University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD, USA

Reviews

University of South Dakota

Anne

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
From day one the teachers are really excited about teaching. Many professors, while not able to get to know students in class, welcome office visits with open arms. The class variety makes it easy to explore options and get a taste of other majors. By the end of the semester students will feel like they have actually learned material, not just memorized it.
Am enjoying being here
While the first few weeks are rough if you are a freshmen (the usual getting used to college kind of things) the community advisers on each floor really take the time to get to know students and make sure life is going ok. The student center (the MUC) has daily activities and movies on the weekends. Even though USD is in a small town, there is a lot to do if you look for it.
Bang for the buck
Considering the tuition for many other in-state colleges, USD and other South Dakota public universities are quite a steal. USD offers a wonderful education for a wonderful price.
Tips for prospective students
Please don't forget that Vermilion is in South Dakota! It gets cold in the winter! :) Also, even though USD is located in a small town, there are tons of things to do on the weekend. Get creative!
Great for these types of students
USD is perfect for students wanting a wonderful education in a big yet still small college. The size is large enough for many opportunities, but not so huge as to not be able to feel part of the community.

Amanda

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Because USD is a smaller university than most, I am able to have direct contact with all of my professors, instead of having to go through a Teacher's Assistant when I have questions. All of the professors are very willing to help a student with any problems or questions they may have, even in the large lecture classes. Also, there are numerous research opportunities for undergraduates that just aren't available at other universities. Overall, the level of education I am receiving here is highly above average.
Am enjoying being here
Vermillion is known for being a small town that is home to a big university. With the amount of students that are enrolled at USD being approximately 10,000 and the number of permanent residents of Vermillion being a similar number, the town is definitely centered around the campus and its students. I have encountered nothing but warm regards from all of Vermillion's residents. Also, campus is always busy with something going on from weekly free movies at the Muenster University Center (MUC) to special events like a luau in the middle of winter! There are so many opportunities to get involved, it's hard not to find somewhere that you fit in.
Bang for the buck
The University of South Dakota is rated one of the best schools for it's value almost every year. Because I was not interested in any of the colleges that were in my state, USD was a great choice for me. I am paying the same, if not less, to go here than I would have at a university in my home state. Also, the amount of financial aid available to students is relatively generous.
Tips for prospective students
For those students who are interested in The University of South Dakota, I would advise coming to visit campus. This is really the only way to see how great the campus is and how much students and faculty members can interact with one another. After being here for a little while and getting to know people, campus has really started to become like home for me, and it definitely feels like one big family.
Great for these types of students
USD is great for students who are looking to be part of a community and really get involved in their college experience. It is also a very nice fit for students who come from small or rural communities because the college really makes an effort to helping these students adjust.

Cassandra

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
There are great professors here. However, there are also some not so great professors. The trick is to ask some upper classmen about your professors so you can have only the best. I had a terrible professor for my algebra class and i already hate math and he just made the class worse for me. If you get some of the really good professors it will be easier to learn and it will be more fun.
Am enjoying being here
USD is a fun school. However, there are not a lot of student events. Most of the events on the weekends are house parties or redbox movies. There is a lot of emphasis placed on seniority once you start taking classes in your major. If you have been around longer, there is more admiration for you.
Bang for the buck
USD is a great school. Its cheap and has a lot of really great professors. The campus has a lot of new buildings and some historic buildings. I would encourage students looking at this school to apply and seriously consider coming to this school.
Tips for prospective students
Talk and engage with your professors from the first day. Professors may seem intimidating, but they love talking to their students and they will have a positive view of you if you take the time to talk to them. Always do the readings for a class, you never know when you will be called on.
Great for these types of students
trying to raise GPA, wanting to stay close to home

Mena from Sioux Falls, SD

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am majoring in Psychology and Alcohol and Drug Studies. Professors are amazing, and give you the help you need! You just have to ask!
Am enjoying being here
It is a small town, but you can always find something to do! Vermillion is a town with a lot of historical importance! It keeps growing and the university is always bettering itself. We just got a new wellness center!
Bang for the buck
Tuition is very cheap compared to most schools! Staying in state is helpful but it is also a good deal for out of state students!
Tips for prospective students
Tour the school!
Go to activities!

Randi from Sioux Falls, SD

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Academic Rigor
I definitely feel like a very many of these teachers are passionate about teaching and helping students learn. Some are pretty lax and others are strict, but they definitely know what they are doing. Being the liberal arts school of South Dakota, one gets a very well rounded education.
Dorm Life
The dorms are quite small, even in the upperclassmen dorms and are way overpriced. In my first year, I lived on a very social floor where most people were welcome to just walk in if the door was open. This year I'm on a different floor in the upperclassmen dorms and no one socializes and doors are usually closed.
Food and Dining
It gets old really quickly. Not much variation, some good choices.
What to do for fun
Not a whole lot to do unless you're very creative or 21.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Dakota Days is a crazy week!
Clubs and Activities
There literally is something for everyone.
Greek Life
Four sororities and eight fraternities filled with many amazing men and women. You may find of few of the stereotypical frat boys and sorority girls, but most of them are pretty down to earth and super nice.
Campus Safety
I have never felt in danger and the campus police are very helpful and understanding.