Miami University-Oxford Top Questions

What is your overall opinion of this school?

neny

The University has a very conducive study atmosphere and also has a lot of great and experienced Professors.

Blake

Undergraduate education

Aislyn

If I had to give Miami a grade, I'd say a solid B. As far as straight academics, I've had some really positive experiences. The professors are all really engaged and try to make things interesting. The classes are all very relevant to life even if they aren't required for your major. They have some really intelligent faculty here. Miami has so much to help you succeed as a college student; they have programs to help you make friends, get tutoring, handle other boring adult-y things...anything you might need to help handle the busy independent life of a college student. The administrative staff is a little difficult. From the stories I've heard, and from my own experiences, taking advantage of one of the many services that Miami offers is difficult, because the staff are often impatient and sometimes rude or judgmental. There are definitely some very nice staff members at Miami, but it's really a hit-or-miss, and some offices are definite hassles. I've had good experiences with IT and the health clinic, but the housing office and parking services always seem to put me on edge. My biggest problem with attending Miami is the location. In my opinion, there is simply not room for a college in the tiny town of Oxford. Basically, Oxford is the college...when the students go home, it's very quiet. What's so difficult about this is that everything closes early and on the weekends, the health center is always booked, and there is no where to park. Streets run through the campus, which isn't that big a deal, and cars aren't necessary most of the time because of the pretty nifty bus system. But when you do need a car to get around campus, geez. What a hassle. Parking tickets are 75 dollars each, too, and like I said, parking services people aren't too friendly.

Emily

Overall, as I'm entering my senior year at Miami, my overall opinion of my university is positive. Miami's been very good to me. We have a great, tight-knit community, a lot of school pride, and alumni all over the country and the world. My professors have always been engaging, challenging and sympathetic, and our faculty is rated #2 in the country for quality. I came to Miami specifically because of the many study abroad options they offered, and the university is passionately pursuing its goal of getting 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of students to study abroad before graduation. When I tell people from home that I go to Miami, they usually say, "Oh, that's a good school." I'd say that Miami is easily the best public university in Ohio due to its size (about 14,000 undergrads and growing), the beauty of its campus, and its academic standards. You are recognized as an individual, not a student ID number, at Miami. Some criticisms of Miami I agree with are the difficulty of getting financial aid (though that has gotten better since I entered school), a lack of diversity (especially racially, although we have a ton of international students), and some scandals involving the Greek community.

Danielle

I absolutely love Miami University! The best thing about this school is the feel you get just being on campus. I love just walking around outside and actually believing I go to a place like this. The campus itself if beautiful, but there are many other perks! This school is the perfect size, not too small, not too big. Each class is distributed to size suitable for learning and professors want their students to succeed! When I tell people I go to Miami University, people's reaction is first the university in Florida. After I clear that up, they tell me how great of a school it is and how lucky I am to attend it. With the many places on campus it is hard to pick to favorite. I love Dividends, it is a cafe located within the Farmer School of Business. As a Business major, I love coming here and getting a salad or asian food and sitting talking with friends or doing homework. I also love King Library. They have everything you could ever want from books, to magazines, to plays. You can also spend time working on the computers and studying for upcoming tests. They also have the Howe Writing Center on the ground floor - they help correct any mistakes on a paper or any other assignment they have in. My last favorite place is Tuffy's, located within the Shriver Center or our Student Union. This is a great place if you have a large sweet tooth, like me! You can get ice cream, milkshakes, as well as coffee and tea. Aside from the many places on our campus, we have a great college town just up High Street. On the weekends, the streets are very active. There are great shopping stores, restaurants, and dance clubs if you just want to let loose and have some fun! Everyone here is very excited about our school, especially when it comes to sports. Even though we may not have the best sports teams, we all have a lot of Redhawk pride!

Justin

Everybody certainly has their own answer to this question and it certainly depends on what that person is looking for. Oxford is definitely a college town but remains only an hour away from Cincinnati and less than two hours away from Columbus. I've found so far that you really get out what you put in to your experience at Miami University. There are always great speakers coming in to talk which is great if thats what you are looking for in a college experience, there are always people learning and opportunities to learn. Recently, some members from the Westboro Baptist Church came to protest which turned out to be a very controversial event. I think the school size is just right but it totally depends on your view. There are a lot of students here but its very easy to find your niche, especially within your living learning community. It's big enough to have options but not too big that people get lost.

Traci

The best aspect of Miami is the opportunities available to students. The medium size of the university makes it pretty competitive, but that's what fuels Miami's academic and extracurricular excellence. Both of my sisters went to Miami, so I consider myself an expert on what about Miami has changed in the past 10 years and what has remained the same. I love miami for it's not too big and not too small size, welcoming atmosphere, and variety of activities. At times, people will have no idea what Miami University is; however, usually if someone has heard of Miami they are familiar with the caliber of academics and athletics. Compared to other colleges I have visited, Miami has a huge sense of school pride, both on and off campus. Miami is definitely a community.

Ben

The best thing about this school is the work-hard, play-hard atmosphere and the influence that on social life on campus. The campus is lined huge trees and beautiful red brick buildings of uniform architecture. The student body is around 16,000 in size making it just the right amount of people to where you always see familiar faces and have the opportunity to meet new friends. People reaction about Miami varies by their location in the United States (more familiarity in the eastern portion of the country). That being said, everyone I've met has spoken highly of the school. I spend most of my time on campus in the new Farmer School of Business which is the recently constructed top-ranked business school. The administration is involved on campus and often strives to connect with the students individually. Although we have a lot of school pride because of Miami's history, we do not have a strong athletic presence except for our Men's Hockey team. I wish we put forth a stronger effort to support our football program. Student complaints are usually about tough disciplinary measures affecting students, on-campus dining options, and transportation.

