Welcome to my campus guide, where all things Iowa will be discussed. I chose to attend the University of Iowa because of its diverse academic program offerings, and it is also a large state school in the Big Ten conference with plenty of amenities. The university is in Iowa City, Iowa, which is a nice college town, and there is the nearby suburb of Coralville as well. Here is my guide:

Where to Eat

Z’Mariks Noodle Café

Z’Mariks is a noodle place a block away from the center of campus. When I refer to the center of campus, I am simply referring to the famous Old Capitol building, the symbol of the university that is found on many photos. Back to the restaurant, it offers a variety of pasta and macaroni related dishes. Each dish is unique, and doesn’t taste like something you would find in a franchise restaurant. There are also rice bowls, which come in many different types. The food is not greasy, and is very tasty, which makes Z’Mariks a great place for lunch on campus.

Pancheros Mexican Grill

Pancheros is a franchise, but is not as widespread in the country. There is a Pancheros right across from campus, and it provides quick, healthy food resembling Chipotle. Pancheros offers bowls, burritos, and quesadillas and a multitude of fresh ingredients. Some highlights include queso and some great salsa for your meal. Pancheros is a great alternative to Chipotle, and provides an affordable lunch.

Basta

Basta is an Italian restaurant right across from the center of campus. The place offers a wide variety of lunch and dinner options, but is best known for its pasta and pizza. Pasta and pizza lovers will salivate at the many types of pasta and pizza dishes offered on the menu.

Best Places to Study

Main Library

The main library on campus is massive, consisting of three floors, and ample tables/seats to study alone, in a duo, or in a group. The library has a café on the first floor to sit down and eat or study as well. There are also special rooms scattered throughout the first floor that must be booked in advance. However, these rooms are blocked off from everyone else, and allows you to work diligently and quietly with a group, speak louder, and use a white board. The library at the university reflects an ideal academic environment, as the place is usually very quiet and welcoming for someone looking to get a lot of stuff checked off their list. The busiest times are during finals and the best times to study are later at night or on weekends.

Java House

Java House is a coffee house in Iowa City, a few blocks from the center of campus. The shop is enormous and always very lively, usually full of students. No need to worry though, as there are plenty of tables to accommodate the streams of student customers. This is a great place to get together with one person or a few and discuss/work on something over some sweets or a coffee.

Cortado

Cortado is a small coffee shop directly across the center of campus. The inside of the shop is very new and the place offers a chance to study or meet with another person to work on something together. Cortado also offers items such as sandwiches and salads on its menu, making it a welcoming place to visit anytime during the day.

Where to Shop

Coral Ridge Mall

In Coralville, there is Coral Ridge Mall, a heavily visited mall in the Iowa City area. On the weekends, there is usually no parking, as herds of people from the nearby vicinity come to shop. The mall looks relatively new from the inside and outside. There is access to Target, a food court, a movie theater, an ice skating rink, carousel, and plenty of stores. So, while shopping may be the primary intent of visiting, a trip can result in other great times, such as watching a movie, ice skating and enjoying dining options such as Chick Fil-A, Panera Bread, or a place called Zombie Burger.

Old Capitol Mall

Located right on campus, the Old Capitol Mall is a great place to shop at a few stores. Though the mall is smaller than Coral Ridge, many students on campus for the day come here to eat and take a break. There is an open area full of tables to eat, chat, or study. The two-floor mall has plenty of places to grab a bite to eat, including Noodles & Company, Chipotle, Freddy’s Frozen Custard, and some Asian cuisine.