Ohio University

Date: Feb 20 2013
Major: Geography and Geosciences (This Major's Salary over time)
For perspective: I'm 24, male, a Geology major who transferred in from a NW Ohio community college about 2 years ago. I chose OU because I wanted an in-state, rural, easy-going college with a good Geology program. I have vacationed in nearby Hocking Hills my whole life so I was attracted to the beauty of the area.

About Athens: "Oh, only in Athens." Bricks everywhere- streets, buildings. Look up "Athens Block." It's beautiful but roads are bumpy. Much of Athens is beautiful but crumbling. The county is the same way. Nature is abundant and there are many parks and lakes, but it's all sprinkled with signs of poverty (rusty cars, shacks). Central Athens is a pedestrian paradise but a driver's nightmare. The roads are laid out poorly and are interlaced with potholes, steep hills, crosswalks, and drunk people wandering into the streets. Parking is hit-or-miss. Think Parking Garage. The Hocking River is the most beautiful engineered channel one could ask for, but also bottles up the town making it hard to get from old Athens to the modern shopping area. Shopping is limited but it's manageable. I recommend an Amazon Prime membership. Bars are plentiful but mostly lack charm or variety. I recommend Jackio's brewery- it's delicious. Dining is also somewhat limited but there are some town favorites, and some hidden gems here too.

About OU: "OU-Oh-yeaH!" School pride is high but it's somewhat sarcastic. Much of the student population takes their drinking and partying reputation very serious and dedicate lots of effort into maintaining it. It's a really laid back atmosphere. People care a lot about having fun and enjoying college, and there's something to be said for that. There's plenty of alternatives. Tons of interest groups, performance clubs, sports teams, recreation groups, and volunteer opportunities. Somebody is always riding by on a unicycle or being chased by a horde of zombies. Most Gen-Ed classes are not too difficult, so they have time for these sorts of things. There are some who elect for the higher-level courses, and they work for it. You can really be whoever you want here, and take it as seriously as you want, although the dominant culture is more lax about their academics, which is frustrating for some.

About OU Geology: It's like a family. The professors are your uncles and classmates are your cousins. Your with the same group through the whole program and everyone gets to know one-another well. Lots of team-work, lots of comradery. A little competition. Many field trips and memories made. Lots of late-night labs and long term papers. Plenty of talented faculty and peers. It's a very challenging, but rewarding program. Ends with a 6 week field camp- half in Athens and half in Montana. I'm very happy that I went here.