I personally enjoyed the downtown hotel... Dive bars yards away plus the creepy sports bar in the lobby and the underground pool/gym made for some eventful group study sessions. If I recall correctly the mall has a brewery/restaurant that was worth a visit (Fox River, maybe?). One guy in my class had a car, an asset that proved invaluable for grocery trips and general travel when necessary. Strongly encourage bringing one of you have the means.
Also, check the schedule for the Curling club downtown. Drinking PBR with the locals while they tried to teach us to sling rocks is still one of my fondest memories.