South Dakota State University

Date: Feb 03 2011
Major: Language - French/Spanish/etc. (This Major's Salary over time)
I came to SDSU hoping that I would be able to make friends. Boy, was I wrong. I am an outgoing, positive, funny person and the majority of people I meet are rude, self-absorbed, and close-minded. Now, there are some people that are fabulous but I find the vibe of campus standoffish. The dorms aren't too bad to live in but girls tend to have a much harder time than the guys.. I would need all my fingers and toes to count how many times I said, "Hello" to someone and was completely ignored. The administration staff are all old hags that act like you're ruining their day when you come in to fill out paperwork or something.

The classes are all very easy, if you fail any gen-ed class you're an idiot. The engineering programs are more rigorous but the Arts & Sciences program is way too easy; any fool can get a degree. I find that in my classes, no one participates so it is basically a discussion between my teacher and I. Tons of stupid people on campus and most students wear sweats and boots every single day. No diversity at all for 12,000 people.

BUT I find the professors here to be wonderful. They are always very knowledgeable and helpful and all know me by name. Be careful with your advisor though, I have experienced and heard tons of situations where students are misinformed of their degree requirements and then end up having problems their senior year. I like the set-up of campus and although I have not attended another campus, I think the technology and equipment is not cutting edge but up-to-date for sure. Although my classes are pretty easy, I think I am getting a decent education. There are quite a few extracurricular activities going on but if you live off-campus you'd never hear a peep of them. Many clubs are listed on the website but don't really exist (i.e. all the Modern Languages clubs).

If you're under 21 you will hate Brookings. There are probably 30 bars but literally nothing else to do. If you're a country person, you'll fit right in. If you're a city person, I would rethink the decision. The cost is very affordable but consider your priorities.