Iowa Students' Favorite Pastimes And Hangouts

what do students do for fun at university of iowa

The University of Iowa offers a wide range of activities for students to enjoy outside of the classroom. With over 600 student organizations, students can develop their leadership skills, engage in civic activities, and connect with others who share their interests. The most popular student activities include sports, Greek life, business and non-profit organizations, and various groups dedicated to specific interests. Students can also take advantage of the vibrant downtown area, which often features concerts, comedians, and other events. The university also offers opportunities for personal development, such as studying abroad, and promotes multicultural programs through its Multicultural & International Student Support and Engagement (MISSE) team.

Characteristics Values
Number of student organizations Over 600
Types of student organizations Sports, Greek life, business organizations, non-profit organizations, dance groups, technical skills groups, multicultural groups, etc.
Popular student activities Football games, homecoming, concerts, parties, bars, studying in the library, yoga, sightseeing
Student Leadership & Engagement opportunities Leadership and Engagement office, Campus Programs and Leadership, Service, and Civic Engagement office, Fraternity & Sorority Life office
Multicultural & International Student Support Multicultural & International Student Support and Engagement (MISSE) team promotes multicultural programs and creates a "Home Away From Home" atmosphere through four cultural centers
Online portals for student organizations Campus Labs
Student-run organizations Campus Activity Board (CAB) provides alcohol-alternate programming and hosts events such as the CAB Haunted House and WinterFest

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Sports and societies

Sports are a popular choice for many students. Football is especially big, with most of the town getting involved in the festivities. The University of Iowa Hawkeyes also have basketball, baseball, wrestling, and gymnastics teams, among others.

There are also a plethora of student societies. One of the most popular activities is raising school spirit, with athletic booster organisations like The Hawk's Nest. There are also pre-professional societies, like Medicus, which provides pre-health students with opportunities to interact in a clinical setting. The Tippie Optimist Chapter is a business and volunteer organisation where students can listen to inspiring guest speakers. There are also charitable and nonprofit organisations, religious groups, and fraternities and sororities.

The University of Iowa also offers leadership development opportunities through its Leadership and Engagement office. This includes programs like Hawkeye Service Breaks and the Dance Marathon, as well as organisations focused on civic engagement and promoting multicultural programs.

With so many options, students are encouraged to get involved and explore their interests from the moment they step onto campus.

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Greek life

The University of Iowa has a rich history of Greek life, with fraternities and sororities representing 14% of the undergraduate population. Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) is an environment where students can belong, serve, lead, thrive, and succeed.

Students involved in Greek life at the University of Iowa can expect to build strong friendships and connections through their fraternities or sororities. These organizations often provide a supportive network of peers with shared interests and values. Social events, parties, and other activities organized by the fraternities and sororities offer members a vibrant social life and the opportunity to form lasting bonds.

In addition to social aspects, Greek life at the University of Iowa also emphasizes leadership development and community service. FSL programs aim to empower students to become leaders and make a positive impact on their community. Members are encouraged to take on leadership roles within their chapters and participate in various service initiatives. This could include organizing fundraising events, volunteering for local charities, or participating in community outreach programs.

Overall, Greek life at the University of Iowa offers a well-rounded experience that combines social engagement, leadership development, community service, and academic support. It provides a sense of belonging and camaraderie, fostering personal growth and lasting memories for its members.

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Business and non-profit organisations

The University of Iowa offers a wide range of student organizations and activities catering to various interests, including business and non-profit organizations.

For students interested in business, the Tippie Optimist Chapter is a popular choice. This volunteer-based organization provides opportunities for members to listen to inspiring guest speakers during meetings. Additionally, the university hosts activities in the field house, rec center, and dorm room events during the weekends for those who do not consume alcohol.

The University of Iowa also has a strong focus on community engagement and social impact, with various non-profit organizations and initiatives. The Larned A. Waterman Iowa Nonprofit Resource Center, celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025, is a notable example. The center provides resources and insights for nonprofit leaders, including a recent statewide Salary & Benefits Survey Report.

Student organizations at the University of Iowa are separate legal entities and are not treated the same as university departments. They offer a great platform for students to pursue their interests and contribute to the community. These organizations are required to complete an annual re-registration process, ensuring they remain active and compliant with university policies.

With a variety of business and non-profit organizations available, students at the University of Iowa can develop their professional skills, network with like-minded individuals, and make a positive impact on their community.

