South Dakota State University Brookings, SD

3.875, Four Average Rating

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Student Reviews

South Dakota State University (SD State) Reviews

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Joshua from Madison, SD

08/11/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

13 out of 13 people found this review useful. 1 of 58

Categories	Comments
Great for these types of students	Great for anyone on a tight budget or anyone involved in Engineering, Agriculture or the Math and Sciences.
Tips for prospective students	Make sure to check out all the dorms, as some are newer (and much nicer) than the others. Matthews and Brown are both the top winners in my book.
Bang for the buck	You cannot possible beat the price SDSU has to offer. Not only does it cost easily under $13k to attend the college but the living expenses in South Dakota are just cheaper in general. This is a perfect place for any student on a tight budget.
Am enjoying being here	I love the environment at SDSU - everyone is friendly and anyone can find a group with similar interests as himself or herself. (Almost) all the teachers are open to questions and are very very helpful.
Am learning a lot	SDSU has a great environment set up for learning and getting to that boring part of college we all dread...studying. The fact that most of the people in my dorm (Matthews) were involved in the same things as I am meant they were in a lot of my classes which made it awesome when it came time to getting some work done! The student union is a fantastic quiet place to kick back, enjoy a cup of coffee and get some last minute studying done.

Megan from Fordyce, NE

07/07/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

8 out of 8 people found this review useful. 2 of 58

Categories	Comments
Great for these types of students	The west edge of campus is devoted to the country kids, especially Hansen hall and the Animal Science unit. Midwestern kids will feel right at home in the small town atmosphere, but city kids will appreciate the variety of people and activities. Sports fanatics will love the Division I sporting events and dramatics should take note of our Performing Arts Center, which is world class and soon to be expanded.
Tips for prospective students	What makes SDSU such a great fit for me are the activities I am involved in. UPC, Student's Association, and being on the Women's Equestrian Team all keep me busy while providing me with the opportunity to meet new people all the time. The people on campus are exceptionally welcoming and open. Even the professors take an uncommon interest in their students. They are always available to help or answer questions. But bring your winter gear...campus is COLD!

Taylor from Apple Valley, MN

11/09/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

7 out of 15 people found this review useful. 2 people found it offensive. 5 people found this inaccurate. 3 of 58

Categories	Comments
Great for these types of students	Cowboys, small-town kids, stoners, slackers, pharmacy majors.
Tips for prospective students	Try to get into the Grove Area dorms; Pierson, Mathews, Brown or Larson Area dorms Binnewies and Young. They're close to the Union and all the activity on campus. Plus, the bathrooms and Larson Commons dining area are newly renovated.
Bang for the buck	It's really nicely priced and if one is looking for easy classes and a social climate like high school, it's a great place to be.
Am enjoying being here	There is nothing to do off campus and nobody keeps their doors open in the residence halls. It seems like people already have their friends from high school and they don't want to meet any more. In the first month here I encountered more racism and horrid behavior than I would ever expect. There are a lot of people who are not afraid to voice their prejudices here. All the clubs and activities I was interested in are practically dead, like Spanish Club or American Humanics.
Am learning a lot	The classes are barely stimulating. Even in my 300 level classes I feel like I did harder things in high school.

Sarah from Hartford, SD

08/18/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

6 out of 7 people found this review useful. 4 of 58

Categories	Comments
Great for these types of students	Consider SDSU especially if you are interested in agriculture, engineering, pharmacy or nursing. The other programs are good as well. I chose SDSU as much for its programs as for its closeness to home. Anyone from SD, MN and some other surrounding states should consider SDSU for an affordable, quality education.
Tips for prospective students	If you decide to live on campus the first year, make the most of it. There are so many opportunities on campus; you just have to put yourself out there and find something you like to do. Keep your door open when you're in your hall because it's easier to meet people that way. Get a flex meal plan if you want to eat somewhere other than Larson all the time. And usually when professors tell you to read something, you should. If you don't, it may come back to haunt you. It's no fun to try to catch up, so try to stay on top of your work. But most of all, have fun! College is suppose to be a good time.
Bang for the buck	Even though tuition was slightly raised again, SDSU is still by far one of the most affordable institutions of its kind. A year of school costs just under $13,000 if you live on campus and buy your books through the university store. Because SDSU wants all students to get a good education, there are many scholarships and financial aid available to students. That's how I can afford school coming from a farming household. I feel I have definitely received my money's worth of an education.
Am enjoying being here	When I first stepped onto campus, I felt at home. The dorm life is set up well, so you can make many new friends and have new experiences. I live in a central part of campus, so it's always easy to find something to do but it's still easy to focus on my studies as well. I have been able to make more friends through organizations I've joined that interest me (SWE, HCSO, FOCUS). There is something here for everyone!
Am learning a lot	I enjoy classes at SDSU because the professors care about the students. It gives the place very much a small-town feeling. I would definitely rank the education that the Engineering college has to offer up there with some of the better known Engineering colleges across the country. Also at SDSU, I am able to make my degree unique by combining different technical electives.

Hannah from Comfrey, MN

12/29/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

5 out of 5 people found this review useful. 5 of 58

Categories	Comments
Great for these types of students	SDSU is a great school if your looking into Nursing, Pharmacy, Engineering, Pre-Veterinary, and any other pre-professions. All around SDSU has very many different majors, you could change your mind 100 times and still have something to fall back on.
Tips for prospective students	I would say it's best to find where you study best once you get to campus, since you will be using that place quite a bit. Also, it's less of a hassle when you order your books online instead of getting them from the bookstore, unless you want to wait 30-45min in line.
Bang for the buck	SDSU is definitely worth your money. If you put in an honest effort to meet people and do well in school your more than likely going to succeed! SDSU sets you up so that you are guaranteed to have a job right after graduation.
Am enjoying being here	I love the atmosphere at SDSU! They have so many activities for all types of people. They really encourage everyone to get out and be active. You can even join their University Program Council (UPC) as a freshman! The best part would be living in the dorms, it's like living in a hotel with friends.
Am learning a lot	I graduated with a class of 17, and I was really worried about how I would be able to handle learning at a college level, but SDSU is a great school for obtaining knowledge. Since I have been at school I feel like I have made the right choice for the career that I would like to pursue. I am currently a pre-nursing student who has made the Dean's list within the first semester of college. I feel that SDSU has great programs and they will only get better from here.

Ashley from Aberdeen, SD

01/20/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 6 of 58

Categories	Comments
Great for these types of students	SDSU is great for students who want to go to school with quite a large number of students, and who want to be able to participate in a plethora of different groups and activites.
Tips for prospective students	Make sure you are ok with classes of 300 some people, because these are the classes I spent my first semester in. And also make sure you are ready for some serious walking, or I guess you could bike or drive if you really wanted to.
Bang for the buck	The campus does feature a lot of different places that your tuition dollars go to such as the new wellness center. While there is a lot of construction going on this year there are a lot of old classrooms that could use some sprucing up.
Am enjoying being here	SDSU is a lot of fun. The campus is huge and there is a lot of different activities for every person.
Am learning a lot	I am learning a lot for the most part, however most general classes are host to 300 students which makes concentrating somewhat difficult.

Stephanie from Brookings, SD

04/23/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 7 of 58

Categories	Comments
Campus Safety	The campus police are very strict.
Greek Life	I do not know much about the Greek Life because I was never involved, but I know some people who are members and they love it.
Clubs and Activities	There are a wide variety of clubs and activities available for students.
Great for these types of students	Hard working, like to have fun students.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	SDSU has a dairy bar with delicious ice cream, a campanile that you can climb, an art museum, and a beautiful nature park called McCrory Gardens.
Bang for the buck	SDSU is quite cheap if you're an in-state student compared to a lot of other colleges.
What to do for fun	SDSU offers many different sporting events that go on all year long that is free to students. SDSU's Wellness center has a bunch of exercise equipment and classes that students can take. There are occasional dances that are usually pretty fun, and the UPC puts on a lot of free, fun events.
Food and Dining	Almost all of the book they have is absolutely delicious.
Dorm Life	Dorms are expensive and small.
Academic Rigor	I am transferring because they didn't have my major that I wanted, however they do offer a wide variety of majors.
Tips for prospective students	If getting the food plan, budget your money, but SDSU food services help you do this. Be prepared to walk, the campus is quite large. When buying books for your classes I highly recommend buying them online via amazon.com or half.com. They are way cheaper than SDSU's bookstore. And I would highly recommend reselling your books on amazon.com or half.com because you are more likely to get your money back opposed to trying to sell them back to the SDSU bookstore.
In three sentences	SDSU has a wide variety of programs and opportunities for it's students. They constantly have construction going on, which I did not like as a student because I never really felt like I was getting the typical college experience because of it. The classes I have taken range from have 400 students in one classroom to being one of fifteen students.

