Minnesota State University-Mankato
Mankato, MN, USA

Reviews

Minnesota State University-Mankato

Antonio from Minneapolis, MN

a current student here
13 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
You are able to learn the material in a matter of time and your time will not be wasted. The professors are willing to schedule days in which they can give you one on one help. There will be a lot of information that comes at once that you will need to take notes on. There is a great amount of resources that can be utilize if you are need of help tutors are offered as well. End the end its at great environment for learning you will have fun with it.
Am enjoying being here
It is great being at Minnesota State University-Mankato you are able to meet a lot of new people from different parts of the country. Its just one factor that I see that is important to have in Mankato that is a car. To be able to move around Mankato. The other thing is the amount diversity shown at the school is down based on cultures other than that I enjoy being a student here.
Tips for prospective students
Develop a network if you are interested in coming to this school, because its more likely that person have the same class as you or already taken the class. This will be your best bet for any school to tell you the truth, because the person that was once part of that class can be used as a great resource for. There is one other thing I most urge is resource, resource, resource. It is available on campus you just got to find it. just remember a close mouth will not get feed
Great for these types of students
well there are a lot of great opportunity that are available on the campus for everyone to do, just go to be on the lookout. If your bored and done with everything that is needed to be done just go join a club or organization or you can even create your own. You can pop up over at the Children house and see how can give them a helping hand. Just get yourself involved in multiple programs on campus because it would be a great resume builder to rank yourself much higher. You could even go up to the campus hub in the CSU to see what you can ingrain self into. If you have much more free time just give visit the library and study just for a few minutes or longer. Minnesota State University-Mankato has a great Rec Center for anyone to use to go workout or play any other sports. The whole point is to not say in the dorm all the time. Go out there and explore your options and it will be wroth it.

Princess from St. Paul, MN

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The first couple of semesters, you might get big classes. You make it how you want. You could make it be a negative thing and let it get the best of you. OR you could use it to your advantage. All the students in the classes are going through the same thing as you so you guys can help each other. And something that you really would like is that Teachers are flexible for you to come in to get help, and if they can’t help you I am more than positive you will find someone who can help you. Another good thing about it is that since it is a lecture class, many other people on campus already took the class so they can help you out too. There should be no way you can not do well in class.
Am enjoying being here
Minnesota State University Mankato is such a great place to be. There are so many things available to do like study at the library, go swimming, running, working out, playing basketball or Intramural Sports, hanging out the Centennial Student Union, joining one of the many student organizations who plan many events and help everyone, you can volunteer, take a nice walk, jog, or run around campus, or attend any sporting even including hockey which is big here. The great thing about Mankato, is you always find something new to do.
Bang for the buck
The great thing about coming to Mankato is that many students get a lot of financial aid. So turn in your FAFSA in early so you get all the money possible. Even though all together it is around 16,000 or so, you pay so much less, it even can even compare to going to a community college near home, depending how well you did in high school and how many scholarships you have. This is really good because you get a good experience moving away from home to grow up for not that much money.
Tips for prospective students
The one thing you need to focus on is time management because there are tons of things to do and a lot of free time to do your class work. School comes first. So take care of it first, finish your class work then go out after. Do not think that you will never have the opportunity to do something again, because chances are you will. So never feel rushed, take your time and take care of what you have to do. There are so many resources available, which means you have to go out there and look for them. Once you have found them, use them wisely, they help you much more than you think.
Great for these types of students
This school is great for students who like to do many activities and have many resources available to them. If you are a people person, this is the school for you. The school is about middle size, which is good because there are enough people where you can meet new people even towards the end of each semester or year. Coming here you might not expect a lot, but leaving you will leave with a book full of memories.

Kelly from Mankato, MN

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
There are great professors to help you along the way, along with many other resources if you need help with school work.
Am enjoying being here
Great atmosphere, meet lots of great people going through the same things you are going through.
Bang for the buck
Many resources available to you, with the money you give the school. You receive more resources and help then what you paid for.
Tips for prospective students
The campus is close together and easy to figure your way out around.
Great for these types of students
Students who need a campus that is easy to figure out, buildings close together. Also students that need a school that has a small amount of people attending, but at the same time still enough that you can meet a new person everyday.

