Temple University

Let me start by saying that I love Temple University and the city of Philadelphia. I came to the city from a small town looking for diversity, culture, openness, and a kind of experience you can only find in a big city, and I found it here at Temple.

Now where do I begin?
Well lets start with the environment. Temple is a very urban school, and I mean this seriously. Now this isn't like NYU or Pitt where the school is a collection of buildings scattered across an area of the city, rather the campus is in a kind of bubble, but at the same time it isnt cut off from the city outside. You're still very much aware that you're in North Philly, and it really opens your eyes especially if you came from the burbs or a small town. If you can't acclimate to the city environment you will be very unhappy here, so if you don't see yourself being a city kid then consider yourself warned.

Now the fact that Temple is in one of the most amazing cities is a big part of why I like Temple. North Philly is definitely NOT where the action is happening though, and some kids look at the neighborhood and go elsewhere, and this is just sad. The city is there, you just have to be motivated to go and find what there is to find, and there is so much to find downtown in Philadelphia, too much to list here. I'll just say that if you do nothing else, learn to use the subway and go to olde city for first friday, I will say no more. People who complain of nothing to do are just silly.

Besides the city, there is quite a bit to do on campus as well. We're consistently ranked as one of the most diverse campuses, and this is very evident every time you walk around campus. There's a huge array of clubs as well. Basically, whatever you want to do, you'll probably find it somewhere at Temple, and this is true both in a social/fun-time sense and in an academic sense. The list of majors here is great. Temple has a lot of very good programs. On top of this Temple is a big research school, so not only do we have lots of different opportunities for a student to find their niche, but once you find it you can get actively involved as well.

However, Temple is a big school, and the administration, and your professors, are going to treat you like adults. This means that you need to be very independent. There isn't somebody guiding you, its all up to you. To some this may seem a little cold, and indeed if the small school scene is more your thing then you wont be happy here. Temple kids are by and large very independent, and if you are going to have any chance you're going to have to have your shit in order. I say this by experience. At the same time nobody makes themselves sparse either. If you have a question it will be answered, but you have to be active else you'll slip through the cracks.

On the social scene: its pretty awesome. At such a big school you'll find a place to fit in, never fear. From football players and frat boys to the clinically unique inner city "hipsters" there's something for everyone. On a nice day you'll see just about every kind of person you can imagine outside. Also, due to the urbanness, if you don't want to see somebody you dont have to. It's a big school in a big city, so you'll be seeing somebody new every single day. Kids who complained are always the ones who couldnt acclimate or were overwhelmed by the city, or who were still stuck on high school.

The dorms are good for a city school where 9000 kids are crammed onto campus. They follow either suite style, or the older Johnson&Hardwick and Peabody which have communal bathrooms. The thing is though, after your sophomore year, you get kicked out of the dorms, you can either get an apartment through university sponsered housing or you get an apartment/house by yourself. If you're not ready to take care of your own place, then this is going to suck for you, but in fact it can usually be cheaper than the dorms especially if you share the place with some friends. Again, Temple likes independently minded kids.

The food is alright. The selection gets old after a little while but they are trying to mix things up a bit. They have a vegan/vegetarian option too. I never went hungry, and there's so many good restaurants in Philly you'll never find them all in ten years of eating out.

As for safety. This is the one big concern most people have. North Philadelphia is a BAD neighborhood, espeically at night. Some parts are relatively more safe than others, like Oxford Village, University Village, parts right off campus where most upperclassmen live. However, if you go off campus at night, make damn sure you know where you're going and go with a group of people. Don't do anything stupid and you'll be fine. As for the campus itself, I never felt threatened at any time of the day while I was on campus. The thing to remember is that you have to be smart here. Its not the burbs, use your head and develop some street smarts while you're at it.

Lastly: the party scene. You're in Philadelphia, thats about all I need to say. If you want clubbing or concerts or shows or raves or whatever the hell it is you're into, you'll probably find it. A lot of clubs are over 21 which is kind of a bummer, but there are still lots of places to have fun if you're not of the drinking age yet. On campus parties can get kinda stale after a while. Sitting around drinking or taking bong hits in a dorm room is for some people I guess *shrugs* but if you want something more lively you won't have trouble finding it.All in all I'd say that the kind of student who would like Temple would be one who is liberal and open minded, comfortable with the city, and independent.

1st Year Male -- Class 2012

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

For the purpose of being completely honest, my main motivation for going to Temple University was based on the very large scholarship I received. I had applied to over 10 schools, and had not anticipated going here. But even though my decision was based on personal finances, if I had known then what I know now, I may have been willing to pay the full out-of-state price. I really love this university. The people are extremely nice, and for someone who visits private catholic colleges often, I can guarantee that Temple students are much nicer. The academics are challenging, especially if you're in the honors program, but the challenge is always to your benefit. There is not a ton of mandatory work, but the work that you are given is always graded and is an good assessment of your knowledge of the subject matter. The dorms are about a 7/10 in terms of comfort, but the lack of wireless in certain dorms is frustrating. There is always new construction, and its exciting to walk into Alter Hall (the main Business School building) which is new as of 2008 and is gorgeous inside and out. I believe 3 or 4 new buildings will be completed in the next couple years. The social life is very good at Temple, and while partying off campus is an option, the sheer volume of people and the its proximity to Center City, Philadelphia assures that being bored on weekends is difficult. The only gripes I have is with the safety off campus. It is a problem, and going off campus at night in North Philly can be risky depending on where you go. However, that should not detract from the excellence of the rest of the college.

1st Year Male -- Class 2014

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

I attended the Fox School of Business and I can say that it was a good decision! The strength of the program is definately the professors. I also found my classmates to be good peers. TU is a very diverse place so this was my first time being in a class with students from far away places like Russia and Nigeria. There is also a strong contingent from Philly so it keeps things interesting. The course work is well laid out and exposes the student to many different disciplines. The coursework also can be rigorous at times. After Wharton, I think that Fox is the next best choice for business education in Philly. I didn't get to attend classes in the new building but it looks fantastic! Perhaps one of the best things about attending Temple is that it is a school of the future. It just keeps getting better all of the time! I was surprised to go back and visit on a warm day and with the new buildings and warm sun, I thought that I was in California at UCSD or UCLA! I also saw tour groups of potential students and their families making comments like... "Wow"! "I never would have thought!". As far as what I would have done differently? I think that I would have remained more focus in my senior year in high school. Once I made my college choice I started playing around in high school and became lackadasical. Entering college I was way too laid-back about things. I found myself having to catchup and was really a shining star at Temple until my junior year when I hit stride again. Be prepared to work hard because Fox students are more like working professionals. I noticed other students from liberal arts studies and the like having a good time with their easier course load. So high school students and tranfers coming to Temple, stay focused and intense! Get deep into your studies. Hang around brainiac types. Keep your computer skills and math skills at a high level. Also TU and Fox offer great programs such as Study Abroad and many clubs. I worked a part-time job while at Temple which is also good because you meet a ton of people doing that. After awhile I couldn't walk across campus without 75 or so people I knew waving or smiling at me! I really did and still do feel at home at Temple U! One other thing that I should mention is that Temple has a very liberal feel to it. It's a big state school in a big city location. It's great to be in Philly where you can visit and even party at other nearby schools! The park system is very nice and downtown has great attractions and is very walkable. During the semester you never run out of things to do at TU. During the summer I used to hang downtown. Oh and yes, take summer classes to keep up or get ahead. Temple offers a huge number of summer classes. Heck, you might even graduate early! And business students, keep going after you graduate and get your MBA. I took a huge break and just finished mines. I majored in International Business ... great stuff!

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000