Sorry,
@Coopah. I've been studying for our next anatomy test this week and I just now saw your post.
Genny covered pretty much everything. Ames is just a very nice place to be and everyone is friendly. Definitely agreed with Genny about the traffic; if you stay on/near the vet med campus, it's not usually too bad outside of game days. Main campus is sometimes a little crazy... I've been taking CyRide to my rabies vaccination appointments for this reason--I really,
really do not like driving around the main campus. Thankfully, vet med is pretty isolated and it's rare that we do have to go there. Speaking of that, there is a surprising number of public transit options available if you won't be bringing a car (there's a couple people per class who don't, I think) and there's lots of sidewalks if you prefer to walk to school. We're pretty bike-friendly from what I've seen, too. Genny mentioned the trailer park and, yeah, probably the majority of students do live in or near Old Orchard. I personally am living in an apartment about 1 mile away from vet med but I do walk through Old Orchard to get to class everyday, and it is definitely one of the nicest trailer parks I've ever seen. I may actually look into moving there within a year or two if possible; it is cheaper than where I am currently at.
ISU, while it is known for its focus on public health, does a very good job in offering multiple classes for pretty much any species focus you could want. In addition to all of the small animal focused classes, there's LOTS of beef, LOTS of dairy, a decent amount of swine and small ruminant, and a good helping of exotics/zoo/wildlife options available, as well. Aquatics and poultry are exceptions, and there's really only one or two super pertinent on those topics offered, but poultry med in particular is offered as a 4th year rotation if that's your thing (in which case, let's be friends!). I would agree that the faculty definitely encourage us to try new things and explore as many facets of the veterinary profession as possible, and we have many student organizations and clubs that help facilitate that. Lots of wetlabs and lunch/dinner talks, which are always a blast.
I'll offer my PM inbox, as well, if you've got any more specific questions. And that goes for everyone here. If anybody interviewing on the 15th-16th during the afternoon session, I will be assisting with white coat fittings so also feel free to ask any questions then or even just say hi!