The academics are very good, the housing varies greatly, and the price is going up. The NCAA greatly tampered with school funding so beware the price increases around campus. Also, bring good walking shoes.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Bring comfortable shoes! The campus is sprawling and it's a good idea to wear something comfortable to make a quick dash to your classes. Many underclassmen will have a much more varied schedule due to gen ed classes and may need to utilize several buildings rather than just one. As your class requirements get more specific you will likely find yourself only using one or two buildings at most. In my fourth semester I used three different buildings, but in my sixth I only used one. It may also be wise to bring good boots, especially if you have early morning classes (8am) as the plows usually don't come out that early to plow the snow. Remember this is North Dakota and winter is a real thing in the upper midwest. Bring boots and warm clothing; you will need it.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
They'll start you off fairly slow so you know what you're doing and to ensure you have a good grasp on the material. It's rigorous, yes, but they don't give you more than you can handle. They space out the due dates of assignments to give you enough time to not only do the assignments, but to ask questions. Remember to ask for help if you need it. Chances are you are not the only one having trouble as you advance through the classes (and years). I originally wrote this review as a freshman, but I am now entering my final year. Some professors will set aside special times aside from office hours for supplemental help with their classes. Particularly difficult classes, such as biochemistry and analytical chemistry, have this feature. Even if you think you have a good grasp on these subjects, it can't hurt to attend.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
Having lived in Dakota Hall for two (going on three) years I can say one thing for certain: many of these people have no idea how to live around others. My junior year was absolutely terrible as far as dorms were considered. The people above me would often have incredibly loud, vigorous sex (to the point my room would shake) and it took two months before the RA's did anything about it. My neighbors across from me would camp out in the hallway just outside my door frequently or would both go into the bathroom in the middle of the night to hold lengthy conversations that would be best held in their own rooms. Four girls in particular got our floor's kitchen shut down twice because of their negligence and poor hygiene, and since the RHD commandeers the entire second floor's kitchen for herself, that left one tiny kitchenette for three floors (or about 60-70 people total). One girl microwaved a can of soup (exactly that-- a soupcan) and wondered why the microwave had stopped working when she returned. It was a disaster.
The RA's are highly social people who are often gone and will often refuse to accept that something is amiss on their floor. I had to fight with them to fix the situation with my upstairs neighbors. Even the RHD didn't want to do anything about it. Dakota Hall is very poorly run. Crane is very well run but difficult to get into due to how the room claiming system works now. McCulloch is awful (very loud, foodfights, negligent staff, mold, alcohol despite MSU being a dry campus, etc). Cook is draconian about their rules. Lura is the only dorm I don't know much about.
Honestly, if you can afford it, I would opt for either a Beaver Lodge (repurposed FEMA trailer) or some kind of apartment. The dorms are simply not worth it.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
The food here has declined in quality pretty significantly since my second semester. A changeover of management to its current status may have been the cause, or it may have been less money going to the company and more being siphoned into athletics thanks to the NCAA. Food has become very basic meat-and-potatoes for most of the year, missing out on much of the interesting meals and creativity from my first year. While it's nice that we now have some new features like the waffle station, a softserve machine, and a new flavored water dispenser, these weren't things that we really needed.
Granted, the food is certainly edible and it will fill you up if you are hungry, but it is nothing spectacular. Very basic cafeteria food, and it's at least better than what I had back in high school.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
When you first get here you will give a magnet that gives you the dates of all the upcoming events for that semester. Of course, since many people like to drink, there are many bars in Minot if you are into the bar scene. Remember that MSU (and every other school in the North Dakota University System) is a dry campus. There are also block parties at the beginning of the year and other similar events as time goes on, such as movie premiers, plays, and powwows in the spring. Sports games should go without saying if you like athletics.
There is an event which takes place every August showcasing the various clubs the school has open, if you enjoy clubs and gatherings.
Minot does have a mall on the south end as well as some movie theaters and other facilities around the city. It isn't a terribly interesting place to be, but you are here for an education, not to party.
I am not really an outgoing person so I do not have firsthand experience with any of these so I have no real recommendations. You will have to try these for yourself.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
The school is very inexpensive and affordable, even for those who have the worst finances. For the cost it's definitely worth it and more, at least for the academics. I don't feel the dorms and food services are worth the money given the quality decline (and simultaneous price increase despite the decline). For those who are more social, this may not be an issue for you.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
The campus does have a great amount of diversity, whether it be political, national, or any other kind. Many students are not from the state (or even the United States) so there is a gathering of many ideas, thoughts, and backgrounds. The university prides itself on its international student programs especially.
I will say that it is a little difficult if you are not very outgoing. The RA's pester you to attend every event (there are only 2-3 mandatory floor meetings per semester, the rest are dorm activities) or to be social. Some professors will heckle you to join clubs, though that isn't as bad. If you are more of an introvert you may find yourself annoyed, but not threatened.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
Like I said, they have a club fair right at the start of the school year, usually on the same week as the first day of classes. There are MANY clubs to choose from, from gaming to politics, to science, to religion, to just about anything else. And hey, if you want, you can even make your own club. You just need to ask about it.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
The Greek system here has returned after being buried for about 25 years. The only catch is that you have to be a sophomore or higher to join, otherwise you just have to ask about it.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
Security patrols campus very often, especially at night. As of last year (sometime during summer 2014) many emergency stations were installed around campus if a person needs them. These stations are lit with a bright blue light and utilize a camera and call signal in case of emergency, whether it be something as severe as assault or if you are just not feeling well (even intoxicated) and need help getting back to your dorm. Having needed to use the campus security for a few things, they get to you quickly (usually under 5 minutes). It is quite safe.
