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University of South Dakota (The U) Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See University of South Dakota reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending University of South Dakota. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free University of South Dakota reviews, or contribute your own University of South Dakota review if you're a current student there.

  • 6 out of 6 people found this review useful.

    Amanda

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Because USD is a smaller university than most, I am able to have direct contact with all of my professors, instead of having to go through a Teacher's Assistant when I have questions. All of the professors are very willing to help a student with any problems or questions they may have, even in the large lecture classes. Also, there are numerous research opportunities for undergraduates that just aren't available at other universities. Overall, the level of education I am receiving here is highly above average.
    Am enjoying being here

    Vermillion is known for being a small town that is home to a big university. With the amount of students that are enrolled at USD being approximately 10,000 and the number of permanent residents of Vermillion being a similar number, the town is definitely centered around the campus and its students. I have encountered nothing but warm regards from all of Vermillion's residents. Also, campus is always busy with something going on from weekly free movies at the Muenster University Center (MUC) to special events like a luau in the middle of winter! There are so many opportunities to get involved, it's hard not to find somewhere that you fit in.
    Bang for the buck

    The University of South Dakota is rated one of the best schools for it's value almost every year. Because I was not interested in any of the colleges that were in my state, USD was a great choice for me. I am paying the same, if not less, to go here than I would have at a university in my home state. Also, the amount of financial aid available to students is relatively generous.
    Tips for prospective students

    For those students who are interested in The University of South Dakota, I would advise coming to visit campus. This is really the only way to see how great the campus is and how much students and faculty members can interact with one another. After being here for a little while and getting to know people, campus has really started to become like home for me, and it definitely feels like one big family.
    Great for these types of students

    USD is great for students who are looking to be part of a community and really get involved in their college experience. It is also a very nice fit for students who come from small or rural communities because the college really makes an effort to helping these students adjust.

  • 6 out of 6 people found this review useful.

    Anne

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    From day one the teachers are really excited about teaching. Many professors, while not able to get to know students in class, welcome office visits with open arms. The class variety makes it easy to explore options and get a taste of other majors. By the end of the semester students will feel like they have actually learned material, not just memorized it.
    Am enjoying being here

    While the first few weeks are rough if you are a freshmen (the usual getting used to college kind of things) the community advisers on each floor really take the time to get to know students and make sure life is going ok. The student center (the MUC) has daily activities and movies on the weekends. Even though USD is in a small town, there is a lot to do if you look for it.
    Bang for the buck

    Considering the tuition for many other in-state colleges, USD and other South Dakota public universities are quite a steal. USD offers a wonderful education for a wonderful price.
    Tips for prospective students

    Please don't forget that Vermilion is in South Dakota! It gets cold in the winter! :) Also, even though USD is located in a small town, there are tons of things to do on the weekend. Get creative!
    Great for these types of students

    USD is perfect for students wanting a wonderful education in a big yet still small college. The size is large enough for many opportunities, but not so huge as to not be able to feel part of the community.

  • 3 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Cassandra

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    There are great professors here. However, there are also some not so great professors. The trick is to ask some upper classmen about your professors so you can have only the best. I had a terrible professor for my algebra class and i already hate math and he just made the class worse for me. If you get some of the really good professors it will be easier to learn and it will be more fun.
    Am enjoying being here

    USD is a fun school. However, there are not a lot of student events. Most of the events on the weekends are house parties or redbox movies. There is a lot of emphasis placed on seniority once you start taking classes in your major. If you have been around longer, there is more admiration for you.
    Bang for the buck

    USD is a great school. Its cheap and has a lot of really great professors. The campus has a lot of new buildings and some historic buildings. I would encourage students looking at this school to apply and seriously consider coming to this school.
    Tips for prospective students

    Talk and engage with your professors from the first day. Professors may seem intimidating, but they love talking to their students and they will have a positive view of you if you take the time to talk to them. Always do the readings for a class, you never know when you will be called on.
    Great for these types of students

    trying to raise GPA, wanting to stay close to home

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Mena from Sioux Falls, SD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I am majoring in Psychology and Alcohol and Drug Studies. Professors are amazing, and give you the help you need! You just have to ask!
    Am enjoying being here

    It is a small town, but you can always find something to do! Vermillion is a town with a lot of historical importance! It keeps growing and the university is always bettering itself. We just got a new wellness center!
    Bang for the buck

    Tuition is very cheap compared to most schools! Staying in state is helpful but it is also a good deal for out of state students!
    Tips for prospective students

    Tour the school!
    Go to activities!

