Western Michigan University Top Questions

The best thing to me about Western is for those that want to learn, there are ample opprotunities and resources available to do so. One thing I would change is the minnimum requirements to remain a student. I would say for the setting the school is a perfect size. Most people say things like, "Oh, I went to a killer party there." and "WESTERN RULES!" I spend most of my time on campus in Schneider hall because I am a pre-business student. I would say it is a decent college town. There are things here to do for students. I would say the administration here is fantastic. I can't think of any recent controversies. There is a definetly a lot of school pride here. People are proud to be Broncos.

WMU campus has some of the best local food around. Transportation has been easy both by Bronco Transit with their brown and gold campus routes connecting to the city's Metro Transit lines, making it easy to get to near by shopping mall, movie theaters, etc. Class are not too big and there is still student teacher interaction in larger class sizes.

The best thing about the school is the friendly atmosphere. Being a freshman at a large state school can be intimidating but everyone does their best to make sure you're comfortable. All the freshman in the school are on the same page, they're there to get their money's worth in education as well as a good time and both have been fulfilled since I arrived. I'd probably change the checking in to the dorms after 9:00 pm. They have us give them our I.D.'s when we walk in and they check to see if we live there and if you have a guest they write down all of your and your guests information. I realize it's for our safety so I'm understanding but honestly it's just a pain. My personal preference of the size of the school is that it's perfect but different people prefer different size schools so choosing what's right for you individually is important. I see people I know on campus all the time but I also see a new person everyday so it's kind of the best of both worlds in a sense. When I tell people I go to Western I usually get an indifferent response. It's a credible university and people can't deny that but it's not an Ivy League school so people aren't always overly impressed. Most people respond well though also because of the area it's in. Kalamazoo is a great town and a lot of people admire the location. I spend most of my time in the dorms, either my room or a friends just because I don't have a car and transportation is limited after 10:00 pm. I also enjoy studying in the Bernard Center which is the student center at Western. It can be too quiet in the library for me and the Bernard Center offers a more relaxed area with a Bigby Coffee, a Subway and an ice cream shop. Kalamazoo is definitely a college town with things to do for young people and plenty of bars for those over twenty one. Downtown provides restaurants and live music in multiple locations for students to spend their time. There's also a large amount of student housing all around the city surrounding campus making for a college town feel. The administration provides many ways for students to get involved and multiple ways for contact if need be. The biggest recent controversy on campus would probably be someone breaking the picnic table outside the dorms. Honestly I haven't heard much controversy regarding large issues, I'm not sure if that's because I haven't looked or if nothing's happened. There's some school pride definitely. A lot of people tailgate before the football games and sometimes the marching band will march around campus the Friday before a game to get the students ready. Many people also attend the hockey and basketball games to show their support. As far as unusual goes I'd say nothing really. There's a lot of different types of people at Western and everyone has a place somewhere you just have to find yours. What I mean is that to some people the students might be unusual but they are themselves. I'll always remember the dorm experience. Having to live with someone you've never met before or someone you've known your whole life is difficult. Everyone should experience it, it shows you a lot about yourself and some great life lessons like understanding others, patience and priorities. The most frequent student complaints would have to be the checking in to the dorms every night, the cafeteria food, money, and just basic dorm issues such as roommate troubles, and living in a tight space.

I am in love with my school! The campus is the perfect size. It's not too huge and overwhelming, or too small to where you don't get that "college atmosphere." The campus is beautiful during all the seasons. The academic buildings are up to date with the best equipment and technology. Western is currently working on updating one of the large buildings that holds the college of education. Western leads by example when it comes to being handicapped accessible. My school has done everything possible to make it easy for all students to get around independently. Another great thing about Western is how "green" it is. Western has received nationwide recognition for their efforts to create a sustainable campus. Western also supplies students with resources for every step of their way through their college career. Whether it be finding a major, creating a resume, or searching for jobs after graduation, Western has a department there to help.

I love WMU because it is a division one university that is very diverse. There are all types of people that attend WMU.There is a good balance between males and females, a good balance between race and religion, and there are all different types of clubs and activities as well. Also, WMU is located in a fairly large city with a lot of little towns surrounding it, giving you a lot of opportunity for things to do. Downtown Kalamazoo has countless restaurants and stores for your convenience and lots of nice parks. Another cool thing about WMU, is that they try to give every student the feeling of school spirit! I still remember my freshmen orientation when all the orientation leaders were so excited and enthusiastic to be there and welcome you to the school. It really made an impact on how comfortable I felt as an incoming student. Lastly, even though Western's Greek life isn't very large, it's nice because you know everyone and it is like a little community! I enjoy going to WMU because even though it is a fairly large school in a pretty large town, it still has that "small town" feel.