David

Miami University is a great place to go to school. The size is perfect and everybody has a good attitude and is very warm. The best thing about Miami is the atmosphere. It is very competitive but also has a real college feel to it. There is always a good balance of fun and work every day. I would change the class registration process. Sometimes it is tough to get classes needed for you major and I think those students in that major should have first dibs on those classes. People generally react positively when I tell them I go to Miami. Many students from my high school have gone or go to Miami and they have an excellent reputation. I usually spend most of my studying time in the library and when I am not doing homework I am either in the dorms with friends or uptown. Miami has a very typical college town. It is small but is full of bars, restaurants, and a few stores. The school's administration is great. They really make the student their top priority and make themselves available on a daily basis through email, phone, and meetings. The biggest recent controversy on campus was a sorority formal a few years ago. This lead to stricter rules regarding greek life but has made the system better. School pride is very high at Miami. There are many on campus traditions and the sports teams, especially hockey, have lots of support from students. I will always remember my first snow day at school. Miami had not cancelled classes in years and then we had a day off due to ice and that was a very exciting moment.

Devona

The main stereotype at Miami is that all of the students are rich, white, and beautiful. The girls are titled "Miami girls" and are thought to be spoiled brats who are unused to how the real world works. Both the female and male body are often thought to drink themselves to the point of intoxication and beyond, and then often go and destroy public property. I would say that the stereotype definitely holds true to some extent. There are a lot of rich people at Miami who party a lot, and probably when they shouldn't. But there are some "normal" kids there as well who study, do their work, and go out and enjoy themselves on the weekend. There definitely are people who fit the stereotypical Miami girls, but they don't make up the entire population.

Michael

My experience at Miami is something I will cherish for the rest of my life because of innumerable opportunities that were presented to me. When you consider a classic, traditional institution, Miami's campus is the first to come to mind, but when considering everything occurring at this school, one will soon understand it is a constantly evolving university. One of the ways this is possible is because of the fact that this is the perfect environment for the undergraduate student, with professors easily accessible and always willing to sit down and discuss various topics with students. An opportunity that I have had at Miami that is unlike any other has been being part of the Men's Glee Club here. Through this group, I have made several trips to various destinations throughout the United States and Europe while learning so much about myself in the process. It is opportunities such as this that separate Miami University from other institutions.

Jessica

Starting answering!I have a very high opinion of Miami. Miami is known as “the public ivy” because it offers the same sort of education one would get at an ivy league school for public school prices. Miami is known as a really great school and people are generally impressed when they find out that’s where I go. Honestly, First of all the professors are great. I really have never had a professor that didn’t seem to care about the students. Most of the classes I have taken have professors who are really passionate about what they teach, which always makes class more interesting. The campus is beautiful, we are all very proud of the fact that the poet, Robert Frost, said that Miami is “the most beautiful college there is.” It is exactly what I imagined my college would look like, red brick buildings, lots of trees and grassy areas, and the same general feel to it that it has had since it was established over 200 years ago. The town of Oxford is a small rural community and “Uptown,” is the hub. There are bars and clubs and a really great variety of restaurants. I spend a lot of my time Uptown, studying in Kofenya coffee shop during the week, meeting up with friends for dinner, and having fun at Brick Street or one of the other bars on the weekend. Miami is a really great mix of tradition, fantastic academics, and a fun environment.

Angela

Miami is seriously an amazing school. People tend to judge me when i say I go there as some super rich kid but I'm not like that and neither are any of my friends. Most of the professors really care about the students. There are some that aren't available all the time but most of them will get back to you after you email them or if you can't make their office hours they will set up a time with you to meet. The campus is gorgeous too. There are tons of trees and paths for you run or walk on in the woods. There is a ton of school pride. I've never met anyone who was ashamed to go there. Our alumni are really involved too. They always come to our hockey games and cheer with us. Hockey is really our biggest sport and the games are intense, you tend to get swept up in the cheers and the crowd. I was never a hockey fan until I came here. Oxford is such a college town. There are all kinds of places to eat uptown like Bagel and Deli and Mac and Joe's which is this cool place to eat that sits back in an alley. It looks slightly scary but the food is amazing. I'll always remember going to one of my friend's graduations and hearing the speaker that the kids nominated comparing life and graduation to Kung Fu Panda. But those are just our professors. They really try to relate to us. Everyone I've talked to that graduates says they want to go back. It really means something to get a degree from Miami. People come from all around the world because its such a great school. I've made connections with people just because I go there. It's awesome.

Trisha

The thing about Miami University is that there are so many good qualities. In high school, I was the kid who really didn't get involved with anything, but that changed when I started attending Miami. Even though I'm a commuter (which makes it a tad more difficult to really be involved with everything on campus), there are still ways to get involved. While the campus is large, it fits with the aesthetic of Miami, not just in appearance but in how one feels when they step on campus. Located in the tiny little town of Oxford, OH (which is, without a doubt, a college town), stepping within the borders of campus is like stepping into an entirely different world. The most popular place on campus for people to spend their time is usually the Shriver Center; however the off campus places are more abundant. All of the restaurants in "Uptown" is where most students spend their weekends--from the movies to shows at Brick Street to eating at any of the fantastic restaurants, there is always something to do. One thing that ninety-percent of the people at Miami have in common is their school pride. On any given day at campus, just walking down Spring Street, one can see at least fifty people sporting something with their schools name plastered across it. But it goes beyond the school pride for students attending and applies to the recent alums, alums from years passed, and the family of students currently attending. Honestly, I think my parents own more Miami clothes than I do--and I own my fair share. When one can connect with anyone based on their school pride, it's a beautiful thing. I can wear my Miami shirt anywhere I go, and people will respect that. Miami University has the reputation of being one of the most prestigious schools in Ohio (one could even argue, in the midwest) and that by itself receives interest from others. Dealing with complaints, the one that I've heard most frequently from any students--from freshman to seniors--is the scheduling and registration for classes. The times for people to register aren't displayed easily--one can only see them if they're logged into BlackBoard and under the "BannerWeb" option where, well, one doesn't usually go to that page for fun. On top of this issue, a lot of classes for certain majors, or even just the Miami Plan, are not offered frequently enough or are given such a small cap, that it can be nearly impossible to register for the classes that one needs to graduate. I, myself, have had this issue a few times. However, if those in control of this would be able to work on it, I do believe that this major issue would be solved.