Maggie from Sioux Falls, SD

06/11/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 8 of 58

Categories	Comments
Campus Safety	UPD is a joke. Instead of looking out for the students, they write more tickets than anything else.
Greek Life	Small, but close knit. Growing rapidly with the expansions of Greek Village.
Clubs and Activities	Not very many options that aren't major-related.
Great for these types of students	Agricultural majors.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	HOBO DAYS. Look it up.
Bang for the buck	Way over priced. Very few scholarships available meaning students have to take out huge loans for going to a small public school.
What to do for fun	Absolutely nothing. Drive to Sioux Falls for any options.
Food and Dining	Food is awful. Extremely limited choices (especially for people with food allergies). Insanely expensive/over priced for the quality. Only redeeming quality is the SDSU ice cream from the dairy plant on campus.
Dorm Life	CA's are the most annoying people ever. Say a little prayer you don't get an awful one. Residential Life is the biggest joke I've ever experienced. Ridiculously unorganized, and the students suffer from it. Try for one of the dorms with air conditioning if you can.
Academic Rigor	All generals are a joke-most students don't even bother to attend class. Exams are online in the really easy classes. Once in your upper level classes specific to your major, things get tougher.
Tips for prospective students	Bring a window fan for the dorms- it will keep you sane. Room with someone you know, but not too well (you want to stay friends). Don't be afraid to change your major!
In three sentences	Small college town with limited opportunities. Strong agricultural focus with lots of small town kids. Terrible campus maintenance (salting, snow removal, etc).

AKD

07/23/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 9 of 58

Categories	Comments
Campus Safety	There were a couple of attacks in 2010, but the man was caught and he was not an SDSU student. Since, they have started programs around campus to better campus security. The dorms are locked past a certain time and only residents of that dorm can get into the building, there are also escorts you can call to walk around campus with you after dark if you don't feel safe. Overall the campus is well lit and the student body is friendly.
Greek Life	There are many different sororities and fraternities, but unlike some larger universities, Greek life is not the center of SDSU. It's equivalent to most of the clubs and activities on campus, if you seek it out you will find it and probably enjoy it.
Clubs and Activities	Many clubs derive from specific majors but there is also a large multicultural center based within the Student Union, as well as many clubs based around religion, culture, politics, hobbies, charity, etc. Most clubs post information fliers around the Rotunda (where most of the freshman and large capacity classes are held). Intramural sports are also a popular activity for those who enjoy playing sports but don't want the commitment of playing on a collegiate team.
Great for these types of students	Any. SDSU used to be considered a agriculturally and wildlife/fisheries based school and although agricultural programs still thrive, it is also known for great engineering, pharmacy and nursing programs. SDSU is a D1 school with a large variety of sports, from equestrian and rodeo to baseball, basketball and soccer.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Although our mascot is the Jackrabbit, our homecoming weekend is labeled Hobo Days and you will often see shirts and signs related to SDSU that refer to the student body as Hobos.
Bang for the buck	SDSU is becoming a well recognized public university, especially within the Midwest. Although tuition does continue to increase, it is still one of the most affordable education options out there. I am an out of state student and I pay half as much as I would have paid for the same degree in my home state.
What to do for fun	Dorms are the best way to meet friends at SDSU, there are many common television and living room areas that the students generally congregate in. Also, located within the basement of the Student Union is a game area with pool tables and dart boards. You can also rent bicycles and outdoor equipment there as well.
Food and Dining	SDSU has expanded the Student Union vastly since I first enrolled in 2010. There are coffee and bagel shops, cafeteria style as well as restaurant style dining options. As of this upcoming year they are also adding some popular fast food options to the Union.
Dorm Life	Although the dorm rooms are small, SDSU has made a conscious effort to increase not only the amount of dorms available to students, but also the quality. As of 2011, there were 3 brand new dorms on campus, and they are adding 3 more for this upcoming 2012 fall semester. You can choose to live either by yourself or with a roommate.
Academic Rigor	It is difficult to rate academic rigor on a scale basis. As with most colleges, there are majors that consist of easy classes and there are majors that require more effort and contain difficult coursework.
Tips for prospective students	Visit the campus and explore the different dorm options and meal plans. It is required to live on campus for the first two years of attendance so it is helpful to find a living situation that is the perfect fit for you!
In three sentences	South Dakota State University is an ever growing college located in Brookings, South Dakota, just 45 minutes north of Sioux Falls. There are many different majors and opportunities available at SDSU. The campus is large, but walkable, professors are helpful and insightful and class sizes are generally small which really enhances the learning experience.

Katie from Brookings, SD

07/29/2012

Reviewer is A past student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 10 of 58

Categories	Comments
Campus Safety	There are University Police telephone booths all over campus that are lit up in case you feel uneasy. The University Police roam around campus all day, everyday, so crime is at a very low point.
Clubs and Activities	There are a wide variety of sports clubs, language clubs, and other activities. All you have to do is get in touch with people who are in charge, and they can lead you in the right direction.
What to do for fun	There are volleyball courts, basketball courts, and even a frisbee golf park on campus. SDSU has many fields where people play football and other sports like that on. Not to mention their large running track, and up-to-date sidewalks.
Food and Dining	There's a wide variety of places to go. There are two common areas that have many food choices. Like a grill, java city, sandwich bar, and pizza. They have a system called Hobo Dough that is accepted at most restaurants around town, which is great because if you want to escape the campus for a while, you can still use your college funds to go out and have dinner with friends.
Dorm Life	All dorms have the essential things you need like a bed with a mattress, a desk, and a dresser. The bathrooms are very clean. Most dorms have study areas where you can get away from your room mate if you so choose to have a little quiet time for studying.
Academic Rigor	The assignments for classes are usually drawn out so you won't be pounded with homework in one class--- that is unless you skip class. The teachers are very serious about their job and are really there for everybody's benefit.
Tips for prospective students	Don't fret about all the applications you have to fill out. They usually process quickly, and all your troubles are soon gone! Don't worry about meeting your new room mate, because they will probably be really nice!
In three sentences	SDSU has small classes, so you can have one-on-one talks with the professors. SDSU has all the resources you need, whether it's the computer lab, library, study areas, a huge gym, etc. SDSU has a great staff that is full of friendly, generous people.

Meagan from St. Peter, MN

08/10/2012

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 11 of 58

Categories	Comments
In three sentences	This campus is growing and will provide many opportunities for me and my fellow class mates. They offer all of the classes that I am interested in. They also offer the degrees I want to pursue for future jobs.

Angela from Larchwood, IA

12/17/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

12 of 58

Categories	Comments
Great for these types of students	The students are very open to any possibility and with the professors supportive attitudes, I strongly feel anyone would feel at home here. Even if you have not been to school in decades, this school is still perfect.
Tips for prospective students	I recommend go in with a clear mind. College is very different from high school. No more judgmental comments, feeling left out, or the rumors that were spread around. College is more mature and is a blast! Even though there is a lot to do, never forget to read your materials! Once you fall behind, it is very hard to catch up. The professors do not always tell you the homework assignments so keep in mind it is your own responsibility to finish them.
Bang for the buck	While other schools are pretty expensive, SDSU offers plenty scholarships, grants, and work, but for the money paid out of pocket is very worth it. You will not find a campus as supportive as SDSU. Like I have said, the professors want to see you succeed and will help with assigning tutors, private lessons, and asking the random questions that come to mind.
Am enjoying being here	SDSU has so many clubs, fun nights, and extracurricular activities that no one could say they are bored. Professors push you to be your best but enjoy helping you whenever it is needed. I love the fact that the professors will work with you on your schedule. I needed to end my semester a few days early and all my professors let me take my finals early. It is amazing how much they care! I love it here!
Am learning a lot	I absolutely love SDSU! Not only are the professors fun but they care about what you learn and that you understand what you are learning. Knowing the professors are there to help you, it pushes you to work your hardest. SDSU provides a great community to find friends, study groups, or new interests. The advisers are willing to help anyone; even if you do not know what you want to be. SDSU is an ideal school for anyone at any age and any learning level! I love it here and you will too!

