Life in Iowa City

Law school is hard. Life in Iowa City makes it easier. Affordable and literary-minded, with plenty of things to do when you need to take a break from the law books, Iowa City also has a strong and distinct civic spirit—community matters here.

And because it’s located in a state that’s one of the first testing grounds for presidential hopefuls, Iowa City is also an ideal place to get involved in government, politics, and social justice.

Iowa City is your ideal law-school home

• Top rankings in multiple categories: one of the best small metropolitan areas for doing business; one of the best cities in America for singles; and one of the top smart places to live.
• Recognized as "Gay Travel Approved" by GayTravel.com and one of the few cities in the United States to receive 100 out of 100 on the Municipal Equality Index Scorecard by The Human Rights Campaign Foundation. 
• Big Ten sporting events—and all the Hawkeye solidarity that that implies. Take a break from studies and go to a Hawkeyes game. Iowa Law has a proud tradition of tailgate festivities.
• “Live from Prairie Lights” a reading series in one of the world’s most famous bookstores, featuring renowned authors and up-and-comers from all over the globe. UNESCO has designated Iowa City a “City of Literature”—one of only seven in the world.
• A site of presidential politics. Visit the Hamburg Inn, a family diner that’s a regular stop for candidates during the Iowa Caucuses. Spot the presidential hopefuls and media personalities who come courting—and order a “pie shake” while you’re there.