Kyla

Personally, I love Miami. I have very little to complain about, and quite a bit to praise. I knew from the time I was a little girl that I would go here, and the day I got my acceptance letter was one of the best memories I have. The campus is gorgeous, especially in the fall. At first glance the campus might seem pretty big, but in reality you can get anywhere you want in fifteen minutes on foot. Right off campus is "Uptown," which has a ton of restaurants and clubs, as well as other fun things to do all within walking distance. Oxford also has a lot in driving distance as well. I prefer a bigger school, so Miami has the perfect amount of people for me. It isn't huge, but there are about 16,000 students on campus. Many of my fellow high school graduates go here, but since the campus is so big, I usually only see them if I choose to. We have a ton of school pride, with an outstanding hockey team and a marching band that got to bring in Santa in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade this year. The faculty are awesome, and usually work side by side with students to help the learning process grow. There are so many great majors to choose from, all in gorgeous red brick buildings. The dorms are great, too. First year students get to live in Living Learning Communities, which is a program that places you in a dorm based on your interests and major to help build friendship and learning. Last year I got to live with a bunch of music and art students, which is an experience I will treasure forever. I met some of my closest friends there, and we all had a great time. The only real complaint I have about Miami is the cost, but I think that comes with any university. Miami is a little expensive, but to me it is completely worth it. I have learned incredible things so far, and I can't wait to take what I've learned and apply it to my job when I graduate. Going to Miami is one of the best decisions you will ever make. I promise.

Caitlin

Miami University is a fantastic school. The best aspect of Miami University would have to be its amazing academics (Of course! This is why we come to college, right?). Professors at Miami University are caring and always ready to help students at any given time. Nearly all professors at Miami create a comfortable atmosphere to welcome students to the new semester! Whichever field you decide to study, Miami will have you prepared for whatever comes your way after graduation! Of course, we all know that students need a break from studying at Miami University. Who wants to spend their weekend cooped up in a college dorm room reading about Shakespeare or Adam Smith's invisible hand? Uptown provides plenty of entertainment for your weekends, whether you want to enjoy a romantic dinner, grab a beer, dance at a club, or even do arts and crafts at "You're Fired!". This campus is definitely a college town - but what does the phrase "college town" entail? Brick buildings and beautiful green trees lining the streets scream "college town" in Oxford and many feel that this environment is perfect for studying, enjoying a long walk or bike ride, or hanging out with your friends on the weekends. Uptown is just a few blocks away, so you never have to worry about finding a way of transportation to have fun! Don't let this fool you, though; Miami is not a small school in regards to its students. You are constantly seeing new faces, however, certain faces become recognizable very quickly! Miami University's size is just right!

Shannon

Coming from the East Coast, most people do not know about Miami University, but it has really provided me with an amazing college experience. Not only is it the perfect size, but there are so many opportunities made available to the students whether through greek life, religious groups, or campus clubs, giving it a small college feel. I am in the English Department, but since Miami is a liberal arts college, I have been able to take some of the most interesting classes, that at another school I do not think I would have had the same opportunity. In addition, I have had some of the most amazing professors, that have really made a big impact on my time at Miami. I have had the ability to visit many college campuses while I have been in school, and the best feeling in the world is coming back to Miami. The is a truly welcoming feeling to both the campus and the students, and I would not trade that for anything. The classes I have taken were great, the friends I have made will never be forgotten, and the times both on campus and uptown can never be replaced. Miami is not perfect for everyone, but I would not choose to go anywhere else.