Haleigh from Hot Springs, SD

12/25/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

13 of 58

Categories	Comments
Great for these types of students	Outgoing and adventurous. Although, even if you are the quiet type, the people on campus really encourage you to come out and explore.
Tips for prospective students	Get out and about. There are a lot of things that a student can do on our campus. From sports to international activities, there is a lot the students can do. Also, use resources such as SI and tutoring, they help in many aspects, and can allow you to grow in your classes.
Bang for the buck	The first thing this makes me thing of is the food. The food is great, especially for a college campus. Food is comparable to home, especially when there is a home-coooked meal. Not only that, but general schooling is fairly cheap and reasonable no matter what profession or career you decide to pursue.
Am enjoying being here	I love the college itself. It is a large campus for me, but it is not so large that anyone could not handle it. The atmosphere is great, and seccure. The campus is beautiful and is very aqcuiring to the student.
Am learning a lot	Learning includes more than just in the classroom. The college allows the students to grow, and coming from a small town, I am not only learning about the classes themselves, but how to study, and about diversity.

Adam from Sioux Falls, SD

01/30/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

14 of 58

Categories	Comments
Great for these types of students	Engineering Nursing Early Childhood Education Construction Management Physical Education Physical Therapy Physics Chemistry
Tips for prospective students	College is what you make it. If you arrive inspired with the right mind, you will accomplish all your goals.
Bang for the buck	Best price of any Nationally Accredited University out there. Well under $14K a year. Also, it is Nationally Accredited because of it's successful programs. Every semester loads of students from the multiple majors offered make the Dean's List.
Am enjoying being here	It is nice being close to home and knowing lots of friends around town. Also, SDSU has loads of events which invite eager college students with open arms.
Am learning a lot	The fast paced learning environments is rewarding when the teacher is great, but challenging with a tough professor. Either way it's up to the student to make or break it to find success for themselves.

brandon from Adrian, MN

06/10/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

15 of 58

Categories	Comments
Tips for prospective students	Get involved in everything you can. Your never to busy or to cool to be involved in clubs, organizations, intramural activities, or the many other things SDSU has to offer. Not only will you make life long friends but the connections you make will benefit you in life after college, not to mention it will make for a great looking resume!
Bang for the buck	Not only can you get a quality education but its also afordable! Most of the schools I looked at before SDSU were $24K and above. When I checked out SDSU the outstate tuition was $15K!! So while i was getting a great education i was also saving anywhere from $9K-&15K!!!
Am enjoying being here	SDSU offers so many extra curricular activities it will make your head spin. They have every kind of intramural sport you can think of and some that you cant! You will also never find a town, school and community that is more friendly than Brookings.
Am learning a lot	You can't beat the education you receive from SDSU. Some of the most renowned professor's teach here. Its a big enough college to offer just about anything but you still have class sizes small enough for the teachers to know you by name.

Rachelle from Puyallup, WA

07/09/2011

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

16 of 58

Categories	Comments
Great for these types of students	Focused, first time college students
Tips for prospective students	Be sure to visit the campus before deciding. There is a huge culture change just between states
Bang for the buck	This college was much cheaper than staying instate in Washington. University of Washington is over rated
Will enjoy being here	South Dakota is much more relaxed than Washington so i know i will enjoy staying on campus
Will learn a lot	This college has a lot of courses to offer and I can't wait for the experience.

John from Wagner, SD

07/21/2011

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

17 of 58

Categories	Comments
Great for these types of students	Anything besides some medical majors.
Tips for prospective students	Don't judge a place by its cover, actually come on in and check out the campus. It's a wonder!
Bang for the buck	It looks pretty accurate to the learning and money being spent for the learning opportunity. So the classes here are great to be part of and they are pretty accurate and not that costly compared to others.
Will enjoy being here	This is a moderate campus compared to all the other 23 campuses I visited and I will be enjoying the stay here.
Will learn a lot	I learned this campus is a great place to get social and do several hours of studying for the classes. There is keys spots I learned where to study and I am planning on going to classes here.

Ashley from Sioux Falls, SD

08/04/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

18 of 58

Categories	Comments
Tips for prospective students	Get active on campus! Don't just be a hermit in the dorm room, there are so many different things to do and clubs to join, you will find your niche and meet lots of new awesome people.
Bang for the buck	Even though tuition is going up with cuts, it is still one of the cheapest colleges in the nation for a four year school, and it's a respected place.
Am learning a lot	With seven different colleges within the college, there are a lot of different classes to choose from, and some are quite interesting! A great way to learn some random things while taking generals.

Christa from Sioux Falls, SD

09/06/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

19 of 58

Categories	Comments
Tips for prospective students	SDSU is a great place to be. There's a lot of fun things to do if you give them a try. If you get out and meet people, you'll have a great experience in college. But you also have to remember to do your homework and go to class.
Bang for the buck	SDSU is very affordable compared to a lot of other schools.
Am enjoying being here	All the people here are very friendly and the upperclassmen are also very welcoming. They make you feel at home and are able to show you around. There's also a lot to do on and off campus.
Am learning a lot	The learning environment is very positive at SDSU. There are a lot of places you can go to study and the teachers are always willing to help you answer questions if you have them.

Hartford, SD

12/01/2011

Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

20 of 58

Categories	Comments
Great for these types of students	I think SDSU is a great fit for me because it is in a great community and you have a ton of great people to look up to. I am also looking forward to playing volleyball in college so that is another great reason I believe SDSU is a great fit for me
Bang for the buck	SDSU is a great affordable college.
Will enjoy being here	I love being around SDSU because it is a great environment.
Will learn a lot	From what I saw when i went on my visit day is there are a lot of great professors.

Sheela from Lamberton, MN

01/05/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

21 of 58

Categories	Comments
Clubs and Activities	CRU is greatly recommended.
What to do for fun	The Wellness Center is great. A lot of the dorms plan fun events.
Food and Dining	You get a lot of choices and everything is great.
Dorm Life	The dorms are nice, but unless you have air conditioning it can be uncomfortable.
Tips for prospective students	Ask a lot of questions.
In three sentences	South Dakota State University has a great campus. The buildings are beautiful. The classrooms are easy to find and the professors are willing to help with any questions.

Ashley from Sioux Falls, SD

01/13/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

22 of 58

Categories	Comments
Food and Dining	Dining options are minimal near the campus area., expect to drive into town.
Dorm Life	There aren't dorms at the Sioux falls location.
In three sentences	Since I attend the Sioux Falls location I have professors from other schools, not Just SDSU, which I think is a good thing. My professors have been very helpful when I have questions and the scheduling is decently flexible. So far, I have had a very positive experience at this campus.

Ashley from Mayer, MN

02/19/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

23 of 58

Categories	Comments
What to do for fun	there is many different clubs and activities. on friday nights there is always a movie also.
Tips for prospective students	get accepted in time so that you can fill out the scholarship application.
In three sentences	its an awesome school. sdsu has a lot of majors for many different people.

Calvin from Brookings, SD

02/29/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

24 of 58

Categories	Comments
Campus Safety	campus police are very active among south dakota state university. emergency toll booths are located all across campus
Clubs and Activities	there are enough clubs and activities for every night at sdsu.
Great for these types of students	amazing engineering, nursing, pharmacy, agriculture, science majors. also, students interested in rodeo will find sdsu to fit them well.
Bang for the buck	sdsu is one of the cheapest colleges, not only in the midwest, but in the ncaa. with that said, there are thousands of different classes you can enroll in, and a wide-variety of majors.
What to do for fun	what to do for fun? there is always something to do at sdsu, just go outside your dorm and read whats going on that day!
Food and Dining	food is really good with a plethora of varieties. the dining hall is the place to be to meet new people or build stronger relationships with the people you already know.
Dorm Life	new dorms are being created every year due to higher enrollment. the dorms are very nice, and cheaper compared to most ncaa schools.
Tips for prospective students	keep ahead of your classes! one of the largest reasons as to why some students fail is due to there class-load becoming too much. daily studying is the simplest tip to achieving in classes.
In three sentences	south dakota state university is a great experience; from the students to the professors, people at sdsu are friendly and educated. there are plenty of activities at sdsu for students to be involved in, so that everyone always has something to do.