Libbie from Stillwater, MN

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Minnesota State University- Mankato is small, cheap, and has easy navigation. Mankato also has brand new dorms, a free bus system, cheap parking, and a well-rounded student body. The classes are small and very personal as well. I think it is a great school and is very underestimated in its potential!
Tips for prospective students
My tip for prospective students would be to balance work and play. It is easy to get caught up in other things besides education. Stay focused and work hard. Also, utilize resources such as the library, campus hub and computer labs. They are there for a reason and are very beneficial.
Academic Rigor
I originally attended the University of Minnesota Twin Cities for my first semester of college. Once I transferred to Mankato, the academics got a little easier and relaxed, but it is still very challenging.
Dorm Life
Preska and Julia Sears are new and improved dorms that are very nice. There are many fun activities that are put on by the dorm community leaders. There are free washers and dryers, as well as many opportunities to make new friends.
Food and Dining
The cafeteria always has a large variety of options, both healthy and not so healthy.
What to do for fun
There is a movie theater very close to campus that is very cheap and fun to go to. Also there are many shops in the downtown area including a mall which one can get to by simply taking the free bus system. There are plays and concerts that the school puts on for very cheap. There is ice skating in the winter as well.
Bang for the buck
The school of mankato is small, but Mankato as a city is very large. There are so many places to explore on and off campus, the academics are good, and it is very cheap.
Great for these types of students
Great for business majors and musicians.
Clubs and Activities
There are many major-oriented clubs and activities. As a business major myself there are over ten clubs alone that I could join! There are a variety of options from major clubs, all the way to sports or religious organizations, and most the time anyone can join at anytime.
Greek Life
Greek life is just an option, but seems to be very worth while.
Campus Safety
There are always security guards driving and walking around looking out only for the safety of students.

Breanna from Eagan, MN

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am a freshman at Minnesota State University, Mankato. I recently finished my first semester at Mankato. I have learned a lot within my first semester. Why I think I have succeed so far at Mankato is because the class sizes aren't too big, professors want to help you if you take initiative and want help, and there are many resources that you can use that will help you succeed. Professors have office hours and they are willing to help you if you come to them. They will make sure you are understanding the material and help you with your questions. The resources Mankato offers can really help a freshman like myself. I found myself in the library many times during my first semester. Mankato also provides tutors to those who need further help. Mankato wants you to succeed and the people there will help you.
Am enjoying being here
I was scared to go to college. I was one of the kids who loved high school and wasn't ready to move on and go to college. By the time I got there, I was enjoying every minute of it. I have met friends that will last a lifetime, I have gotten myself involved with the soccer team and other activities that have been on campus, and I have been trying to get involved with clubs on campus. Even though I am only an hour or so away, I don't find myself coming home all that often. Even though I usually have soccer every weekend, I choose to stay on campus because I enjoy being at school.
Bang for the buck
The cost for schooling at Mankato is very reasonable. Also, there are opportunities for students who it might be hard to afford to go to Mankato. Students are eligible for financial aid and scholarships to help pay for their college expenses.
Tips for prospective students
A tip for any student planning on going to college is learn how to manage your time and figure out how you study. One thing I found hard during my first week of college is time management. At college, you can always hang out with your friends. You don't have your parents there to tell you what to do. You are independent now. Studying might not be the first thing on your list. There is a lot of free time in college and that is why it is so much different than high school. But as a freshman, you need to figure out how to manage your time and quickly. The other thing you need to concentrate on is how to study and what to study. One of my friends said to me, before her first college exam, was, I don't even know how to study. I think most students will find it hard when they are trying to study for their first college exam. In high school, figure out what works for you and bring those tips with you in college. Studying is important and you will learn quickly after that first exam.
Great for these types of students
Mankato is great for any type of student. There is a lot to do in Mankato and opportunities for everyone. Mankato is a medium sized school, so it for those students who don't want to go to a Big 10 college or a small college in the middle of no where. It is easy to meet people and to get involved. It is a great school for anyone.

Alyssa from New Richmond, WI

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Mankato is a great campus with a ton of things to do and enjoy. Every time you think you have seen it all you find something else to occupy your time with. This campus is a great way to discover yourself and meet new friends and great people.
Tips for prospective students
Going to class has been shown to improve students GPAs so make sure to make it a priority. Stay on campus the first month to really get accustomed to dorm life and try not to go home all of the time. I know it is hard to miss your family but it will be worth it in the long run. Explore the city you can go on some really great nature hikes and every time I thought I had seen all of the city of Mankato I found another area. Get involved in on-campus activities and activities on your floor because these are the places where you will meet lifelong friends.
Academic Rigor
I think this school is great because different majors have different difficulty levels. For example, the Nursing program here is very selective and only around 40 people get in a year, but other programs are not as selective and not as academically rigorous. The important thing to know about this school is you get out of your academics what you put into them!
Dorm Life
The dorms here are really nice. The dorms are pretty spacious compared to other colleges and really new. The food here is also pretty good with lots of options at lunch and dinner every day. Each floor has a lounge with couches and tables to sit at to do homework, a kitchen with a stove, sink, and microwave, a laundry room with a few washers and dryers (which are free by the way), and a trash room.
Food and Dining
There are a ton of options on and off campus to eat. There is a brand new dining hall being built for the students that will be finished in the spring of 2017 and a ton of other fast food options in the Student Union and in respective res halls.
What to do for fun
This campus has a ton of activities every week put on by the ResLife staff and they are always fun. On campus, there is a nice gym and workout facility that is a 3-minute walk across campus away with tons to offer from weightlifting, cardio, and basketball/volleyball/racket ball courts. There is also a rock climbing wall and an indoor track that is also free for students to use. Every week there are movies put on by the student events team that are newly released and always popular with people on campus.It is hard to explain everything this campus has to offer in this small box!
Bang for the buck
This school is definitely worth every penny I paid to be here!
Great for these types of students
I think this campus can work for anyone it's all about keeping an open mind and having fun.
Clubs and Activities
This campus has so many clubs and activities and three seasons of intramurals.
Campus Safety
The campus security guards are always accessible when needed and just a phone call or button press away. Personally, I have never felt unsafe on campus.