Erin

Like all higher-level educational institutions, Miami University has both its strengths and weaknesses. If students are searching for a school that offers city life, Miami University is not the best choice. One can easily ask “what college town?” as Oxford, Ohio is small, and thus rather limited in what it offers. An array of cute cafes, a small theater, antique store, hardware store, and a Kroger’s, and a smattering of drugstores and hairstylists makes up the town. While a Wal-Mart is also only a short distance a way, simply put, Oxford has necessities, and little else in form of entertainment. For night life, one would have to drive to Cincinnati or Dayton. Another area of concern involves scheduling for classes. While Miami University does attempt to set each student with an advisor, it is of the student’s own volition to seek help; an advisor likely will not request you meet with them, unless you are a new student. Like other schools its size, Miami University scheduling is not personal; rather, one must be aware of scheduling periods and register online him or herself. For a new student, this process can be stressful, as classes fill quickly and registering is on a first come, first serve basis. Students must be quick to get the classes they wish, but they must also be informed and aware of the basic requirements required of a Miami Education. As Miami University is a liberal arts college, the Miami Plan requires students take subjects outside of their respective majors. This can cause a problem, as the requirements are very specific, and failure to pay close attention to these may mean an extra half year of school. Nonetheless, if students seek help for scheduling, there are also options such as force adding a class, as well as a decent sampling of courses offered during the summer. A few other complaints about Miami University may include pedestrian safety, dorm noise, and accessibility of the information via the school’s website. Lately, concerns have risen concerning pedestrian safety, in lieu of four consecutive incidents around and in the campus in a two-week period. In one instance, a student had to be airlifted to the nearest hospital. Most cases, of course, are less severe, but there clearly is cause for concern. A mixture of careless driving, unaware pedestrians, and congested streets are all concerns that need to be raised at some point. In terms of dorm life, experience can depend largely on where one lives, as each quad of the campus has a different ‘personality’. North quad tends to be noisier, and central less so. However, in all dorms there are time when it is difficult to study and sleep at reasonable hours, despite the implication of quiet hours. Perhaps stricter RA’s are needed to enforce these policies, to ensure that a student can sleep and study in his or her dorm. Lastly, Miami University’s website lacks coherence; that is, one must search for a while to find information. There are broken links and the search engine is not very accurate. If one wants to find information, it is often easier to find faculty on campus and pose questions there. That said, faculty is very quick and helpful in response to email communication. All of this said, Miami University has plenty of things to boast over. The beauty of the campus is clearly a step above and beyond most state schools, and even many small private ones. With classic architecture and mature trees, green spaces and sculptures, Miami University is aseptically appealing. It is an ideal place for studying, picnicking, and playing outside. The buildings themselves are generally in good condition, as the University does its best to make renovations on an annual basis. Constantly the University tries to cater to student’s needs; currently a new student center is being constructed, along with an array of new dining options. Miami University dining seems very underrated; the campus food, though not perhaps the very best, is a good deal above passable. Fresh options are available, as well as typical ‘college food’. The sheer number of locations is above commendable; anywhere you live on campus, you are sure to have at least one if not several options literally outside your dorm. Unique to other campuses, Miami University also has four on campus mini markets, which are particularly useful for very busy students or students living in apart5ments. Building hours and resources available to students are also commendable aspects. King Library, which is open twenty –four hours, is very well stocked with books for research purposes. With study rooms, a Starbucks coffee, computers, group meeting rooms, and a writing help center, the library is very useful and pleasing. Many academic buildings are also open extensive hours, and there is also at least a few dining options available to students regardless of the day. The recreational center is spacious, new, and offers an array of activities. Group and personal classes are available, and a number of club sports as well. The pool is nearly always available for alp swimming, even during meets, as is the upstairs indoor track, basketball court, and weightlifting facilities. Additionally, there is a rock climbing wall, racquetball, table tennis, and many more options. The building is opened from very early in the morning until eleven at night. One cannot talk of Miami University’s strong points without discussing its academic programs. Known for professional professors and dedication to its undergraduate students, Miami University lives up to its name. Unlike many other large schools, Miami does not have TA’s, but professors teaching their respective courses. Office hours are flexible, and students should have no difficulty finding time to personally meet with their professors. Miami University does a good job of promoting undergraduate research and internships, as well as career path resources. One does, however, have to take the intiative to become involved in such opportunities. Something can also be said of the quality of the student body itself, as the acceptance rate is lower than counterpart state schools. The quality of education is undeniable; Miami University has been recognized nationally for many different academic divisions, as well as one of the nation’s top Universities for undergraduate study. Miami boasts a top ten national spot for highest graduation rates. The prospects pots graduation for Miami students are good as well; in terms of salary and job placement, Miami University ranks first among public Ohio schools and 34th nationally. Lastly, the size of Miami University is something to be recognized. Neither small nor excessively large, the University offers the variety and accessibility other large schools offer, with personalized attention to its students. While Miami Plan classes often are lecture halls, inside ones major usually classes comprise of no more than thirty students. There is a large enough student body for diversity, but not so large a student feels he or she is merely a number. Weighing the negatives and positives, Miami University is a solid educational institution that offers students a quality education in a pleasing environment.

Rachel

When you attend Miami University at some point you are bound to get the question: "How do you like Florida?" As a native New Jerseyan, I get this question a lot which proves that this school is definitely one of the country's best kept secrets. I've found that the number of undergraduate students is just right. I like that I can see a friendly face or two just about every time I leave my residence hall, but at the same time am meeting new people on a daily basis. The small town of Oxford, Ohio is not only beautiful but it is full of things to do on and off campus. It is truly a place where you can experience a fun time on any night of your choosing. The bars uptown are 18+, providing places to go and socialize, whether it be with close friends or new acquaintances. If the bars aren't your thing, there are house parties on almost every corner. That's not to say that weekends are all about partying and going out. The Oxford area offers plenty of activities for those who may not identify with Miami's party scene. Our division one athletic programs provide the student body with exciting sporting events that they can attend for free with a Miami ID. Most notably, Miami is known for having a top tier hockey team that consistently delivers an exciting game atmosphere. The campus consists of beautiful brick buildings and gorgeous scenery including the Western campus bridges and the formal gardens. The weather can be polarizing at times, but a true Miami student knows how to dress accordingly and brave the erratic climate. I, personally, have seen numerous college campuses over the course of my lifetime including ivy league schools like Brown and Cornell which are known for their classic beauty. However, upon setting foot on Miami's campus it was obvious to me that those schools paled in comparison to the lovely setting that Oxford provides. It was very clear right away that I belonged here. After finishing my first semester at Miami I can gladly say that I was right.