Todd from Brookings, SD

03/19/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

25 of 58

Categories	Comments
Clubs and Activities	there are always groups throwing events.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Hobo days is a BLAST!!
What to do for fun	Sporting events, dances.
Tips for prospective students	Partying is not all that it is cracked up to be. There is plenty of time to enjoy yourself in college. Do not be the typical college student and rush into it all, there are ample ways to enjoy yourself here.
In three sentences	South Dakota State is a wonderful university in a smaller town setting that is perfect for focusing on your studies. I have really enjoyed my time here and would highly recommend to anybody to enroll here. It has a wonderful melting pot of various backrounds and students.

Jenifer from Rapid City, SD

04/26/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

26 of 58

Categories	Comments
Campus Safety	The South Dakota State University campus is very secure and safe, the University Police Department definitely care about the safety of the campus and all of its students.
Clubs and Activities	South Dakota State University has something for everyone! They have a wide selection of Clubs to be apart of. There are plenty of activities to do on campus too!
What to do for fun	There are several things to do on campus you just have to find what you like. Whether its going to the wellness center, or trekking up the Campanile, and the weekend things that South Dakota State University puts on.
Food and Dining	Food and Dining at South Dakota State University is great. You have your options and you are not stuck eating at the same place every day.
Dorm Life	Living in the dorm is different but it is a really good way to experience College. It's like a small community and you get to meet and become friends with so many people.
Academic Rigor	The academic rigor definitely helps you grow not just as a student but a person as well. The Professors are here for you! They want to help you make your experience here some thing to be proud of.
Tips for prospective students	My tips for future students, would be STUDY and of course have fun. College is all about the experience.
In three sentences	South Dakota State University is awesome! It's a great campus that makes you feel at home. It has something for everyone.

Miranda from Hendricks, MN

05/23/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Categories	Comments
Clubs and Activities	If you can, join one. The options are vast.
Great for these types of students	Agriculture focused, Nursing, Broadcast Journalism, Pre-pharmacy...the list goes on and on.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Hobo Days. Enough said!
Bang for the buck	I'm pre-vet, so the tuition at SDSU seems great! Just make sure to get good grades...don't pay $600 for an F.
What to do for fun	Join a club...Disc Golf, movies, downtown, dances, Ice arena, there's enough to do in Brookings.
Food and Dining	Food options are vast, but can get spendy. Eat wisely...and Einstein's has great bagel thins!
Dorm Life	I did not like the dorm I was in, but I think I would have liked some of the others...check out the dorms before you move in!!!!
Academic Rigor	The classes can get pretty tough (especially when you are Pre-vet), but never underestimate yourself, and don't be afraid to ask questions.
Tips for prospective students	Keep an open mind. Buy a planner and use it! This is it, so do it right. Study hard, then have fun after!
In three sentences	South Dakota State is a place where you meet a lot of great people. The professors are helpful and caring, as well as expecting. You will live up to your potential at SDSU.

Alyssa from Thornton, CO

05/26/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Categories	Comments
Greek Life	I may be a little bias considering I am a member of Greek life but I think the Greek community at SDSU is amazing. It may not be the biggest but we are a tight knit community within a bigger community. There are three Sororities: Alpha Xi Delta, Chi Omega, and Ceres and six Fraternities: Alpha Gamma Rho, Farm House, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Sigma Phi Delta, Delta Chi, and Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Everyone has a unique group of people and most anybody can find a group to get along with.
Clubs and Activities	SDSU has a club for everyone, there is everything from pre professionals club to skydiving club. Whatever your interest may be SDSU probably has a club for you!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	SDSU has one thing that no other school has. Hobo Days. Hobo Days is our homecoming everyone dresses up like hobos and people come from all over the state to watch the parade and football game.it is really a week long celebration that has the dorms fraternities and sororities competing against each other in various spirit activities.
Bang for the buck	SDSU is very inexpensive but you get all the advantages of a big university, we are a division one school so you get to experience the fun of the football games and basketball games. The education you receive nowhere parallel to the price you pay. The things I've learned and the experiences I've had far outweigh the price.
What to do for fun	There are a lot of things to do at SDSU. Since I was there all of the time I got to experience a lot of them. on the weekend UPC holds programs called weekend stuff it ranges from movies to bingo. They are a lot of fun and a great way to meet new people. There is also random things to do on the weekdays all held by UPC such as concerts and comedians, all free.
Food and Dining	Not going to lie, the food on campus could definitely be better. But SDSU is adding in panda express, and Chick Fil A which will definitely help. There are a lot of choices for food so if one thing is not your favorite you have other choices.
Dorm Life	Dorm life at SDSU for me was amazing it doesn't matter what dorm you live in, i lived in Brown Hall and Mathews Hall, brown was known for being cheep and the bathrooms weren't the most pleasant places but the people i met and the memories i made completely made up for everything. Mathews hall is the honors/pre professional/engineering hall, it was really nice to be surrounded by people with similar majors to you and who could help you with anything you needed.
Academic Rigor	This is really dependant on the classes you take. My freshman year I took rather difficult classes, with a few more simple ones thrown in here and there but college is nothing like high school, there is no required homework to keep you on top of things. You really need to go to class everyday, keep on it with the course work and definitely study.
Tips for prospective students	My suggestions are get to know your professors, your advisers, and your lab TA's and interns. they will be so helpful be it from writing letters of recommendations to helping to answer questions. Your advisor is always there for you and will help you through anything. As for your professors putting in that extra effort will really show them how interested in that subject you are and they will be more helpful when you go to them. Finally, take advantage of study sessions, SI, and tutoring, you may think you understand something but it never hurts to get that extra explanation.
In three sentences	SDSU is my home away from home. Everyone here is so nice, the teachers are always here for you and willing to help you learn. The campus is beautiful, in the summer there is green grass and flowers everywhere and in the winter a fresh coat of snow is on top of everything and makes it so pretty.

Tawnie from Philip, SD

05/31/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Categories	Comments
What to do for fun	There are tons of things to do on the weekends and even during the week too! I really like how they have a free movie showing every Friday night. I also like cheering on the Jacks in sporting events and attending the SDSU theater performances.
Food and Dining	The food is really good! But the selection sometimes gets really repetitive. However, they are in the process of putting in 3 new eating places also to be completed by fall 2013. Also, we have the famous SDSU ice cream where they actually invented the flavor cookies'n'cream!
Dorm Life	I'm not going to lie; some of the older dorms are not the best places to live. But the experience you get making all of the friends in the dorms is so awesome. On the plus side of this, SDSU is in the process of putting in four new dorms planned to be completed by fall 2013!
Academic Rigor	The science classes at SDSU are hard. You really have to put your nose to the grindstone in order to do well, but afterwards you will really appreciate that they made you actually learn. You definitely get your money's worth, that's for sure.
Tips for prospective students	Definitely come for a visit before you attend. I have had friends that said their whole life they were going to attend a certain school, but once they got there they hated it. If they had only went for a visit before attending, they would have known that college wasn't the place for them.
In three sentences	My favorite thing about SDSU is how each of the professors on campus genuinely cares for each student. The professors are all great people who are willing to help with anything. I also really enjoy all of the opportunities for involvement on campus.

Colton from Apo, AE

06/06/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Categories	Comments
Campus Safety	The Campus PD are constantly patrolling the area. Just be sure to park only where you are allowed to, or you can expect a hefty fine coming your way.
Clubs and Activities	There are many clubs and activities going on at the campus. Many clubs set up information booths at the Union. Information about different clubs and activities are also available from the Information Exchange in the Union.
Bang for the buck	SDSU is relatively inexpensive. Total cost per year comes to around $13,000 for residents and $15,000 for non-residents. Each semester, students pay an activities fee which allows free access to sports games, the gym and many other things.
What to do for fun	There are many things to do for fun. Go to the sports games, join clubs, and be active within your dorm. The gym has a rock climbing wall, basketball courts, a pool, and, of course, weight lifting equipment.
Food and Dining	The food is good. Pricing is a little high. SDSU has three different locations on campus to eat at, on the west side at Medary, at the Union and at Larson. Medary offers a grill, comfort foods and pita wraps. The Union offers the same as Medary, but also has a pasta, mexican and asian selection as well. Larson is the place to go to if you want to have a buffet.
Dorm Life	Dorm life is great! There are many activities that go on during the week and many opportunities to meet new friends. The dorms have games, sports equipment and other recreational items that can be checked out. However, the only downside to dorm life would be the rooms alone. When split between two students per room, the rooms are quite small. Most dorms lack air conditioning, and during the summer months it will become inconvenient.
Academic Rigor	Professors expect students to complete the work associated with their class. However, if a student has difficulty with the material, most professors want students to come visit them during office hours to help them better understand the material. The 100 and some 200 level courses will feel like a repeat of high school.
Tips for prospective students	If this is your first year of college, be sure to meet the people in your dorm and make friends. The best way to learn about events is to network with the people around you. Spend time at the Union, at religious organizations and find clubs to occupy your time.

