University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Reviews

Gao Shee

from Saint Paul, MN

Alumni

How are you enjoying your time at this college?

I enjoyed my time at this college because of multicultural community I was involved it. I am Hmong and so the Hmong community on campus was big and welcoming. This was probably the best experience from my undergraduate years because I am still friends with some of these peers.

What tips can you share with prospective students?

Continue to find our sense of belonging or second home on campus. Because this is a PWI, it's good for students to stay involved and make new friends! This school can be academically challenging or draining depending on your field of study, hence why finding a community on campus is so important.

How would you describe the dorm life at this school?

I signed up for the Hmong House LLC, which was housed in Comstock Hall. The CA we had at that year was an alumni of Hmong House, which made it easy for use to relate and create a relationship with her. I had a corner room which was bigger than normal rooms. Everyone on our floor was friendly but because I was placed in Hmong House, it was really easy for us to bond.

How would you describe the food and dining options?

The meal plans were okay and sometimes I felt like not eating due to the menu, that was because I was just so use to Hmong or Asian food.

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

There's many things going on all the time, you really just have to put yourself out there. I think it's easier to find a few friends and get introduced that way! There's also student events that happen often with food and it's free!

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

I participated in VIIVNCAUS Hmong Women's Group and HMSA or Hmong. These student organizations have allowed me to connect with peers and learn more about myself. I've come to engaged in conversations that previously felt uncomfortable, it's made me be more open and unafraid to speak what's on my mind.

Donald from Norwood, MN

a current student here

Categories	Comments
Am learning a lot	If you are willing to spend the time, the professors are more than willing to help you out. Some of the classes are hard and require after class work, but in the end it's all worth it. They don't restrict you on what you can / can't take. It's up to you. They have great tools that allow you to plan out your entire four or five year schedule and it shows you just want you need to take to receive your degree.
Am enjoying being here	I would recommend this school to anyone. This campus feels like home to me. They have a great freshman orientation that allows you to get to know some of your classmates before everyone else arrives. There is always something to do around campus and most importantly most of the activities are FREE! The students are friendly and there are all types of clubs you can join. If you're into sports, there's no better place to be when the 'barn' is rocking. Go GOPHERS!
Bang for the buck	Large public school, but most students get some type of financial help. But even if you have to go it on your own, the quality education you can receive is well worth the price. But remember you are going to get out of college what you put into it. The dorms are small but clean and the food is great, especially since it's all you can eat. Taco Tuesdays are awesome! But maybe the best part about this school is that you pay a student fee once per semester and then things like laundry, movies, etc. are free. No lugging quarters around for us!
Tips for prospective students	Don't let it being a public school fool you. Getting accepted into the Liberal Arts college is probably the easier, but if you are looking to get accepted into one of the specialty colleges like the College of Biological Science or Carlson School of Management know that it is very competitive. Good grades aren't enough. I know two students that had very high, like 33/34 on their ACT that didn't get in. Most of the specialty schools look for well rounded students. Make sure you not only have good grades but also plenty of volunteer hours, leadership experience, extracurricular activities and work experience to help you nab one of the precious spots.
Great for these types of students	You must be a self-starter. Like I said earlier the professors are more than willing to help you out, but YOU must ask for the help. This isn't anything like high-school. Most of the study habits that got you through high school might not help you at college at all. You need to learn to adjust and ask for help when you need it. There is plenty of help available.

Seth from St. Paul, MN

accepted here and planning to attend soon

Categories	Comments
Will learn a lot	The entire University considers hands-on research a vital part of the education process, which gives you a unique experience not found at many other institutions of higher education.
Will enjoy being here	Minnesotans are by far some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. Expect random discussions about the weather, an exciting camping trip, religion, or what was consumed for dinner every time you get on the bus or go for a walk. It does get very chilly in the winter, but with proper layering you'll come to love the beauty of a northern winter and the crisp, clean air it provides.
Bang for the buck	As research is so vital, it presents more opportunities than most other colleges in terms of summer jobs, publication, and that special something for your grad school application. In- and out-of-state tuition are relatively close, but low enough that it is affordable and maintains a high quality of teaching and services to its students.
Tips for prospective students	Apply early, make sure you go to the financial aid website and submit any scholarship applications you're eligible for, and buy a winter coat! Expect to work hard, but see results extending past your GPA into the academia of your chosen field.
Great for these types of students	Entrepreneurs, polar bears, innovative scientific minds, those who love to find the answers to their questions, and people who enjoy an intellectual relationship with their professors and peers.

