Temple University

Date: May 11 2009
Major: Language - French/Spanish/etc. (This Major's Salary over time)
I've just completed my first year here at Temple's Main Campus. I'm very glad I chose this school, but for those of you who are still deciding here are some positives and negatives of the place.

+ You're in a major United States city. SEPTA buses, the subway run through campus to whisk you downtown to a cafe, concert, or bohemian cultural event.

You're in North Philadelphia - an absolute ghetto. You will get used to hearing sirens and get asked for change by panhandlers everyday.

+ You're in North Philadelphia - get out of your stupid suburban comfort sphere and learn how to deal with the real world: learn street smarts, safety, and shake off your racism.

+ Temple students are humble. Most are fending for themselves paying off loans, working a job, and trying to get through it all having fun. They aren't pretentious and like to have a good time, but care about grades.

+ The professors that I have had are all very intelligent and dedicated to seeing their students succeed. I'm a Spanish major and my professors give good advice, are available to talk, and shape their lessons to be fun.

+ Temple is a great excuse to get in shape. I walk miles and miles each day around campus. There's a great gym on Cecil B. Moore Ave with an elevated track. Lots of programs to get you off your butt.

As soon as it hits 10:30pm, if you're on on-campus freshman you're screwed when it comes to food. The dining halls close and serve 4th meal - a medley of fried and fatty foods. The only things open are greasy pizza shops and Chinese hole-in-the-walls. Make sure you stock up on snacks.

The SAC food court is run by the local population - brace yourself for slow service and lazy workers with an attitude.

+/- The Honors College is great. If you're lucky enough to get into this exclusive club, they will help you out with internships and making the most of your time here. In the rest of the colleges, take a number and have your OwlCard ready since the service is a bit impersonal.

+ Yes there is a lack of university housing, but not housing in general. Besides, living with a random snotrag your senior year isn't that much fun. Get a rowhome a few blocks offcampus with your friends. It's safe if you have common sense and teaches responsibility.

+ Sports - Basketball season is mostly what matters around here. People love Temple's basketball players. The team has done well recently and made it to the NCAA Tournament. Football is much to be desired. Games are played at the Linc and about a few hundred are in attendance.

There are a lot of fancy new buildings like Alter Hall and 1300. Most were built during the 60s and 70s (an architectural dark-age) and could use a facelift. Yet most state schools are this way.

+ Tuition is cheap! You get the most bang for your buck.