The University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, TX, USA

Reviews

The University of Texas at El Paso

Daniel from El Paso, TX

a current student here
19 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Classes are enjoyable, challenging, and most teachers do a great job in keeping the class interested in course material.
Am enjoying being here
UTEP is a very enjoyable place to continue one's quest for a higher education and achieve the degree one is looking for, whether it is a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, a doctorate, or the requirements to enter medical school are to be fulfilled. The school is beautiful and the student environment is one that anyone can easily feel at home with. The only downside to the environment present at UTEP is that the university is somewhat of a commuter college, meaning that most of the students do not live on campus, rather they live in the city and also work part-time (sometimes even full-time!) while going to school. As opposed to a traditional college in which most of the students live on campus, it may be more difficult to associate with students who are attempting to reach a degree like oneself. It may also be especially difficult when attempting to get several students to meet for a group-study session, since many are busy with more than just school.
Bang for the buck
The price for being a student at UTEP is incredibly small when compared to other more prominent and well-known universities, especially when considering that the education one can recieve at UTEP is just as good as that of other universities. For example, on average, one semester for a full-time undergraduate student can cost merely around $3,500 for tuition alone.
Tips for prospective students
Since UTEP is similar to a commuter college, I recommend that students try their best to meet students studying for a degree similar to their own. Don't be shy to meet new people, and bring up the idea of studying a few times a week with students who are taking the same courses as yourself. It is a great way to study course material and just as great a way to develop long-lasting friendships.

Christina from El Paso, TX

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
For the time that I've spent here (2 semesters), every professor that I've had has a different approach to teaching in their own way, making each class that I've taken stimulate the mind and be interesting. There are some professors here that I've heard of who didn't quite please the students, but if there are any unsatisfying professors here, you will most likely hear of them, since the student community is quite close. Classes also vary in size. Some classes may fit up to 200 people, while others only have 30 students as the maximum capacity. UTEP also offers certain applications that other colleges may offer, like WebCT, which is a website in which you can communicate with the students in your class, email your professor, and turn in or receive assignments. No matter what the size of your class is, you will be able to connect to your professor through WebCt. The library is a decent size, and also has programs/sources that help when you are studying, like the Writing Center. In reality, you have all the sources here available to you for study. All you need is a study group, and you're set! Study groups may be a bit hard to organize because a huge amount of students here work while being a full time student. However, thanks to WebCt and peer advisors from my classes, Study sessions were organized, and a study group was even created online through WebCt.
Am enjoying being here
Campus life is packed with activities. There are many clubs and events to go to, so it's hard to be bored. Since the community of students isn't that huge, you will be able to meet and connect to many people. I'm a music major, and I've met sooo many students who are majoring in music. There's also a good range of ethnicity here, so you'll meet lots of different people. It's fun that way. Whatever your major is, you'll most likely meet many of those who have the same major as you, and those who don't. Even if El Paso is a small town, there's always something to do, even if it's hanging out at a cool coffee shop, checking out downtown, cheering for the Miners at the Sun Bowl, or going to a concert. :)
Bang for the buck
UTEP isn't incredibly expensive. I haven't had a problem covering the expenses. I had a grant for 1000 and a loan, and I was covered. The Food Courts are expensive to me, though. I prefer eating out of campus. There's some cool restaurants around UTEP.
Tips for prospective students
Have fun, and enjoy it. UTEP is great for learning, and connecting to those around you.
Great for these types of students
It's great for anyone, really. It's a well rounded college that will satisfy the needs of your specific character. The classes are good learning-wise. It depends on your major. The Engineering program is supposed to be one of the best, and the Music Program (from my perspective) is pretty good. The Music Department is growing more and more. Just search up your major, and see if UTEP has the best to offer for it. :)

Jason from El Paso, TX

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
It depends on the way a teacher shows there class, some teacher can just leave it up to you to read the book and expect you to learn.
Am enjoying being here
The class structure and the way of teaching is not all that complete but it is decent.
Bang for the buck
The education is inexpensive and it is quality learning
Tips for prospective students
Preferably to be bilingual and multicultural since the majority here come from a mexican american background
Great for these types of students
This is a University in a border city, so its great for hispanics!

Miguel from El Paso, TX

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
UTEP is two cultures.

UTEP is diverse.

UTEP is opportunity-generous.
Tips for prospective students
Be ready for some culture shock; mainly between American and Mexican (if you are curious to learn Spanish, oh boy, you will learn just by being there).