  • 1 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    Sheila from Blossom, TX

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    I will do my very best at learning.

  • Aaron from SIOUX CITY, IA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    It is a good size campus for people who want a big time college without the college price tag. There are many people that go to this college with transitions into making more friends along the way. Also there is many different classes and different majors for many people to chose from.
    Tips for prospective students

    To meet new people and find some places to hang out. Go to the library to study because the dorms can be distracting. Find activities and clubs to get involved on campus
    Academic Rigor

    The classes are not that bad. Many of them are not to hard but also challenge you to put in the work. If you study the notes and complete all of the assignments then there should be no problem. Just don't overdo it on classes because it can be stressful
    Dorm Life

    It mainly depends on the people on the floor. You might be on a quiet floor or a floor that never sleeps. When move in day comes just introduce yourself to people in order to see what your floor might look like. Also you can see what people are from and learn more about them.
    Food and Dining

    The Common's food is alright but is the same thing all the time. The MUC is the same but has better made food. and later on they will add on with other food chains
    What to do for fun

    Not much to do in Vermillion unless your 21. There is a movie theater and a park but that is about it. You can visit
    Bang for the buck

    With the cheap tuition and size of the location it is worth coming here. You will get the full college experience without having to spend a lot.
    Campus Safety

    They have university police and regular police that patrol the campus and around the campus regularly

  • Katie from Sioux Falls, SD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Vermillion is a very small college town. I like the professors a lot. Parking sometimes is a hassle.
    Tips for prospective students

    Know your major right away to get a good advisor.
    Academic Rigor

    Very good academics at University of South Dakota. I am a transfer student from South Dakota State University, and I had nothing but horrible professors, and at USD I have loved every professor I have had.
    Dorm Life

    Large dorm size. Not the newest, but very roomy.
    Food and Dining

    Food on campus is not amazing, but it is not bad. Lots of variety. Since Vermillion is such a small town there is not a lot of food places off of campus which is nice to save money.
    What to do for fun

    We drink, a lot. We all attend events, work out, outside games.
    Bang for the buck

    I think University of South Dakota is very reasonable for the price we pay.
    Great for these types of students

    Law, business, nursing, and dental hygiene students. All are very competitive.
    Clubs and Activities

    There are lots of clubs and activities to be involved in.
    Greek Life

    Greek life is very big at USD. Lots of houses to choose from with great people in all of them
    Campus Safety

    No one likes campus safety/security but that's because they give parking tickets.

  • Karen

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    The size of the USD student body is great because the classes are small enough to have more one-on-one with the professors. I like the small-town feel of the city of Vermillion with a bigger school experience. The staff of the University are always friendly and willing to help you with anything you need.
    Tips for prospective students

    Regarding things to bring for your dorm/apartment, cut what you think you need in half. You end up storing most of it without ever using it.
    Academic Rigor

    Certain areas of studies have different expectations. However, as far as the science departments go, they are tougher on their standards and expect more, which could be a positive thing.
    Dorm Life

    Dorm life is definitely an experience that every first year student should experience. You meet a lot of new people and you get to interact with the students a lot more.
    Food and Dining

    The cafeteria is located in the freshman dorms complex, which is convenient for those students, but not for anyone else. The food court in the University Center has the basic food items, but they could add a little more variety. However, plans are in the making for adding a couple restaurants in that building!
    What to do for fun

    There are several mom and pop restaurants that have delicious food! They are often filled with local residents and college students. There are a couple nice walk/run/biking trails around the Vermillion River and the town. There are also two movie theaters and a bowling alley.
    Clubs and Activities

    There are several clubs to participant in around campus and the new wellness center always has intramural activities taking place.
    Campus Safety

    Campus security vehicles are constantly roaming the parking lots and just making their usual rounds. I feel safe around the city of Vermillion and on the college campus.