Molly from Omaha, NE

06/10/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Categories	Comments
Great for these types of students	SDSU is great for a types of students. While you have to put in the effort at school, and work hard. There are many tutors and student led instruction sessions to help you along the way. Also all teachers have a time when they have office hours and they don't mind helping you out if you need any.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Hobo Days is a tradition that happens on campus that is very unique to SDSU. Hobo Days is our homecoming week where we have a huge football game, a parade, and a bunch of activities where people dress up as a hobo! :)
Bang for the buck	SDSU is a great value for your money. I have enjoyed all of the tradition on camus that has happened while I have been there, but all of the classes are helping me learn the material and actually retain it. I not only have learned that I do want to become a nurse but I have also had the oppurtunity to get involved on campus.
What to do for fun	For fun I am on the speech team and I compete on the weekend. Also there are many things going on during the weekend that are available to help you relax and get away from the stressful week of school.
Food and Dining	The food is amazing. I really enjoy the non cafeteria style food and there is a huge variety. I also like the idea of hobo dough so you can eat anywhere on campus and you don't have to eat at only on place.
Dorm Life	There are so many nice dorms on campus that are there for you to help you meet friends and work together on homework or studying for a test. I lived in Mathews my freshman year and I met a ton of friends in my profession who helped me through the hard subjects
Academic Rigor	All of the classes that I have taken at SDSU have all been hard and fast moving. The acedemics have really helped me to work hard and learn tons.
Tips for prospective students	Keep an open mind when looking into colleges and going to college. Some activities, that you would never see yourself doing, are where you can make life long friends.
In three sentences	SDSU is a school filled with opportunities. From school related activities to fun movies on the weekend. There is always something going on to make college exciting

Meg from Garretson, SD

06/20/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Categories	Comments
Clubs and Activities	I am a member of the SDSU rodeo team and it has been a blessing. Between a full Nursing class schedule and a job, things can get a little crazy, but being part of the rodeo team has given me the opportunity to meet some amazing people and to be involved with something I love through the school. My coach is outstanding and he makes being part of the team such a thrill!
Bang for the buck	I definately feel like I am getting my moneys worth at SDSU. I have learned SO much in the last three years it makes me wonder how I have managed to retain it all. But with the amazing staff you will have no problem getting the education you deserved and paid for.
What to do for fun	The campus staff offers students so many fun events it's hard to choose which one to attend. They have dances, plays, Hobo Dayz activities, and not to mention all the sporting events that are so full of adrenaline it's almost unbearable! With all the friends you will meet at SDSU, the fun never ends!
Food and Dining	The options are endless! There are three cafeteria locations: Larsen commons, Medary commons, and the Union. All offer students a wide variety of meal choices from pasta, mexican, asian, grill, pizza, salad bar, and so much more! You could have a different type of meal for everyday of the week!
Dorm Life	I lived in Hansen Hall which is the Ag/Bio Hall. I met so many friends that I will never forget and I still keep in close contact with them. The dorm faculty gave us so many opportunities to meet one another through dances, pizza parties, movies, study buck auctions, and so much more. Living in the dorms definately gave me the push I needed to get out there and get involved!
Academic Rigor	I have switched my major three times while being at SDSU. I finally settled on Nursing, but every course I have taken so far, even the ones required by other majors, have been phenomenal! The professors are so helpful and they make the material so easy to understand. They challenge you only for your benefit, but are more than happy to help with any questions you have.
Tips for prospective students	Don't be afraid to get out there and get involved. I am on the rodeo team at SDSU and I have met more people than I could ever imagine. Also, don't be afraid to talk to your teachers about everything. They are always happy to help and appreciate when you show interest in their course.
In three sentences	I am going into my senior year at SDSU and I LOVE it!! The staff, students, coaches, and campus make me feel so comfortable and offer me amazing opportunities I have never gotten a chance to experience before. If you are planning on taking school seriously and earning a degree that will benefit you for the rest of your life, SDSU is the place for you!

Jessica from Milbank, SD

06/30/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Categories	Comments
Dorm Life	I did not live in the dorms. I have been an online student for several years.
In three sentences	Great college with excellent opportunities for students. Very accomodating for distance learners. I hope my child will attend SDSU in the future.

Chelsey from Milwaukee, WI

07/19/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

34 of 58

Categories	Comments
Greek Life	The campus is expanding its Greek row.
What to do for fun	South Dakota State University is a division one school, so there are many opportunities to attend a sporting event, play or musical, or club to spend your time with.
Food and Dining	There are many different options of food or places to dine.
Dorm Life	The dorms are very nice! Many have been remodeled, and the school is even building four more dorm buildings to be completed in 2013!
Academic Rigor	Like all schools, South Dakota State is academically rigorous, and offers many places to find help with homework.
Tips for prospective students	It never hurts to look at a school or even apply if you are questioning attending the facility.
In three sentences	South Dakota State University is a large school in a small town. Even though the campus seems overwhelming at first, once you become acquainted, the campus seems small. There are many areas around the campus where a student can become involved, find help for homework, or have fun with friends.

Season from Estherville, IA
07/27/2012
Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

35 of 58

Categories Comments

Dorm Life

Many of the dorms didn't appear to be air conditioned when I went, but they are putting up new dorms.

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Categories	Comments
Dorm Life	Many of the dorms didn't appear to be air conditioned when I went, but they are putting up new dorms.

Tamara from Rapid City, SD

07/29/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Categories	Comments
What to do for fun	With this not being a traditional campus you will not find traditional college activies close by. The Black Hills area has a lot to offer to those who enjoy exploring the beautiful outdoors; boating, biking, hiking, fishing. Downtown Rapid City is walking distance from campus offering a variety of great dinning experiences that fit a college budget as well as offering a fun time for those who enjoy night life.
Food and Dining	No dining facility here. We do have a nice break room complete with refrigerator and microwave if you pack your lunch.
Dorm Life	I am a non traditional student so I don't live in the dorms. The campus is located near the city center and there are many nice places to rent within walking distance. Rapid City is a great place to live.
Academic Rigor	The West River Nursing campus is a great place to learn. The curriculum is challenging but not so difficult that you can't get a good grade if you are willing to put the effort into your studies. The faculty here are great.
In three sentences	I am attending the West River Campus for the Nursing school in Rapid City. The campus is small easy to find your way around. However, parking is an issue for students, so it is best to arrive early unless you want a long walk.

Martin from Rapid City, SD

09/04/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Categories	Comments
Campus Safety	Always someone looking out
Great for these types of students	Everyone!!!!!!
What to do for fun	There are over 200 clubs to get into. They also have things to do on the weekedns like movies or volleyball. All sports are free.
Dorm Life	Get rooms with AC
Tips for prospective students	Do your research so you can get the high class dorms ;)
In three sentences	South Dakota State University is a great place to be. The campus isnt to big or small and its loaded with school spirit. There is always something to get into out here

Nathan from Brookings, SD

09/26/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Categories	Comments
Campus Safety	One of SDSUs major focuses is making sure its student population is safe at all times. I have never felt as if I would be in danger at any point in my time here at SDSU.
Greek Life	While I have not participated in Greek Life, I do know a lot of people that have at this university and it is very popular and looks like loads of fun.
Clubs and Activities	There is a plethora of different clubs and activities at SDSU. It does not matter what your interests are, chances are there will be a club or group that applies to you.
Great for these types of students	All types of students. There is large variety academic, ethnic, and social diversity at SDSU.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Hobo Days is SDSUs homecoming. It is normally a week long celebration that may appear odd to someone who is not aware that SDSU has a large part of its history involving hobo's. Although a bit strange, the celebrations and activities throughout Hobo Days are very enjoyable and even more memorable!
What to do for fun	The SDSU Dairy Bar has some amazing homemade ice-cream and other delicious treats. Brookings also has a wonderful downtown scene with many different activities and shops to visit.
Dorm Life	My first two years were spent in the dorms and I have never had a better time. I met some of my very best friends in my dorm hall and many other great people. It was not the dreaded, stereotypical college dorm experience, quite the opposite in fact. And SDSU is currently building several new dorms which will make life for future students that much better.
Tips for prospective students	Work hard to achieve your goals and get good grades, it will pay off. Enjoy your time at college. The people you meet and the memories you will make will last for years to come, but the time you actually spend in college flies by!
In three sentences	SDSU is a very accessible school that can appeal to a variety of potential students in many ways. SDSU is quality driven, always striving to better the experience of its students. SDSU is memorable, not only for the unique look and story of the university, but for the amazing people here as well.