Stephanie from Mundelein, IL

a current student here

Categories	Comments
Am learning a lot	In the classes that I have gotten into, I am enjoying them immensely. The professors are very knowledgeable and willing to help if you are having difficulty. Within this short amount of time, about a month and half, I can feel myself growing in an educational sense. This growth doesn't just happen by going to class however, it's also a lot of work outside the classroom and studying and trying to understand the material. This is where dedication is a key factor in college.
Am enjoying being here	It took a while to get used to my new surroundings and new home and even now, about a month and a half in, I'm not completely comfortable. As the weeks roll by though, I am getting more acclimated to the lifestyle, the campus, and the people and I am beginning to love it. As I walk across the bridge, I notice to myself that I'm thinking about how much I love being here and being part of something bigger than I am. I also think about how beautiful the campus is and how much fun people are really having here.
Bang for the buck	College is not cheap these days, but it is almost necessary to go to college if you want a job that will support a nice lifestyle. Although the U isn't the most expensive, nor the cheapest they give a quality education if you are able to get into the classes that you need/want. A problem with this school is if you don't sign up for classes quick enough you won't get into the ones that are needed. Which is kind of a waste because you're paying about 30,000 a year and you might not even get into the classes you need for your specific major. Even though that's the case, the U does a nice job of giving out scholarships for those who deserve them or need them.
Tips for prospective students	Although it took some time to adjust to the college life, now it is so rewarding if you are willing to put yourself out there and take chances. There are always opportunities to better yourself or your possible future career. When taking those chances and making them happen, you first off get your name out there and second better yourself for the future. Even if you don't know what you want to do or are deciding between a few things, get involved in whatever you can and that will help you decide what you want and don't want and you'll meet a lot of new friends along the way. I think that's why I am enjoying the college life so much because I am getting out there and taking chances. The bigger the risk, the better the reward. Be careful though and choose your risks wisely.
Great for these types of students	This is a great school for anyone. Well, not everyone, you have to somewhat enjoy the cold. Honestly though, there are so many different people and so many different groups it's hard not to find your niche. As long as your dedicated to the school academically and socially, you will fit in. Basically, if you don't mind the cold and are dedicated to the activities or classes you are involved in, this is a perfect school for you.

Craig from Waukesha, WI

a current student here

Categories	Comments
Am learning a lot	Through one semester here at the University, it is not difficult to see that the capacity for learning is enormous. No matter what you choose to study or which classes you would like to take, the University has a plethora of options. For example, I'm a business major, but had to take a general Psychology class last semester. I found out that the University of Minnesota is world-renowned for its Psychology program and had the opportunity to learn from a different experts in their respective field each week of class. Even if you're not sure what you want to study, the atmosphere for learning is fantastic, with teachers willing to meet with you outside of class and being extremely friendly. No matter what your situation--if you know what you want to study or not--you will be able to find something that grabs your interest here at the University of Minnesota.
Am enjoying being here	Being from southeastern Wisconsin, I initially thought that I would be homesick and struggle with the distance from home. However, being part of a campus this size, there is a lot to do: going to football games--in the new TCF Bank Stadium!--, professional and college basketball games, shopping in beautiful downtown St. Paul or on Nicollett Mall in downtown Minneapolis, going to excellent theater productions in Minneapolis, trying the food at any of the enormous amount of Twin Cities restaurants, or ice skating in downtown St. Paul just to name some of the possible activities. Anyone can find something to do here on campus or in the Twin Cities area; I certainly have. As is common to hear from college students, you meet a lot of people. I have to agree, but what I think makes this University different is the fact that there is so much to do with all the people you meet, giving you the opportunities to deepen your friendships with people that you have just met. Also, I really like that the campus is set off from downtown Minneapolis. There aren't really any city buildings mixed in with the campus buildings (at least not as much as I've seen at other campuses), and I like that separation a lot.
Bang for the buck	As a business student, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has a major aspect that I believe makes it one of the best Bang for the Bucks of schools in the Midwest. Apart from a challenging and large curriculum across the University, what this school has that others do not is the experience opportunities offered by the Twin Cities. The list of major companies that have their headquarters located in the Twin Cities area is extensive: Best Buy, Target, 3M (they make the Post it Notes), Land O' Lakes, General Mills, Piper Jaffray, Ecolab, Wells Fargo, Travelers Insurance, and Malt O Meal to name a few. With corporate headquarters so close to campus, students have the opportunity to gain experience with some of the best businesses in their respective areas. For business students like myself, it is a phenomenal opportunity to network with real world business professionals, explore potential careers and career paths, and have a great chance of employment with some of the biggest companies in the United States.
Tips for prospective students	Come to this University with a will to work hard and desire to seek out and exploit the opportunities offered to you. Although there's a lot going on, a strong work ethic to do well academically is the best tool you can bring to school. There are so many opportunities for you to succeed academically here, like professor's office hours, study groups, online resources for classes, free writing services for all University students. By taking advantage of opportunities like these, you will have no trouble doing well. Also, don't think that you have to be involved with every opportunity offered to you--I certainly am not. Give yourself time to adjust to your new schedule, friends, and surroundings. It's a big change for everyone, and time is the best way to help yourself adjust. Don't feel the need to rush into every opportunity offered to you in your first semester. Take time to explore and see what interests you.
Great for these types of students	Those that have a strong work ethic, a strong list of priorities, an excitement to learn, those that would rather not party a lot (it's easy to find other things to do in this area or on campus), those that do like to party (there are certain areas of campus that are fun party areas), those that don't mind the cold (I love it, but you can learn to dress for the weather), those that love the changing seasons of the Midwest, and people that are unsure of what they want to do (there are opportunities to get involved with/study/find your passion for anything here).

