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College Prowler

Academics

In the small classes, the professors do a good job of making sure students know when the tests are and when they are available. The professors I’ve had for the large classes are some of the most dedicated teachers I’ve ever had. They get so excited about the topic—even if it’s not too interesting—that it makes you want to go to class.

Athletics

The University likes to pretend that sports are a big deal around here. Like football is supposed to take all the drastically different social groups and bind them together into a wonderful, writhing crowd of cheering fans painted in blue and gold. Varsity sports are good, for the varsity sports players and people who like that sort of thing. IMs (intramurals) are much more appealing. Check out the club sports, too. Try something you normally wouldn’t, like rugby or fencing or broomball.

Campus Dining

The cafeteria food is just a small grade above what you'd expect to get in a high school cafeteria, and it doesn't lend itself to healthy eating. It's a good idea to switch your spending between grocery shopping, which you can do on campus with your meal plan, and going to the cafeterias and the Hub, which has a Quiznos, Einstein Bros., and other fast food places that will accept your meal plan.

Campus Housing

The dorms are nice. Wherever you live, your classes are pretty much a 15-minute walk, maximum. The only dorms that are really far away is Small Group. The Eastway dorms are called ‘24-hour quiet’ and ‘substance-free,’ but that doesn’t mean no one’s drinking there. They’re just quiet parties. It’s a very nice place to live.

Campus Strictness

I’ve personally had two beer bongs seized by campus security, which is completely ridiculous. They’re only two years older than you, so don’t let them boss you around.

Computers

It’s always advisable to bring your own computer—it’s so much more convenient. But, if you don’t have the money to purchase your own computer, don’t fret. Computer labs are all over the campus. They are always occupied, but never filled. The network itself isn’t exactly up to my standards, but it serves its purpose.

Diversity

I think the diversity here is interesting because there seem to be a lot of different students on campus existing peacefully. However, I think Kent State has problems with accepting less traditional minorities like LGBT students.

Drug Scene

Weed is incredibly easy to come by. There's always a few dealers in the dorms, but beware of those trying to rip you off. You have to do some more searching around for the harder stuff like acid, coke, X, and 'shrooms, but it's not impossible. Beware of the silly bike cops---they like to sneak up on you.

Facilities

The classrooms are in pretty good shape. They are in just as good of shape as any high school. The auditoriums are usually in better condition than the smaller classrooms. There aren’t any buildings that are in really bad shape. The residence hall rooms are in good condition, but the furniture is kind of tacky.

Greek Life

If you miss high school, then join a sorority. The girls are nice—to your face. They do public service, which is nice, but it’s so expensive. Go join Habitat for Humanity if you want to do service. They advertise that you’ll have friends for life in sororities, but you can make the same kind of friends in your dorm.

Guys & Girls

There really aren’t many particularly attractive people on campus, but I’m sure the typical girl would be drooling over these meager prospects. Most people walking around here act like it’s something wonderful to be going to Kent State and that they’re something special. It’s ridiculously hard to find genuine people who care about anything more than getting drunk and partying around here.

Local Atmosphere

Kent has the two things every good college town needs. No, not bars and a Taco Bell. They have a used bookshop and used music shops! Last Exit Books has a surprising array of used titles. You can find books for pleasure or for your literature class. No textbooks, though. Also, right next to Starbucks is Kent’s very own The Exchange. You can buy and sell music, videos, and video games, and it’s cheap, cheap, cheap.

Nightlife

The nightlife is accommodating to the 18+ crowd. If you're into frats, there are plenty to choose from. If not, there a lot of normal house parties that are incredibly welcoming. The bars charge a reasonable cover for under 21, and they usually just kick you out if they catch you underage drinking. Most of the Kent State night life revolves around just having a good time at a friend's place instead of doing the bars and whatnot.

Off-Campus Dining

If you want to eat really late, Kent isn’t the place to be; the last 24-hour place closed recently. You’ll have to go to Streetsboro or Cuyahoga Falls for late-night places. Europe Gyro is open late, but you only get your food half the time.

Off-Campus Housing

Living off campus is so much cheaper between not having a meal plan and splitting rent between people. You can save anywhere from $300 to $700. Most of the apartment complexes are relatively close and within reasonable walking distance when the weather is nice.

Overall Experience

I almost went somewhere else, but within one semester, I absolutely loved it here. I don’t think I would be nearly as happy or nearly as involved if I went somewhere else. I am really glad I made the last-minute decision to come here.

Parking

Don’t leave your car anywhere it’s not supposed to be for more than 20 minutes, because you will get a ticket. If you chalk your tire and put an old ticket on your windshield, you can sometimes get out of them.

Safety & Security

I’ve never used a security escort, because I’ve never felt like I’ve needed one. I’ve walked home from my job at midnight, and I felt safe. There is enough lighting that there aren’t really any dark corners for someone to hide. There are always other people walking around. It’s nice that the University offers safety services for those who are concerned.

Transportation

If you want to get somewhere on time, walk. If it’s really cold out, you will be really cold waiting for the bus. They used to be more reliable before the University outsourced the bus service. The drivers are scary, and I sometimes feel like they’re going to hit someone. Most of the buses are really old.

Weather

If you’re used living up North, the weather in Kent is not very shocking. Sure it snows here a lot, but it’s really not too bad. There are a few days when it’s bitterly cold, so be sure to have the proper gear like hats, gloves, and warm socks. It’s about keeping out of the cold, not making a fashion statement.