Iowa State University

Iowa State University is a public, land-grant university, where students get a great academic start in learning communities and stay active in 800-plus student organizations, undergrad research, internships, and study abroad. They learn from world-class scholars who are tackling some of the world's biggest challenges -- feeding the hungry, finding alternative fuels, and advancing manufacturing. Iowa State University is known worldwide for excellence in science and technology, discovery and innovation, and a student-centered culture with faculty and staff dedicated to student success

Why Iowa State University

• Campus: Iowa State's picturesque 19-hectacre campus features a quiet lake and a park-like setting. Located in the geographic center of the U.S., Iowa State offers a pleasing mixture of urban and rural life. Iowa State's central campus was one of only three colleges to receive the American Society of Landscape Architects medallion award given to outstanding landscape sites. The book, The Campus as a Work of Art, proclaimed Iowa State to have one of the 25 most beautiful campuses in the country.
• Athletics: Iowa State is a member of the Big 12 Conference and the NCAA (Division I). The Cyclones field 18 varsity squads — 11 women’s and seven men’s intercollegiate teams.
• Student activities: Iowa State's Student Activities Office manages the recognition process and event authorization for more than 900 student organizations. Student Activities also provides arts and entertainment programming at the Memorial Union, including the Maintenance Shop (live music venue), Cy Bowl and Billiards, and Workspace (arts and crafts center).
• Recreation services: Iowa State's recreation services’ programs and two outstanding indoor facilities — Lied Center and State Gym — make it easy for students to stay active. The department is in the process of upgrading two outdoor facilities to expand its recreation programming. More than 11,750 students participate in intramural sports.
• Four seasons: Iowa State is in the temperate weather zone which means that there are four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and sunny. Most students wear shorts or light pants, and short-sleeved shirts and T-shirts in the summer. Autumn begins very warm, turning cool and crisp in October. Winters can be very cold, ranging from 1º C to -25º C. Snow falls during the winter, so be prepared to bring or buy a warm winter coat, hat, scarf, mittens or gloves, and snow boots. Spring brings warmer temperatures, with frequent rain showers.