Rachel

When you attend Miami University at some point you are bound to get the question: "How do you like Florida?" As a native New Jerseyan, I get this question a lot which proves that this school is definitely one of the country's best kept secrets. I've found that the number of undergraduate students is just right. I like that I can see a friendly face or two just about every time I leave my residence hall, but at the same time am meeting new people on a daily basis. The small town of Oxford, Ohio is not only beautiful but it is full of things to do on and off campus. It is truly a place where you can experience a fun time on any night of your choosing. The bars uptown are 18+, providing places to go and socialize, whether it be with close friends or new acquaintances. If the bars aren't your thing, there are house parties on almost every corner. That's not to say that weekends are all about partying and going out. The Oxford area offers plenty of activities for those who may not identify with Miami's party scene. Campus consists of beautiful brick buildings and gorgeous scenery including the Western campus bridges and the formal gardens. The weather can be polarizing at times, but a true Miami student knows how to dress accordingly and brave the erratic climate. I, personally, have seen numerous college campuses over the course of my lifetime including ivy league schools like Brown and Cornell which are known for their classic beauty. However, upon setting foot on Miami's campus it was obvious to me that those schools paled in comparison to the lovely setting that Oxford provides. It was very clear right away that I belonged here. After finishing my first semester at Miami I can gladly say that I was right.

Ronnie

The first time I visited Miami, I remember being swept away by the Autumn leaves, the red brick, the breeze; everything about Miami was perfect. Once I became a student, that original feeling never left. To be honest, I still see Miami the way I did three years ago. With that being said, nothing is actually perfect. If I could change one thing about Miami that would be the way in which the departments are run. A few, not all, of the departments can be quite a nuisance when you have to interact with them. I've only had two problems over the past three years that warrant this change. The first time I was given the run around was from the Spanish department. I wanted to know if I could take Spanish 202 online to satisfy the College of Arts and Sciences Language requirement. I was transferred several times, sent half a dozen emails, and finally received a simple answer of no. However, I do not blame this entirely on Miami and the Spanish Department. I place most of the blame on myself for not knowing the proper person to call. Aside from that, I never really had a problem with the university as a whole or the student body. On the topic of the student body, freshman year I found myself repeating my high school ways. I joined a lot of organizations, most serviced based. While I enjoyed these organizations and found myself interacting with the student body on a daily basis, I realized that this was just a repetition of high school and I wasn't branching out and trying new things. It slowly dawned on me, actually it took three years, that I failed to understand the importance Greek Life and school spirit have in the overall college experience. Greek Life has become a vital part of the man I am becoming. The brotherhood that I havee joined has created in me a sense of importance, percerverance, as well as given me a support system. Going through my first two years without this can account for over involvement in campus affairs and never getting a chance to enjoy them. School spirit is another thing I found that I was lacking that other students were not. I have never been into sports. Once I arrived at Miami, I found that a considerable number of students were involved in some form in sports. I went to my first hockey game late in my first semester and fell in love. Sophomore year I attended every game. It wasn't the sport that I enjoyed, it was the school spirit I saw. It wasn't just at hockey games that this spirit was demonstrated. Baseball games, swim meets, and football games were all filled with students eager to cheer on their team and even in defeat we praised.

Philip

Miami University is a great college, as long as you make the experience your own. One thing that I think many students fail to grasp about Miami is that it prepares you for the real world, by throwing in to an experience where you are proactive about your education. You are placed in the small college town, with a large amount of student population, and forced to start to your career. Now, not to say that you don't have support from faculty and staff, which Miami heartily provides. Places like the Rinella Learning Center, Academic Advising Office, and the Howe Writing Center are just the a portion of the help Miami provides for struggling students. I've never had a bad experience that wasn't fixed by helpful faculty and staff, even though the Financial Aid office will always give you a hard time no matter what. When I tell people that I attend Miami University, the reaction is always a "Wow". Miami has a reputation of being a top competitive school, with a large amount of successful alumni, a major plus about Miami. One thing that I would change about Miami is expansion of the town, because there are so many opportunities to make Oxford, OH accessible to all students, but it fails to do so. Besides that, you still can have a great time in Oxford, whether it's uptown or going to the Greek houses. As a sophomore, I am so busy that I'm every, and I'm never sitting down. I like that about Miami, because you can always keep yourself busy with something. The most recent controversy was the Westboro Baptist Church protesting our college, but the students positivistly reacted and nothing came of it. When it comes to incidents like this, Miami students take pride of their campus, when it comes to every aspect. This I love, because you live in community among people that acre about the welfare of Miami University and want more for the world. Your learning extends outside the classroom through organizational experiences, volunteering, class projects, and etc... My most memorial experience was joining America Reads, a tutoring program in which students are paid to go to community sites and help young students in reading. I love this program, because I am being paid to help students with their education and it's so fulfilling to do so. My opinion of Miami is that while some students, don't feel welcome or have a place at Miami, it's a great school with many opportunities and a great education.

Britany

My overall opinon of campus is very positive. I think that Miami is the perfect size, not too big and not too small. You can walk anywhere you need to go on campus, and you will probably run into someone you know. The secluded placement of Oxford creates a real community because everything is close and easy to get to. Highstreet creates an ideal college town experience.. Although we are not passionate about traditional sports, Groggin ice center explodes with school pride when our hockey team plays. The biggest controversy is where the money for the school is going. The school is starting to build a 60 million dollar student centert, when our faculty haven't recieved raises in years. Miami is one of the most expensive public schools and it isn't clear where that money is going.

