Shall I come to Muncie? (Indianapolis: cliquey, crimes, home)

[amohammed]

Hello everyone,
I just need some advice here from people who can provide me with it.
I'm a graduate student from Bahrain and I'm coming to the USA to pursue my postgraduate studies (PhD). I have two admissions from two universities, one in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the other one in Muncie, Indiana.
I'm now confused to where I should be going. Both universities seem to be good (Louisiana State University and Ball State University), but I'm not sure about life in each of these states. Which one has more to offer in regard to entertainment, restaurants, shopping centers and so on.
I'd appreciate it if anyone can give me advice in this regard.
Thank you all in advance.

[domergurl]

Muncie is a small city in Indiana. For most entertainment outside of campus, you'll be going to Indianapolis, about 45 minutes away ... you'll need a car because there isn't any public transit.

Are you going to be able to visit both places before making a decision?

[amohammed]

Thank you domergurl for your info.
I don't think I will be able to visit both places before making my mind. I wish I could do so. I don't know how the US visa system works so I think I won't be able to visit these two states and universities before I decide. That's why I'm seeking US people's opinion on my issue.
Thanks a lot again.

[Colts]

Ball State's a really good school. They're going through a huge transformation right now to make the school a national destination.

Muncie does have public transportation (buses) but their system isn't very extensive. It's called MITS, and they run four routes through Ball State. Go to mitsbus.org for more information.

The city is fairly boring, so plan on coming down to Indianapolis for culture/entertainment.

[domergurl]

I think that Baton Rouge would offer more outside of campus activities ...

[amohammed]

Thank you for both Colts and domergurl, but I'm still confused and can't make my mind! Any more input please will be appreciated.

[Interpol76]

Baton Rouge (Louisiana State) by far. Muncie is an extremely ugly, boring blur collar town with a mediocre University attached to it. This place has nothing, and I do mean nothing, to offer culturally. The one social aspect that separates Ball State from most Universities in Indiana is that there is a distinct "high-schoolish" feel to the place. Students here are very cliquey, and somewhat stuck up.

[domergurl]

I wouldn't go so far as to say BSU is mediocre. Some of their programs are top notch. I'm not sure what program the OP is pursuing, but that could make a difference. But in terms of campuses and culture ... LSU wins.

[plaidmom]

Originally Posted by domergurl

I wouldn't go so far as to say BSU is mediocre. Some of their programs are top notch. I'm not sure what program the OP is pursuing, but that could make a difference. But in terms of campuses and culture ... LSU wins.

Plus...the food. Yum. The weather in IN may be an issue for you as well (unless you are looking forward to experiencing four seasons ).

Ultimately though, domergurl is right. You need to pick to school with the best academic program for your particular field.

Good luck.

[amohammed]

Thank you all for your replies (Interpol76, Domergurl and plaidmom). I'm going to do PhD in Linguistics and I feel the program in both universities is the same, so I have no problem with the universities here. I also feel that, from searching this website and the internet, that Baton Rouge seems to have so much to offer. I also read about the crimes and discrimination there. I will be coming with my wife and it is important to ensure her safety while I'm at university, plus I don't want her to be bored staying at home all the time. I'm still so confused, sometimes I feel both places are the same, other times I feel Baton Rouge is where I wanna go and at the same time I feel Muncie is the place I wanna go - confusing, isn't it??
Thanks again for all your help and still looking forward to getting more opinions