The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX, USA

Reviews

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Colin

from Edinburg, TX

Current student

In which ways do you feel you are learning and growing?

Mentally and physically

How are you enjoying your time at this college?

I’m studying, making friends, and talking to professors

What tips can you share with prospective students?

Do a little bit every day.

What qualities do you have that have best prepared you for success at this institution?

Determination, and the ability to grind

In what ways do you feel this college challenges students academically?

As a pre med student, the pre requisites are sufficiently challenging to ensure success in medical school.

In your experience, what is there to do for fun at this college?

There are plenty of events and people.

In what clubs or organiziations have you participated and how have they impacted your overall experience?

I have participated in several pre med clubs and they’ve exposed to me a variety of opportunities and information

Monica from Mission, TX

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
All professors are approachable. Everyone greets you with a smile and academic advisors welcome you and tell you exactly what you need to do to get things done. There are learning centers with available tutors throughout the day if ever you need help with any of your classes. There is online help as well. It actually becomes easy to study so it no longer feels like a chore. Study groups can be found everywhere and welcome newcomers.
Am enjoying being here
Not only because i am local. I meet people from all around the world from Venezuela to France. Everyone is always smiling. There is something for everyone. Edingburg is not a huge city but it has all the essentials and Mcallen is right next door. It is quiet so it is easy to sit and study outside on the benches in the shade or if you feel like releasing stress, pan am has a brand new recreation center equipped with treadmills, weights and a rock climbing wall. There is always activities from movies to live music. It is a great college experience.
Bang for the buck
In UTPA you get what you pay for. It is high quality education. However, there is financial aid which is very student friendly. I needed assistance in paying for my school, so I am familiar with the financial aid office. They answer all your questions and let you know the which is the better choice for you and why. They are extremely helpful.
Tips for prospective students
The University of Texas Pan American is a friendly college and not intimidating. Attend your classes and take the time to review your notes. If you have any problems and feel confused at any time throughout the course ask your professors, they will gladly help you. Don't be intimidated by them. Taking an extra 15 minutes to rewrite your notes and organize right after the class while its fresh in your mind will take you a long way :)
Great for these types of students
Students who are open to different cultures and enjoy being involved. Pan Am is filled with students living their college experience to the fullest. Have your priorities set straight first and you will have a blast. No one wants to make college hard for you or make you have a horrible tiime, everyone is there to help, if you believe that, you will be fine.

Karen from Mcallen, TX

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
UTPA is a LOVELY campus. It is not too big, not too small. The community is fabulous, there is always an activity going on and you never fail to meet some new friends. The professors definitely know how to make classes fun but at the same time they are ready to help you with struggles you may have.
Academic Advisors are always available in the AAMC center to help you, just call in to set up an appointment first at (956) 655-7120 if they don't answer, keep calling. Chances are they are with another student.
Tips for prospective students
1. Don't be shy to ask questions! Asking questions is VERY important in College.
2. Be Active! Attend basketball games, volleyball games, and join an organization to keep you busy while having fun!
3. Balance your classes. Take some easy classes and some hard classes. Do not bombard yourself with hard classes in one semester. You won't enjoy it.
4. Enjoy College!
5. Get on top of your stuff. You are no longer in High School, your teachers will not tell you what you are missing and give you extra time to do it.
Dorm Life
UTPA has three Dorm complexes. Heritage- Most of the CAMP people stay here. It is not very nice, but if you have a roof to live under, take it.
Unity Hall- The newest complex at UTPA. It is nice, they patio is a wonderful thing to just sit and relax with your friends.
Troxel Hall- One of the oldest. It is attatched to Heritage, some say it's haunted by I just think it's old.
All of the complexes have game rooms, They all have a TV room, Vending Machines, etc. The complexes have activities going on almost every week. Don't fail to attend! It's really fun. You DO have to have your guest turn in an ID before they can go into your room.
Food and Dining
In the student Union, we have Mexican food, Subshop, Smoothie place, starbucks, and a convenience store. There is ONE cafeteria around campus, the food varies every day and I think is delicious. They SHOULD have more variety though. Currently UTPA is going through some changes. They are adding more restaurants around campus which I think is just a FABULOUS idea. In the Library, we have what is called a Grab n' go They have drinks, coffee, chocolate, Shipley's, etc.
What to do for fun
At UTPA, they have a rec center just like any other University. They have a lot of activities that you would enjoy to do. Zumba, Intramural sports, club sports, etc. We have a lot of organizations that organize events for the whole university including Homecoming. We have a lot of famous novelists come down, as well as motivational speakers. It is something we all enjoy seeing.
On Halloween they have something that has to deal with Zombies I think it's called a zombie run. UTPA students get to be made over into zombies and they are let out loose around campus and they have to catch the humans.
Great for these types of students
Low Income, People who don't want to leave the valley.
Clubs and Activities
UTPA offers different activities including; Women's Soccer, Men's Soccer, Flag Football, Co-ed Kickball, Softball, Baseball, etc.
Campus Safety
Always Make sure you lock your cars, look both ways when crossing the street, and prevent from walking alone at 11pm at night to your car. Security is all around campus, and there are Emergency buttons almost at every corner.

