Hey guys, I'm a student here at the University of Iowa, and I'm also applying this cycle.
Iowa City does not have the largest population, but it doesn't feel like a small and dinky town. Because it hosts a college campus, there are many cultural events and big-name artists that come in to perform. In fact, in a couple of weeks, Lupe Fiasco is dropping by to give a free concert to all UI students.
The medical campus is pretty, but there is still some construction going on around here. There's a big downtown bar scene, and at night, the middle of the city is always packed.
You will find some undergrads annoying (drunk and drunk) at times, but the opportunities here are pretty abundant, and life is not boring as small-town Iowa would seem to portray.
Feel free to ask me any questions, Carver is very high on my list, as I've had a good time in Iowa City for the past few years.
Pros: -bustling nightlife
-medical campus is cutting edge
-lots of cultural and musical events
Cons: -bustling nightlife
-quiet in the summers (a pro for some)
-winter snow and ice/ summer humidity can get annoying (I don't mind it, but some people I know don't care for it)