The University of Southern Indiana

Date: Aug 18 2010
Major: Other (This Major's Salary over time)
I'm a non-traditional*, second year International Studies major at USI and I'm really loving this school for all kinds of reasons. Let me explain:

The campus and buildings are very clean and well-maintained - I haven't come across one thing that's been broken or shabby. I haven't even come across any foul smells (mildew, dirty bathrooms), and I?ve been known to leave hotels for that reason. A large renovation is being completed right now that includes a $31 million Business and Engineering Center and a $17.7 million expansion to the University Center - the heart of the campus. The semester I enrolled they?d just opened their newly-expanded ($7.75 million) Recreation and Fitness Center which is just as nice as any country club you'll go to. There's a 3-story, 4-sided rock wall, all brand new equipment and machines, lots of floor-to-ceiling windows and there are Phys Ed majors are all over the place, ready to give you good advice and instruction.

The food is varied and ok with little snack spots tucked here and there along with tons of vending machines. I?m personally looking forward to the new eats we?ll be getting once they finish the UC expansion (I have a high metabolism… and often the munchies).
The feeling on campus is relaxed and approachable. There?s lots of outdoor seating and a giant lawn where kids are always out throwing Frisbees and horsing around. And everyone is really friendly; you?d be able to walk up to any of them and they?d let you play. Sounds like a silly thing to say but it?s actually really nice. You?ll often come across a table where a club or organization is giving away some sort of snack or drink. (Whoever came up with the idea of giving away chili during the winter is a GENIUS). It's not a problem to strike up a conversation with people and the classes are active with discussion and interaction (except the ones with lots of 19-year-olds, they are shy). Well, the classes I take are fun. I try to stay away from the math. I can?t feature those being active with discussion, what would you talk about?

The curriculum, I think, is set up in a really innovative way and the work is interesting, challenging and beneficial. You do have to earn your grade. And of course the parking sucks. Find me a college where the parking DOESN?T suck. Oh, and by the way - they expanded that too.
I can't say I'm too big on Evansville, but I'm all tattooed and weird so I belong in a bigger city anyway. Luckily Nashville and Louisville are both about two hours from here. For the price of going to USI, I really couldn?t ask for more. They don?t even screw you too bad on books. I also have to add that it seems like they really want you to succeed here. There is a plethora of resources for any help you need that goes beyond tutoring such as regular mini-seminars teaching you skills for how to be a better student like note and test taking, managing your time, and refreshers on campus resources. It?s obvious this school puts a lot of effort into being as well-rounded, current and otherwise pleasant as possible and I appreciate that.

non-traditional meaning I could have babysat most of my classmates, but I couldn?t have birthed them. You do the math, smarty-pants.