Temple University

The only people I met who did not like it here were either overly sheltered or the type of kid who was way into their high school social scene and couldn't adapt to a city environment. Temple is a great school but you need to have your priorities down since there is a lot going on all at once. This is both a blessing and a curse as you'll never be at a loss for something to do and you'll always be tempted by something when you need to be focusing on your work. If you're getting into neuroscience/cognitive science or psychology they have a great program and much research is being done through Temple, so I would definitely recommend this school for those areas of study.

1st Year Male -- Class 2012

Education Quality: A+, Perceived Campus Safety: B+

I can honestly say that TU is the best decision I've ever made! Everyone (except the very few snobby people) are super open-minded and friendly. The campus is extremely diverse, which is nice. There are so many kinds of people here you are bound to meet a group of people you like.

Academics is tricky. I am a speech-language pathology major. This is a good department. If your majoring in SLP, note that the classes are extremely challenging but the professors want you to do well! But you will have to work for it. The nice thing about this department is everyone is willing to help and there aren't many mean/bad professors. I don't know much about other majors but I know that the kinesiology program and business are really common and have a good reputation.

The major thing about Temple that I wish I could change are the required geneds. The school wants you to take classes that "interest" you outside of your major. Really, they are just all stupid and don't have to do anything. And the amount of English classes required to graduate is annoying (I had to take 4). I suggest you get them over with asap and move on to take classes that are actually important. Professors are hit or miss. Be careful of professors who don't speak clear English, that can make your semester terrible. Look them up before registering for the class.

The nightlife on and around campus is amazing! Lots of people go out (the parties are really fun--most of the time) but I also know people who don't. They always say that not many people party, drink, etc but that's kinda false. Unless you plan on paying to go into the city every single weekend, it is fun to go to parties because what else will you do besides sit in the dorm? But I mean if you don't like that kind of scene its really not that big of a deal.

Speaking of North Philadelphia, I have never felt that unsafe on campus or on the surrounding area. People: you are in north Philly! Be smart! There really no reason anything bad should happen. And there are literally police and bike cops EVERWHERE. No matter the time. Don't let the safety or location of the campus effect your decision. Trust me, you will be fine. Being close to the city is amazing, and I think that why so many people love Temple. Take advantage of it, your paying a lot for a school in the city so might as well take advantage of the location. I love TU and have not met 1 other person who also didn't love it.

1st Year Female -- Class 2018

Faculty Accessibility: A+, Collaboration/Competitive: C

Temple is what you make of it. If you want to have a good experience, you will. If you've already made up your mind that it's not going to be a good school for you, it won't be. I like it a lot. I've made some great friends, and although I don't find it very academically challenging, I still feel like I'm preparing well for grad school/the real world.

Some people are afraid of the area but if you're smart about it, you'll be fine. The campus itself is actually quite safe, as Temple has a huge police force and security system. Plus, you get street-smart. Which some people never get, so it's an added bonus. The honors program is AWESOME. The best part of Temple and the main reason I came here to begin with. So many opportunities/connections/great people/everything. It's really great and the advisors are so nice and helpful. Sporting events are fun. People aren't super into football, but basketball has a huge following. Most of our teams are pretty good too, which is always nice. The one thing I really hate about Temple is the bureaucracy. Being such a large school, people tend to get lost in the shuffle at one point or another. Whether it's in financial aid, work-study payments, housing stuff, there will come a point in your Temple career where you're like, "Temple Office of [whatever] sucks!! hasjgaj!!!" But it will most likely get resolved and everything will be fine and you can go back to enjoying life.

1st Year Female -- Class 2014

Faculty Accessibility: A, Scholastic Success: C