Governors State University
University Park, IL, USA

Reviews

Governors State University

Briana from Richton Park, IL

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Academic Rigor
I enjoy how small the classes are! Being in a class with 25 or less people is better than sitting in a class of 250+. Teachers know your name and really make themselves available to help when you need it. They give you their office hours and their contact. Walking around the school is a peaceful environment. There are some days when there are tables set up if you are ever interested in getting involved at the campus.
Dorm Life
The new dorms are wonderful but the walls are very thin! You can hear whats going on upstairs and downstairs. The lounges are very nice and they have community kitchens for those who apply for a suite here in the dorms. I currently live in an apartment with 3 other people. Your roommate is selected upon the questions on how you like to live when applying for the dorms. You also have the choice of applying for the academic year or 12 year contract for the dorms. The dorms do have boring moments but think of that as time to do homework. You can bring a car to campus and apply for parking as well.
Food and Dining
The food is okay. Nothing to really make your stomach happy. The food is very expensive here. They are on a contract so they can't change up the menu. There are no walking distance restaurants around, nor is there a bus system to take you there.
What to do for fun
I like to workout, play volleyball, and hang with friends in the dorms but, I do wish the council would create fun activities for the students here to get us more involved.
Bang for the buck
This is the cheapest education you can get at a 4 year college for In-state and Out-state!
Clubs and Activities
There aren't many clubs here yet but, the basketball team is great and will become a official team in 2015-2016 school year. Other clubs will turn into teams as well. For now, the 2014-2015 was not the year of the clubs. Activities are planned at GSU but, not many students get involved because it doesn't interest them or it doesn't work into their school schedule. There are some activities that get people really involved and it becomes a big success.
Greek Life
The president doesn't want greek life on campus
Campus Safety
There are police station boxes set up all around campus, all you have to do is push the button. Also, during orientation you'll be given the GSU police number just in case you need an escort or if you run into trouble.

ME

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I love going to Governors State University. I can go to school closer to home and at my own pace. Its cheaper than other schools with as good as, and many times BETTER teachers than other schools and the class sizes are great that I can get one-on-one help to an extent that ensures my education.
Tips for prospective students
Don't be afraid to ask questions and be yourself. This school is very encouraging, I have not met anyone that has shot someone down for a 'stupid question' so don't be afraid to explore and have questions and be open, you will be accepted and you will go a long way, further than if you just try getting around by guessing.
Academic Rigor
It depends on the teacher but the work is challenging, in a good way. Its not like you cannot pass, if a student applies himself/herself, he/she will absolutely pass and will benefit as a result, however grades are not given away for free, just becasue the school is one of the cheapest in the state, do not think that the school is a bad school, Governors produces graduates that can compete with graduates of some of the best private schools (and their current students can compete too, I should know!)
Dorm Life
I am not sure of the dorm life (I don't think there are dorms, perhaps there are apartments at most)! But the schooling is cheap enough and financial assistance helps make paying rent easier than if you were trying with the same income at some other school that is for sure! And no need to split rent with a roommate because the cost of living is better than if even trying to rent an apartment in Chicago trying to go to a school up there.
Food and Dining
I am not too sure about the main campus food (I am a satellite campus student), however, when there is food ordered for different satellite campus events, the food is pretty good. The snack machines are descent, but what is great is that the satellite campus is located in an area that is central to a lot of great dining. A 30 minute break between classes can be a nice relaxing meal not just a quick run to a gas station or grocery store.
Great for these types of students
This school is fantastic for people returning to school, those that want to work at their own pace, early entry students (if they meet criteria), people that prefer night school or online school, and so forth. I was able to complete my B.A. at a pace I was absolutely comfortable with, I was surprised how quickly I completed it, the time just flew by. Additionally, you can complete some courses are the junior college level and it transfers (if you take the courses at eligible transfer colleges).

Charles from Plainfield, IL

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Tips for prospective students
The faculty/staff are very eager to help and want all returning adults to thrive/succeed.
Academic Rigor
There are many tough instructors, but are very helpful.
Food and Dining
The school offers a lunch cafe.
What to do for fun
There are many school clubs and organizations to get involved with. The school offers a basketball court, racket ball courts, a swimming pool, and weight/workout room.
Bang for the buck
Over, I have had a great experience so far with Gov State.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The university is on a statue park. There is artwork and a trail that surrounds the school. It is very cool.
Campus Safety
The school is very safe with classes getting out at 10:30pm. The school offers a shuttle through the parking lots and to the train station. There are safety patrol officers that will walk students to their cars, if requested.