Jennifer

Miami is a university steeped in tradition. Generations of students have fallen in love with the sundial, Upham Arch, and Tuffy's toasted rolls - and it shows. Miami students love their campus and, for the most part, love the University. Whenever I tell people "I go to Miami University," the ones who know it's not in Florida invariably say, "Oh, that's a great school." And it is. Miami is, for me, the perfect size. It is big enough to afford students plenty of opportunities, but small enough that I run into people I know on the street or in the Shriver Center on a daily basis. As a member of the Marching Band and a music minor, I spend the majority of my time around the music department buildings, though my English classes have taken me to every corner of campus. Classes at Miami are geared toward engaging students' minds, and even the toughest professors work to make sure students get the most out of their classes. A lot of students complain about the Miami Plan for Liberal Education (which makes up our "gen-ed" requirements) but in the long run, almost everyone understands just how valuable it is. We are presented with a vast range of studies designed to instill us with the critical thinking skills we will need to succeed in the workforce. Like any administration, Miami's has its share or bureaucratic hoops to jump through. I think the difference at Miami, though, is the degree of student input that is sought out and applied. The administration communicates very actively with the student body in open forums such as our student-run newspaper and even social media. Earlier this semester, a controversy arose over the Westboro Baptist Church's decision to protest at Miami after a simple miscommunication; the administration handled the situation very gracefully, putting its support behind a student-organized and run rally aimed at celebrating diversity on Miami's campus. Additionally, end-of-semester course evaluations are taken very seriously in determining how professors are doing in the classroom. Honestly, the one thing I'd change about this school is our sports culture.While a Friday or Saturday night hockey game will have the Goggin Ice Center stuffed to bursting, we don't have much a student section at football or basketball games. It would be fantastic to see more support for our student athletes. Otherwise, my Miami experience has truly been an exceptional one, and I've made so many memories that will last me a lifetime.

Angela

I sometimes have a hard time feeling like I fit in with the crowd at Miami University, simply because my life before this moment in time has never come within an inch of theirs. I've experienced different things and learned different lessons, that most of my friends still can't comprehend. But I chose this school for a reason; I wanted to better myself, and I thought this was my best choice. I built a life for myself here. At Miami I've been able to meet people from all different kinds of life that was impossible in the small town I grew up in. I met people of my caliber and my intellect and found my own little niche in society. I've learned that where we're born has it's importance in life, but where we place ourselves shows more about our inner selves and sadly a seeminly small choice, for example, what college you attend, can mean all the difference.

Melissa

This school is a perfect place for someone to come into his or her own. The dedicated faculty make an effort to be available and get to know their students on personal as well as intellectual levels. While campus can seem large at first, after freshman year the fact that Oxford is a small college town is clear and it is uncommon to walk to class without seeing at least one familiar face. The dining services are among the best I have experienced after visiting different schools. There are many common areas such as the student center and the cafe on the bottom floor of the library where students can socialize as well as study. One important facet of Miami University is the Associated Student Government which is large enough to include a large number of diverse students. Something that is really beneficial to the Miami student is that campus is so close to "Uptown" that it feels like there is an extension of campus that provides even more places to study or hang-out. In short, Miami University provides just about everything the typical college student needs.

Todd

Miami University was just recently ranked the second best college in America for teachers. As a student I am not surprised, I have had some amazing professors during my time at Miami. One of the best things about Miami is that it takes a big school and makes it feel small. Though there are roughly 15,000 students I have never felt overwhelmed by the size, at the same time I am always meeting new people, even as a senior. Miami also has a great tradition of academic excellence. If you are interested in business then I would look no further as Miami has one of the best Business schools in the country and a consistent record of placing students with fortune 100 companies after graduation. Little known is Miami's excellence in the sciences, especially for pre-health majors. As a pre-med major I often hear percentages thrown around, at Miami I have consistently heard that the acceptance rate into medical school of anyone attending Miami is around 60{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}, which for those of you who do not know is extremely high. As well as boasting great majors, Miami brings a liberal arts feel to a non liberal arts school. Miami Plan is often dreaded by freshmen but I can honestly say it is the best thing, academically, I did at Miami. It allowed me to take classes I most likely would not have taken and gave me a taste of my eventual minor, comparative religion. Academically Miami is a great school and by all means fulfills its duties as "The Harvard of the Midwest". A necessary part of college is the time you spent outside of studying and class. I have had some of the best moments of my life at Miami. Oxford most certainly is a college town, considering Miami makes up most of the town, but there are many things that can be done off campus. There is the infamous Uptown, which is a street filled with multiple bars, a lot which are 18+. A cool part about Miami is that you will often see a professor kicking back a beet at skippers or steinkellers after class on a friday and most likely they will invite you to drink with them. If partying is not your cup of tea, Miami also offers a wide variety of sporting, musical, theatre, and various on campus events which are a great time too.

Sarah

Miami has all the perks of being a fairly large and reputable institution, with the feel of a small town. If you are scared to break out into the big city after high school, this is the perfect place to start your life away from home. The atmosphere is not too big and not too small, but just right. Professors are very helpful and accommodating to undergraduate students. However, it is all too easy to get trapped in the "bubble" of Oxford, Ohio, located in Butler County, surrounded by cornfields. Challenge yourself to think globally on a daily basis, because some Miami students seem to get caught up in their own self-centered world. Remember, there is life after college.

David

My favorite thing about Miami University is that we are in a true college town. Most of Oxford, Ohio revolves around Miami's students, from our uptown entertainment district to our stores, its geared mostly to the college-age person. I also love that both the campus and town are stunningly beautiful. Our brick buildings, sprawling lawns, and historical sites from more than two centuries ago were enough to get George Clooney and Ryan Goseling to film a movie here (The Ides of March). One experience that I'll always remember about Miami was my first hockey game. The students arrive at the arena the day before big games and camp out for the best seats. There is so much pride around the team and the crowd is always rowdy and has a bunch of really amusing cheers. If you visit campus, be sure to see our new business building, The Farmer School of Business, its really amazing.