Apply for scholarships all the time (and be on the look-out for them); you might just find yourself paying $0 tuition (I know of several people who do this).

Definitely apply for the traditional UTEP scholarship at the beginning, it's much easier when you are about to enter than when you're already in.

Assist to orientation at least a couple weeks before classes and be very patient, otherwise you might find some of your classes full.
Academic Rigor
At the beginning of my attendance I had very little regard for UTEP's academics due to its unbelievably generous acceptance rate. However that perception came to change as time went by. Often times you will find that classes averages are abysmal, but that's the underperforming 60% of the students at campus (yes, that's a lot of students but that's the price to pay for accepting everyone). Sadly that 60% makes it a three-star. HOWEVER, for the rest of the students that actually put their heads into classes and learning there are many many many opportunities. You will make connections with professors right away and get considered for great jobs, scholarships and societies.

As an example, I just finished my freshman year and I got offered a job at one of the university's research labs this summer (with zero previous experience). Believe me, not thanks to my social skills. Yes, it's not an ivy league, but you get an awful LOT from it if you make an effort.
Dorm Life
The dorm life is quite comfortable, with few scandals, but there are anyway (it's a college dorm after all!). Most students are hispanic on campus, however you'll find that most other internationals stay at the dorms so you have a greater chance to be paired with someone from outside Mexico or the US. If you'd like to live in dorms where loud scandals are minimal, and meet internationals, these are probably adequate for you.
Food and Dining
The food at campus is reasonably varied and readily available. There are franchises such as Pizza Hut, Starbucks, Quizno's, etc, plus small coffe shops and lunch stores at almost every biulding.
What to do for fun
Involve yourself in a couple of clubs and you'll never be out of things to do at campus. Anywhere from the Minerpalooza, to the Homecoming, to attending the season's games, to volunteering, you are most welcome to assist and join.

Outside of campus, many students choose to visit the neighboring Mexican city of Cd. Juarez (just one bridge away, literally) and get a splash of Mexican culture and a fun night out with friends (I hear parties get quite wild), if not just to get to know the place.
Bang for the buck
UTEP is really not expensive at all and it's relatively easy to get a scholarship, compared to most universities; especially considering it is part of the UT system. As I mentioned in the Academic Rigor section (read on that one!), for those who perform well at school and/or are driven enough you get a lot of potential opportunities such as special consideration for jobs, valuable contacts with faculty and staff among several other things. Ultimately all these things put you in a better, privileged stance, gaining experience and whatnot.

Overall, if you take adavantage of this, you are getting a significant BANG from the buck.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Every Wednesday there's live music from talented students at Union plaza on-campus. A very amiable environment.

Dead Day, the Friday before midterms and the Friday before finals week are given as days off for the students to prepare better for the tests. I'm not sure if it's done everywhere else, to me it was new.

Great for these types of students
Great for students who'd like to immerse themselves in another culture.

Awesome for those who get the most out of things; driven.

Clubs and Activities
There are many clubs to join, movies, books, volunteers, etc. In particular there's the international culture club, that one's very cool because you can learn from and chat with people from other countries in the most casual and friendly way.
Greek Life
Very little Greek life as far as I know; fraternities and sororities do not have a frat/soror. house. But there are a few you can join, they do get together and do stuff.
Campus Safety
There rarely occurs any disturbance or safety issue at campus. Pretty much all of the student body behaves non-violently. Additionally the campus police is really prepared and helpful; on a regular day you will see at least a couple officers walking around campus. They also offer special help, say you stay quite late on campus and it's all dark and desolate and have to walk a long distance to get to your car. Don't feel like walking alone at late dark? Campus police will give you a lift to your car.

Christina from El Paso, TX

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Most of the professors have previous experience in the subject matter they are teaching and can offer a lot of insight into the application of said subject matter. The professors also tend to have a bit of a sense of humor which is always nice.
Am enjoying being here
The atmosphere of UTEP is very non-threatening, peaceful and beautiful which then tends to rub off on the students. The students are very friendly and welcoming which makes UTEP feel like home. However, UTEP is a commuter school and is undergoing plenty of construction at the moment which complicates things a little bit. Many people will seem busy but try and reach out to make friends. You won't regret it.
Bang for the buck
For a tier two university with division one athletics, the price of tuition is actually quite low. The education received at UTEP is easily as good as what you would receive at other well-known universities so the tuition price is quite a steal.
Tips for prospective students
College is the time to prepare for your career and to forge lasting friendships. Study, but make sure to get out once in a while. UTEP has many opportunities for both study and fun, so make sure to take advantage of them. Try not to stress out too much.
Great for these types of students
Since UTEP is adding new undergraduate and graduate courses and majors pretty much every year, UTEP is great for almost any aspiring student. UTEP has some of the best programs and is constantly growing.

