The University of Kentucky

Date: Jun 16 2005
Major: Political Science (This Major's Salary over time)
As a New Yorker, who had lived in Kentucky for five years, I thought UK was going to be an extension of the "Dukes of Hazard" mentality I had experienced outside of the Louisville Metropolitan area. But, my freshman year at the University, I was surprised that in most areas of the campus, that was not the case. While most of the mentalities of Southern "belles" and "gentlemen" are found exclusively in white fraternities and sororities and mainly on South campus, however, on North campus, a lot of the liberal arts majors, honor students, and I would say more intelligent people are found and can provide you with stimulating conversation. If you are into the party atmosphere, live on South Campus, but be prepared for some but minor racial tension if you are Black. If you want stimulating conversation and more approachable individuals, North Campus is your spot.

As far as organizations, there are a number of student organizations to pick from. The campus is really Greek driven, so if that's your fort, then this is the campus for you. In addition, there are a number of religious groups if you need spiritual or emotional guidance. If you are Black, then the number of "minority" groups are really sparse. The Black Student Union is very divisive and has problems with its legitimacy with Black students. The Black Greek system is very divisive as well as there are very strict non-Greek and Greek lines and it is taboo to say negative things about the Black Greeks. However, there are a number of minority major-specific organizations that are consistently viewed as some of the best organizations on campus period. Concerning the social environment, basketball and football are the most popular sports by far. But women's basketball, men's baseball, men's soccer, and the club hockey games can be exciting when the two major sports are not playing. For parties, you really have to be in a fraternity or sorority. It seems like Mixers and parties are held every single night. As far asthe city of Lexington, it is pretty much dead, especially if you are from the East Coast or a major city. Lexington does have some bars that are bring out both the intellectual and drunken kind, but it pretty much a very uninviting college town. If there are no sporting events and you can't see the beauty in horses (like me), you are SOL.

One of things that is constantly not mentioned about UK is the number of free student services that the University has. Have emotional problems or under immense stress? See the Counseling and Testing Center for free services. Have a speech impediment? There is a Communication Disorders Department that will help you free of charge. UK is a very good place for assisting students with disabilities and providing services for their academic success.

Since my freshman year, I have had no problems succeeding at UK. I thought the work would be more challenging, but that has not been the case. The formula for succeeding at UK is working ahead and maintaining close contacts with the faculty, who are mostly accessible and helpful. You will find that the TAs are jerks mostly, but that the professors are great at helping their students (I speak of the Political Science Department which I have had a great experience with, so the other departments may not rate as high).