Excellent school with and only getting better with the addition of a medical school

My overall opinion of Western Michigan University has improved since I began as a freshman and became more comfortable in a university setting. I feel I am getting a solid education for my tuition, especially compared to some other schools in the state. The best thing about being a Bronco is the small community feel you get, but the convenience of a large university with an attractive campus. Professionals and future employers are always familiar with Western Michigan University when I mention I'm a Bronco and I have noticed a large amount of recruitment from many national companies. The surrounding campus area has all the shops, restaurants, and residential options a college student could need. Bronco hockey is a wintertime favorite among students and the Lawson Lunatics (the hockey student section) are some of the rowdiest hockey fans you'll come across. My only complaint is the disconnect between downtown Kalamazoo and the campus area. Public transportation is available and widely used by students, but compared to U of M's campus or MSU's Grand River Ave, it doesn't compete.

My overall opinion of Western Michigan University has improved since I began as a freshman. I feel I am getting a solid education for my tuition, especially compared to some other schools in the state. The best thing about being a Bronco is the small community feel you get, but the convenience of a large university with an attractive campus. Professionals and future employers are always familiar with Western Michigan University and I have noticed a large amount of recruitment from many national companies. Most academic buildings have unique study lounges, and Waldo Library is right in the center of campus - the place where I probably spend most of my time. As for Kalamazoo, it's a great college town. The surrounding campus area has all the shops, restaurants, and residential options a college student could need. Bronco hockey is a wintertime favorite among students and the Lawson Lunatics (the hockey student section) are some of the rowdiest hockey fans. My only complaint is the disconnect between downtown Kalamazoo and the campus area. Public transportation is available and widely used by students, but compared to U of M's campus or MSU's Grand River Ave, it doesn't compete.

My overall opinion of Western Michigan University has improved since I began as a freshman. I feel I am getting a solid education for my tuition, especially compared to some other schools in the state. The blend of a large school with a sprawling campus, but small community feel is what attracts many students to Western. Long story short, upon graduation I will be confident in my abilities to enter the professional arena, but I'll be sad to leave.

I love Western, The campus is big, but small enough to still feel community. I knew that I wanted to go here immediately after I had a tour of the campus. There is so much to do and many activities to be a part of. There is always something going on, on campus. This college town is located near tons of great restaurants and lots of bars for an exciting social life.

WMU provides a "just right" feeling for students. The campus is not too small and not too big. There are activities and groups for just about everything that you could imagine! Everybody can find something to do that they will enjoy.

The best thing about the school is the location and the main campus itself. Kalamazoo is only 2 hours away from Chicago and 2 hours away from Detroit. This ends up being a great melting pot of comprising of students mainly from Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, and Indiana. The campus has the opportunities to have the 300 person lecture hall style of learning or the 25 student lectures that are more personalized. This allows for students to get the college experience they are looking for. The one thing I wish I could change is the fraternity system. It comprises of only about 2{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the students but has the potential to be much better in the very near future.

Western Michigan University is the perfect place for me. We have over 25,000 students enrolled but the campus and community still feels close, connected and interested. We have a lot to offer every student with over 300 registered student organizations, which means everybody can find a group that they are interested in, feel like they fit in and begin to thrive in their perfect environment. You don't think it's possible? Maybe it isn't possible to FIND a group that you love, thats why Western has made it possible for any student to create and run their own registered student organization with just 3 other students and a constitution. When I walk across campus I can count on a smiling face and that is my favorite thing about Western Michigan University. We are so friendly, and you may think it sounds silly but it is hard to find a large university where everyone appreciates a "hello" and a smile. That is what makes Western such a great place, everyone appreciates you for being there and being you.

Every day is a great day to be a Bronco. I absolutely love everything about Western Michigan University. I love that it is a diverse campus that is not too big or too small. The city of Kalamazoo itself is not the best but Western Michigan University makes this a city worth being a part of. The academic programs here are very well known and most of the professors here are very friendly and genuinely want to help you do everything that it takes to be successful not only in their course but also in life in general. There is never a dull moment here, because there is always so many ways to get involved on campus and in the community with over 300 Registered Student Organizations. Becoming a member of Alpha Kappa Psi Co-Ed Professional Business Fraternity and The National Society of Collegiate Scholars has been the highlight of my experience here at WMU because of the endless opportunities and networking opportunities that have become available to me. No matter where you go GET INVOLVED.

