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College Prowler

Academics

Most of my teachers are thoroughly involved with their students. That is the major advantage I see to attending a smaller university—the time the professors have to help students rather than research for their whole career. I personally find my classes very rewarding, but I am done with generals so every class has some appeal to me.

Athletics

Varsity sports are hit or miss here. It seems like once we get a good team, it’s gone the next year. However, they do provide a free source of good entertainment to enjoy with friends. Intramural sports are rapidly becoming more popular. They are thoroughly enjoyable, but don’t expect the refs to be even remotely serious.

Campus Dining

There are two locations directly on campus for food: Turner Hall and the student union building. Turner Hall is mainly for those who live in the residence halls, but it is open to the general public as well. There is a good variety of food there, and everything is all-you-can-eat! The SUB has a variety of food like soups, crepes, burgers, wraps, and even smoothies. It is always nice to go to the SUB on a cold day and get a hot chocolate before class, too! The staff is always very friendly, and I think that the food in the SUB is great and very affordable!

Campus Housing

The dorms are nice, depending on which one you live in. The most popular dorm is Turner Hall, but it isn’t necessarily the nicest dorm hall. Most of the athletes live in Turner Hall, and it is also the largest dorm. Other nice dorms are Nichols, Owen, and Shubert halls. The new Rendezvous Center is expected to have extremely nice living conditions for its tenants.

Campus Strictness

All on-campus buildings are dry, and the police monitor this closely. Warnings are given to first-time violators for drinking, and then action is taken thereafter. There is very little tolerance given for illegal drugs.

Computers

The network here is quite ahead of the curve compared to most other things. The wireless network is accessible in any campus building now. There are enough labs around campus that you can usually get a computer, but it might not be in the lab most convenient for you. Your own laptop here makes perfect sense with the wireless network, although laptop checkout is also available to students who purchase a computer account.

Diversity

ISU has quite a few international students, which brings a new twist to campus life. The International Student Association hosts their yearly International Night that provides students the ability to experience other cultures while eating ethnic foods. We are also a non-traditional campus, meaning many students here are older than the average incoming freshman because they are coming back from the work force to seek further education.

Drug Scene

I am not a part of the drug scene, but I know that it is there. If it is not something that you are into, then there is no problem finding things to do and people to hang out with who also share your feelings.

Facilities

The student union is so nice. There is a ton of room for meetings and study groups, food, computer labs, and more. The bowling facility was recently remodeled to include cosmic bowling and automated score boards. The game room has lots of nice pool tables, table tennis, air hockey, and arcade games. The Craft Shop always has a variety of craft activities for really cheap or free. The Bengal Theater was also recently rejuvenated, and good movies are always on the schedule!

Greek Life

Being a Greek, I can respond to this well. Greeks on campus are a unified group. Our Greek system here is growing, but is definitely not ‘small.’ We are some of the most active groups on campus, which is great fun. With choices in both fraternities and sororities, each student can weigh which fits them better. Greeks definitely don’t dominate the social scene, but we are a large part of it, helping out with both on- and off-campus events.

Guys & Girls

From a guy’s perspective, I would say there is a fair amount of good-looking guys on campus, but that is not what I am looking for. As for ladies—wow, there are tons of girls on campus into just about any activity that you like, whether it be ultimate Frisbee or choir or anything in between.

Local Atmosphere

Pocatello is a very laid-back community. It is a liberal stronghold in an otherwise conservative state. The closest major university is Utah State, an hour and a half away. Definitely stay away from the railroad tracks unless you like carnies and other transients. Any mountain around Pocatello offers great chances to engage in many outdoor activities, like hiking.

Nightlife

The parties are hit-or-miss. It seems like everyone wants to throw parties at the same time—which is really fun, hoppin’ between them all. The bars, at least the ones frequented by students, are all located well within stumbling distance of most student residences. Hooligan’s, the Office, Center Street, the Pressbox, Goody’s, and Charley’s are the main student watering holes.

Off-Campus Dining

We have great restaurants here in Pocatello. There is a good variety, from fast food to sit-down meals. Some of my favorite places here in Pocatello include: Johnny B. Goode’s, a charming ‘50s restaurant; the Grecian Key, something different with affordable prices; the Pressbox, a place to watch the game with friends but also inviting for families as well; Ross Park Drive-in, an old-school snack shop where you can get burgers, fries, and hot dogs on your way to Ross Park; Buddy’s, a famous place known for its wonderful Italian food; Food for Thought, a nice soupand-sandwich kitchen; and Senor Iguana’s with its great Mexican food.

Off-Campus Housing

Off-campus housing is great, and I would definitely recommend it. Don’t get me wrong, the dorms sound fun, but I rent a great little house just off campus. I have space—actual space—to put my stuff.

Overall Experience

The cost/benefit analysis of attending ISU shows that it is a good school to come to, especially for those living instate. It offers a decent education, lots of extracurricular activities, and a nice environment for a cheap price. I just wish that more students would be more involved in student organizations and activities provided by the program board. With more participation, the school would do more fun things.

Parking

I don’t drive, but I have noticed that if you have an early class then parking should be no trouble at all. As the day goes on, the parking lots fill up quickly. I would recommend getting a bicycle and using that during the warm months. It is easy and helps you stay in shape!

Safety & Security

Safety on campus is very good. ISU was actually rated the third safest school of its size in the nation; I think that says something. We have blue-light emergency poles throughout campus that have a phone with important numbers, such as Public Safety and the Pocatello Police. I also think the campus is well lit at night, making it easier for students to feel safe when they come home from studying or night classes. Our Public Safety does a great job at keeping our campus safe. They patrol the grounds 24/7 and will even come and assist students a certain distance off campus. You can call whenever you need an escort home.

Transportation

I don’t use public transportation because using a bicycle has been no problem at all. I have been able to get to everything that I need with a maximum of a 10 minute bike ride. Anything essential can be found close to campus.

Weather

This is typical Idaho weather which means that you have to be prepared for anything at anytime, from hot weather in the winter to snow in June. Definitely have a warm coat for the winter because it gets cold—real cold.