Academics
The University of Texas at Dallas provides its more than 20,000 undergraduates with a wealth of resources, financial aid, and opportunities, striving for “a future of talented and smart individuals.” UTD has “one of the best tech schools around” and draws a good deal of students to its STEM programs (one student lovingly calls it “the nerd capital of the UT system”), causing a senior computer engineer to remark: “Engineering and the sciences for the win.” The school is without large sports programs (notably football), but instead “emphasizes academics, which is what we are all here for.”
Administration is responsive and invested in UTD’s growing reputation, and the school “grows and changes year by year, continually getting better and better,” with students acting as “a big part of that process.” Someone is “always willing to help you with any problem you encounter,” and the tutoring available also “really helps in understanding the material.” They are dedicated to their students, this being apparent in “their open office hours and timely replies to e-mails.”
Most of the professors “are very enthused about what they are teaching and genuinely want us to learn,” and bring new topics to light through “very informative” discussion. “Their passion for their subject makes it easy to love your classes!” says a student. “I get pushed academically, but I love it,” says another. One of the shining benefits of UTD is the chance to get “actively involved with the faculty in research,” which provides “several opportunities for honors, and ultimately allows you to prepare for a continued education after undergrad.”
Student Body
There is “no clear majority of one race, creed, or background” at UT Dallas. Since most of the “exceptionally nice” and “very diverse” people are here for the science, technology, and business, there are “lots of smart people everywhere” and “everyone here is so open about the geeky side in everyone.” Most agree that there could stand to be a bit more of a creative voice on campus and the school would do well to attract “more students to fine arts.” Most students are “serious about their academics, but not too serious” and remember to take the time to relax; “video games/card games and…anime” are popular here, as are clubs and organizations.
Campus Life
The “well-kept campus” is “not too large,” though “parking is a bit of an issue sometimes.” There is a lot of studying going on, so “you can always find a group or just a lot of people hanging around in a specific area studying.” “Some people practically build shrines to their GPA’s and worship them on weekends,” says one sophomore.
A lot of students commute (which makes life “pretty quiet”), and there is no football team to rally around, so “it’s hard to have a lot of school spirit”; however, “the social scene is definitely growing,” and the Student Union acts as the “hub” for the entire school where “students can mingle and find friends.” Computer labs also give many the chance to game and have fun (the video game culture is “strong”), and “there are usually always at least five to ten gamers in the room at once.” The school provides “many things to do,” with campus events like movies happening every week, and people often leave campus to seek more options, such as “movies, bowling, shopping, skating, concert, etc.”
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