  • Bryan from Pipestone, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    It is a very nice school. It has a very home town feel to it. It is great for those from a small home town.
    Tips for prospective students

    Get ready for some fun times. You will have good memories. It may be hard when you aren't in your major to feel like it is worth it but after that initial hump, once you are in your major it is amazing.
    Academic Rigor

    I place this as high because there is a lot of hard work. For a nursing major there is a lot of required work and it can be very difficult at times. However, the pay off in the end is well worth it.
    Dorm Life

    Dorm life is very fun. You meet a lot of new people and have some fun times. It's a great social place to be.
    Food and Dining

    There is quite the plethora of choices for food on campus. There si a little something for everyine to eat and enjoy everyday.
    What to do for fun

    Hang out with people, intramural sports, volunteer work

  • Lindsi from Wayne, NE

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    i absolutely love this university! there are somethings that the university could improve on, but overall, they have a goal to educate their students to the best of their abilities. this university definitely has the students in mind at all times.
    Tips for prospective students

    my biggest tips for prospective students is to get involved and to stay caught up! classes can get rigorous, but it is not all that hard if you set aside time everyday for homework. getting involved is a huge things too because it will allow you to relax and have some fun!
    Academic Rigor

    classes can be very challenging, but if you keep on schedule and do your best, you will be just fine. also, ask questions!! the teachers are there to help you understand the material!
    Dorm Life

    i love dorm life here! you get to know a ton of people who have the same interests as you! the dorms are also very nice.
    Food and Dining

    the food and dining is one are the university could update a little. the muc is great, but the commons is only really good the first couple of times. more variety could be added.
    What to do for fun

    i am involved in cru and psyc club. however, i love to hang out with my friends, and we often have just dance parties in my dorm room. i also attend varsity athletic events with my friends; these events are a great amount of fun!
    Bang for the buck

    this university is worth every penny they charge! of course every university could use some work, but i truly believe that this university is worth everything i pay to attend!
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    some traditions our university has are wearing red on fridays, yote flotes on tuesdays, and great d-days (homecoming) events!!
    Great for these types of students

    this school is great for anyone looking at almost any major. if you are looking to meet new people and start a great new chapter in your life, this is the school for you!
    Clubs and Activities

    there is so much going on here that i have a hard time trying to decide what i should do! there is something for everyone here!
    Greek Life

    greek life is very strong and very fun! these groups are families and they are very supportive of those in their groups as well as those out of it.
    Campus Safety

    safety here is a priority to the campus. it is very safe here; i have never felt a moment where i do not feel safe with where i am at!

  • Accepted, from Ohio

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    after visiting the university of south dakota, it seems like a very nice school, where there will be plenty of opportunities for success. it's a small quiet town, with the big university atmosphere which is really nice.
    Academic Rigor

    i plan on earning my bachelor's degree in dental hygiene
    Dorm Life

    with the newly opened coyote village, there are a lot of dorm style, or apartment style living available to students on campus.
    Food and Dining

    plenty of meal plans to choose from. ranging from 10 to 17 meals per week, or flex cash!

  • Leslie from Vermillion, SD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    i love the campus at usd. the environment is small and comfortable. i've had nothing but great professors and my horizons have been widened.
    Tips for prospective students

    don't be put off by the lack of big city glamor, usd is a good, solid school where you will receive a fine education. enjoy the different clubs and entertainment on campus and in town. do your homework but save time for some fun as well. plus, visit the theater as the department puts on high quality plays and musicals for the same cost as a movie, but far better.
    Dorm Life

    rooms are small but workable.
    Food and Dining

    the campus dining has been greatly improved and the town is full of great restaurants.
    What to do for fun

    cities like sioux falls and sioux city are nearby for nights on the town, but vermillion has a fun music scene, a small pair of movie theaters, and a theatre department that is great at putting on a good show.
    Great for these types of students

    hard-workers, fun lovers, scholars, theatre geeks, knowledge lovers, and those who wish to get a good education in a comfortable town.
    Clubs and Activities

    great stuff to do.

  • Jessica from Vermillion, SD

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • Kevin

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • Jordyn from Sioux Falls, SD

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    The teachers I have talked to are very helpful and amiable.
    Will enjoy being here

    I like the liberal arts feel wrapped in the larger university package. You are more than just a number here.
    Bang for the buck

    USD was extraordinary in providing me with a financial plan that worked.

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