Quinn
Overall USD offers a nice balance between education and socialization. USD has many regionally recognized programs that will enable student whether they're interested in graduate school or moving straight into the workforce. The campus is large enough to offer all the major amenities (workout facilities, new commons area, dormitories, excellent library and many computer labs) but small enough to navigate with relative ease. Athletics is an important part of the campus life but one is still free to involve themselves in varying degrees. The University has many fraternities and sororities if greek like is of interest to you, though greek life does not dominate the social scene. Overall USD is a very nice school, the weather can occasionally get you down but the faculty is great and there is quite a bit to do, whether it "partying" or one of USD's many other extracurriculars.
Mindy
The best thing about the University of South Dakota is the interaction between professors and students. Though the school is of substantial size with a student population of 9000-10000, professors take an active interest in student involvement and well-being. This is especially true of difficult, upper-level courses that are important for the student's major (which also tend to be smaller sized classes). People have positive attitudes about the education one receives at USD, and react positively when I tell them about the school I attend. I spend most of my time on campus in Churchill-Haines (the Biology department), the library, and the Muenster University Center, which is the student center that was finished only a couple years ago. The recently renovated library is very spacious and provides vast access to technological resources for students; in addition, the student center has ongoing activities such as live entertainment and movie nights so there is always something to do. Though my favorite place to spend my free time is the newly finished Wellness Center, which houses numerous state-of-the art fitness machines, spacious courts and exercise studios, as well as a rock climbing wall. The best thing about the Wellness Center is that access to rock climbing, machines, court usage, and fitness classes are all free of charge to students. Because USD is a substantial size school located in a small town, there are just enough activities to qualify it as a "college town". Additionally, if you can't find what you're looking for in Vermillion, the town is centrally located between the cities of Sioux Falls, SD and Sioux City, IA. I have found the school's administration to be very helpful and prompt in assessing my academic and financial needs. Even though school pride isn't as robust and on display as other universities, students on campus regularly participate in tailgating and attending sporting events, as well as getting involved on campus. Out of all the experiences I'll remember from USD, the overall experience I'll take with me is that I felt like I always mattered as a student. Never once at this school have I felt like just another number, as I was always surrounded with faculty that truly cared about me and my education. While I've heard complaints about little things such as quality of the commons food, I don't regularly hear students complain about big issues that they have with this institution.
Erryn
The University of South Dakota is a great institution from its faculty, campus, students, and activities. USD is a smaller campus, which is great for getting to classes easily. No class is more than a ten minute walk when you live on campus. The town of Vermillion is also centered around the campus, making Walmart runs or going out to eat a quick and easy trip. Another great thing about a smaller campus is the comradery and friendliness of students. You can't walk across campus without seeing someone you know, making college a more comfortable place. Enrollment at USD is continuing to grow, but class sizes remain at a reasonable number. Professors are willing to spend one on one time with students and make college classes as pleasant as possible. The faculty here wants to help you, by providing study sessions called SIs, or supplemental instruction, teachers and teacher aids work with students to help improve students grades and studying experience. The biggest problem that students have is that Vermillion is a small town and students often leave for the weekends. Although Vermillion is a small town it is located 30 minutes from Sioux Falls and Sioux City, so a weekend away with your friends is always an option. However, there are plenty of students who stay on campus during weekends and the Munster University Center provides activities for students every weekend, including movie and game nights. My favorite part of USD is the new wellness center. The wellness center not only has a track, cardio equipment, free weights, strength training machines, the tallest rock climbing wall in South Dakota and three athletic courts, but USD also offers a range of exercise classes. Yoga, cardio sculpt, pilates, cycling, kisado (kickboxing), and sweatshop are only a few of the classes offered at the wellness center. The student center is one of my favorite places to go play a quick game of basketball, soccer, volleyball, or just get a good sweat. Overall, USD is an excellent instituion with great faculty, students, and opportunities.