Katie

Many people think of the University of South Dakota as a party school. However, this stereotype certainly does not define the students of USD. While there is undeniably a party scene available to those who are interested, USD and the surrounding area have countless activities in which students may engage. As USD transitions to Division 1, students are becoming increasingly interested in athletic events. In addition, USD offers many diverse opportunities through over 100 student organizations on campus. Rivers, lakes, and trails are great ways to experience the outdoors either in Vermillion or one of the nearby cities. Sioux Falls, Sioux City, and Yankton are the most popular out of town destinations, ranging in driving times of 20 to 45 minutes from Vermillion. These cities offer additional outdoor activities for all seasons, as well as more options for shopping and other indoor activities. With a little intentionality and creativity, it is possible for USD students to have a very rewarding college experience that does not involve partying. USD is continuing to expand in numerous areas, and with this expansion comes an increase in opportunities for students. USD is a great fit for both students who are and students who are not interested in partying. If one makes an effort, it is easy to find like-minded students with which to interact.

With just over 10,000 students total, the University of South Dakota is the perfect size. Vermillion is absolutely a college town; the population of Vermillion literally doubles when USD students are taken into consideration. After being at USD for a short amount of time, it is nearly impossible to go anywhere on campus or in the town of Vermillion without seeing familiar faces. The Muenster University Center (MUC) on campus, which opened in 2009, is a popular place to hang out with friends, study, and meet new people. The MUC (pronounced "muck") is conveniently connected to the library, where the academic commons, computers, and printers are located. The MUC also houses student services and many rooms for events, including a ballroom. As with most any college, the degree of school pride ranges from apathetic to passionate. Professors seem to genuinely care about their students. In addition, President Abbott and his wife often interact with students on campus and attend events. Students frequently complain that Vermillion is boring; however, it is easy to enjoy the small town when one is open to trying new things and meeting new people.

The University of South Dakota offers a high quality academic experience for students of many different interests. USD offers great programs and faculty for all of its majors. Students generally take academics seriously and study every day. Professors often learn their students' names, regardless of the class size, whether the students speak up in class, or whether the students take the time to get to know them outside of class. Students are actually interested in learning, and they often discuss intellectual topics outside of class. I have experience as a biology/pre-med, psychology, international studies, English, and education major, and my minor is Spanish. I have had good experiences with all of these departments, as the faculty and staff have been very helpful. Despite the fact that I changed my major several times, I will graduate with a B.A. in English and minors in Spanish and psychology within four years of when I started. As a liberal arts university, education at USD is generally geared toward learning for its own sake, but some majors also emphasize skills for obtaining a job after graduation. Overall, USD has much to offer in the area of academics, and I believe that I will be well prepared for my intended field after graduation.

USD does not have an extraordinary amount of cultural diversity, but cultural diversity certainly does exist on campus. Students from all over the United States, as well as all over the world, attend USD. One of the main reasons that USD is such an attractive option for students from distant places is because it is so affordable. Most any kind of student could find a niche a USD. Student apparel ranges from casual sweat pants and hoodies to professional dress. Different types of students are usually open-minded and friendly to each other. Most students are from South Dakota and the surrounding states, but there is also a large percentage of students from other areas. Students from all financial backgrounds are represented at USD, but middle class is probably the most common background. Many students are politically aware; as a whole, the student body is predominantly left. Overall, USD has a significant amount of diversity, and students are open-minded.