The University of Massachusetts - Lowell

Date: Dec 30 2008
Major: Undecided (This Major's Salary over time)
I wanted to go to Wentworth in Boston, but realistically could not afford it. Being from what I consider a quintessential middle-class family, I wanted to throw myself into a big name school to end the cycle, which meant avoid Umass Blank at all cost. My family had no college money for me so I came down to Earth and decided massive debt is the opposite of what I wanted. The only affordable university I applied to was Umass Lowell so at first I felt stuck and was disappointed. I visited the school 3 times before enrolling and saw some light at the end of the tunnel.

The City:

Lowell is an up and coming city. I can even say it may be beyond up and coming. From the ashes of the late eighties low with gangs, drugs, and poverty, Lowell has grown to be a hip and diverse community. It received federal funding to renovate the historic 19th century downtown district and the textile mills into upscale business and residential lofts. Downtown (a ten minute walk) is well lit and the safest part of Lowell with many great cafe's and shops. walking there is like stepping back in time. The river walk park is beautiful and leads from East (Residential) campus to downtown. Being a large city there are endless possibilities for things to do and getting a job is very easy. Lots of trendy clubs and restaurants. Being a well located on the border of Mass, it is driving distance to the coast, mountains, (Join Hiking Club!), and the massive shopping center that is Nashua with the Pheasant Lane Mall. The commuter rail goes direct to Boston in under 40 minutes.

The Campus:

…or should I say campuses. There are three.

Let's start with East. East is where the majority of the housed students live. It is the heart of the social life. Four dorm halls, which are old but are well kept. Nothing too fancy, but the bathrooms are usually very clean (except first floor bathrooms for some reason). The Rec Center is new and an architectural masterpiece. The also new parking garage is nice. Freshmen can bring their cars, and its nice to keep the car out from the snow and possible vandalism. A surprising amount of green space and trees makes it a little sanctuary from the bustling city. Located right on the Merrimack River Bend the dorms on the waterfront side have fantastic views, and Fox hall is many stories so views from those rooms are also great. Just across the river is

North Campus: Location of the library, honors dorms, and the math, science, engineering programs among many others. Also the Southwick dining hall popular for lunch, as well as a sub shop, convenience store a bank/atm and a Dunkin Donuts. Very clean, well maintained and landscaped. more of a city campus feel. In the surrounding neighborhood, which is very safe, are all of the student off-campus apartments and greek life. People living on east usually take the 2 minute walk across the bridge but there is a bus. Don't take it. It is really only there for the disabled.

South Campus: In its own little world, it is not walking distance to the rest of Umass Lowell. Located just up river, it is where art, music, nursing, history, and english majors usually go. Also has the best dining hall. There are the upperclassmen dorms which are very nice. The campus as a whole is really nice. The buildings aren't traditional brick and ivy, but instead brutalist concrete with exception to the history building. Ugly to some, but hey, they're just buildings people. To get to south from east, you either need a bicycle (which I recommend) or take the effective bus system they offer. Shuttles come every 20 to 30 minutes. It's about 15 minutes because of traffic getting there. The neighborhood around south isn't as nice, but you really have to leave the campus to notice. The campus itself is very safe. The parking lot on south however is not a good place to park. Break-ins happen occasionally.

Social Life:

More than half of the students commute so the school feels a lot smaller than I thought it would and I like it. Everyone is very down to earth, practical and humble. Very middle class feeling school. I'm not going to hide it, the female population is low, so single straight males are up for some competition. If you want to meet girls, join clubs, and don't go to frats. Straight women have little competition at all. It is not uncommon to see four guys all over one girl. It's very funny actually. Frats are not affiliated, and not typical to the stereotype. Good for freshmen to go party since they usually aren't well connected. There are four, but two are laughable. DK aka red house on north behind the honors dorms is the place to go if you are into that. Partying isn't in any way close to Amherst levels, but still happens. Drugs are popular with freshmen because alcohol connections are scarce and freshmen dorms are dry. Pot and LSD are favorites.

Academics:

Excellent depending on your major. Engineering is the top dog in academics. All science programs are great including computer science. Music program is also well received and the SRT is one of the best in the country. Health and nursing programs are from what I heard pretty good. Liberal arts stuff is really just average. Very easy classes to pass. The art program is laughable, but for people unexposed to art its a good place to start. Teachers are surprisingly easy to contact in my experiences. Tons of free tutoring is offered anyway. Overall Lowell is a great place to learn, and the schools name has gotten more prestigious every year. Like the city, the school is on the rise.

Residence Life:

The school ran out of housing this year from growing popularity and so I was housed in a hotel in Nashua. At first I basically lived on east with friends in the dorms but found the hotel to be pretty great and stayed there most nights. With no roommate and my own bathroom I was content. New dorms are being built, but if you want housing on campus apply for it early! Dorm life is great. Easy to meet people. If your a freshman the best rooms are in Leitch hall in the Basement. (not really a basement, they have full windows, don't worry)

I wouldn't go anywhere else for college in my situation. If money weren't an issue I guess I'd enjoy a nicer school but I really love it here. Apply! You won't be disappointed.