I'm generally a normal student: I neither complain nor am I highly optimistic... I'm just real.  I believe that my views will give you an accurate picture of GSU, but you should still visit :)

Academics: This school is on the rise academically.  In particular, the Business, Nursing, Policy Studies, Law, and Music Schools are some of the top in the state.  The school also just created an Honors College.  You will definitely be challenged academically here. 

Athletics: Honestly, the Panthers of Georgia State have been irrelevant on the national scene up until recently.  The football team is brand new, but nothing special.  The basketball team is great... our new coach has led us to our first winning season in several years.  Support for athletics is very hard to find at this school... we only average 14,000 fans for football and about 1,800 for basketball.  Students here are afraid to have school spirit.  The cheerleaders and dance team are okay, but need some work.  GSU has an excellent marching band.  Mindsets will change once we have less of a commuter student body. 

Dorms: There are five dorms in all, some of them holding up to 2,000 students.  They are all pretty new; none are over 10 years old.  Room and board fees are extremely over-priced.  You may find a better deal by splitting an apartment with a friend.  There are an abundance of apartments to choose from near the school. 

Students: 32,000 strong.  Very diverse.  40% White, 30% Black, 30% asian and other.  However, Whites and blacks rule the social scene.  Black students are generally more involved on campus.  Students are generally down-to-earth and approachable.  Will come across the ocassional social recluse.  Almost 60% female, not a very large male presence.  Greek life is available, but does not have a strong presence.  Female Greeks typically date Georgia Tech guys. 

Campus: Not a very cohesive campus plan.  Can not avoid fighting with street traffic.  Facilities are typically good, but Kell and Sparks Halls need to be torn down.  Campus aesthtic is improving with expanded pathways, tree planting, and new facility planning.  Construction has been ongoing.  Campus is not great, but improves every year. 

Safety: This is a safe campus, unless you're an idiot.  Do not walk around with your IPAD out--- it will get stolen.  Do not leave your laptop unattended--- it will get stolen.  These are no-brainers that somehow seem to escape some people.  We have a very large campus police presence.  I have walked around campus at 1:00AM and have never had an incident.  Just be smart and know your surroundings.  People who get things stolen at Georgia State are typically dim-witted and careless. 

I would reccommend this school, but just know that GSU is not your typical university.  If you are looking to just get by and party... then GSU is not for you.  If you are are that type of student, DO NOT come here.  You will be dissappointed.  If you are looking for green lawns and sprawling pastures filled with flowers, do not come here.  If you are into athletics and school spirit, do not come here--- it's improving but still not there.  However, if you are a very independent, self-motivated student who is focused on things that truly matter in life, then Georgia State COULD be a good fit for you.  If you are looking to be challenged to step outside of your comfort zone and learn how to appreciate non-Western culture, then Georgia State COULD be a good fit. 

If you really want to know, then schedule a campus tour!  In this case, seeing is believing.