West Side Best Side: Pros and Cons of Living on the West Side at Iowa | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

West Side Best Side: Pros and Cons of Living on the West Side at Iowa

Though I might be a little biased...

20
West Side Best Side: Pros and Cons of Living on the West Side at Iowa

Okay y'all. I was a west sider my freshman year, and for the most part, I absolutely loved it. #SlaterGangOrDie. But I'm sure all my west siders can agree with this list of pros and cons.

Gym Facilities/ Recreation

Pro:

The field house is literally right across the street - AKA no excuse to not work out. Thankfully we didn't have to walk ALL the way down Burlington to get to the rec, that would have been awful.

Con:

What's up with the 17 flights of stairs just to get to the workout room in the field house? And that weird rickety staircase? And why is all the equipment kind of janky? How am I supposed to tone my glutes when that brunette chick is always on the only stairmaster? Remember when I had to workout with the power out? #What?

Dining

Pro:

Lucky for us, Hillcrest has a dining hall, so we don't have to go all the way to Burge when we're hungry... which is like, always. And I still remember when the burger bar first opened. Hello Heaven.

Con:

Honestly not clear on why Hillcrest refuses to feed us on Sunday nights. A girl's gotta eat.

"Lay of the Land"

Pro:

If you're smart, you found out that there's a shortcut behind Hillcrest that dumps you out at the bridge. You get to class a lot faster that way.

Con:

The shortcut involves the steepest hill you will, literally, ever climb in your life and if you don't hold on to the railing you might fall down and/or get knocked over by some idiot on a bike. Also, no one can tell me they ever climbed up that incline and didn't have a sore butt the next morning. No one.


Public Transportation

Pro: We become extremely skilled at figuring out bus routes.

Con: The only reason we have to take the bus is because the weather has reached the negatives, there is black ice on the ground, and I'm genuinely concerned for my health and well-being if I try to walk to class rather than fight the hordes of people also waiting for the 8 AM bus.

Ambiance/Community

Pro: We become our own little quiet community, away from all the hustle and bustle of the east side and the downtown. A sort of west side family.

Con: None.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

25085
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

10449
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7666
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments