Kent State University at Kent
Kent, OH, USA

Reviews

Kent State University at Kent

Steven from Parma, OH

a current student here
11 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
At Kent I am able to challenge myself at whatever level I choose. Academically for my major, I learn a fair amount, and on top of that there are thousands of other courses I can take that are not mandatory, but just great learning experiences. With 25,000+ students, they offer mostly everything.
Am enjoying being here
I LOVE Kent. I live on campus for my third year, and next year I will be in a house. Although the first year living experience isn't amazing, know there are 4,000+ freshmen each year, and they all need somewhere to live! Being on campus and near by, I always have something to do. The greek system contours to whatever you are looking for, socially, academically, or honors societies. Beyond that are plenty of community service groups, and your normal society organizations such as the nearby Masonic Temple and our three local Kiwanis clubs (involved in both). When you get here, make sure you check out our 200+ student organizations. I looked at Kent and Akron, and Kent gives me a home. A place to live, thrive, and be. From schooling to learning, I have everything within a fifteen minute walk.
Bang for the buck
Kent State is one of the best schools for the money. Tuition is SO low, that many people from Pennsylvania come here because of how good the education is, and the OUT OF STATE costs are cheaper than in state costs in their own state! Leading the way in many fields, having exceptional programming all around, and offering so many diverse fields, Kent State is one the best schools within the country, nationally ranking.
Tips for prospective students
-Apply for scholarships! If you don't ask, you may not have it suggested. Unfortunately I wasn't told about everything that was available, nor did I ask, and I missed out. If you ask, you find everything that you can take advantage of.
-Check out different classes. Feel free to explore Kent's diverse programming options, from anthropology to zoology, and everything in between.
-Get active! Kent has hundreds of student organizations, and you can get involved in anything from fencing, to hookah clubs, to card games and volunteering.
Great for these types of students
Active. If you come to Kent, you can sit in your room and do nothing. But I suggest Kent if you want to get out and socialize, get out and volunteer, and get the best education you can. At Kent, you can slip by and just sneak through college...but at Kent, you can challenge yourself and make the most of all of your potential.

Christy from Akron, OH

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The major that I am in (Visual Communication Design) started me out right away in classes towards my degree! I'm only in my second semester and am actively learning many essential tools and concepts of design through three classes dedicated solely to the program. Not only are the major's classes very informative and interesting, but I have also learned a lot through my diversity and core courses. My experience is that in most courses you are not bogged down with busy work (although there is some of that), but rather actively learn through each class.
Am enjoying being here
It's incredible on campus! My first semester I lived on campus and it was an amazing experience. My RA planned events every week for the first few weeks I lived in my dorm, so I got to know and hang out a lot with the people in my dorm. Don't forget that they also have a 24-hour diner! It's a wonderful place to study, and the food is GREAT!

This semester I am a commuter student, and Kent State still has much to offer! The main food court is reserved for commuter students from 11 to 2 every day, so you don't have to fight as much of a line to try to get lunch on campus. There are also many commuter events, including special movie showings of new releases.

There's free access to the Recreation Center, plenty of places to eat, a beautiful campus, lots of cool places for you to study, great instructors and staff... I've loved absolutely everything about it!
Bang for the buck
College isn't cheap, as we all know. However Kent State offers a quality and very affordable education (in comparison to other schools).

The colleges of Fashion Design & Merchandising and Visual Communication Design are exceptional schools especially, which Kent State is very well known for.
Tips for prospective students
Go on a tour! Check out the campus and see for yourself how you feel about the surroundings and layout.

ALSO! Don't be afraid to make an advising appointment with the adviser for your prospective major (or majors). It's extremely helpful, and they can really give you a good idea of what you're signing up for.
Great for these types of students
If you are a straight A student, the Honors College at Kent State is a GREAT place to be. Their lecture halls normally contain a maximum of 20-30 people, and the professors are very cool.

If you're interested in design (Fashion Design or Graphic Design), this is the perfect place for you -- right in the middle of one of the top colleges in the nation for those fields.

People who want to be involved and make new friends: there are TONS of student organizations as well as student activities (including karaoke, yoga classes, movie showings, etc).

People who like having open spaces - there are places for you! The campus is very spread out and open with lots of cool places to hang out outside playing football, frisbee, or just laying in the grass.

Nicole from Kent, OH

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Kent State University is an overall great school to attend. Between the academics, learning facilities, overall campus environment, camaraderie among students, and possibilities for student involvement you get the best of every world. It is just a matter of whether you take advantage of the opportunities in front of you because Kent State provides them!
Tips for prospective students
If you are unsure of what you want to major in, Kent State really is a great school to start at. Many of our programs are well accredited and recognized. It is all on you in college, the people you meet, the relationships you build, and the impression you leave.
Academic Rigor
I have had very minor negative experiences academically. Classes are big, so if that is the only thing I would forewarn about. If you are not one to like a big group or environment this may not be for you. Generally speaking my professors throughout have always been helpful.
Dorm Life
I enjoyed dorm life for the first two years. They have great food facilities throughout campus, and always enjoyed meeting up with my friend there. I would warn to no wait too long to sign up for dorming- they have had problems in the past with over booking. All in all it was a great experience, it is where you get your start and make your first few friends.
Food and Dining
Every food facility has great food and a lot of variety. Convenient stores are also located throughout campus, and some are open 24/7 for our late night cravings! My favorites are Prentice wraps, and Ambrosia's milkshakes!
What to do for fun
There is something for everyone here at kent. Whether your idea of fun is playing swords on campus (yes there is a group for that), joining a frat/sorority, reading a book in the library. Anything is accessible, you just have to seek it out.
Bang for the buck
I cannot say enough good things about Kent State. Although I will be in my final semester, I will always look back and smile and the mistakes and memories made here. Kent State was a huge factor into shaping me into who I am today.
Greek Life
Greek life is very dominant at Kent. I personally am not in one but I feel that they are a huge campus runner.
Campus Safety
I have never had any incidents on campus dorming or otherwise. Kent even has the option of 24/7 safety service where you can call and be escorted/walked home if you feel uncomfortable doing so yourself at night or otherwise.

Danielle from Paso Robles, CA

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
This is to my knowledge the only place in the country where one may obtain a Bachelor's in Translation. The program is fabulous, and languages available at this University are diverse: French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and Swahili are all offered here. We're also known for our nursing program.
Am enjoying being here
If you come to Kent State understanding that this is a small town, you will know to find ways to amuse yourself. We have a quaint and pleasant downtown area. There's a hookah bar, several bars, a rockin' hair salon called Skullz, and more! However if you want to go to big concerts and check out museums, Cleveland is the place to go. Luckily, it's only about 45 minutes away.
Bang for the buck
Sometimes it's difficult to ensure that you get all of the financial aid you need, but the fin. aid office is full of friendly people, and sometimes there are department scholarships available. The quality of education is surprisingly good, although it goes up when you join the honors college.
Tips for prospective students
I would recommend that you join the Facebook mentorship program, so that you will be in touch with somebody who will gladly show you around the campus and town. Be prompt and professional, especially when you first meet your professors. In terms of social etiquette it's always better to be safe than sorry! Also, it's not a bad idea to carry pepper spray around campus. I'm not saying people die around here, but robberies to happen somewhat frequently.
Great for these types of students
-Foreign Language
-Physics
-Nursing
-Journalism

Note also that social activists will find student organizations that will suit their needs. There's a fairly strong Christian presence, but not one that's pushy. There are a lot of smokers at Kent State, so if walking past smokers makes you nauseous-- you probably wouldn't like it here.

Rachel from Leechburg, PA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The Fashion Design program starts you in your major classes right away. In my four semesters here, I've never had less than three fashion classes a semester. And the professors are great, they've all been in, or are still working in the industry and will give you tips of things they've learned over the years. The class sizes are generally small, so there is a lot of one-on-one time with the professors. Most of them are genuinely concerned with you getting the most out of your education and are very accommodating, as long as you ask!

Even in many LER classes, the professors do their best to make the material fun and interesting and not so much busywork. While these classes can get a little big, many professors still make themselves readily available to help you get the most from their classes.
Am enjoying being here
Though Kent's campus is large, you can always find some place for yourself, and with friends, you don't feel as though the school is quite so huge. The campus has lots of open space to hang out, and there are always people out and about. Between activities going on and clubs and organizations, the options are endless!
Bang for the buck
The tuition and room and board aren't too terrible, but being a Fashion Design major, there are definitely a ton of added costs. You'll constantly be buying fabric, markers, and various other supplies, and that gets to be a bit much. But the Fashion school is third in the country and thirteenth in the world, so it does pay off.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved! There are so many options- clubs, student organizations, volunteer opportunities. There are loads of things going on all over campus all the time as well.
And make sure you realize what Ohio weather is like! Lots of rain and snow, but on nice days, the campus is gorgeous.
Great for these types of students
Kent has the third best fashion school in the country, and also is big in visual communications, architecture, and nursing.

Laura from Lagrange, OH

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Kent State has a very inclusive and safe campus with a diverse and welcoming student body. People here tend to be polite and very accepting of others who have different ideas or faiths, and respect others. The education here is also excellent!
Tips for prospective students
If you have to take the ALEX placement test for math, take it as seriously as a final exam because it determines a lot.
Make sure to transfer any college credits you have from the past if possible, it will give you a leg up.
Try to get to know your roommate before move in day, even if you didnâ??t pick them. Especially discuss things like allergies and pet peeves.
Academic Rigor
Kent State has excellent academics and wonderful professors! There are many majors and minors to choose from and there are academic advisors who are beyond willing to help you plan your courses or change your major.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is always safe and interesting. Most people have been nice if a bit rowdy at times, and of course there are some people who are plain jerks, as expected. There arenâ??t many though, and dorm life is usually very comfortable and easy.
Food and Dining
There are many dining opportunities on and around campus. Some dining options have vegan, vegetarian, or gluten free options for people with food sensitivities. There are dining options that are within easy walking distance of campus if you need a change of pace too, but they do not take the meal plans.

What to do for fun
There is always some sort of event going on, from sports to chill-out sessions.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Black Squirrel Fest and Blast Off happen every year either before or early in the fall semester. At those events, student organizations and clubs set up booths, educate students about them, and even begin recruiting.
Great for these types of students
Kent State is great for people who donâ??t know who they are yet and want to spend time on self discovery as well as studies. This is also a great place to learn how to be a responsible adult while still having fun.
Clubs and Activities
There are over four hundred clubs and organizations to join on campus. There is an organization for everyone on campus, from Greek Life to English Club.
Campus Safety
Campus is very safe! I often arrive back at my dorm long after dark and I always feel perfectly safe. There are blue pillars all over campus that can directly connect you with either security or the police, and if you ever feel unsafe walking home in the dark during certain hours you can call for an escort to walk you home safely.

Marissa from Bexley, OH

accepted here and planning to attend soon
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
It's a taste of the city, middle of nowhere, and a small town all in one. I love the layout, and the student involvement is awesome. It's also close to some bigger cities, so there's loads to do.
Tips for prospective students
- Be yourself
- Volunteer
- Study (seriously!)
Academic Rigor
They seem to have any level of challenging to moderate classes. The Honors College really ups the ante, too, while maintaining interest.
Dorm Life
Each dorm does activities together, sometimes as floors, sometimes as a building. Only a couple halls have air conditioning, but a fan and opening the windows are just about as good.
Food and Dining
The food is delicious, the dining staff is pleasant, and they have many job opportunities with great reviews.
What to do for fun
There's a ton of stuff. They have concerts, speakers, their orchestra and theatre groups also perform. In addition, Cleveland is only 45 minutes away - and there's a bus! There's also a lot of group stuff going on on the weekends. Sports are a big thing, too, and they have 280+ clubs/organisations. If you're bored, it's because you're trying to be.
Bang for the buck
For me, this is where I'll get a quality education for a reasonable price. It's got the programmes I'm looking for, with the amount of rigor and stuff to do. I'm majouring in Visual Communication Design (their graphic design majour). I'm also in the Honours College. I've had people in both industries tell me that Kent is where it's at. An art professor at The Ohio State University told me that Kent has a wonderful art programme, and my aunt, an administrator for Dublin City Schools has had several colleagues say that Kent was a good choice for an education majour.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Some things I thought were neat:
-There's a bowling alley.
-There are call boxes where you can call and ask someone to walk you somewhere. Ex: from the library to your dorm, etc.
-They have a ton of stuff to do.
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Great for these types of students
Students looking for a bit of anonymity, while still getting attention and help; students willing to work.
Clubs and Activities
There's a ton. I plan to check out Glyphx and The Tannery, the student graphic design firm/marketing firm on campus.
Greek Life
They have a fairly limited amount of Fraternities and Sororities. My mom and grandmother were surprised at some of the more popular ones that weren't available at Kent.
Campus Safety
You see campus police often, they have call boxes for extra help if you need it, and the campus itself is set apart from the rest of the town. I felt very safe walking around, even at night. The police mean business, and the discipline system seems pretty fair.

