Barry University

Date: Apr 14 2010
Major: Political Science (This Major's Salary over time)
I read a lot of these reviews before attending this "University". After being here for a year, I feel that it is time to say something - I am actually a little qualified to do so. I will attempt not to be OVERLY negative or angry towards Barry University.

Barry is kind of a strange place. It's on a pretty campus, and the surrounding neighborhood is NOT terrible - it is NOT what most people coming from out of state will be used to. I can say you should NOT walk around at night off of campus - there have been several "muggings" since I've been here, vehicle break in's are fairly common, and we had at LEAST one incident on campus where an individual was found trying to break into a dorm room for some reason. I am unaware of any violence on or around campus - it doesn't feel dangerous being here, but it certainly is NOT your typical university.

Racially, the school is mostly "black" or African American. There are a lot of students here from the Caribbean and Miami. This is, of course, NOT a problem. However, for those concerned about it- if you're a white student you will certainly be among the minority. I haven't had a single problem with this, it's actually been quite enjoyable.

Academically, Barry University is kind of a joke. Obviously if you're here to specialize in something, you'll be doing a lot of work outside the classroom. I feel that you can learn more out of a classroom than you can IN one - I think that school is really about learning how to direct your own study and learning/growth. However, Barry does an exceedingly poor job of this. The nursing program is decent, but I would think that there'd be a MUCH more rewarding program elsewhere (I know nothing about nursing). The general educational … whatever you want to call it is POOR. I went to a DECENT high school - and ended up at Barry to pursue a relationship (she goes to UM) but also because my parents said it was time to stop taking breaks after every semester I attended. I am an intelligent person, I know how to study on my own, and I am a very confident student when applied to my studies. Barry is BARELY a school. The professors are apathetic and seem bored. Many are condescending to their "unintelligent" students (which are many, I'll get to that). Many run behind schedule, and seem barely knowledgeable themselves. One of my professors right NOW has difficulty spelling words that I think most 7th/8th graders should be able to spell without flinching (but hey, I'm not an educator). Some of my other professors barely seem to grade papers, and there is a good bit of what seems to be "passing students along".

Lets talk about the students. I have heard it from more than one faculty member that the school admits students with a D average (or lower). SAT and ACT scores are irrelevant here. I would not say there are a lot of students here that will be challenging you academically. I CANT say that. Many of my classmates are lazy, apathetic (just like their professors), rude, and generally "unintelligent". I feel that I have yet to have met my academic equal at this school, and that should be easy elsewhere considering my own forays into "screwing around". I know that I am not the only person that holds this view… however, I suppose, you'll probably come here just like I did and realize too late how sucky this place is.

Campus life = garbage. Sodexo, the food company that provides both labor and food here, is notorious for inhumane treatment of its employees (many are ex-convicts), and the food IS TERRIBLE. YOU WILL BE SICK. This is not because it's "cafeteria food" and all cafeteria food is horrible - it's because Barry offers the lowest quality food package that Sodexo offers. I have had food poisoning, several times, and not to be graphic but I just about always have "the runs" after eating here. The food is EXTREMELY generic, has little variety, and is often just something fried or microwaved. EVERY student at Barry will complain about food services. If you don't believe me, I suggest you get on Facebook, and start messaging people that go here. I know that there are several students who are trying to sue the school because of "inhumane living conditions" - of which the food is often a centerpiece.

Dorms - are laughable. Of course, you will probably get stuck in a room with someone you don't like. THAT is college - it happens. Get a room change. However, the ROOMS are SUCKY. There are mice, roaches, spiders, and mold. Get used to it - that's how it goes. In the newer buildings, things are decent. You probably won't get into a newer building unless you're an upperclassman. The off campus housing options suck. There are literal houses - which are all in a state of disrepair, and in somewhat shady areas (I would not live in one unless I were permitted to keep a firearm or likewise - but you can NOT do this). There is "Holly House" which is a decrepit apartment building the school purchase and converted into a dormitory. Disgusting. Again, if you don't believe me, start browsing the Barry network on FB and ask. The housing department is also VERY fond of fining its students - usually 30 dollars and up. Parking is free, and I don't know of any vehicle burglaries ON campus - just in the overflow lot (two blocks off campus). I DID find it a necessary precaution to empty my room during Christmas break to keep my room from being burglarized either by the security "employees" that work here, or the members of the community that realize it's an empty campus during Xmas. The rooms are small - yes. That's a dorm anywhere. If you go to UM, they're actually smaller than the Barry dorms (though somewhat… more clean). The security at UM is MUCH greater (can't get into the buildings without your own keycard, doors are sturdy and lock automatically). The laundry facilities are FREE - but they are shitty. Most of the clothes I brought with me are ruined. The water in the bathrooms is NOT fit for drinking - I ran a test. The water is also hard, so expect to spend a LOT on body wash and shampoo, because it will NOT lather. The buildings all SHOULD be fumigated and the mold problem NEEDS to be taken care of - be as cleanly as you want. You will have problems. I sweep daily, mop once a week, and use clorox everywhere in the bathroom.

Housing department is unhelpful. I had an issue with a room mate who was dealing drugs out of my room. Nothing happened. There are a lot of people who smoke on campus, and I know about a good bit of cocaine (but this IS Miami). Not attractive… housing department has too many regulations in place to deal effectively with on campus drug use. I have heard of other peoples' rooms getting raided by K9 units… usually nothing comes of it. That's life… it will be anywhere you go! But, Barry doesn't do a good job of dealing with the issue (in my opinion). There are no parties on campus - almost none. Or they're extremely small, and boring. Do NOT come here for the campus/res life. It's weak. Campus activities are a complete joke. Campus clubs are a complete joke. Go somewhere in-state if you want to have a good time.

The biggest thing I am left wondering is where does all my tuition go!? You will be left wondering the same. It is a pretty pricey school for most people, definitely more than in-state tuition would have been for me. If I had more of a choice, I'd have left my first semester, but I need to be around for my relationship. I also got a sweet job in South Miami to sort of ease the pain - otherwise, I can assure you I wouldn't have spent so much time here.