Temple University

I've just completed my first year here at Temple's Main Campus. I'm very glad I chose this school, but for those of you who are still deciding here are some positives and negatives of the place.

+ You're in a major United States city. SEPTA buses, the subway run through campus to whisk you downtown to a cafe, concert, or bohemian cultural event.

- You're in North Philadelphia - an absolute ghetto. You will get used to hearing sirens and get asked for change by panhandlers everyday.

+ You're in North Philadelphia - get out of your stupid suburban comfort sphere and learn how to deal with the real world: learn street smarts, safety, and shake off your racism.

+ Temple students are humble. Most are fending for themselves paying off loans, working a job, and trying to get through it all having fun. They aren't pretentious and like to have a good time, but care about grades.

+ The professors that I have had are all very intelligent and dedicated to seeing their students succeed. I'm a Spanish major and my professors give good advice, are available to talk, and shape their lessons to be fun.

+ Temple is a great excuse to get in shape. I walk miles and miles each day around campus. There's a great gym on Cecil B. Moore Ave with an elevated track. Lots of programs to get you off your butt.

- As soon as it hits 10:30pm, if you're on on-campus freshman you're screwed when it comes to food. The dining halls close and serve 4th meal - a medley of fried and fatty foods. The only things open are greasy pizza shops and Chinese hole-in-the-walls. Make sure you stock up on snacks.

- The SAC food court is run by the local population - brace yourself for slow service and lazy workers with an attitude.

+/- The Honors College is great. If you're lucky enough to get into this exclusive club, they will help you out with internships and making the most of your time here. In the rest of the colleges, take a number and have your OwlCard ready since the service is a bit impersonal.

+ Yes there is a lack of university housing, but not housing in general. Besides, living with a random snotrag your senior year isn't that much fun. Get a rowhome a few blocks offcampus with your friends. It's safe if you have common sense and teaches responsibility.

+ Sports - Basketball season is mostly what matters around here. People love Temple's basketball players. The team has done well recently and made it to the NCAA Tournament. Football is much to be desired. Games are played at the Linc and about a few hundred are in attendance.

- There are a lot of fancy new buildings like Alter Hall and 1300. Most were built during the 60s and 70s (an architectural dark-age) and could use a facelift. Yet most state schools are this way. + Tuition is cheap! You get the most bang for your buck.

1st Year Male -- Class 2012

Surrounding City: A+, Campus Aesthetics: C-

As a person who grew up in a small town I could think of nothing better than heading out to a city full of opportunity to continue my education. I was very disappointed upon arrival. I guess I had over estimated the amount of possibilities that Temple could offer. Being in North Philadelphia is not where the action is happening. Aside from various house parties in the local surrounding dangerous blocks round campus, there is not that much to do around campus at night, unless you plan on going somewhere with a group of people.

I expected to come to college and feel liberated, but I feel trapped here because the only place to shop that is in walking distance is rite aid, and you can never go anywhere by yourself really any time at night.

The education here is good, but my major, Tourism and Hospitality management at Temple offers a lot of programs that partner with many different businesses in Philadelphia and for someone who realized that Philadelphia is not for her, this really just is upsetting because when you're scared you cannot take advantage of these opportunities.Next year I am transferring to a more suburban campus in search for a more "college" experience. Overall Temple is a good school, but be sure you're in love with Philadelphia before you decide on making Temple your college choice.

1st Year Female -- Class 2011

Education Quality: A-, Individual Value: D

Don't waste time - don't put off school. When you are 40 or older it's much harder, especially for advanced degrees. Pick a reasonable profession you like, don't search forever trying to find a "professional pot of gold." You may not love it, but will probably grow into it or something for you will grow out of it. Education, no matter what the university/college or job is what YOU make of it. There is the top tier of Ivys and schools of prestige, but everything else is just about the same, in terms of oppportunity. Many Ivy grads get nowhere and many less prestigious college grads become quite successful. Education and work however, are not the keys to happiness, they're just one important part of life among many others, such as family, faith, and community. Don't trust in luck. Events are what they are intended to be. So in my opinion, "luck" and "name-dropping," etc. are not the keys to opportunity, just as making money fast is not the key to happiness. There are many wealthy, unhappy and depressed loners and intellectual derelicts are a dime-a-dozen intellectuals - 99% of getting anywhere in life is YOUR DETERMINATION & PERSERVENCE! Believe in yourself, work hard, be patient, and do good to others. By these actions success will come to you naturally.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000