Frank Sinatra

a current student here

Categories	Comments
Am learning a lot	Taking different classes at the U has spurred my interest in many fields I never thought I would actually enjoy. Taking introductory, exploratory classes taught me a lot about what my strengths are and what majors I could apply those to!
Am enjoying being here	The campus has TONS of attractions! There is something for everyone here. I am Indian, and I found a great community at the U. There are always free events being held for students to enjoy. And then there is dinkytown! There is always something happening. :)
Bang for the buck	The U costs just as much, if not less, than any other good state university. But in addition, U of M offers a lot of on campus jobs, where you can earn pretty well. I hold a job and it's a fun environment and a very flexible work schedule. Also, being an out-of-state student, I love it that the cost difference between in and out of state isn't earth shattering!
Tips for prospective students	1. Don't be afraid of approaching a new kid in your dorm or your class. 2. Name your interest, and you will find a club. If not, start your own! 3. You don't have to spend a lot of money to have a lot of fun.
Great for these types of students	city lovers!. people who enjoy interacting with others, anyone wanting to be in a great learning and living environment.

Samantha from Ewa Beach, HI

a current student here

Categories	Comments
Am learning a lot	I am currently enrolled in the College of Liberal Arts and I love how the College is designed that you explore other opportunities than just your major. I am allowed to take courses I find interesting and I am not forced to stick to only Sciences and Math courses just because I am a Pre-Pharmacy oriented student. The courses are designed to be more self-study and the professors do ask you to read and be prepared before coming to class so be warned: you have to be self-motivated. I am loving how there is just no pressure to learn what I want to learn (yes, there are requirements but if you want to learn about Art History, like the Pre-pharm girl, then no one's stopping you!)
Am enjoying being here	I cannot state this enough: There are tons of things to do here. You will end up a homebody, shutting up in your dorm on the weekends only if you do not want to get outside and do things. There are TONS of student organizations (Kntting club, Zombie awareness group, greek life, cultural clubs, etc.). There are tons of different people from different backgrounds you can meet, different cultures you can learn about, and I love this weather (well, we'll see because I've never seen snow before).
Bang for the buck	Compared to many of the other schools offered to Hawaii students, I feel that this one is definitely a bang for the buck. The tuition is for 13 credits but you are allowed (and recommended) to take more than 13 credits so really, it depends on just how self-motivated you are. Tuition and room and board includes gym membership, laundry, student activities (and as I stated before: there are tons of student activities). There are discount student bus passes and rental bike (Minneapolis is very biker friendly. Common way to get around campus is to bike) rates though these are not free. There are, however, free shuttle buses that circulate the different areas of campus and a light rail is currently under construction. Since I am out-of-state, it was very hard for me to get scholarships to come to this school (and HI based scholarships are mostly for students going to HI schools) but my parents and I feel that this university does beat out the usual schools Hawaii people know. The price tag sounds hefty initially, but the opportunities here are worth it. You can get paid for undergraduate research, there are many student jobs on and off campus, higher education doesn't sound so daunting, libraries on campus have multiple special collections (Collection of comic books, Wizard of Oz, etc.). I think this college is worth it.
Tips for prospective students	1. This is a big campus and there are tons of things to do. If you have trouble prioritizing or understanding who you are as a person, this may seem daunting and challenging. The campus is huge too so be prepared to do a lot of hiking. 2. If you are afraid to meet new people then this isn't the place for you, either. This campus is large and the population is large but there are so many opportunities to find your niche. There's clubs, events, dorm houses, etc. that you will be able to find that small group closeness on this university. However, you have to initiate. 3. Don't think that just because this is a public university that it is much easier to get into than private universities or that the rigorousness of this college is not up to par with private universities. If you want to attend a great university, that university should also want great students.
Great for these types of students	1. Want tons of options and opportunities. 2. Public college with private college like features 3. Like the colors Maroon and Gold.