Heidi from Brookings, SD

09/29/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

39 of 58

Categories	Comments
Campus Safety	Campus safety is everyone's top concern when it becomes dark. We make sure that we walk with at least one other person and to walk in the lighter places. Campus police are patrolling the campus at night as well, so I feel safer when I see a cop car on the street.
Great for these types of students	Great for very sporty kids and people who love the outdoors. There is a huge workout center and plenty of sports and intramural communities to get involved with. Also for people who loves animals. There is a huge unit on the other side of campus with horses and cows and all sorts of farm animals.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	One unusual tradition that is celebrated here every year is hobo days. Everyone dresses up as a hobo and just has fun. We even have a statue of a hobo next to our union for everyone to share in the tradition. I haven't attended one yet, but it isn't until the end of October.
What to do for fun	There are plenty of games to attend. Football is in the season right now, and they are a lot fun to go to. The fans are very polite when they do their ranting and cheering for their team. There are plenty of clubs to join as well. You may not know how to do anything they do in the club, but they will teach you; you also meet a lot of cool people too that have the same interests at you.
Food and Dining	Food and Dining is great when you know what time to go. During the lunch hour, it is so busy around noon. That is why I go around 2 or 1 30, right before they close, to get my meal. The cashiers are very nice and I even make polite conversation with them. I also try not to use a lot of money for my meal, because my meal plan only covers first semester, and I save as much money as I can so I don't run out of money food.
Dorm Life	Dorm life is full of surprises. Living on the fourth floor can get pretty quiet, and other times it can get so loud you can hear what is going on through the door. The dorm life is very safe and the CA on your floor are very nice and a good friend to have. The dorms themselves also have opportunities for just the people in the dorm to get to know each other better from all of the floors by hosting activities and free meals.
Academic Rigor	Academics are a huge thing here on campus. Every one's first priority is to get their homework done first before they work or play sports. Employers are very willing to work with your class schedule because they know how important getting good grades is in college.
Tips for prospective students	Look for a place that you will feel comfortable in. Also, find a place where everyone is nice and willing to become friends with you. The teachers should also be very willing to assist you in any way. Also, I found this campus not too big but not too small. Find one that fits your need to walk or ride. I can walk across campus in only 10 minutes.
In three sentences	South Dakota State University is my home away from home. Everyone is willing to help you with anything. There is plenty of things to do on campus.

Tony from Rapid City, SD

10/08/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Categories	Comments
Campus Safety	There are lights everywhere, and there is even a university escort service if you do not want to go alone walking somewhere.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Hobo day
What to do for fun	Weekend Stuff is hosted every weekend with fun stuff. Everything from grocery bingo, movie night, to karaoke - it is there! Find out about what happens in the union on the walls as there are ads posted and banners about what's going on.
Food and Dining	The food is okay, but bring a microwave and a fridge because you would want to eat homecooked meals over campus-food.
Dorm Life	I live in Waneta. There is not much activity in Waneta as there are in other dorms - try getting into a dorm close to the Union. The dorms in Jackrabbit Village are very close to the Union which is where all the activity happens on campus.
Academic Rigor	I feel as though I am challenged, yet I have room for success.
Tips for prospective students	Be open to many things, and get out to meet people. Don't stay in your dorm 24/7!
In three sentences	South Dakota State University is a wonderful college. The atmosphere is great. There are plenty of opportunities presented if you seek them.

Mark from SD

11/05/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

41 of 58

Categories	Comments
Campus Safety	The campus is well lit at night and there a good number of campus and local police in the area. There is little crime in the area as well.
Greek Life	Greek life is not a major deal but I feel it is a well kept secret with many benefits for going greek. Its not the greek life you see on television but focus on preparing you to be ready for the world after college.
Clubs and Activities	There are a wide variety of clubs and activities here at SDSU and something for everyone.
Great for these types of students	Its great for engineering, nursing, and pharmacy students.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Hobo days is our homecoming and it is a blast!
Bang for the buck	Overall the quality and experience is a great value for the money. Its large enough for you to experience other perspectives but still has the small town feel. Not too many D-I schools are this inexpensive.
What to do for fun	I enjoy going to athletic events and hanging out with my friends on the weekends.
Food and Dining	The food and dining is also expanding and I am excited for the new options coming to campus next year. However the prices do seem outlandish though.
Dorm Life	The dorm life is improving and will be better next year when the new dorms will be complete.
Academic Rigor	I feel the academic rigor is that of a competitive atmosphere and many students want to succeed.
Tips for prospective students	I would suggest to get involved in activities that you are passionate about. I also recommend checking out greek life and intramurals. Also use the facilities on campus, after all you pay for them!
In three sentences	I have enjoyed my time here at South Dakota State. The professors are great and very easy to talk to. I'm excited for all of the new updates to the campus to be completed.

Laura from Akron, IA

11/06/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Categories	Comments
Great for these types of students	EVERYONE! I have met so many different kinds of people here its amazing!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Hobo Days. Best thing ever. Must experience it for yourself :)
What to do for fun	Simple, if you cant find something to do around campus you must be dead. There is always and I mean ALWAYS something going on from pinterest day to weekend stuff, to games you are never bored.
Food and Dining	It's cafeteria food mostly but not high school cafeteria food, its pretty good. I know they are in the process of building more dinning halls and there are some great places. There is Weary Will's sports grill, Einsteins bagels, Pita Pit, Java City, Papa Johns and that's all on campus!
Dorm Life	EXCELLENT!! I love living in the dorms, you meet so many great people and everyone seems to be very friendly. The different halls seem to always have new activities going on, which are always very entertaining. I also recommens a random roommate! Meet someone new right away.
Academic Rigor	There is more homework than high school but so far my freshman year has not been that difficult. Just stay on top of things and if you need help don't be afraid to ask the teachers or talk to your personal advisor.
Tips for prospective students	Be sure to keep your grades up senior year of high school!! Plan on being involved in at least two activities while in college, it is a great way to meet new people and make friends.
In three sentences	South Dakota State University is an absolutely great school! The class sizes on average are about 25:1 except for lectures which are a bit bigger, but you still get to know the teachers very well and they are always willing to help out. Also campus activities are abundant, seriously there is something for everyone; from skydiving club to colleges against cancer, and intramural in just about every sport.

Alyssa from Sioux Falls, SD

11/27/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Categories	Comments
Campus Safety	They security is huge. The campus security drives around always checking on everything making sure that all is well.
Greek Life	The sororities are great. Some of my friends went out for them and they love it. They are caring and its like having a family away from a family. They do a lot and help a lot of people.
Clubs and Activities	There are a lot of clubs and a lot of activities. Basically if you think it up you can do it. I am not involved in any of the clubs but I attend different extracurricular activities and those are very fun and very loud and rambunctious.
Great for these types of students	Any student would do good here as long as they are willing to work hard and do what they need to first instead of the constant partying.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	The only tradition really is hobo days, and the scavenger hunts. They are all very fun and you meet a lot of different people.
Bang for the buck	You get a lot for a little. The tuition is reasonable and the room and bored is very good and reasonable.
What to do for fun	For fun we go to the gym, or sporting events, anything really. You name it someone is doing it. They have a really great gym and the staff there is really great and will make you feel like your at your gym in your home town.
Food and Dining	The food is typical. Its pretty good but if you don't pick the ones that are actually good for you then you will gain those freshman 15.
Dorm Life	The dorm life is great. Each hall accepts you in like your part of a family and its great. They will really accept anyone in, my friends come up and visit all the time and are able to stay and there is no problems surrounding that. They really take care of you.
Academic Rigor	They are very strict with the academic riggor but if your able to keep up with fast paced and long work then its for you. They are preparing you for the world and to succeed in your career they hold you to high standards and want and expect you to succeed.
Tips for prospective students	If your looking into nursing definitely work hard and they have the best nursing program around, but its really hard to get into. They (the school) work with you and help you through it all. You can call (advising or financial aid offices) or go in and they will guide you through anything from class scheduling to financial aid.
In three sentences	A great school for anyone. Everyone accepts you as part of a larger world. The sports are phenomenal!!