Choosing a college is like picking a new community to live with. Some college's are huge and students have a hard time making themselves stand out, others are small and everyone knows everyone else. I think Western finds a happy median between these two types of communities. Living on campus was all right, the dorms were small and not very impressive, but it gave me an opportunity to meet a lot of new people. Western's community goes much farther beyond those living on campus. In fact, this past year for me I've spent more time hanging out off campus than on. I do at times wish that westerns campus was more tied into the kalamazoo community. The campus itself seems isolated from the rest of the city. You wont see too many students hanging out on campus in their free time. Many live off campus and spend a lot of time at friends houses or at some of the local places.

I think the best thing about WMU is all of the art work featured on campus. It seams like everywhere I turn, there is some sculpture or something out on the lawn. I think that if I would change anything, it would be the fact that you have to use cash or dining dollars(?) at all of the little food areas in the academic buildings. It would be nice if they would accept visa or other credit cards because I hate to carry cash with me. I spend most of my time on campus at the Bernhard Center, or at any of the other academic buildings. The nicer the weather is, the more the school pride comes out I think. I hear a lot of WMU students complain about the parking situation, but I haven't had a problem with that yet.

Western is a school of about 25,000 students -- which is just the right number in terms of comfortable class sizes. There is not too much to do in terms of activities on campus, but there are a lot of cool things to do downtown kalamazoo

It is a well-rounded school School size is just right though it probably could be bigger for me I think people overall respect WMU's academics Spend most of my time at Parkview Campus and in the Bernhard Center Biggest controversy on campus is school retention and school pride, sporting events are free to students but there is still a lack in attendance (at least to me there is) I would also like to see WMU do more for their minorities. MSU has a Black Caucus for each dorm and CMU has Minority Aids for each dorm. Other schools may have things to help unite minorities on campus and I hope WMU can add something To me there is not a lot of school pride, unless we are playing CMU Kalamazoo is definitely a college town that is flooded with bars to attract students

One thing I'd change: The fact that people call us Wastern. I hate it. WMU is just right. I spend most of my time in the Bernhard Center on campus. I like WMU's administration a lot more ever since President Dunn has come on board. No, I do not believe there is a lot of school pride at all. Most of my friends don't even know the fight song. The most frequent student complaints are about parking services but I think that is because they are not fully informed of where they can park because they are lazy.

Wow, these questions are all very difficult to answer, but I will get it a try: The best thing about WMU? Definitely the students. We like to use the term "heads up campus" because people are incredibly friendly and open. It's so easy to meet people. One thing I'd change: The weather. If I had the power to move Kalamazoo, MI to a place that was always sunny and warm, I don't think I'd ever be unhappy with my college choice. WMU's size is... Just right. Part of the reason that I chose WMU was because I did not want to go to a huge school like Michigan State where I would feel like a number. I wanted my college experience to be about so much more than just my education, and I felt like Western would give me the chance to get a lot more involved outside of class. How do people react when I tell them I go to WMU... it really depends. Some students will say "Wow, I couldn't go to a school that big." Some others will ask me what I'm studying because they've heard about our programs... usually they just ask me if I know such-and-such person. And I usually have at least heard of them, which never ceases to surprise someone, including myself :) When do I spend the most time on campus... every day except for Sunday. Honestly, once you get involved in one or two organizations, your time on campus increases exponentially. Whether it is going to the 24-hour computer lab to work on homework, or go to a meeting, I feel like I am always on campus even though I don't live there anymore. Our college town is... Kalamazoo, MI. Yes there really is a Kalamazoo and I love it here. I think that if I were to stay in Michigan after college, this would be one of the only cities I would ever consider staying in. Enough said. It is incredible. What's my opinion of WMU's administration... Well, thats a bit of a biased question because I see the president of the university every Monday, Wednesday and Friday where I work... and I've been to a pool party at his house. Obviously, I love them. They're friendly and put students first. And the president is on facebook. Enough said. I'm going to skip a few questions and just go to the main point: WMU is the best public university in the state, in my opinion. As a student who could have gone anywhere to further her education, I chose it on the basis of where I could grow the most as a person AND a student. Between working with the orientation program, getting involved in Greek Life, and campaigning for student body vice president, I really cannot choose my favorite moment here. I just wish I could go to college for another 4 years and never graduate.