Temple University

Despite what everyone says about the surrounding area, Temple is not that bad at all. I walk home from rehearsal at 11pm some nights and I feel comfortable. If you live a little farther off campus in a house, then yeah it is a little dangerous but just be weary of your surroundings.The Theatre department here is wonderful. Helpful, collaborative, friendly, and there are so many opportunities to work and learn. No it's not the top theatre school in the country but the Professors here are out of this world. I have not had a Professor in the theatre department that I did not like and after speaking to everyone else, they can say the same.

1st Year Female -- Class 2014

Education Quality: A+, Individual Value: C+

Positive Experiences:
Living in the freshmen dorms j and h. Crazy times. I'm an out of state student from rural New England. I was able to meet some of my best friends here. Other on campus apartments are less social because upperclassmen have established friends.

The diversity makes an interesting social and academic atmosphere. Willingness to make friends with other ethnic groups varies largely by the individual. It's easy if you're open to the idea and definitely worth it.

Most students are humble, hard-working, and friendly.
The city offers tons of opportunity. There are plenty of internships and jobs to be had. Concerts, sports, and shopping is all there.

The Temple basketball team is awesome.
We have brand new Fresh Grocer on campus! No more grocery trips to 7 Eleven and Rite Aid.
My experience has gotten progressively better as I have adjusted to Philly.
Negative:
While campus is safe North Philly isn't. Living more than 3 blocks off campus can get you in trouble. Make sure to stick with friends when you go out.

The bums and religious zealots that frequent campus. You learn to ignore them.
Advice:
Be social! Leave your door open (if you're in a dorm). Meet your neighbors. You will meet cool people this way.

Always lock your door when you leave. I was robbed. I have friends who have also been robbed. Definitely get a security system and deadbolts if you live off campus.

Temple is independent. Think about organizations and intramurals you want to join before hand. Pay attention when the organizations are on Liacouras Walk and flyers posted around campus. Life is more fun when you're active.

Get a job. Work Studys are a great way to do this. I recommend applying for 15-20 online because there is a great demand for them. It's not fun having $5 to your name.I was much much happier once I had money to spend.

Be aware of the grossly overweight squirrels. You don't want them to fall off a branch and crush you.

3rd Year Male -- Class 2011

Innovation: A, Individual Value: C

Temple has been really good to me. It's provided me with a great education at a great price. Temple really is better than most Universities and I think it's unfortunate that we have an Ivy League school in the same city because we often end up being over shadowed by U. Penn.

My teachers were well prepared and for the most part challenging. All of them had the appropriate degrees and many were important contributors in their field. You will occasionally run into a professor that doesn't do a good job but it's certainly not the norm. (Side note: Please do make a point to connect with your professors, it will help you out if you ever consider graduate school. Most of the professors are approachable and they want you to succeed. I did realize this till my last year at Temple, don't make the same mistake I did)

The majority of the students commute (all of the third and fourth year students live off campus) so Temple really doesn't have a campy college atmosphere. I think that socially Temple is not the best place. Most students are commuters so you really have to make an effort to meet people. The surrounding city is a slum and there aren't really any good places to eat, that is another really great reason to be a commuter. I'd suggest living in Center City or South Philly. The Suburbs are also a really great place to live because all SEPTA regional rail lines run right next to Temple.

Safety on campus is pretty good. I never felt threatened and would often see police around campus. I know there are shootings in the area but if you commute you'll be fine. I don't know what it's like living on campus, but I do know that most of my friends that did were fine.

The library is great and pretty much has any resource you could want. Make sure to use it, I love the library. There are TONS of people everywhere so if you're expecting to use a computer to print off a paper before class be prepared to wait in line. The computer facilities at Temple are huge and impressive, but not enough to handle the volume of students at Temple. What more can I say? Temple has been really great to me and I would recommend it to almost anyone. If you want an great education at a great price you can't beat Temple.

4th Year Female -- Class 2009

Useful Schoolwork: A+, Social Life: C