I really could not imagine going anywhere else. There are too many good things to say about the Berg.Academics: I'd say about 95% of the professors are very friendly, helpful and highly accessible during their office hours. And given that the classes generally do not top 25-30, you will most likely get plenty of time to interact with your professors during class and in their office. With that said, don't come to Muhlenberg expecting everything to be a cake walk. I'm not saying its going to be suicidal, but keep in mind that you have to balance your independence with a much higher level of education than you had in high school. If you can do that, you'll have a good time. I am one who is still working on that balancing skill, so the classes could become very overwhelming for me at times.
Social Life: Yes Muhlenberg is a very small school consisting of only about 2400 students. This does NOT mean there is no social life. In fact, there is plenty to do. Most partying happens from Thursday-Saturday. There are a lot of parties in the sports houses, frats/sororities, and in many dorm rooms, especially the suites and off campus houses. Although Berg has a generally friendly, open population, people are still getting drunk and stoned just about every weekend night. But just because some people do it doesn't mean you have to, there are plenty who don't get involved with this. Muhlenberg is absolutely not a suitcase school, I don't really know anyone who goes home on the weekend, despite a lot of people coming from NJ. But there are also plenty from Long Island, Connecticut, New England, MD, and even a few here and there from Florida, Texas and California.
Food: I think the food is rather inconsistent. On some days it is restaurant quality, but on other days it is average at best. No food is really inedible and disgusting though. Plus there are a couple of other places to eat in the student center and around campus.
Dorms: I think they are pretty nice for the most part. The worst dorm is supposedly Prosser, but I lived there my first year and it was a fun time. All of the freshman dorms are right next to eachother, so this should make it easier to make friends. People only complain about Prosser because the rooms are smaller and there is no AC, which shouldn't matter after the first month. After Freshman year, the dorms get much nicer. They range from your standard double with communal bathrooms, to hotel like suites that house anywhere from 4-8 people. You choose your roommate and have a lottery number, which then lets you choose your room.
Campus Safety: I have met a good majority of the officers already, and most of them are very nice for the most part. The only time they really get involved is if they really have to, and things are getting out of hand. This does not happen that often. People smoke on campus out in the open, and officers don''t usually bother these groups of people unless they are being disorderly. Overall, very nice guys.
Surrounding City: Yeah the only problem I really have with Muhlenberg is the city it is in. Allentown is no NYC/Philly. There is quite a bit of crime here, but mainly in the hotter months. Campus is only about 15 or so blocks from inner city Allentown, so be careful when walking around at night. Always go with people, never walk alone. There are blue lights all over campus and they even extend a couple blocks off campus as well, and if you feel you are in danger campus safety will be happy to escort you. There are a few decent clubs in Allentown, but honestly, no one comes here for the city. They are here to get a good education and chill with their friends, and of course get away from home. I could honestly give two dimes about Allentown. I could say a lot more good things about Muhlenberg, but I think I'll stop there. To those looking to make a final decision, if you like a small school with very smart students who also like to party on weekends, come here. If you are looking for a big party school, go to Penn State and save your money.
Articles