Leah

Miami U is a great school because it feels very personal and tight-knit, but there are enough students on campus to compete against other major sporting teams, hold profitable charity and fundraising events, and have fun campus-wide competitions. So, Miami is a personal school and campus with a large personality and plethora of campus life activities.

Alison

I can without a doubt say that I have thoroughly enjoyed my first 2.5 years at Miami because it is a great school with so much to offer. However, if I had to change one thing, it would definitely be the dominance of greek life, because it can really make people feel like they don't belong and often causes people to change who they are just to please others. WIth the exception the greek life dominance, I wouldn't change anything else. Miami University is perfect the way it is. It has a beautiful campus, outstanding professors, and a great social scene.

Alexandria

Overall, I absolutely love Miami. As a senior, I can honestly say that my parents are going to have to pry me out of my house after graduation. Miami is the perfect mix of everything you could want in college. Located in the small town of Oxford, Ohio, it is the epitome of a "college town." When walking around campus or uptown, you feel like everyone around you is at the same point in life--a college student looking to further their education. The school is a mid-size school with around 15,000 undergrads which makes it a great size. It is big enough to where I don't feel like I'm still in high school, but small enough to where I don't feel overwhelmed when I'm on campus or at student events. Additionally, professors here are beyond amazing. They were just recently ranked number two in dedication to teaching nationwide. Just last week, our professors participated in a flash mob in the library to promote their involvement on campus. The best thing about Miami is, well, almost everything. But my two favorite things about Miami are the beautiful campus and the student involvement. In any season, Miami looks like it is straight off a postcard or fairy tale. Every season for the past four years I have spent a day where I take pictures all around campus because I can't get enough of it. Robert Frost once called Miami the "most beautiful campus there ever was." Student involvement here is also a big part of campus life. I can't think of one person on campus who is not involved in some way other than class--whether it be an organization, job, club, or some other group. The biggest complaint about Miami is the "lack of diversity"--although this is only from the outside looking in. When you look at diversity from a racial standpoint, Miami is not the most diverse school. However, we have one of the largest populations of international students in the nation. Additionally, while we may not be racially diverse, culturally we are extremely diverse. I have never experienced so many different cultural events in my entire life. As a member of a choir here, I sing global music every year and participate in world concerts almost on a monthly basis. I have been given some of the most amazing cultural opportunities of my career through Miami. For instance, our choir sings music from A.R.Rahman (grammy award winning music composer of Slumdog Millionaire) that were personally arranged by our conductor with Rahman's help. I have sang with the Canadian Brass, Chanticlear, and some world-reknowned artists. As a member of this choir I also got to travel to China to represent the United States in the 2010 World's Fair in Shanghai, China. This is one experience in my life that I will never forget. Miami is a school filled with more opportunities than you could ever imagine. The staff and administration are a big part of this. President Hodge is highly involved in campus life and can be seen walking around, talking to students on a daily basis. I would not change anything about my experience at Miami, it has been everything I could have asked for and more in a college.

Charlie

It has a great business school. The Farmer School of Business is one of the best in the country and has some of the best undergraduate professors to learn from. It is a beautiful campus with nice buildings and great people and students. The environment is fun and nice. It is a great place to start your college experience and gain the knowledge you need for your career.

Meghan

Miami's medium size is just right! The campus community is extremely engaged in student life and high impact experiences that set students up for success. Miami is the quintessential college town and offers a picturesque campus setting. The administration is very student friendly and always open to speak to students. With Miami having a "walking campus", faculty and staff are always around campus and in tune with campus life.

Meghan

Miami's medium size is just right! The campus community is extremely engaged in student life and high impact experiences that set students up for success. High quality professors offer a strong academic experience and truly engage students in the subject matter. Miami is the quintessential college town and offers a picturesque campus setting.

Meghan

Miami's medium size is just right! The campus community is extremely engaged in student life and high impact experiences that set students up for success. High quality professors offer a strong academic experience and truly engage students in the subject matter. Miami is the quintessential college town and offers a picturesque campus setting.

Melissa

Miami is in a college town which is amazing. You are constantly connected to students because you all work and play in the same mile square. Miami is the perfect size to know a ton of people but easily avoid those who you do not like. Miami is a public ivy so it is sort of prestigious. Miami is beautiful. Anyone who visits can attest to that. The red brick builds create a perfect picture in every season. Miami is always called a party school but i believe any school with 21 year old to supply alcohol is a party school. Partying is your choice you can do it here or you can chose not to and still have a ton of things to do and participate in. When you go to Miami you have a connection to Miami forever. You hold the principles of love and honor with you everywhere and those who attend have the bond of spending a few amazing years here.

Jesse

The school has a good amount of students - it is not too big nor too small. The kids like to party, piss inside the bars, and tend to do whatever they can for attention. Students tend not to get along with Oxford, Hamilton, and Richmond residents and there are usually fights when these crowds mix. Homosexual students have been known to get beat up along with rapes occurring commonly and the school trying to stop media coverage of it. On a better note, we have a great hockey team with great followers but the students are on the bandwagon. If team is not doing well, neither is the attendance.

Andrew

Miami is pretty awesome. For a mid-sized university in the middle of nowhere, there sure is a lot to do. The school itself is just the right size; you won't be bored because you know everybody or anything, and it's not too big that you'd get overwhelmed. The town Oxford, Ohio is very small. You'd expect it to be too small at first glance, but everything I've needed could be found in town. There is a small section of the town that is tailored to the university, which is really the only place I ever went if I needed something off campus. Academics are pretty good, while the place isn't exactly an Ivy, it's still pretty rigorous. There is a lot of school spirit, especially when it comes to hockey. Social life is excellent.