Travis from Box Elder, SD

12/04/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Categories	Comments
Campus Safety	Very rarely is there anything bad that happens. Criminally anyways. If you don't lock your bike up, that's your fault, but otherwise there are always Campus Police driving around keeping an eye on things.
Clubs and Activities	Love the opportunities here, there are tons of options to keep new students busy. I remember freshman year I was introduced to Ultimate Frisbee, and I love the sport.
Great for these types of students	This is great for those who aren't sure about the Air Force, or on how the military works. It is a great opportunity to take the extra step and be involved with the community while you prepare to become an Officer in the USAF.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Every year before Veteran's Day, we go on a Memorial run with the Arnold Air Society to remember those who have come before and those to come.
Bang for the buck	The Air Force ROTC program is Outstanding. My life has been made so much more clear and given meaning through it. From going to Alabama for Training to getting a chance to go to Africa to learn Swahili for the summer, I can't help but love what I do.
What to do for fun	The Wellness center is the place to be. Great chance to go get some exercise to keep off that freshman 15. There are also tons of opportunities to get involved in a club too.
Food and Dining	The Union has some pretty good lunch and dinner options. Einstein's is great for some bagels in the morning as well.
Dorm Life	The school has pretty great living arrangements for students. Just make sure you plan around the janitorial staff!
Academic Rigor	The coursework for easy classes is no longer as such. The University is making improvements ensuring that we get the most out of our education.
Tips for prospective students	Always stay ahead of schedule. Watch your meal plan. Go meet your teachers.
In three sentences	SDSU is a great place to go for an education here in SD. In my two and a half years here I have already met lifelong friends. I can finally achieve my dream of being in the United States Air Force through their AFROTC program.

Helen from Brookings, SD

12/20/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

45 of 58

Categories	Comments
Bang for the buck	Affordable school!
What to do for fun	Clubs, sports games, activities in your dorm.
Food and Dining	Get the Flex Dollars meal plan, you can use it anywhere on campus.
Dorm Life	Hansen Hall had a great Ag-Bio community for farm/ranch/country kids who aren't accustomed to living in town. The university was talking about turning the dorm into upper-classmen housing, and a task force was formed to try to preserve the Ag tradition in Hansen. I don't know what the outcome will be, however, but I'm glad I got to experience it.
Academic Rigor	Some of the 100 level classes feel like they're pointless, but I've learned a lot in my upper-level finishing classes.
Tips for prospective students	Get to know your professors, they can be loads of help in your professional life. Also get involved, club involvement looks great on resumes. And the more you get involved in, the more friends and networking connections you make!
In three sentences	I would rate this university very good. I have really enjoyed my experience on campus in the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, as this College is a very tight-knit group of students who are future leaders and strive for involvement in clubs and other campus and nation-wide events. The professors are also very friendly and willing to work with students outside of class, at least in Ag & Bio.

Patricia from Lakeview, OR

12/26/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

46 of 58

Categories	Comments
What to do for fun	Ice skating is a fun activity in the winter time.
Food and Dining	The food is expensive and not good.
Dorm Life	Dorm life is fun but can be very distracting
Academic Rigor	It is challenging and tough but not impossible to receive excellent grades
Tips for prospective students	Make a good college schedule
In three sentences	South Dakota state provides good opportunity's for quality learning. It has a wonderful atmosphere for young college students and allows you to feel at home and comfortable. The professors are energetic about teaching.

Michelle from Rapid City, SD

12/30/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

47 of 58

Categories	Comments
What to do for fun	SDSU offers a wide variety of groups and organizations on campus. Getting involved with former classmates is a great thing to do for fun!
Food and Dining	Living in Rapid City there is no housing or food options, so I'm not sure on the food quality!
Dorm Life	I have not had to live in the dorms, so I can't really voice my opinion.
Academic Rigor	Coming from a community college, the size is much different. It is a larger setting, so if you're used to the one on one learning it takes a little adjustment. Other than this it is great!
Tips for prospective students	It is very important to be organized and prepared. Procrastination will not get you very far at this school. Enjoy yourself and embrace the knowledge you're gaining.
In three sentences	South Dakota State University has been an excellent choice so far. The staff is very helpful and the professors are great! In my first semester I've learned so much, and look forward to continuing my education here.

Claire from Kellerton, IA

01/04/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

48 of 58

Categories	Comments
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Every year for homecoming, SDSU has Hobo Days.
What to do for fun	SDSU offers activities for many students. There are a variety of clubs and organizations along with other activities that are offered.
Food and Dining	There are not many choices at SDSU and the options are limited. However, they are building two new eating places that will be opened in fall of 2013.
Dorm Life	Dorm life is great. They offer living learning communities, which allows students the chance to live with other students within their major.
Academic Rigor	Educational programs at SDSU do a good job of pushing students to do their best and help them excel.
Tips for prospective students	Attending class is the first step to getting good grades. Also, finding a balance between work and play is important.
In three sentences	South Dakota State University is a great Division I college that offers a small college atmosphere. It offers many opportunities and allows for smaller classes. It also gives students a chance to work closely with their professors.

Lindsey from Summit, SD

01/07/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

49 of 58

Categories	Comments
Campus Safety	There is a campus police always driving around. There are also plenty of police call boxes located around campus.
What to do for fun	There is an ice skating rink, Bowling alley, many lakes for fishing, and many on campus activities as well.
Food and Dining	The dining hall in the Union is just alright. I have never been to Larson. Off-campus dinig offers many different options!
Dorm Life	I have never lived in these dorms so I have no input.
Academic Rigor	Every teacher here wants their students to succeed. They strive for perfection and eant people to succeed after college. They are always willing to help!
In three sentences	I love this school. It has a rural feel to it, but also has a medium size college town feel as well. I love all the major choices and the hands on experiences.

Sarah from Jobstown, NJ

01/10/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

50 of 58

Categories	Comments
Campus Safety	Campus is extremely safe. Brookings police and UPD are always patrolling, and campus is equipped with many blue box phones and call buttons, where a police officer will escort you back to your dorm is you feel uncomfortable walking alone at night. I haven't used these, and have always felt safe on campus.
Greek Life	I only know a little about the Agriculture related Greek organizations, and I only hear good about them. A few friends are in Sigma Alpha and AGR, both Ag related. There are tons of other frats and sororities, and I believe those are all listed on the website as well.
Clubs and Activities	This really depends on what you're interested in. CFFA is fun, you get to help with State Convention for SD and a CDE practice event. There are tons of clubs and activities on campus all the time, the website has them all listed under student life, I believe.
Great for these types of students	Great for Ag students, as far as I know. People I have met in other majors love their experiences here as well, so overall I would say almost anyone would fit in well here. We also have a great nursing program, and the engineering majors are growing, from what I have heard.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	HOBO DAY! Our homecoming is called hobo day, and we have two mascots, weary wil the hobo and dirty lil the hippie. We dress up as hobos and hippies and have a parade, led by the Bummobile, an old Model T. A grand poobah is chosen every year to lead the festivities, and each club makes a float to be in the parade. We then play the homecoming football game (all sports events are free for students!). All the other games are fun too, and there are always shirts made by students that make fun of the other teams, usually in a vulgar way. But it's a great time, and Hobo Day is the biggest one-day event in the Dakotas! (take that, ndsu and usd!)
Bang for the buck	I know I am getting a great education and I am paying much less that I would be at another college while paying more. This school is awesome, the teachers are great, and the price is much lower than any other place I've looked at. Out of state is less than some in-state colleges back east, and in state here is simply amazingly low priced.
What to do for fun	Since the weather can be pretty bad, my friends and I get together and watch movies at least once a week. We also go for walks into town and check out all the little stores there. The college puts on some fun things like grocery bingo, where you can win food (always helpful!). For the most part, you need to make your own fun. But if you have the right friends, that is not hard, at all. Become involved with clubs, church, and friends, and you will never be bored.
Food and Dining	The hours for dining could be better. The food is generally good, though sometimes food is a hit or miss. If you dont like or dont want to chance what is on the menu at once place, there are tons of options somewhere else, and the salad bar, prepared sandwiches, and soup are always good. But overall, the food is better than I expected.
Dorm Life	I love where I live, even though it is one of the oldest dorms on campus. It is well taken care of, clean, and since i live woth other Agriculture majors, we all get along pretty well.
Academic Rigor	Classes can be hard, but they're not ridiculous. There is also tons of support, not only associated with class or with the college, but being in an LLC helps too. There are tons of resources if you need help.
Tips for prospective students	Get generals done as soon as possible. They are simply not fun. Definitely join the living learning community for your program, it makes everything so much better! you live with people who have similar interests, which makes for fast friends that are taking aot of the same classes you are, so it's easy to find help and you usually know someone in class with you.
In three sentences	Though the weather isn't always the best, and town isn't exactly full of things to do, if you make friends and find things to do, this place is amazing. Being from somehwere much more populated, I am loving the rural area around the college and the fact that souix falls is a short drive away. Classes are challenging, but not too hard. Overall, I love it!