Alexa from Cologne, MN

a current student here

Categories	Comments
Am learning a lot	One of the major strengths of this college is the excellent teachers and the incredibly hard-working peers in all of the classes. Unfortunately, I feel that a great portion of learning is on your own from a book and tested in class, making classes seem less important to go to. This is something I cringe at when I am paying so much to go to class and learn.
Am enjoying being here	The people at the U of M are amazing. I have tons friends, enjoyed amazing experiences, and learned that intelligent people tend to inspire you to do more than you thought possible. You will love college here; just not necessarily the homework part.
Bang for the buck	I think you are absolutely being challenged, the people are amazing, and the faculty is the best around. I just don't feel that people that work really hard get rewarded as much as they should compared to those that never show up and because they have professional experience ace a test. I think classes need to have a scale showing how much effort a person puts into there work as well as how well they know the actual material.
Tips for prospective students	READ THE CHAPTERS! You'll regret it otherwise...also, talk with your teachers and don't skip class. The more they know you care, the more you may hear will be on the exam. Finally, on your first day of class, sit next to someone you think looks cool and wouldn't mind being friends with. You'll thank yourself later.
Great for these types of students	People that like a challenge, outgoing personalities, dedicated students, and those with a love of laughter even in the face of stress.

Alice from West Des Moines, IA

a current student here

Categories	Comments
Am learning a lot	The class content depends a bit on what the class is. Especially for first-year classes (1000 level), there are the joke classes that only require a bit of realizing what the professor wants. Good news (maybe...?), however, is that this changes a lot with higher level courses (starting even with the 2000 level ones). All of my professors so far do know their material; when signing up for classes during orientation, try to get into more advanced classes and to pick professors that have won the Morse Award or some other designation. All of that said, what someone learns depends mostly on that person's effort put into the class.
Am enjoying being here	Twin Cities is... awesome. The university is split between Minneapolis and St. Paul with about a 10-15 minute transit way (using the free campus bus) between the two campuses. The Minneapolis half is about a 5-10 minute walk away from downtown, and there are great restaurants on both campuses and in downtown. Dorm food is all right. Middlebrook (honors dorm) and Sanford (more the sports dorm) are supposed to be the best. There are obviously a lot of clubs here. You can check out most of the clubs when walking across the Washington Bridge that goes across the Mississippi River; most clubs have painted an advertisement on panels spanning the inside of the bridge walkway. Oh, and the people here are awesome, too. Don't worry about not making friends.
Bang for the buck	UMN is VERY generous with scholarships. There's no real application. Most merit-based scholarships just use the information that you fill out when you apply to the university; you may also be asked to write a 100-500 page blurb for some more specific awards. Another great thing is that UMN accepts AP credit, so that will allow people to go into more interesting classes earlier. College is expensive, but UMN isn't too bad with its rates. The professors, like mentioned, know their material; the majority do research, so it's possible to find a job in a lab the first semester. If you get tired of dorm food, there are a lot of places to eat out at or order from. There are also convenience stores located within the dorms. Just swipe the UCard here. You only need to swipe the UCard for laundry, renting movies from the dorm front desk, getting packages, borrowing vacuums, etc, as well.
Tips for prospective students	For those thinking about applying: UMN is a competitive public school in a big city that is very generous with scholarships. Just think about what all of that means. Its grad schools are nationally ranked (3rd in pharmacy, 7th for primary care, for example); the undergrad has to live up to that. For those accepted: Sign up for the earliest orientation you can make. That's where you'll be registering for you fall semester classes, and there might not be seats in the classes at the times you want. It's not necessary to know exactly what you're going to major in (people don't need to declare until sophomore year), but it's useful to have a general idea. You'll meet your adviser during orientation and he or she will, well, advise you, as well. Otherwise, follow deadlines, and have fun! Oh, if you forget to bring stuff with you to your dorm, it's ok. During Welcome Week, UMN will bus people to Target for a midnight run.
Great for these types of students	insert description of person reading review But really, UMN is a great school. UMN offers opportunities for everyone since it is a big place. For example, my friend from Arizona claims that he fought in his first snowball fight last month.