Jessica from El Paso, TX

accepted here and planning to attend soon
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
I was mentored by one of the students there for an electrical engineering program and I learned a lot from the students there who had the opportunity to learn from amazingly great professors. I have a good feeling i will too learn a lot as they did if not more!
Will enjoy being here
The ambient is great. It is full of friendly people. Everywhere i turn im greeted with a warm smile. It has a lot of resources available for the students plus there's a new big gym about to be opened and available for FREE to all students.
Bang for the buck
Though it is still pricey for me tuition rates are not nearly as high as other colleges offering the same degree. I've known past friends who now have good jobs such as Texas Instruments and are getting paid the same amount as those who attended top/expensive schools. UTEP offers good quality for a lesser price.

Allison - El Paso, TX

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Dorm Life
Living in the UTEP dorms has been an incredible journey. The safety is highly dependable since we use our registered school ID's to access doors. No one can get in unless the student allows them in, and the scenery everyday is remarkable. The dorm I'm living at haa s beautiful sunset views from outside and from the rooms themselves. It feels like a community together, we always have workshops and events to attend and bond with other roommates. I have never had a problem and the vibes felt are kind and understanding. It is definitely one place I recommend and encourage to live at.

Miriam from El Paso, TX

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
It is a nice school with a very safe environment. Always clean and professor are usually really nice and understanding.
Tips for prospective students
Go find your classroom before classes start or else you might get lost the first day of school.
Academic Rigor
A lot of major available.
Dorm Life
I do not reside on campus but i have never heard complains about it.
Food and Dining
The food has a lot of variety.
What to do for fun
The school offers many activities, the gym is free for student and it even has a pool.
Bang for the buck
Kind of expensive but totally worth it, and there are many scholarships available.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Minerpalooza is like a carnival takes place every homecoming.
Great for these types of students
Those who like diversity and those persuing an engineering major.
Clubs and Activities
A huge variety of clubs so that any person can join.
Greek Life
Not a part of it, but they are always having fun and activities around campus.
Campus Safety
Campus police is always around, never seen or heard of any issues, I always feel safe even at night.

Tani from El Paso, TX

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
UTEP is a lot greater than I expected. There are so many resources available for students and so many ways to get help or assistance in all aspects of university life, and a lot of them come at no cost to students. It's apparent that students' success is the top priority at this school.
Tips for prospective students
Definitely take part in all the campus events that happen throughout the year and get involved! It's the best way to make friends. Also, do what you like and be yourself. Study hard and do your work, but don't forget to have fun!
Academic Rigor
So far, all my classes have been pretty easy. It's a lot of work and homework, but they don't throw crazy problems or impossible assignments at you without preparing you for it or teaching you the material.
Dorm Life
I've never lived on campus, although I wish I could, but I have friends that say it's incredible, and that it's a whole different experience. The dorms are all new and/or completely renovated, and they offer really useful and convenient amenities.
Food and Dining
There are a lot of food options on and around campus, and they all have good food, including some of the bigger chain restaurants like Starbucks, Pizza Hut, and Chick-Fil-A, but I find that most places on campus are quite expensive. Also, there aren't as many places that offer healthy food.
What to do for fun
Clubs, organizations, Greek life, movies on campus, school events, football games, intramurals, the list is endless!

Simon from El Paso, TX

a current student here
0 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
A large public school with excellent academic programs.
Tips for prospective students
Hardwork is the key to success
Academic Rigor
Excellent.
Dorm Life
Well organised.
Food and Dining
At students availability.
What to do for fun
Sporting activities and recreation.
Bang for the buck
UTEP Tradition.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Always activities and fun fair at the University.
Great for these types of students
College Football.
Clubs and Activities
There are several clubs and associations around the campus.
Greek Life
Is present and available for new and interested members.
Campus Safety
The campus is very safe and secured by the aid of the campus police and security.