their app, you can request to be picked up anywhere from Mayflower to Foster Rd.