Laura

There are a lot of things that I love and enjoy about Miami. One thing is that Miami is the perfect size. Not too large and not too small. It is large enough to meet a lot of new people, yet small enough to have the chance to bump into a couple of your friends on your way to class. Another thing I love about Miami is that, when I tell people that I attend Miami University, they raise their eyebrows and are immediately impressed. Miami offers a great education and they ensure success in the future. Miami is located in Oxford, OH which is a very small town run by college students. It is perfect because pretty much everyone there is a student, so you do not have to worry about random people envading the college town.

Mallory

Miami is just right. Its probably been said a million times before, but Miami is a big school with a small school feel. Walking around campus, I see lots of people I recognize and know. But at the same time, they're will always be someone new to meet. You can be sitting in classes with 15 people or with 400 people. The big picture: MU is amazing. You can get a great education while managing to have a LOT of fun.

Cara

I love the size of Miami. When I think of a college town I picture Miami. There is always something to do, somebody is always doing something, there is always a party to go to and always somebody to go out with at night.

Lydia

Miami has a beautiful campus (which is what attracts most people), but the administration doesn't tell you that it rains 90{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the time you are on campus. The beauty lasts the first month you arrive and the last month when you leave, but the rest of the time it is cloudy, raining, and depressing. However, it has to be said that people who graduate from Miami have a great advantage. Miami is known for its high standards and once I told companies where I graduated from, the response was always positive and they seemed impressed.

Jonathon

There is nothing good about this school at least in the art department. The professors as well as the students are conservatives with some sort of mission to dictate the art around them as pieces which are simply out to shock. The creativity of the other students is extremely low and most put absolutely no effort into their work because they would rather spend their time drinking. This is a party school. I seriously doubt a spot of intellectual air even exists within the confines of this campus, which is beautiful, but destroyed by the self-consumed zombies wearing North Face jackets, Uggs, Louis Vuitton purses, and Gucci sunglasses.

Charlie

I love the campus!! It is beautiful. The entire campus is made up of red brick buildings. The best time to visit Miami is either in the Fall or Spring. This is because their are many trees at Miami and during this time they start to change colors or in the spring the flowers start to bloom. The one thing I would change about Miami is the Greek Life. Greek Life is huge at Miami. A good majority of the students either belong to a fraternity or a sorority. There is nothing wrong with that I just think that it is all overrated. Usually when one joins a fraternity or a sorority partying takes place. By becoming a member of the greek life at Miami, ones schedule can get busy as the sorority or fraternity requires them to do certain activies. One other thing that I don't like about Miami is that a lot of students like to go uptown to the bars starting as early as Wednesday evenings. Although, you will have this at any college. Overall, the size of the campus is just right. I believe there are around 16,000 students. The campus is not too big but at the same time, not small enough that you know every face you pass on the way to class. I do like how Oxford is like a small college town. It seems like a lot of things are centered around the University. There are many little restraunts uptown and they are all within walking distance. My favorite is the Pita Pit, which is basically like a subway only whatever you decide to have in your sandwich is wrapped in a pita. My favorite place to hang out uptown is You're Fired. If you like crafts you would enjoy going there because you pick out any piece of pottery and then paint it. It is a fun place to hang out and a great place to make gifts for family and friends. There is not a lot around Oxford, but there is a bowling alley and of course you can also go ice skating at the arena or attend any sporting events. I will say that if you come to Miami, you need to go to a hockey game whether you are a hokcey fan or not. I am not a hockey fan, however, this is the biggest sport at Miami. Games are fun to go to and this is where you will find most of our school's pride.

Anna

The campus is beautiful; it's exactly what a college campus should look like. The size is perfect, not too big and not too small. There's something for everyone.

Stephanie

Miami is perfect. We have a campus that looks great all year round. It's just the right size, not too big and not too small. It has something for everyone. Although its in a rural part of Ohio its very charming. Its also a school very thick with unique traditions and school spirit. It's hard not to love it!

Mike

One big problem i have with Miami is scheduling classes. They never have enough classes and you have to take hours in order to force add every class that you need to take. Another big problem with Miami is their policies on drinking. They are much worse than most schools when it comes to enforcing underage laws.

Kate

Best thing about Miami is definitely the campus. It is absolutely beautiful, and the size is perfect - not too big, not too small. You don't feel like you're in high school because you don't know everyone, so there's plenty of new people to get to know, but it is also very likely that you'll run into someone you know too, so you don't feel lost in the crowd and overwhelmed. When I tell people I go to Miami they automatically act if I am in a sorority, or ask where my Northface is at. It's funny. It's just at stereotype -- a lot of people are in a sorority or fraternity, but it's perfectly easy to survive and flourish if you aren't in one too. We had a couple of controversies in the '07-'08 school year. First was with the art project of a noose, that a lot of people were offended over. The other was with the kid who was tasered to death. We also had a couple of people die on campus in '06-'07 due to trains. It was really weird. But for the most part, there is little controversy.

Brad

The size of Miami is just about right. I feel like there are enough people that you can meet the right type of people for you, but at the same time there arent 50,000 strangers on campus either. I spend most of my time on campus because there isnt much to do off campus. Other than going out on the weekends uptown to maybe a restaraunt or bar there isnt much to do uptown. There are plenty of people that have the same problem though so together you can always find something fun to do. The administration at Miami has been very helpful and friendly during my four years at the school. When it comes to school pride there is lots of Miami Tradition. The football and hockey programs have very strong histories which helps create a great atmosphere. One thing that really does bother me alot is the housing situation at miami. For anyone that wants to live off campus you have to sign a lease in october for the following school year that starts 10 months later if you want to lock up a nice house. It doesnt seem fair to make students choose who they want to live with the following year when they have only been at school for 1 or two months.