Brady from Dakota Dunes, SD

02/14/2013

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

51 of 58

Categories	Comments
Campus Safety	I personally don't know of any horrible things that have ever happened here! It would be hard to do anything horrible anyways because of the round-the-clock security and emergency phones spread throughout the campus. I feel absolutely safe here with no issues.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	We have hobo day! Plus we pay with hobo dough! To me that is very unusual.. Hobo day is a day where we have a huge celebration with parades and parties and concerts! It is awesome!
What to do for fun	Brookings is a smaller town but the people here are very energetic! Since this small town has a college with over twelve thousand college students, it is a college-run town. They bring people every weekend with new things to experience. I like going to buffalo wild wings to watch the games. Mostly, I like hanging out with my new good friends I have made while attending South Dakota State University! Go Jackrabbits!
Food and Dining	The cafeteria and buffet selections are amazing! It is like eating at a resteraunt every day, but for a college students budget!
Dorm Life	I love my dorm. It is cozy and large enough for me to comfortably stay with my roomate. No problems here!
Academic Rigor	I am going into pharmacy so the classes I am taking are going to be far more strenuous than most other classes provided. However, with the right attitude and determination, anything can be overcome.
Tips for prospective students	Come prepared to learn, and come to have a ton of fun! Activities every weekend!
In three sentences	A great, open environment with great views. An amazing staff with the drive to help you better yourself. Spectacular pharmacy and engineering program!

Leigha from Brookings, SD

03/02/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

52 of 58

Categories	Comments
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	HOBO DAY! Our homecoming! Best day of the year. Parade in Brookings, tailgating and the FOOTBALL GAME!
Food and Dining	A lot of variety!
Dorm Life	Expensive but you meet wonderful people.
Academic Rigor	Amazing professors! Helpful grad students. Wonderful classes.
In three sentences	SDSU is the best University in SD. I wouldn't want to go to any other college. Proud to be a Jackrabbit!

Sara from Rapid City, SD

03/04/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

53 of 58

Categories	Comments
Great for these types of students	Agriculture has a huge influence to South Dakota State University, and much of its studies are in agriculture. Therefore, many farmers and ranchers enroll in the school.
What to do for fun	SDSU is the largest school in the state, so there is much opportunity to meet many different kinds of people. The Wellness Center offers rec teams, and there are hundreds of organizations and clubs on campus. Greek life also plays a role in the college, and there are sororities and fraternities one can join.
Food and Dining	In taste, the food is fairly good and there is a wide variety of places to choose from. However, it is extremely overpriced. Hours that different food places are open can be short or during class, which can be very inconvenient to certain students.
Dorm Life	SDSU dorm life is great; the dorms offer a place to meet people while offering different activities. The dorms are fairly clean and comfortable. They serve as a great place to learn of activities that campus offers, upperclassmen for advice, and people to meet.
Academic Rigor	Academic Rigor very much depends on the type of major one goes into. Biological studies, pharmacy, nursing, and engineering will be far more demanding than other studies. However, how much effort one puts into school work, they will get out in good grades.
Tips for prospective students	It is absolutely essential that prospective students stay focused and organized; it can be easy to get sucked into extracurricular activities and forgetting schoolwork. Join different organization, clubs, recreation programs, volunteering, etc. to get a well-rounded college experience. Meet people in the dorm and choose who you hang out with wisely, because those will probably be your friends throughout college.
In three sentences	South Dakota State University is a large school with many distractions; staying focused and prioritization is essential. There is much opportunity for assistance and help in school, such as tutoring. Students get a great education at a lower price than most colleges offer.

Kristin from Alexandria, MN

03/06/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

54 of 58

Categories	Comments
Campus Safety	They have excellent Campus Safety. There are poles where you can call if you really need help and reach Campus Security immediately. There is also a Safe Ride that will bring you home safe. SDSU does anything for students to make sure that they are safe and comfortable.
Greek Life	Greek Life isn't very big at SDSU, but they are working on building it. They now have three houses on Greek Row and a fourth one will be coming shortly this year. Greek Life is a great opportunity to be involved on campus and make connections.
Clubs and Activities	There are so many clubs all over campus, anything you can think of pretty much. There is a club for minorities and a club for people who just want to play a sport for fun.
Great for these types of students	Great for students who want to be involved or for students who want to go to activities along with studying.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	The best tradition by far is Hobo Days. Hobo Days is in the Fall every year. There is a parade, a football game and of course tailgating. Everyone dresses up as Hobos to show their spirit.
Bang for the buck	South Dakota State University is a great place to be. Many of the faculty are hard-working and very caring. This University also has tons of fun events, great students and the Academic Programs are worth your money.
What to do for fun	There are always tons of activities going on around campus: Intramurals, Greek Life and events that the University puts on themselves such as Dances. There is always something going on all you have to do is look for signs and posters.
Food and Dining	There are tons of dining options on campus; from bagels to pizza to wings.
Dorm Life	It is easy to adjust to and many of the dorms are great places to stay.
Academic Rigor	It depends on the program and major.
Tips for prospective students	Look into what you will get for Financial Aid.
In three sentences	A great atmosphere for all majors. A home away from home. A great University.

Abigail from Marshall, MN

04/16/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

55 of 58

Categories	Comments
Campus Safety	Campus feels super safe, even at night. As a girl walking by myself in the dark you can always call for an escort and there are also phone booths for help.
Greek Life	I have not joined any but they throw awesome events like dances.
Clubs and Activities	There are plenty of clubs and organizations to get involved with on campus. Just get involved.
Great for these types of students	It is great for all types of people.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Hobo days is definitely something to come for whether you go to school here or not.
Bang for the buck	You definitely get your bang for your buck here.
What to do for fun	There is a lot to do for fun both on campus and around the town. There are tons of things that students get in for free on campus and off campus there is dinning, ice skating, movies, bowling, etc.
Food and Dining	The food is great and they have a lot of different options so you will definitely find something that you like to eat.
Dorm Life	Dorm life is awesome! Take full advantage of living in the dorms your first two years. Its a great place to meet people and get involved.
Academic Rigor	Academics can be hard to adjust to but there are services that you should take advantage of such as SI, which is where they go over the material you just learned in class at a slower pace and explain it more in depth, and also tutoring.
Tips for prospective students	Join clubs and organizations right away. Get involve! It will not only help you meet people and make friends but it will also look great when applying to your program and to your future jobs.
In three sentences	I think that South Dakota State University is a great school to attend. I feel very at home here and never feel unwelcome. The professors are also awesome to work with.

Jackie from Brookings, SD

04/24/2013

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

56 of 58

Categories	Comments
Campus Safety	I've herd stories.
Greek Life	I don't know much about.
Great for these types of students	All.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Hobo Days, its a celebration along with St. Patty's day!
Bang for the buck	Yes, it is one of the best priced schools in the state of South Dakota.
What to do for fun	Shows, concerts, dances, sporting events and the neat rock climbing wall at the wellness center.
Food and Dining	Amazing variety!
Dorm Life	Fun learning and growing experience.
Academic Rigor	Definitely confusing at times, be prepared and ask a lot of questions.
Tips for prospective students	Apply for as many scholarships as you can, student loans are not fun.
In three sentences	I would give SDSU an 8 out of 10. Campus is a great atmosphere and has a lot to offer.

Danielle from Rapid City, SD

05/22/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

57 of 58

Categories	Comments
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	HOBO days are a blast!!
Tips for prospective students	Study, study, party, study, study.
In three sentences	Great teachers. Great learning atmosphere! Great campus with tons of things to do.

MG

05/27/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

58 of 58

Categories	Comments
Greek Life	They have some pretty raging parties
What to do for fun	Go to parties.
Dorm Life	CA's suck
Tips for prospective students	Go here.
In three sentences	SDSD is awesome.

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South Dakota State University Brookings, SD

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