Some students dispute the school’s reputation, while others acknowledge that those who don’t fit the mold
may feel a little out of place at first, but will soon find others who are like
them at this school of over 6,000 undergrads. Academically, SMU’s business
program is highly respected, and social sciences and communications are also
popular. Students praise the quality of teaching, especially in honors courses,
and believe that students who challenge themselves will find that they get a
lot out of their education. Freshmen live in dorms on SMU’s beautiful campus and
appreciate the community that their living arrangements foster. Greek
organizations and parties dominate the social scene, but many are involved in other
activities, so students are not consigned to spend their nights and weekends
rubbing elbows with frats and sororities. The surrounding city of Dallas gives
students a welcome distraction from the rigors of college life.
Located in University Park, Texas, SMU shares a close relationship with the city of Dallas. Many of the school’s graduates go on to make
their livelihood in the area, and the university's academic programs are for many a stepping stone on the path toward a successful career. “It is generally understood that you are almost guaranteed a job at graduation because of all the connections SMU has, especially in the Dallas area,” says a junior business major. Students attest that networking can be just as valuable as coursework at this school where business and marketing are among the most popular majors.
The general
consensus among students is that they tend to get as much out of their time in the classroom as they're willing to put into it. Some are happy to coast through their courses and earn a B or C, but getting an A at SMU is no easy feat. Class sizes vary, ranging from small, discussion-based seminars to large lectures. Most students agree that
the professors that they’ve encountered are professionals who do their best to ensure that their students are learning: “
The faculty generally love to help you on your way in any way they can,” writes a junior.
While some undergrads feel like they are pigeonholed as Southern prepsters, many do not deny that reputation, and some in fact revel in it. “
Most students dress up for class; there is never anyone going to class [having] just rolled out of bed, it's like a fashion show sometimes,” writes a senior majoring in English.
Sun dresses and Ralph Lauren polos rule the day on this campus, which has been dubbed by some as "Southern Millionaires University." As for political leaning, most students trend toward conservative, but there has been some movement on the left of late: “
Obama did win our mock primary election,” notes a junior humanities major. While many of the stereotypes that stick to SMU undergrads seem to point toward a homogeneous student body, racial diversity
doesn’t seem to be a large issue on campus. Some say that an individual's finances have a lot more to do with how they are viewed by their peers (one freshman writes, “
If you're not rich, you may not fit in here”).
Greek life is the
dominant social force on SMU's campus, and a majority of the student body seems to embrace their school's nightlife. “
People party every, every, EVERY, night," writes a freshman studying biology.
"If you want to go out you can, there is ALWAYS A PARTY.” Greek parties are especially popular among underclassmen looking for an inexpensive night out that also lets them scout out where they might want to pledge in the coming months. For those students who are of legal drinking age, the city of Dallas is
also a top destination, and the clubs in the Deep Ellum district are
especially popular. Students find there are some social options outside of partying, including music clubs, restaurants, and theaters not far from campus. Still, one fraternity member points out that “
[i]f you aren't Greek the social scene is nowhere near as fruitful.”
Outside of Greek life, the school
has a struggling football team that it loves to support in spite of the squad's
win/loss record. Students gather on Bishop Boulevard, SMU’s main drag, prior to games to conduct their version of tailgating, and some teams throw unofficial post-game parties as well. While SMU isn't a Division I athletics powerhouse like some other Texas universities, undergrads still come out in force to cheer on the Perunas. There are
countless groups on campus that appeal to students with other interests, with some clubs becoming individuals' primary social outlet. One of the most popular SMU traditions is the Celebration of Lights, in
which Dallas Hall and the nearby trees are decorated and lit up for the holiday season. Almost the entire campus turns out for this event, which exemplifies the community spirit that is an integral aspect of the SMU experience.
