The truth about Central Michigan University

Introduction
Central Michigan University is located in “beautiful” Mount Pleasant, Michigan (approximately one hour north of the state capital of Lansing and one hour from the tri-cities of Bay City, Midland, and Saginaw).

If you’re considering a career or degree in education, journalism, library studies, or music this should be one of your first considerations, other than that, I would avoid it.

Campus Life and Social Life
There is a large party atmosphere and the 7-11 store located just yards from the Towers residence complex - which plays home to thousands of largely freshmen – apparently sells more alcohol than any other 7-11 in the country. Tuesdays and Thursdays are major going out nights with many students heading to popular establishments like Wayside Central - a short five minute walk from the Towers - or to the Pub – a bit further walk in the downtown corridor, not terribly far from the Fraternity houses. (If you’re a partier, request the Towers as your residence for freshmen year, as many other complexes are much more stuffy and quiet.)

Weekends are much different with most bars or in the case of the “wannabe clubs” of the Pub and Wayside are dead with most students opting to either head home or go to parties at Fraternity houses or in student off-campus apartments and houses.

But don’t come to CMU for the sports. The football team is regularly horrid and has almost been kicked out of NCAA Division I several teams for low attendance, while the basketball teams regularly struggle. Attendance is so bad that students have free entry into all athletic events. Advertisement
Academics
Professors aren’t that bad, but be prepared to take many useless “University Program” classes your first year or two. These are nothing more than money-making ventures and I would advise you to take some basics in the summer at a local community college to save costs and concentrate on the real classes at CMU.

Student Body
If you’re looking for high-class ritzy students, look elsewhere. A majority of CMU students receive assistance and you won’t run into many high-end cars, but I’m not saying the school is 100 percent poor. Also, the school is very committed to the liberal diversity and affirmative action policies and it seems like there are on average, 2.5 minorities per class.

In Closing...
If Michigan State University is too big and you still want an outgoing campus located in a lame town that requires driving for shopping and other entertainment, then head to CMU.