Paisley from Streetsboro, OH

accepted here and planning to attend soon
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
I took courses at Kent State while I was in high school, under the Post Secondary Program. It was a great experience to be with amazing talented professors, who know their stuff. I learned a lot in those short 3 years, and I know I will learn a lot when I attend college in the Fall. Right now I have finished my first semester as an actual college student. I have definitely learned a lot, but to tell you the truth to learn as much as you can you have to also challenge yourself outside of classes.
Will enjoy being here
I definitely have enjoyed it, and I believe I will enjoy meeting new people as usual. Kent has a lot of diversity, and activities for students to be involved in. I enjoyed being here, and I enjoyed the people I met while here. Just make sure that when you come here, to get involved in as much things as possible, it will open your mind and offer you knew perspectives to live. There is so many activities to do every week, from Thursday Karaoke to Saturday Football Games. When football season is over, enjoy basketball, or just hang out with the nice friends you meet while here.
Bang for the buck
DEFINITELY WORTH IT! The degree programs are amazing. Kent State is becoming a major university that is getting recognition from all over! I also here that it has one of the best Fashion and Nursing programs. I know that you will enjoy everything.
Tips for prospective students
Send in your application early, try to get things done before time that way you don't have to rush for financial aid, and admissions, and all of that. Just be prepared, and if you are not don't be afraid to ask! Its all new for me as well.

Also find the best way for yourself for study preparation before a test. It might help if you do not cram in your studying last minute, and if you study a little bit everyday you learn it more efficiently. Note cards or Flashcards really help, and depending on who you study with, a study buddy can be very beneficial.

Also make a good impression amongst your professors because one day you might need them to help you.
Great for these types of students
Great for any type of student. There are even a lot of exchange students from all over the world. There is a big mix of different kinds of people, and for the most part we try to get along. Kent is a small place, with a big heart and if you are willing to learn as much as possible from Kent State faculty and staff you can go a long way.

WE ARE KENT STATE!

Amnea from Titusville, PA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The faculty and staff have so much to offer because majority of them all have some sort of background working in their specific field which helps you get a personal outlook on the materials you are learning.
Am enjoying being here
I live in Pennsylvania, about a three hour drive from KSU, and even when I had the chance to go home, I stayed on campus. There are always so many different activities going on on campus that are almost always free such as sporting events, movies, and sometimes you could even find yourself at a party sponsored by Redbull!
Bang for the buck
The dorms are some of the nicest dorms I have been in compared to private schools, religious schools, and even other public schools. The dining services constantly is reviewing feedback from the students and meeting our needs when it comes to food options. The classrooms and lecture halls are all equipt for their specific needs from state-of-the-art nursing classrooms to video productions studios.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure that you know what you are coming to Kent for... schooling. Have an idea of what program you are going to be entering in to and what the expectations are. There is no point in spending all the money in the world just to be undecided for 3 years.
Great for these types of students
Creative, open-minded, individuals, and motivated.

Madison from Hartville, OH

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
If you are a student at Kent State University, how much effort you put into a class is reflected in your grade. There are no joke classes and every class will help you in the future. If a student studies for exams and reads the texts needed for each class, that student will learn from those classes.
Am enjoying being here
The community is really great. The campus is small enough that it is like a mini town. At the same time though, the campus is large enough so that you don't feel overwhelmed by buildings and people. It's a beautiful place year round and Kent has won the Tree Campus Award three years in a row.
Bang for the buck
Kent State University is a highly awarded school for a lower tuition. The fashion school was listed third in the nation and 13th in the world. The school of journalism and mass communication has a $2 million studio and award-winning news publications. A student can get real job experience here without going into debt before his or her sophomore year.
Tips for prospective students
I would encourage future Kent students to talk to the advisors here. All of them are so brilliant and they will help you choose a career path for you. Even if you feel overwhelmed, they will help you with the stress as a new student.
Great for these types of students
Kent State University is great for people going into fashion or journalism. These buildings are newly designed to fit the changing industries.