<p>I'm applying to Grinnell College soon. But I hear Grinnell College's really far away from cities, that it's in the middle of farms??
Is Grinnell really isolated from the outside world? I mean, will students get bored of the life there? and... what's the students like in Grinnell College?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>THE TOWN
I visited Grinnell this October for one of the college's "discover grinnell" programs. I was really worried as I took the exit off the highway because it did seem really crappy in terms of its size and the buildings I saw. When I got closer to the campus and the "downtown" I was a bit relieved because the town was at least clean and nice. Although it doesn't take long to get to farms, I really thought that the idea of grinnell being "in the middle of nowhere" was quite the exaggeration. On campus I got the impression that students actually don't get bored there; there are a lot of clubs and activities that are going on, and the campus has enough nice areas that you can just hang out in.</p>
<p>THE KIDS
For the most part, the kids I talked to gave me a good impression of the school. Everyone was pretty laid back, and the class I attended gave me the impression that most of the kids do make an effort to study, read the material, etc. I would probably describe the campus as being fairly liberal; this is sort of difficult to substantiate but the students' attitudes and dress seemed very laid back. There were no abercrombie polos or northface bookbags to be found. This obviously isn't completely true, but in general i think it would hold. Also, I didn't see many sportsmen or women; the school doesn't seem very "jocky." </p>
<p>i'm also applying to some other top lacs and I think that the grinnell has a good feel on campus. You should definitely visit a school like grinnell because some could be easily turned off by it if the location is a really big factor.</p>
<p>My son is a student there and loves it. The students are serious about acadmeics but love to have a good time and seem very accepting. The college makes up for what the town lacks. I notice from the website they even have speakers scheduled during fall break--a lot of students stay on campus. Visit if you can--it's a beautiful campus--but if you want city life, you won't find it there.</p>
<p>I concur with what bethievt said. The school provides many activities and events for the students. I've heard from numerous parents that their children can't fit in all they want to do. Students will go to Iowa City or Des Moines and both are about an hour away. Although the school is located in a rural area, that contributes to the quality of life and the experience at Grinnell. While it isn't for everyone, the students sure do seem happy, and I know my S is very happy with Grinnell.</p>
<p>The fact is that many good LACs are pretty isolated or in not-so-nice towns. Colby, Bates, Middlebury, Oberlin, Hamilton, Colgate... But, because Grinnell is in Iowa instead of on the east coast, I think it takes more than its share of "middle 'o nowhere" hits. There's a lot to do on campus, and virtually all events are free. Not to mention that there are 1500 students there to befriend. My son just graduated - he probably only went to Des Moines 3 times in four years.</p>
<p>how is the town surrounding grinnell?</p>
<p>thank you all.
so are most of the students from Iowa state? or mainly not local people</p>
<p>Grinnell is a smal (9,000) midwestern town. It has some good restaurants, but there's not a whole lot going on. The campus is LOADED with activities--concerts, movies, performances, speakers, student clubs and organizations.</p>
<p>The students come from all over the world. There are more from the midwest than from other parts of the US, but all areas are represented. I believe about 10% of the students are from outside the US and the college is looking to increase this %age.</p>
<p>There are TONS of things to do on campus
Plenty of activities during weeknights and weekends.. free shuttle to either Iowa City or Des Moines or the outlets... I really love Grinnell, it's like academic paradise. I do find myself online shopping more than ever before, but other than that I don't feel very isolated.
Oh, our international students are 13% of student body, 15% of 2011 class.</p>
<p>bethievt sw717
How did you know that I am a international student!!!
That's so magical!</p>
<p>sorry for asking so many questions. I just don't have many information sources for colleges. I'm EDing to Grinnell and I just wanted to know better about it.</p>
<p>I translate</p>
<p>Good luck with your ED! In my opinion, there isn't a better college anywhere if you're looking for a small, cohesive learning community.</p>
<p>Itranslate</p>
<p>i am an international student, too and when i was applying i didn't think that location mattered at all. well, it is in the middle of nowhere, and grinnell city is not really a city (it's a TOWN:), but it's a nice town. there are quite a few restaurants, one movie theater:), it's clean and nice to walk around. besides that there really isn't much to do in the town.
the campus, however, is always full of live. there are interesting events all the time and really i have never felt isolated. </p>
<p>i don't know how important the location of the college is for you, but i'd say grinnell makes up for its location in so many ways, that it should not deter you form applying. g'luck with ur ED and maybe i'll see you on campus next year:)</p>