The Real SU

Introduction
I would advise students considering Shippensburg University to consider what they primarily want in their academics. If you want small class sizes, Shippensburg is great. It's a state school, but all of our classes max out at 30 or 40, depending on the type of class. Also, we have gen eds, but they aren't the most useful. Do you want to put up with a mandatory number of gen ed credits that are no benefit to you, or do you want to go to a school where the gen eds are fewer and more relevant (like fitness or health courses instead of Ship's math/science/art requirement.)

I chose Ship because it had a great program for me. We have a laboratory school on campus, so if you want to be a teacher, you can observe classes without having to drive anywhere. We also have state of the art equipment for our media, so if you want to be a part of the Communications/Journalism department and get involved with our TV station, you'll be using the equipment the big city stations use for their broadcasts.

Students should stay away from Ship if they want an easy ride. We have a lot of students flunking out after their first semester, which is usually full of gen ed courses. Come prepared to work. If you aren't willing to work, accept cultural diversity, and get involved on campus, Ship is not for you.

Campus Life and Social Life
The Resident Assistants and the Residence Life staff are always planning programs for those who live on campus. We have "Art of Being" programs to let students learn more about other cultures, weekend programs to allow students have a good time on campus, and other random activities, such as shopping, movie nights, Super Bowl parties, and more. The Activities Program Board also has $1 movies for movies that aren't in theaters or on DVD yet. APB also sponsors lots of other activities, all of which are worthwhile and fun. They spend a lot of money to bring in comedians, singers/bands, and other speakers to enrich life on campus.

Weekends are pretty laid back. A lot of people go out and party, but if you stay on campus, your RA will probably have something going on. There's a bowling alley nearby, a movie theater, mall, and a few other places to hang out. The days can be slow, but it's a good chance to rest, study, or watch TV. Advertisement
Academics
Other than the gen eds, the academics at Ship are great. Professors have high standards, and they're pretty cool for the most part. We don't have TA's here, so your professor is always there for you. They have office hours and love to help you when you need it. Your advisor is also a great resource. The greatest programs at Ship are probably Communications/Journalism, the education department, Criminal Justice, and Business. We also have a Social Work major that's new, and pretty popular. And there is always an extra-curricular that you can do that goes with your major!

Student Body
Students at SHIP are mostly from the central-PA area, but we have students from all over the place, including international students (from Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Wales, for example.) It's a diverse group of people, but everyone gets along! Students here love to relax a lot. They'll lay outside if it's a nice day, and we have a lot of volleyball courts that get used pretty frequently by those who just want to hang out. Most people spend a lot of time watching TV- there are a few shows that are really popular, like 24, Nip/Tuck, and Law and Order, so you can always get a huge group together to watch these. We're into a lot of stuff here, so you can always find someone who likes what you like.

In Closing...
Ship wasn't my first choice, but after my first semester when my friends wanted me to transfer to my first choice school to be with them, I said no way. This is the best school for me. I have met so many people who are amazing, and there is always something around campus I can do. It was a stroke of luck that my first choice school didn't accept me... I've written them a letter to thank them for denying me admission into their school!