Southwestern University

Date: May 29 2010
Major: History/Histories (art history/etc.) (This Major's Salary over time)
In the 3 years I have been at SU I have loved everything about it. My freshman year experience was amazing, even with a random roommate. It is easy to meet people here, everyone is incredibly friendly and open. There are plenty of organizations for everyone to find their niche in, and most students are incredibly involved on campus. If the organization you desire is not available it is remarkably easy to start one up. The students are incredibly driven individuals and many of them can be competitive. This atmosphere helps encourage many students. It also supports the high expectations that professor's have of their students. It is very true that Southwestern is incredibly challenging, probably more so than its reputation implies. But the professor's are very helpful and accessible. They know all of their students by name, and often times they will check up on you and see how you're doing as your time at the school progresses. Many of them regularly have students over to their houses for dinners or friendly gatherings. Academically the school is amazing. It is true that many professors are visiting, especially in the humanities and language departments. This causes problems if you become familiar with a certain teacher, but it is probably the only bad thing I would say about the academic program.

Socially I love the school. The environment with the faculty and staff is amazing. Many of them try to learn students names and it fosters a great sense of community on campus. I do not have any reason to say that the social life on campus is bad with the students either. My freshman year I rushed a sorority and it was probably the best thing I could have done. Although SU does not always have the most positive outlook on greek life, for many in the greek community as well as for many independents greek life is a vital part of the community. All of these houses throw parties where anyone on campus is welcome. The greek organizations can be competitive with each other but it is very rare that there is any greek vs independent animosity. The greek system at Southwestern is not like the greek system at most schools, many people in it never envisioned themselves going greek. It is incredibly diverse, and it helps people to meet other students from all interests and backgrounds on campus.

The campus is very friendly to non-greek parties, and the campus police are typically incredibly understanding. Even if there is a fraternity party going on there is typically always something else going on, on campus or off campus at a students house. The only real setback of the SU social scene is the incredibly small atmosphere. EVERYONE KNOWS EVERYONE at Southwestern. Many people who come to visit from places like UT find it incredibly odd that are accustomed to knowing everyone around them. Odds are even if you haven't officially met someone you know something about them. That is why the school can sometimes be called "Mouthwestern" it is very common for the whole school to know your business. It is also very common for people to encounter the awkward dating recycling situation. It is true in almost every group of friends that someone will date their friends ex, the campus is too small to avoid it. Because of the small size the school can sometimes seems gossip-y or inbred, but this is easy to avoid. Its about who you choose to spend time with, and even where you live. If you want to avoid it then try moving off campus as soon as you can.

Other than that I have had VERY little to complain about in my time at SU. It was my top choice school, and I have been incredibly pleased with my life there.