I can't comment as to Ames or Iowa State, but UMASS' is a pretty nice campus - although, I would not recommend living on-campus if you can help it. The graduate dormitories are cramped and somewhat depressing. There's really not much in Amherst, proper. Northampton is a bit of a drive from the university, but it's worth it to have a better living environment. Granted, that implies that you would need a car or means of getting to the school reliably (as an international student, I'm not sure what's within the realm of possibilities for you).

Thank you. Good point. I guess I can have a car. Do you mean I can experience a better living environment in Northampton if I have a car there?

I mean that Northampton is more of a city - so it's more comfortable to live in; that's a matter of personal preference though. It's only practical if you have means of getting to the school - I wouldn't rely too much on public transportation - hence, having a car would be helpful.

UMass

Thank you FRaC for the comment. Have you visited both universities?....Please tell me why you think Umass is better?

thanks for the info guys.... for me, i go neutral

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Navaz, I really want to help you, but I don't have a clue! sorry :(( I know nothing to share with you :(

I graduated from Iowa State arch undergrad, so I will be as subjective as I can be.  Ames is a relatively small community.  The university itself is largely agricultural and engineering based. The design college (to me) was this amazing little nest of ideas.  The faculty are great.

The university campus is very compact.  I would say no car is necessary if you live on campus and the bus system is(was) just fantastic and free if you attend the university.  Be aware: You are not in a city.  Even Des Moines, the Iowa capitol isn't that big in the grand scheme of things.  Really, life is quite simple and very very cheap, since a majority of the services in the city are geared to students (with typically low amounts of disposable income.)  I would say living to be very comfortable.

Hello，pkolbo

Do you know anything about the MArch program? I am also having a problem choosing between UMN and ISU.

I am looking forward to hearing some details about quality of the MArch.

I appreciate your help.

thank you very much pkolbo for your help.....These advice really helps.

So, Ames is a slow-paced, relatively safe place to learm and grow.  Got my BS in Pych there.  I only new one grad from the masterss of Arch program.  IMO, it was definately more theoretical than technical.  Much like the BArch there.  If you want to focus on your education, Ames is a great place because there just isn't much to do besides study.  I agree with everything pkolbo said.  I lived as far out as one could and there was still very efficient bus service there.  Yet I do recommend living closer to campus.  Lots of gross new apartment homes out in the southwest side of town are to be avoided.  Campus is where you want to be if you want some kind of connection to social life outside of class.  Don't have anything to say about UMass.  Don't know.  I do imagine the people to be less accomodating and personable out east, but that's because everyone I know from Eastern cities have more concern for themselves than the reality -based, corn fed intellectuals of the midwest. Plus, you get to experience Iowa weather which is very extreme in winter/summer.  Loved it so much I now appreciate from afar.

Thank you very much. since I post this forum, I searched about both cities and universities, asked many people about them, and considered all the comments here......I do appreciate your help....it worked out for me a lot . The most important thing is that I like Iowa state university more than Umass.......I also think the weather will be so lovely for me as Osl8ing said. I am choosing to go to Iowa state university after all. Thank you all.