Jessica from Oak Lawn, IL

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I would have to say in the almost two years that I have been here, the pace seems perfect. The science courses are a little more fast paced, but that is okay because it's college and we can't have everything handed to us anymore, right? The teachers are here almost everyday and are constantly reminding us to come whenever we need help. The books so far have been relevant to the course which is a shock to me because I have had a lot of courses in high school that were terrible. I've kept my GPA high and hope to continue to do so.
Am enjoying being here
The only bad part about being here is that I live almost an hour away and the class times offered are sometimes not the best. There are a lot of mid-afternoon classes...the worst time to drive, especially in the winter. And once you're within a mile of the school there are no stop-lights so it takes forever to get up to it if you're going or leaving at rush hour. I wish the science labs were better, coming from Moraine which were brand new, this was kind of a let down. But! They did just set construction into motion and the entire science building is getting redone, so it will get better.
Bang for the buck
It is the cheapest University in Illinois. Although I think it personally stinks that I busted butt in high school and community college and didn't get much except loans, I can't complain because I'll still be leaving with about 80% less loans to pay than all of my friends.
Tips for prospective students
Get your application in early, and check their websites for scholarships. I qualified for only about 6 out of 43. It offers a lot for specific majors and minorities. Join a club! I didn't join because with my schedule I might have 3 online courses and be there one day a week, and that one hour twice daily gets to be a lot on the gas tank.
Great for these types of students
Education, Biology, Psychology, PT

Richard from Crestwood, IL

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Governors State University has the cheapest tuition of any 4 year university in the entire state of Illinois. It is literally in the middle of a cornfield, however highly qualified instructors fill the walls of GSU.
Tips for prospective students
Take advantage of the university gym, pool, tutoring center, writing center, library... just everything. Its all included with your tuition so there is NO EXTRA COST for anything!!!!!
Academic Rigor
These highly qualified teachers don't take anyones guff and adhere to a strict code of conduct that is unsurpassed. Coming from a community college, the first day of class was a big kick in the butt for me.
Dorm Life
Dorms are in construction and will be available spring of 2014.
Food and Dining
kitchen on site serving hot food, treats, and even starbucks!!!
What to do for fun
Pool, billiards, work out room, table tennis, all FREE!!!!
Bang for the buck
Coming from a community college the transition was easy coming to GSU, the campus pretty much is on one site with the exception of the computer lab department, and the child care center.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Im sure kids play in the cornfields that surround the school.
Great for these types of students
Great place.
Greek Life
Not interested
Campus Safety
You should feel safe that you are a at a school full of prospectful criminal justice students, and many security and police personell.

Joan from Hazelcrest, IL

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I am an Rn that would like to complete training for a BSN degree. I am very determined to complete the program.I am very focused and I never give up easily.
Tips for prospective students
Stick to your goals.Make sure you follow the study plan given to ou from your counselor.
Academic Rigor
study and study.
Food and Dining
The food is always served in a warm and friendly atmosphere. I really love their soups.
What to do for fun
I always have a good time swimming and using the rec room.
Bang for the buck
I think this school is doing a good job,I know past students that also say it is cheaper than most. Mostly everyone gets a good vibe.
Great for these types of students
Students who work.
Campus Safety
The campus has security,and they always are making rounds to monitor unusual activity.

Tracey from Markham, IL

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I will rate GSU on following guidelines at the top, there is no going off the beaten path. Outstanding when it comes to degree selections. Maintenance of the facility is superb.
Tips for prospective students
Tips for prospective students please ask questions. Get clarity on all information. Study hard your success comes from what you put into it.
Academic Rigor
The instructors move at a fast pace. They will take time to assist you if your having trouble. There is a wonderful tutoring program that will suit almost all academic class. The writing centers is valuable to you take advantage.
Food and Dining
Food is awesome..
What to do for fun
There are tons of extra curricular activities
Bang for the buck
Feasable tuition.
Great for these types of students
Great any students who want to further their academics.
Campus Safety
Security is visible.

Kyndria from Chicago, IL

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I believe that Governors State University is a great school. They have great professors. The counselors are great and are always available when you need help with financial needs and career planing.
Tips for prospective students
Keep in touch with your college advisors because your time there could move much smoother.
What to do for fun
They have different events for the student almost every months which students are notified by email and on campus.
Bang for the buck
Cheapest University i have ran across.

Rachael from Merrillville, IN

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
GSU has great academic resources in the library including tutoring and essay writing skills.
GSU advisers are very helpful and always willing to make time to complete your plan of study.
GSU has a friendly and open campus that provides a comfortable learning environment.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure to utilize the resources! There is tutoring, help with writing papers, and many clubs/organizations to join
Dorm Life
There are no dorms on this campus
Food and Dining
The food is good and offers many healthy choices, however it can be kind of expensive.
What to do for fun
The library has a good selection of books and the student activity center is great:TV, game tables, couches, etc
Bang for the buck
Very affordable education
Great for these types of students
Great for continuing education and older students who work during the day
Clubs and Activities
Variety of activities and clubs for any hobby
Greek Life
There are honor fraternities
Campus Safety
I definitely feel safe on campus, I always see police cars when I walk through the parking lots at night, there is an emergency button, and if you want a police escort they are more than willing to offer assistance.