About University of Akron (Cleveland: crime, neighborhoods, school)

[rejina]

Hey everyone
I am a prospective graduate student from Bangladesh. I might join UAkron in the coming fall of 2010 to do my MS.I was wondering if anyone could give me any info about the city itself, such as weather, how the part time job scenario is, living cost etc.

Thanks

[5Lakes]

U of A grad checking in.

Akron will be a decent city to live in while you're in school. It's not too big or too small, and most areas are good. The campus area and adjacent downtown entertainment district have really improved over the last decade, but it’s still slightly rough around the edges in some of the surrounded neighborhoods. Nothing dangerous though. There are a few bad spots in town, but crime should not be an issue unless you are looking for trouble.

If you're used to a big city it might be kind of boring, but Cleveland is only a 45 minute drive so that helps. Akron is the type of city where most everyone drives from place to place, so if you don't have a car it will be a major hassle. Not a lot of street life in Akron. Overall amenities are fairly good though, you will just not be walking to many of them.

cost of living - about as cheap as you can get in the United States and still be near a populated area.

weather - cold winters with a nice summer and fall. Spring can be hit or miss. Can usually count on pleasant weather from May to October.

job situation - probably about the same as anywhere. It's not a small college town, so that should open up your job possibilities over such places. Plenty of retail options in the area to find part-time work.

[Peregrine]

And the U of A grad doesn't even mention what a great University Akron is. So modest.

It is an excellenct choice for a school in this area.