Tuan from Bloomington, MN

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Has a very good atmosphere. A school that is not too big nor too small. Good learning environment for those who want it.
Academic Rigor
To get good grades require a lot of studying outside of class depending your major, but MNSU has a lot of sources that you can use for help. There's academic advisors, free tutor time, fellow students, etc. I rate the academic rigor a 3 out of 5 with 5 being the hardest because of all the help you are able to receive.
Dorm Life
The dorm life at MNSU is good. The dorms are located perfectly so that food and classes are easy to access. There are lounges located on each dorm floor which is amazing for group studying, hanging out, and meetings. Also, everything is up to standards in cleaniness.
Food and Dining
The food plan is great for those who want easy access to food. In my opinion, the price per meal of the food plan for the cafeteria is a little expensive for my taste but it's worth it if you eat a lot and don't mind mostly the same options over time.
What to do for fun
There's shops and malls around Mankato. I haven't been out of the campus too much so I don't know. However, I'm near the Twin Cites which is only about a little over an hour away. There's a vast array of things to do there. Also nearby the Twin Cites is the Mall of America which is an amazing place to visit.
Bang for the buck
Very good for it's price.

Taylor from Rogers, MN

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Minnesota State is overall a great school teacher wise as well as class wise. The atmosphere is great and the school itself if beautiful. The main thing is all the people are really nice and welcoming.
Tips for prospective students
For prospective students, I would have to tell them to not be afraid to get help. The teachers are there to help you, and it is super easy to find a tutor. So don't be afraid to ask.
Academic Rigor
The academic overall is good, and easy to handle. As long as you ask for help.
Dorm Life
The dorms are very roomy, and it's nice to be able to experience living on your own and not having to rely on your parents to help you out.
Food and Dining
The food is a lot better than most colleges, and they give you so many different options to chose from.
Clubs and Activities
Hockey and football games are a great experience to go too. So definitely something to take advantage of.
Campus Safety
There are telephone and emergency poles all over campus, so no one ever feels unsafe.

Anthony from Champlin, MN

a past student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
msu-mankato ha been an amazing experience for me. i am doing well with my studies and have met a lot of new friends. i plan to earn my degree from msu!
Tips for prospective students
meet as many people as you can. step outside your comfort zone and force yourself to initiate conversations with strangers. they could become some of your best friends.
Academic Rigor
attend all your classes and put your studies first!!
Dorm Life
first year should be in the dorms. you will meet many many people and experience fun activities. there is nothing to describe this experience but i have no regrets. i was the floor president and participated in a lot of activities.
Food and Dining
my first semester was the all you can eat plan in the cafeteria. i switched it up in the second semester to allow more options. the good thing about the dining is you can always find someone to eat with.
What to do for fun
i joined the ski/snowboard club, a fall coed soccer team, i was one of the mascots for msu, and am part of a guitar ensemble. i am also on the maverick lacrosse team. it worked well for me to stay busy. i was also the floor president in my dorm and met a lot of people that way as well.
Bang for the buck
it has been a great experience for me to learn how to live away from home and i've never had to share a room with anyone. i really feel i learned a lot about myself and my decision making skills improved.
Great for these types of students
any type of student can find a comfort zone at msu. i came from a large high school and am very out-going so i became comfortable quite soon. there is something for everyone at msu.
Clubs and Activities
the sky is the limit. you can be as busy as you want. i never had a problem finding some thing to do in the rare down times.
Campus Safety
i have always felt very safe on campus and in the dorms.

William from Fairmont, MN

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors really care about you here. For how big the college is it's almost surprising just how much help you will get from professors. They are there to answer questions almost all the time.
Am enjoying being here
You will meet many new people when you come here. The college is huge and everyone is friendly. I enjoy going out and meeting new people every time I do. You don't see the same people everyday, and the campus is beautiful.
Bang for the buck
The cost for the schooling is very reasonable. Especially for how good of schooling you are getting. The cost of room and board is a little expensive, but one of the dorms are really nice and one in the making.
Tips for prospective students
If you are going to live on campus get the Flex meal plan so you can switch meals to flex dollars. Don't change all of them to flex dollars though. Also the parking here is not fun, so if you can try not to bring a car. One year is good for on campus housing but after that first year Its cheaper to live off campus.
Great for these types of students
Anyone!