The University of Cincinnati

Date: Jun 30 2005
Major: Chemical Engineering (This Major's Salary over time)
UC has changed a lot since I went there from 1997-2003. I went back last weekend, and while there is still a lot of construction yet to be completed, campus looks completely different. The new facilities are amazing but contrast greatly with the older buildings—some of which are dumpy, and some of which are kinda cute in an old-building, quaint sort of way. The older dorms are crappy, but I've heard the food has greatly improved. I lived in Siddall freshman year, and while the dorm wasn't all that nice, I had the best year of my college life living there. I was on a Women in Science and Engineering floor, and still am friends with those women and the guys on our "brother floor" in Calhoun. The frat parties were always lame, as UC is such a commuter school that Greek life isn't huge, but I would recommend dorm life even if you live in Cinci. You just feel more a part of campus.

Engineering students really bond over the weed-out classes and stick together throughout the program. I made life long friends in the program, and never would have made it without them. Classes aren't too hard because the tests are recycled every year and tests rarely change too much. It's a shame, but UC isn't a top 10 institution or anything. The co-op program saves engineering, and the work experience I got topped degrees from students with no work experience from higher-ranked schools. Make the most out of co-op and don't be afraid to move out of state for the quarter. Also, definitely do international co-op…my biggest regret is that I didn't take advantage of that opportunity.

Living off campus, but still in the general campus vicinity, is totally unsafe. My house on E. University was robbed a couple of times (when people were home…be careful when you have parties) and I was mugged by two guys in front of my apartment on Ohio Ave. (NEVER walk home at night by yourself…but even the buddy system doesn't seem safe anymore. Cab it.)

I came to UC from a small town in Ohio, so I was able to get a decent education for a decent price..even though tuition keeps hiking every year. I moved out west when I graduated…Cincinnati isn't the greatest city for jobs or for 20-somethings. Again, don't be afraid to go new places..but enjoy UC while it lasts. The bottom line is, college is the some of the best times of your life, make the most of it.