The University of Rhode Island

Date: Jan 26 2010
Major: Biology (This Major's Salary over time)
As an in-state student, I chose URI (though it was my last choice) because it was the cheapest option for me out of all the schools where I was accepted. When I went to Welcome Day and Orientation, I thought the campus was nice and maybe it wouldn't be that bad. However, I knew right away on Move-In Day that this was not the place for me. Nobody in the dorms socialized, the food in the dining halls is unhealthy, there are absolutely no activities for freshmen to make friends.

My Bio class has 300+ students with an arrogant professor who is no longer teaching. Bio lab was taught by a TA who was nice, but did not always know what she was doing. My Chem lecture had about 200 students. My professor read off a powerpoint the entire time, putting the entire class to sleep. My Chem lab TA did not speak English very well, but she tried hard. Many of the lower-level classes are just taught by TAs or seniors. In large lectures it is impossible to meet with your professor and get help, so you have to go to the Academic Enhancement Center and see a tutor. However, many of these tutors have no idea what they are talking about, and you're left figuring it out on your own.

Social life is terrible. As I am an in-state student, I go home every weekend. The campus is extremely rural, so the only things to do are drive off campus to a party, or drink/smoke on campus. Neither of these things are what I consider fun.

None of the students seem willing to talk to anybody new, so it's hard to find a group to fit in with.

I'm definitely transferring to a new school next year. Can't wait to get away.