Through one semester here at the University, it is not difficult to see that the capacity for learning is enormous. No matter what you choose to study or which classes you would like to take, the University has a plethora of options. For example, I'm a business major, but had to take a general Psychology class last semester. I found out that the University of Minnesota is world-renowned for its Psychology program and had the opportunity to learn from a different experts in their respective field each week of class. Even if you're not sure what you want to study, the atmosphere for learning is fantastic, with teachers willing to meet with you outside of class and being extremely friendly. No matter what your situation--if you know what you want to study or not--you will be able to find something that grabs your interest here at the University of Minnesota.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
Being from southeastern Wisconsin, I initially thought that I would be homesick and struggle with the distance from home. However, being part of a campus this size, there is a lot to do: going to football games--in the new TCF Bank Stadium!--, professional and college basketball games, shopping in beautiful downtown St. Paul or on Nicollett Mall in downtown Minneapolis, going to excellent theater productions in Minneapolis, trying the food at any of the enormous amount of Twin Cities restaurants, or ice skating in downtown St. Paul just to name some of the possible activities. Anyone can find something to do here on campus or in the Twin Cities area; I certainly have. As is common to hear from college students, you meet a lot of people. I have to agree, but what I think makes this University different is the fact that there is so much to do with all the people you meet, giving you the opportunities to deepen your friendships with people that you have just met. Also, I really like that the campus is set off from downtown Minneapolis. There aren't really any city buildings mixed in with the campus buildings (at least not as much as I've seen at other campuses), and I like that separation a lot.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
As a business student, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has a major aspect that I believe makes it one of the best Bang for the Bucks of schools in the Midwest. Apart from a challenging and large curriculum across the University, what this school has that others do not is the experience opportunities offered by the Twin Cities. The list of major companies that have their headquarters located in the Twin Cities area is extensive: Best Buy, Target, 3M (they make the Post it Notes), Land O' Lakes, General Mills, Piper Jaffray, Ecolab, Wells Fargo, Travelers Insurance, and Malt O Meal to name a few. With corporate headquarters so close to campus, students have the opportunity to gain experience with some of the best businesses in their respective areas. For business students like myself, it is a phenomenal opportunity to network with real world business professionals, explore potential careers and career paths, and have a great chance of employment with some of the biggest companies in the United States.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Come to this University with a will to work hard and desire to seek out and exploit the opportunities offered to you. Although there's a lot going on, a strong work ethic to do well academically is the best tool you can bring to school. There are so many opportunities for you to succeed academically here, like professor's office hours, study groups, online resources for classes, free writing services for all University students. By taking advantage of opportunities like these, you will have no trouble doing well.
Also, don't think that you have to be involved with every opportunity offered to you--I certainly am not. Give yourself time to adjust to your new schedule, friends, and surroundings. It's a big change for everyone, and time is the best way to help yourself adjust. Don't feel the need to rush into every opportunity offered to you in your first semester. Take time to explore and see what interests you.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Those that have a strong work ethic, a strong list of priorities, an excitement to learn, those that would rather not party a lot (it's easy to find other things to do in this area or on campus), those that do like to party (there are certain areas of campus that are fun party areas), those that don't mind the cold (I love it, but you can learn to dress for the weather), those that love the changing seasons of the Midwest, and people that are unsure of what they want to do (there are opportunities to get involved with/study/find your passion for anything here).
Through one semester here at the University, it is not difficult to see that the capacity for learning is enormous. No matter what you choose to study or which classes you would like to take, the University has a plethora of options. For example, I'm a business major, but had to take a general Psychology class last semester. I found out that the University of Minnesota is world-renowned for its Psychology program and had the opportunity to learn from a different experts in their respective field each week of class. Even if you're not sure what you want to study, the atmosphere for learning is fantastic, with teachers willing to meet with you outside of class and being extremely friendly. No matter what your situation--if you know what you want to study or not--you will be able to find something that grabs your interest here at the University of Minnesota.
Being from southeastern Wisconsin, I initially thought that I would be homesick and struggle with the distance from home. However, being part of a campus this size, there is a lot to do: going to football games--in the new TCF Bank Stadium!--, professional and college basketball games, shopping in beautiful downtown St. Paul or on Nicollett Mall in downtown Minneapolis, going to excellent theater productions in Minneapolis, trying the food at any of the enormous amount of Twin Cities restaurants, or ice skating in downtown St. Paul just to name some of the possible activities. Anyone can find something to do here on campus or in the Twin Cities area; I certainly have. As is common to hear from college students, you meet a lot of people. I have to agree, but what I think makes this University different is the fact that there is so much to do with all the people you meet, giving you the opportunities to deepen your friendships with people that you have just met. Also, I really like that the campus is set off from downtown Minneapolis. There aren't really any city buildings mixed in with the campus buildings (at least not as much as I've seen at other campuses), and I like that separation a lot.
As a business student, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has a major aspect that I believe makes it one of the best Bang for the Bucks of schools in the Midwest. Apart from a challenging and large curriculum across the University, what this school has that others do not is the experience opportunities offered by the Twin Cities. The list of major companies that have their headquarters located in the Twin Cities area is extensive: Best Buy, Target, 3M (they make the Post it Notes), Land O' Lakes, General Mills, Piper Jaffray, Ecolab, Wells Fargo, Travelers Insurance, and Malt O Meal to name a few. With corporate headquarters so close to campus, students have the opportunity to gain experience with some of the best businesses in their respective areas. For business students like myself, it is a phenomenal opportunity to network with real world business professionals, explore potential careers and career paths, and have a great chance of employment with some of the biggest companies in the United States.
Come to this University with a will to work hard and desire to seek out and exploit the opportunities offered to you. Although there's a lot going on, a strong work ethic to do well academically is the best tool you can bring to school. There are so many opportunities for you to succeed academically here, like professor's office hours, study groups, online resources for classes, free writing services for all University students. By taking advantage of opportunities like these, you will have no trouble doing well. Also, don't think that you have to be involved with every opportunity offered to you--I certainly am not. Give yourself time to adjust to your new schedule, friends, and surroundings. It's a big change for everyone, and time is the best way to help yourself adjust. Don't feel the need to rush into every opportunity offered to you in your first semester. Take time to explore and see what interests you.
Those that have a strong work ethic, a strong list of priorities, an excitement to learn, those that would rather not party a lot (it's easy to find other things to do in this area or on campus), those that do like to party (there are certain areas of campus that are fun party areas), those that don't mind the cold (I love it, but you can learn to dress for the weather), those that love the changing seasons of the Midwest, and people that are unsure of what they want to do (there are opportunities to get involved with/study/find your passion for anything here).