The academics are very good, the housing varies greatly, and the price is going up. The NCAA greatly tampered with school funding so beware the price increases around campus. Also, bring good walking shoes.
Bring comfortable shoes! The campus is sprawling and it's a good idea to wear something comfortable to make a quick dash to your classes. Many underclassmen will have a much more varied schedule due to gen ed classes and may need to utilize several buildings rather than just one. As your class requirements get more specific you will likely find yourself only using one or two buildings at most. In my fourth semester I used three different buildings, but in my sixth I only used one. It may also be wise to bring good boots, especially if you have early morning classes (8am) as the plows usually don't come out that early to plow the snow. Remember this is North Dakota and winter is a real thing in the upper midwest. Bring boots and warm clothing; you will need it.
They'll start you off fairly slow so you know what you're doing and to ensure you have a good grasp on the material. It's rigorous, yes, but they don't give you more than you can handle. They space out the due dates of assignments to give you enough time to not only do the assignments, but to ask questions. Remember to ask for help if you need it. Chances are you are not the only one having trouble as you advance through the classes (and years). I originally wrote this review as a freshman, but I am now entering my final year. Some professors will set aside special times aside from office hours for supplemental help with their classes. Particularly difficult classes, such as biochemistry and analytical chemistry, have this feature. Even if you think you have a good grasp on these subjects, it can't hurt to attend.
Having lived in Dakota Hall for two (going on three) years I can say one thing for certain: many of these people have no idea how to live around others. My junior year was absolutely terrible as far as dorms were considered. The people above me would often have incredibly loud, vigorous sex (to the point my room would shake) and it took two months before the RA's did anything about it. My neighbors across from me would camp out in the hallway just outside my door frequently or would both go into the bathroom in the middle of the night to hold lengthy conversations that would be best held in their own rooms. Four girls in particular got our floor's kitchen shut down twice because of their negligence and poor hygiene, and since the RHD commandeers the entire second floor's kitchen for herself, that left one tiny kitchenette for three floors (or about 60-70 people total). One girl microwaved a can of soup (exactly that-- a soupcan) and wondered why the microwave had stopped working when she returned. It was a disaster. The RA's are highly social people who are often gone and will often refuse to accept that something is amiss on their floor. I had to fight with them to fix the situation with my upstairs neighbors. Even the RHD didn't want to do anything about it. Dakota Hall is very poorly run. Crane is very well run but difficult to get into due to how the room claiming system works now. McCulloch is awful (very loud, foodfights, negligent staff, mold, alcohol despite MSU being a dry campus, etc). Cook is draconian about their rules. Lura is the only dorm I don't know much about. Honestly, if you can afford it, I would opt for either a Beaver Lodge (repurposed FEMA trailer) or some kind of apartment. The dorms are simply not worth it.
The food here has declined in quality pretty significantly since my second semester. A changeover of management to its current status may have been the cause, or it may have been less money going to the company and more being siphoned into athletics thanks to the NCAA. Food has become very basic meat-and-potatoes for most of the year, missing out on much of the interesting meals and creativity from my first year. While it's nice that we now have some new features like the waffle station, a softserve machine, and a new flavored water dispenser, these weren't things that we really needed. Granted, the food is certainly edible and it will fill you up if you are hungry, but it is nothing spectacular. Very basic cafeteria food, and it's at least better than what I had back in high school.
When you first get here you will give a magnet that gives you the dates of all the upcoming events for that semester. Of course, since many people like to drink, there are many bars in Minot if you are into the bar scene. Remember that MSU (and every other school in the North Dakota University System) is a dry campus. There are also block parties at the beginning of the year and other similar events as time goes on, such as movie premiers, plays, and powwows in the spring. Sports games should go without saying if you like athletics. There is an event which takes place every August showcasing the various clubs the school has open, if you enjoy clubs and gatherings. Minot does have a mall on the south end as well as some movie theaters and other facilities around the city. It isn't a terribly interesting place to be, but you are here for an education, not to party. I am not really an outgoing person so I do not have firsthand experience with any of these so I have no real recommendations. You will have to try these for yourself.
The school is very inexpensive and affordable, even for those who have the worst finances. For the cost it's definitely worth it and more, at least for the academics. I don't feel the dorms and food services are worth the money given the quality decline (and simultaneous price increase despite the decline). For those who are more social, this may not be an issue for you.
The campus does have a great amount of diversity, whether it be political, national, or any other kind. Many students are not from the state (or even the United States) so there is a gathering of many ideas, thoughts, and backgrounds. The university prides itself on its international student programs especially. I will say that it is a little difficult if you are not very outgoing. The RA's pester you to attend every event (there are only 2-3 mandatory floor meetings per semester, the rest are dorm activities) or to be social. Some professors will heckle you to join clubs, though that isn't as bad. If you are more of an introvert you may find yourself annoyed, but not threatened.
Like I said, they have a club fair right at the start of the school year, usually on the same week as the first day of classes. There are MANY clubs to choose from, from gaming to politics, to science, to religion, to just about anything else. And hey, if you want, you can even make your own club. You just need to ask about it.
The Greek system here has returned after being buried for about 25 years. The only catch is that you have to be a sophomore or higher to join, otherwise you just have to ask about it.
Security patrols campus very often, especially at night. As of last year (sometime during summer 2014) many emergency stations were installed around campus if a person needs them. These stations are lit with a bright blue light and utilize a camera and call signal in case of emergency, whether it be something as severe as assault or if you are just not feeling well (even intoxicated) and need help getting back to your dorm. Having needed to use the campus security for a few things, they get to you quickly (usually under 5 minutes). It is quite safe.