Amethyst from Stillwater, MN

a current student here

Categories	Comments
Am learning a lot	A year's worth of calculus and a year's worth of introductory accounting material are packed into semester-long courses. The professors and TA's (Teacher's Assistants) definitely know their stuff, so don't hesitate to ask them questions. All the study material you need to do well in the class is available to you, you just have to put in the time and effort and WORK HARD to get the grades you want. It's not easy like high school. Grades are based mainly on the midterms and the final, that's it. I may have only received a C in Calculus, but I definitely feel that I've learned a substantial amount of information from the class.
Am enjoying being here	Tons of freebies and easy ways to make money. The possibility to make a new friend everyday. Endless things to eat, see, and do. No other college in the Twin Cities can beat the excitement and energy of the U!!! Hamline University is too quiet and small. St. Thomas has strict gender rules for housing. Augsburg College's atmosphere feels too much like high school. The U of M is THE PLACE to be.
Bang for the buck	~There are tons of FREEBIES here, especially the first few weeks of school! Examples are tee-shirts, coupons for free burritos and Subway sandwiches, $5 gift cards to D'amico and Sons, and Vitamin Water bottles. There were even some guys walking around giving away free Jimmy Johns sandwiches one cold winter day! ~There are many opportunities to participate in PAID STUDIES. These are great for people that don't have time to put in several hours for a job but would still like to make money. The studies I've taken so far have paid $10 each and took me 20-30 minutes. That's like making $20-$30 an hour!! ~Aside from paid studies, there are many places around campus where you can work. ON-CAMPUS JOBS offer FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES that work around your classes. ~There are many FREE SERVICES available for practically anything you need. Need help writing your first resumé? Forgot your password to your computer and can't log in? Want to go swimming or work out at the rec center? Need to get an eye exam? These are all things that are included in the tuition. ~There's also a lot of FREE ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS. Every Friday and Saturday night, there's something called Gophers After Dark. There's free movies, concerts, games, and crafts. The movies they show are ones recently shown in theaters, too, not outdated, boring movies.
Tips for prospective students	1) Find at least one person to be friends with in big lecture classes. You'll be less likely to skip if you know you have a friend waiting there in class. 2) Take time to read the textbook examples and explanations if you still don't understand something the professor taught. 3) Go to any review sessions your teacher or other students are having. You WILL benefit. 4) Ask questions until you FULLY understand. 5) Don't depend on the final to bring up your grade. If you do poorly on one midterm, that's usually already a third of your grade down the drain. So never wing a midterm!!!! 6) Find a favorite place to study. Not a favorite place to take a nap. 7) Learn the Gopher Way, the series of underground tunnels that let you get to class while staying warm during the winter. 8) The Humphrey Center, on West Bank, and the Music Library in Ferguson Hall, are two secret study places that no one seems to know about. Also, the Nolte Center, on East Bank, is a cozy home setting that's great for quiet study time.
Great for these types of students	Those who: 1) like being in an inner-city location 2) want a large campus with lots of food choices within walking range 3) don't mind being in lectures with 200+ people (don't worry, there are also related discussion groups with a much smaller number of people) 4) don't mind being around people of different heritages and religions 5) want a place where you can meet a new friend everyday 6) want a college that's always fun to be at (I've met several St. Thomas students who come to the U of M because they've said nothing is going on at their college)

Bianca from Chicago, IL

a past student here

Categories	Comments
Did learn a lot	The University of Minnesota offers an exceptional staff of great and well educated teachers who try to teach the students as much as they can in new and different ways. As a university known for its research the students learn a lot about different areas of study and are able to really use everything they learn and apply it in many ways.
Did enjoy being here	The atmosphere at the University of Minnesota is GREAT!!! It is a very nice city and the university itself is very diverse. I loved meeting new people from different cultures and just being able to explore a new city was great as well.
Bang for the buck	You defintely get the bang for the buck and with the many scholarship opportunities and work study that the university it makes it possible for students to atten this great university and take advantage of their programs.
Tips for prospective students	The Univeristy of MInnesota is one of the largest universites in the country and its important that you know this before you attend this university. It would not be a good fit for someone who is more comfortable in a smaller classroom setting and who is not use to living in such a big city. One other tip is that the winters can be VERY cold and long here in Minnesota so be prepared for that.
Great for these types of students	If you love the city,divesity,learing new things,the cold weather, and dont mind attending a big university then the University of Minnesota is for you.