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Parties and nightlife

The University of Iowa is known for its vibrant social scene, with students frequently partying and socialising in the town. The university town has a lively downtown area with plenty of bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Students at the University of Iowa enjoy a diverse range of nightlife options. The town offers a variety of bars and pubs, where students can socialise, relax, and enjoy a drink. For those who prefer a more energetic atmosphere, there are also clubs and dance venues where students can dance the night away. The university's sports teams, particularly the football team, are a significant source of school spirit and pride, with many students attending games and related social events.

Students at the University of Iowa also have access to a variety of on-campus events and activities. The Campus Activity Board (CAB), a student-run organisation, provides alcohol-alternative programming and hosts events such as the CAB Haunted House and WinterFest. The university also offers a range of student organisations and groups that host social events, such as fraternities and sororities, providing opportunities for students to connect and socialise with peers who share similar interests.

For those who enjoy a party, the University of Iowa delivers. Students report that there is always something happening downtown, with frequent parties and social gatherings. The town's restaurants and bars are popular venues for student nights out, and the university's own events, such as Homecoming, are also significant occasions for socialising. Students can also join groups such as the Tippie Optimist Chapter, which organises social events alongside its volunteer work.

The University of Iowa's party scene also extends beyond traditional nightlife options. Students can enjoy a range of unique experiences, such as sunset viewing by the Iowa River, trying out the famous Mexican bulldogs cocktail, and indulging in the town's renowned food scene. The university's close proximity to downtown means that students have easy access to a variety of entertainment, including concerts and comedy shows.

Overall, the University of Iowa offers a vibrant and diverse social scene, with a range of nightlife and party options to suit different tastes. Students can enjoy a variety of on-campus and off-campus events, making lifelong memories and connections while also pursuing their academic goals.

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Student leadership and engagement

The University of Iowa offers a plethora of opportunities for student leadership and engagement through its Leadership and Engagement office, which comprises three offices: Student Engagement and Campus Programs, Leadership, Service, and Civic Engagement, and Fraternity and Sorority Life.

The Student Engagement and Campus Programs and Leadership, Service, and Civic Engagement offices offer programs and organisations that empower students to develop their leadership skills, engage in civic engagement, and network with peers to exchange ideas and drive positive change. They also organise popular events like the Hawkeye Service Breaks, Dance Marathon, and Homecoming.

The Fraternity and Sorority Life office fosters an environment where students can develop a mutual understanding while serving others and pursuing academic excellence. There are four councils at the University of Iowa, and the team provides a comprehensive guide for parents and families to support their students' recruitment journey.

The University of Iowa boasts over 600 student organisations, ranging from groups focused on skill development to those celebrating various dance forms. These organisations provide a platform for students to cultivate leadership qualities, feel a sense of belonging to the university, and enhance their academic performance. Students are encouraged to get involved from the moment they arrive on campus, allowing them to develop essential skills like time management and expand their community network.

Additionally, the Multicultural and International Student Support and Engagement (MISSE) team plays a vital role in promoting multicultural programs on campus through diverse events and organisations. With over 100 multicultural student organisations, the University of Iowa fosters an inclusive environment, providing cultural experiences, service opportunities, and educational programs to the campus community.

Engagement advisors are also available to help students explore and cultivate their interests. Through individual appointments, these advisors assist students in creating actionable plans to achieve their goals.

Frequently asked questions

The University of Iowa has over 600 student organisations, ranging from sports to Greek life, business and non-profit organisations. The most popular student activity is attending football games, with most of the town joining in the festivities. Students also enjoy partying, with something happening every night, as well as going to bars and downtown events such as concerts and comedy shows.

Iowa City has a coffee shop for every type of person. The Java House is popular, especially for its latte foam art, but hipsters prefer High Ground. Writers frequent Prairie Lights. For food, the Hamburg Inn serves huge portions—just make sure you leave room for a shake or malt! For a sugar rush to start your night out, try the crème brûlée cupcakes at Cactus’s Mexican.

There are plenty of student organisations to join at the University of Iowa, including the Campus Activity Board (CAB), which is a student-run organisation that provides alcohol-alternate programming for the community, such as the CAB Haunted House and WinterFest. There are also over 100 multicultural student organisations that provide programming, service, educational programs, and cultural experiences. Students interested in medicine can join Medicus, the undergraduate pre-medical society, which provides pre-health students with opportunities to interact in a clinical setting.

The University of Iowa hosts many popular events, including Homecoming, Hawkeye Service Breaks, and the Dance Marathon.

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