With a little over 20,000 undergraduates, Central Michigan is larger than a lot of other universities out there, but not nearly as enormous as some of the other state schools that dot the map. “
It's not too big," says a sophomore for whom the campus is just the right size. "
I can make a name for myself. I can recognize people and say 'hello' to people while walking around campus.”
It seems that most students think highly of the CMU experience. Although some complain that their small city doesn't cater enough to the students who call it home, one sophomore notes that “
Mt. Pleasant is becoming more of a college town with the opening of new bars and restaurants geared towards students.”
Some are satisfied with the amount of attention they get in the classroom, though they also acknowledge that at times they don't get a whole lot. A junior on the pre-med track explains that professors “
have lots of students, and for them to remember you just because you are in their class is not very likely.”
Of course, undergrads who put in the effort to see professors after class are more likely to build a relationship with members of the faculty. Many firmly believe that their education is setting them up for success after graduation. “
They are preparing us for the rest of our lives, by teaching us how to use the latest technology in our field, which I feel is what employers are really looking for,” writes a sophomore.
Most students agree that the
student body is characterized by its friendliness. “
You can walk down the street and say 'hi' to a random stranger and they will say 'hi' back to you,” says a
sophomore fraternity member. Indeed, many contest the stereotypes that peg Central Michigan students as "rich kids" who are “
stuck up.” In spite of a recent incident that highlighted racial tensions, undergrads are generally happy with the people who surround them and the lifelong relationships they forge on campus. As at many other colleges located within small towns, students frequently turn to partying to
entertain themselves during their free time. “
Drinking does play a huge role in our community because there is not much else to do at night in Mount Pleasant,”
writes a junior from Grand Rapids. The fraternities on campus are happy to provide students with a viable
social option by throwing countless theme parties and celebrations.
While Greek life is quite popular, one sophomore asserts that “
if you aren't interested or if it just isn't for you, don't worry: there are plenty of other things to get involved in.” Bowling alleys and movie theaters in town are two of the distractions that provide students with a breath of fresh air off campus. Interested students participate in non-Greek extracurriculars as well, ranging from Habitat for Humanity to LGBT organizations. Attending Chippewa football games is a favorite pastime for many even though the team often struggles to string wins together. “
We love to show our school spirit and support out athletes in any way that we can,” writes a sophomore in the Honors program.
Though their squad may not be winning a national championships any time soon,
most CMU students are proud of their team and equally proud of their school.
