Road Trip: Chicago's Illinois Institute of Technology

The author is not far off on his assessment of IIT. It is true, we are a tech school and get excited over things that most people at other schools never heard of. So be it. However, the barren comment is not a grossly over-stated observation. After the first week of school is over (which happens to include rush week), a lot of people like to shut themselves in. Sure, you see plenty of people between classes walking to or from one, but besides that, if there isn't a place to plug in a computer or game console, it's not widely used (but not ignored either). I lived in the dorms for a week before I moved into a greek house (ohhh no! I'm greek, judge me now dormies). And that seemingly short week in the dorms as a young and hopeful freshman was enough for me to get a feel for IIT. I lived in MSV (which I have heard is easier to be sociable in than SSV). I roomed with a friend of mine. But that's all I knew. EVERYONE kept their doors shut. No one said high to each other in the halls and whatnot. It took my roommate and I a surprising amount of effort to finally meet our floormates and begin friendships. It shouldn't have been so hard considering we were all 10 feet away from each other! As for professors, yes many are foreign, but still plenty of Americans. And I have had my share of terrible professors (be it bad teachers or not understandable) but also a fair share of excellent teachers. After 4.5 years, I'd say it's about even. Unfortunately now, new administration cough-President Anderson-cough, is sifting through the academic departments and cutting (I mean "encouraging to resign") tenured professors who are all subject matter experts. We now have an influx of young, eager, and much less capable faculty. Same goes for the athletics department. And in his brief time as head honcho, it seems one of Anderson's favorite past-times is dicking with the greek system. I understand that going greek is not for everyone, no argument there. But for some, it's ALL there is. Going greek is single-handedly the only reason I (and many others) stayed at this school. Being in a fraternity has taught me more about leadership, community service, the working world, friendship, networks, and just about everything else more than IIT has (outside of classes of course). And it seems every week (every semester at least) IIT is coming up with new ways to discourage students from going geek (like establishing a "housing" scholarship this year created solely so that they can take it away if a student moves into greek housing).

All in all, don't expect any surprises from IIT. Expect difficult classes that actually DO prepare you for the future. Don't expect to see a bustling life outside of the first couple weeks of school. Expect some people to know more about your gamer profile than you. Expect clubs you've never heard of, but are actually interesting and fun to join. And if you want closer friendships, more social life, and better networks, go greek.

No Alumni Donations From Me of IL 2:51AM November 03, 2010

Please, avoid this university. I'm a student there and I'm very disapointed with them.. When I visited the campus i got a bad feeling but I though it was for the cold weather. But after 6 month there I can say that it's not a good university. Even if you never have been here you can say that because it's no americans over there (neither teachers nor students). It's said that in a good university you will find a lot of diversity, but what they have there is not diversity. I'm international stuent, so one ot the things I wanted to improve was my English. There you can improve your indish or chinish or maybe talk in your own language because it's plenty of people from your country. So, the question that you have to make yourself is: why a university located in the middle of a city with more than 8 million people lacks of american teachers and students? My answer is, if you have a bad quality store near to your house, you won't go there, so that what's happen with IIT and american students/proffesors.

There's more reasons that i will like to tell you, including bad academic quality and bad customer assistance (after paying them, of course). That's why i'm preparing a web site to advice people not to go there. They took my money but I hope nobody will be tricked again after reading my web site.

The engineer of IL 9:54PM November 01, 2009

Especially with the basketball issue! There were multiple pleas made, petitions written and signed, and support raised for the basketball team! Some of the other parts are true, but on a weekday, the school is amazing. don't get me wrong, its no state school but its not death valley. And "entertainment" is not just bars and bowling alleys, there are tons of clubs, many sporting events, and almost always someone to hang out, watch a movie or play video games with. IIT is not a place for everyone, but there is a lot going on. This article is not totally outrageous on most things, but i just wanted to point those things out.

Shanon Ludden of IL 3:43PM August 24, 2009