Kirstin

A lot of people think that we are all "country folk" and walk around in boots. Indeed, some do, but not all. K-State is a prestigious university with a strong agriculture program. But there are many majors, many people, and many cultures displayed throughout the campus.

Kansas State sort of "saved" me. I was a transfer student so I had a lot of emotions and complications with my transfer. I thought K-State would be too big, but it ended up being something I enjoyed. The atmosphere was something I really enjoyed! Plus, I was opened up to a numerous amount of cultures that I did not know much about. I lived in the residence halls for 3 semesters and loved it! It was a wonderful stepping stone for getting used to the university and I worked at the front desk for a year, too. A wonderful experience. K-State sort of is a college town, but not like my previous school. There is more to Manhattan than just the university, but most Manhattan residents thoroughly support the Wildcats :) Just more pride in "the hat."

There are clubs for everyone, organizations, activities, anything you can really think of (and if we somehow don't have it, make it!). It is so easy to get involved and meet people! K-State also has a strong Greek Life, another way for people to get involved!

I will always remember giving tours of residence halls and helping people understand and figure out if K-State is right for them. I love helping people through the process, as I know how troubled I was.

Academics vary depending on the college you are in. Currently, I am in the College of Education. I was also in the College of Engineering for 2 years before I realized it wasn't exactly for me. In most classes (with exceptions of a few gen-eds) the professors know your name. Every single professor I have encountered has cared and wanted to help as much as possible. It is nice for when extra help is needed or if someone just needs to talk to the professor outside of class.

Like I noted earlier, K-State is sort of split up into colleges. Once in these colleges, people have an even greater opportunity to meet someone with similar interests. I love that K-State does this!

I have always had wonderful advising experiences, too! The College of Education actually has appointed advisers who only advise! This means that they can focus purely on our academics and schedules and everything else!

K-State is prestigious for many of the programs and has options for everyone. Even if someone is undecided, it is easy to take general education classes to help them figure out what they are fit for.

I feel like I may have been naive before coming to K-State. Once moving into the residence halls, I experienced things I never had before! Most K-State students are open to the racial, religious, sexual orientation, and other groups on campus. K-State has a strong international program and is open to all cultures.

I, for one, invited an international student to spend the holiday break with us my sophomore year. Her name was Na and it was so neat seeing her interact with my culture and to learn about her culture! We both had learned so much from the experience. I just wish I had been so open to these sort of things before K-State, but I am grateful regardless. Once you meet someone at this university, it is easy to meet more. Half way through the semester, most people have great groups of friends that they can dine with, watch movies with, or go out to Aggieville with.

Financial backgrounds are not prevalent at this university. I come from a poor background but know many from a strong financial background. It just isn't something anyone really worries about here.

Greek Life is definitely the strongest organization on campus. There are many sororities and fraternities that people can get involved in! But if someone isn't in one, they aren't ever left out or shunned. It is right for some, not for others! There are plenty of other things on campus if Greek life does not work out.

I am in a lot of groups through the College of Education. I also did a lot while I was in the residence halls (I worked as a community assistant, served on the governing board, and was a co-head of the tour team). I actually met most of my good friends through the residence halls.

Right off campus is Aggieville, a nice area of shops, restaurants, and bars. It has a popular night scene, but is wonderful for shopping and eating, too!

I think that football and basketball games are a big event also. Being in the student section is one of my favorite places to be.

Maybe shopping, sitting around, there are usually shows at McCain or movie showings at the Union. Most people obviously study, too :) Manhattan has a lot of options for free time!

Probably having to study...

That we are all hicks. This isn't true. Kansas State has a very strong agricultural program, but that is not all of what Kansas State is about. There are tons of options, and one stereotype cannot describe all the cultures, religions, and everything else represented on campus

general education classes. Human Development is a wonderful class (Kelly Welch is amazing) that opens you up to a lot of things that pass through peoples minds. Definitely an awesome class that everyone should take.

Hale Library is in a great place to study! Engineers also have Fiedler Library. There are always lounges, lobbies, and other places to get work done