Monica from Brownsville, TX

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I definitely am, this school has great professor, both strict and helpful. None of them will deny their time for the student and all of them are really opened to every possible way to help their students, as long as the student puts also the effort to progress.
Am enjoying being here
Yes, campus is great. Everyday everybody seems to be in a great mood and always greeting you with a smile, there is also something going on on campus, whether if it is a fraternity or sorority activity or simple by other students organizations it always keeps the residents and students in general busy.
Bang for the buck
College is expensive, but it also provides a lot of help. Most of the time it will be YOU the one that will need to organize the money and not precisely the college the one that alters its prizes. You get what you ask for, and it depends on you how you spend your money and to set your priorities from the beginning, its just a matter of organization.
Tips for prospective students
*Organize your time & money. Social activities are its best at college, but you also need to be careful on what and how often you spend your money, you want to be out of it before the end of the week.
*Try to stay on track. Like I said before, social activities and sometimes just lazyness will approach your way, but your education is the thing that matters the most right now and its very easy to stay behind, try not to do so because it will bring its consequences, which can go from missing lessons or even dropping a class.
*Be persistant. This is not a easy road, things will eventually get hard at some point or the other, but like a wise man said if you are going through hell, just keep walking. If you are persistant the outcome will be good, and if not then try again until you attain what you were hoping for, this will not be easy and there will be times where you think you just can't deal with it anymore, but its just a stage, you can do it.
Great for these types of students
Actually Panam is GREAT for any kind of student, it will offer activities and clubs in which any person going for any major and with any interests can go for. You'll never get bored at campus and like I said before there is always something going on, so this an active and very friendly university which will be perfect for anyone.

Michelle from Edinburg, TX

accepted here and planning to attend soon
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
I've heard more on the good side of what to expect from the school from past and current students. It really is like any other college-you make the experience yourself. So if you keep up with classes and make an effort, you're sure to learn anything.
Will enjoy being here
Not to say that the campus isn't beautiful or that there aren't some cool things to do or people to spend time with...but my heart is in Austin and I'm biding my time until next year when I transfer. I've grown up in the valley, so I'll be in the same environment, just in a different place in my life.
Bang for the buck
From what I've been told, I certainly hope so. Once classes start, I'm sure I'll understand this more. I will say though that all the help I've gotten with financial aid has been GREAT and it's definitely more affordable than other colleges.
Tips for prospective students
Make the most of your college experience and don't let people's bad experiences or moods ruin your excitement for coming here to college. I know a lot of people don't think that a degree from here is worth anything, but school is school, you just have to make sure that you are doing what you have to to really learn and do something meaningful with your degree. There isn't a whole lot to do in the valley, and that's because I've grown up here...but around campus if you find the right crowd, I'm sure you can find other ways to make staying here fulfilling.
Great for these types of students
definitely people returning to school after an absence, parents, low income students, and students who can appreciate the college and the valley for what it does have to offer. Again, just make the most of your time here like anywhere else.

Stephanie from Mission, TX

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The academics here are great. All the courses are just as challenging as they would be in any other major university. Meeting with your professors is very easy, and the classes are relatively small. Tutoring is very easy to get and you will learn a great deal. Classes are very easy to pass as long as you do your assignments, and the teachers are very willing to help and teach there students to a great extent.
Am enjoying being here
I do enjoy being here. They have many social events such as the tailgate parties before the basketball games, and many of the movie nights at the student union theater. Not to mention the barbeque's they have during the weekdays as well, and the yearly block party at the beginning of the year. All the events revolve around the student union which is basically the hang out for all the students here at UTPA.
Bang for the buck
This university is definitley worth every penny. It has very affordable high quality education, which is just a fraction of the price of many other universities throughout the nation. Many students may feel that they can't afford to go to a university, however, I highly recommend that they look into UTPA. The financial aid office is very helpful, and has many grants, loans, and scholarships that are very easy to apply for.
Tips for prospective students
Never be afraid to ask questions, and don't be intimidated by any professors. Attend your classes and you will most likely pass. If you have any questions besides academics, don't be afraid to ask your advisors nor departments heads because everyone is willing to help.
Great for these types of students
This university is great for Hispanic students especially because the majority of the population here is Hispanic. But it is also great for anyone who wants to get a great quality education for a very low price.

t

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The University of Texas at Pan American is a great university, if you are looking to go to school and not have the college party life. Students are focused and motivated. It has been growing for years, and it's a great school.
Academic Rigor
Classes are challenging, for the most part professors are great.
Food and Dining
There are tons of restaurants close to campus, but I wish there would be more on campus.
What to do for fun
There are tons of activities to do during the week.

