UNT students seem to either love their school or find it less than
satisfactory. The university has a lot to offer those who choose to take
advantage of it, but many of the commuter students don’t get a chance to
experience all of the non-academic opportunities. Those living on campus say
the size of the student population lends itself to a comfortable community feel. “North Texas is one of those schools that isn't too big or too small, it’s just the right size. Because we are a big commuter school, those of us who live on campus are a pretty-tight knit group,” writes a freshman studying psychology.
Students say that being on campus gives them access to the classic college experience, whereas
commuters don’t get the same sense of collegiate camaraderie.
Most undergrads come from the north Texas area,
though the well-known music program draws aspiring performers from across the
country. Overall, students say they feel the university is diverse and that the
student body is welcoming of all races, religions, and sexual orientations. A senior
journalism major notes, “Everyone is very open-minded and no one judges anyone. UNT is VERY diverse in all aspects, yet everyone comes together and you don't see colors or statuses or religions.” Because the in-state price tag is so reasonable, students' economic backgrounds are varied as well. Undergrads comment that the UNT population is full
of artsy kids and that overall the college is surprisingly liberal compared to the
state at large, though there are still plenty of conservative west Texans on campus.
Class sizes start out large, often numbering in the hundreds,
but they quickly dwindle down to more intimate sizes once undergrads hit their courses within their majors. A junior studying business computer information systems writes, “Once you get into your upper-level classes, you begin to know people within your major and professors know you on a one-on-one basis.” The academics at UNT are reportedly hit-or-miss. Many students say they
have had great experiences with professors and courses: “I always hear students raving about the great advice that their real estate professor gave them, or the information that their economics professor shared with them,” writes a
journalism junior. Others have a different take: “Academics at UNT show a complete lack of similarity. Identical classes taught by separate professors don't even use the same textbooks,” notes a senior majoring in business.
On-campus extracurriculars are a rewarding experience for
those who get involved. UNT offers a slew of options, though students
remark that the level of participation isn't overwhelming. Greek life is present on campus but
it doesn’t dominate the social scene, and students say the Greek community is inclusive of
non-Greeks as well. “People join to make friends but they don't shut themselves out of other social circles and they don't shut anyone else out,” writes a senior. “I'm in no way associated with the Greek system yet I have been invited to several frat parties.” Most of UNT’s social life happens off campus, as Denton has a lot to offer in
the way of bars, restaurants, and shops. A junior says, “Visiting the bars on Fry Street or in downtown Denton is the best way to get out there and get away from the stresses of your schoolwork. Bars are open all week and are always running specials on drinks and events.”
Students say the biggest shortcoming of UNT is the
lackluster school spirit. With a hefty dose of commuters and transfer students,
the student body doesn’t have the unified vibe that many crave, though some say they are hopeful that this will change. A business student writes, “School pride is on the rise, however, because our sports teams are shaking it up and starting to play better in the Sun Belt Conference.” With everything UNT and Denton have to offer, undergrads have all the resources
they need to make the most of their college experience.