Michelle from Brownsville, TX

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I love the University of Texas-Pan American. I enjoy the atmosphere as well as all the faculty and staff that work at the University. Everyone is so helpful and is there to help anyway they possibly can. There is always some activity going on around campus. There are activities at the dorms as well as the Student Union or Quad. I am very happy there.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure to work extremely hard so you will make the Dean's List. With the Dean's List, you will be able to register earlier than other students and guarantee your place in the course you need. I advice future students to get involved and join different organizations. They are a great way to meet new people.
Academic Rigor
It will obviously be academically challenging but not impossible. Learn what form of studying works best for you and stick with it. Study groups can help as well. Learn how to correctly manage your time and work productive. Go to professor's office hours if you are struggling and don't be afraid to help; they are there for that reason.
Dorm Life
I personally life at the dorms and love it. There is always some sort of event going on to relieve stress and there is a pool and ping pong table there for our use. It is a great way to meet people as well as a great learning experience living away from home.
Food and Dining
The dining hall food is not the greatest but it is a blessing to have. Some days are better than others but there will always be something that you can pick to eat. Breakfast is amazing and lunch and dinner are alright. It is a great time to meet with friends and relax. The staff are all really nice and they work really hard.
What to do for fun
Throughout the year, student involvement plans different activities for us. There are midnight breakfasts, free food at the quad, free Sundays, homecoming week, and so much more. There will be flyers around campus keeping you updated on what is going on so make sure to take advantage of them!
Bang for the buck
I highly recommend everyone to attend the University of Texas-Pan American. I am very happy in my decision to attend there and I know if you enroll you will be too. This is currently my second year attending and I never want to leave. I am very blessed to be attending this University and can't wait for what is in store for me and the University. There are no partying or drinking on campus that I have seen which I really enjoy because that is not fun to me.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There is a tradition called Tailgate where we start off homecoming week and burn the letters UTPA. It is a fun night and a great school spirit activity.
Great for these types of students
This University is great for everyone. There is no segregation that I have seen at this school. Everyone treats everyone like one big family.
Clubs and Activities
There are so many clubs and activities around campus. There is something for everyone. There are specific clubs for every major. They are a great way to interact with others who are in your major and ask for advice.
Greek Life
There are different sororities and fraternities around campus. Although personally I am not in one, I know they are very involved in many different things and has a lot of fun.
Campus Safety
There are campus police patrolling campus during the day as well as police call stations where you can call for assistance at any time of the day.

Francisco from Edinburg, TX

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
An enjoyable atmosphere for any high-school or college student to attend. There is lots to leans and a wide range of people to learn from. Attending this college has really help me grow and an individual and i think you should attend.
Tips for prospective students
If your going to live on campus i suggest you get to the financial aid office as early as possible since the lines do fill up real quick.
Academic Rigor
Having previously attended a college in Tempe Arizona I rate this university five stars due to how awesome it is to go there.
Dorm Life
Although it may not be a large party school the dorm life is lots of fun and there are plenty of cats for you to pet.
Food and Dining
Recently installed a new food court with up to day restaurants and is really fun to eat in the cafe.
What to do for fun
There is lots to do for fun its really what your in to.
Bang for the buck
The reason why this school is so awesome is because of the grading system. Most if not all colleges have there grading systems with Plus and Minus base and at this college they don't follow that grading system so its a lot easier to get an A and wont mess up your GPA status.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Every year they host an HESTEC program that help students not only find jobs but learn about there heritage, not to mention the DISNEY program comes every year to recruit students.
Great for these types of students
all types of students are welcome, but if you are Caucasian expect to have a great time since the majorette is Hispanic and who doesn't love colored eyes.
Clubs and Activities
I am currently the Lead Cartoonist for the Pan American News Paper and also an Animator for the Bronc TV and Productions.
Greek Life
I'm not sure about this questions but I'm sure every one likes to Toga once in a while.
Campus Safety
There is police patrol station right next to the school so there is nothing to worry about we love them there and they love to help us.

Marlin from Pharr, TX

researching this school
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The University of Texas-Pan American is in the middle is in the middle of one of the fastest growing areas in the nation, the southern tip of Texas known as the Rio Grande Valley.
Has conferred over 2,600 associate's, 55,700 bachelor's, 12,300 master's and 135 doctoral degrees.
UTPA provides an affordable education and global opportunities.
Tips for prospective students
always keep trying, give 100 percent and never give up in following your dreams
Academic Rigor
expect to give a lot of you
Dorm Life
fine for two people, enough space for a restroom, two beds, a microwave and the computer place
Food and Dining
plenty of variety
What to do for fun
enjoy the outside using the bike
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
mexican traditions, they will be making a mexican resturant in the University of Texas-Pan American
Campus Safety
city life, plenty of police staff to manage protection towards students

Nilani from Edinburg, TX

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I love UTPA!
Its my first year here and I have to admit I am having a hard time adjusting. There are so many opportunities here.
Tips for prospective students
Be ready to study your butt off!
Academic Rigor
Most of the professors are very hard working and easy to talk to and almost always there.
Dorm Life
My friends who stay in the dorms here say they love it.
Food and Dining
The food is wonderful! So many options.
What to do for fun
Get involved! Several clubs of campus for all likes and hobbies.
Campus Safety
I recently had an incident with a homeless man. Scared me half to death. Im not sure if I woke him up from his sleep or he was simply angry. My rolling back pack may have woken him. He followed me and had this horrible look on his face. I made it to a buliding safely and remained there the rest of the day.