Is minneapolis a hazard for young college students, who have never lived in a big city? (Mankato: apartment, rent)

[Laggard]

Bit of culture shock but you'll be fine. A few years back an 18 year old female from some small town moved into our building. She lasted about three months before she headed home.

That's probably rare.

[BORGUSX]

Hey, Jazz if you have a facebook profile, I can send you my link via a private message through this site! I can show you around Minneapolis and I hope that I wouldn't be too old when you're 18 because I'm turning 19 this year!

[pepe1]

You'll be fine in Minneapolis. There are literally tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of rural transplants in the Twin Cities that do just fine for themselves.

My only suggestion would be to really re-evaluate the community college route for the reasons Talktobrent has already mentioned - it's hard to build friendships at a communtiy college. I realize the U of M will be more expensive for you, but education is really an investment in your future - and I think the U is a much better investment than a community college.

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by Camden Northsider

In your situation, I would suggest not going to Mankato, although they do have some programs with a solid reputation and it's getting to be a lot more diverse, you'll likely be around the same (or same type) of kids you went to high school with, and on that note, you can tell your mom that you're much less likely to die from alcohol poisoning here in Mpls than in Mankato which might make her feel better.

Wow, has Mankato State (or whatever stupid name they use now) gotten that bad?

It certainly had a rep as a party school when I went there (and to date myself, the drinking age was only 19 my freshman year <grin>), but most of the folks that I ran around with were more likely to be playing Traveller or Diplomacy on Friday or Saturday nights than going out bar-hopping or hitting keggers in the off-campus apartments.

Not that we didn't do some of that. The old Eagle Apartments just east of Trafton were well-known for parties, Skanks in North Mankato had a very good import beer selection, and the Oleander Saloon had good corn dogs and Green Death on tap. But drinking is expensive and cuts into the pizza budget.

[jazzymentality]

Originally Posted by pepe1

You'll be fine in Minneapolis. There are literally tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of rural transplants in the Twin Cities that do just fine for themselves.

My only suggestion would be to really re-evaluate the community college route for the reasons Talktobrent has already mentioned - it's hard to build friendships at a communtiy college. I realize the U of M will be more expensive for you, but education is really an investment in your future - and I think the U is a much better investment than a community college.

He was talking about, NOT living in the AREA of the community school, I don't think not neccessarily going to that community school. I think I'm going to live in uptown minneapolis.

[nick is rulz]

Uptown is a good place to go if you're young and want to meet people. The Whittier area (east of Lyndale Ave) can be semi rough around the edges in some spots but its not that bad. If you want to be close to the action and in a decent spot look at the blocks between Franklin, Lake, Lyndale and Hennepin.

[jazzymentality]

I have a feeling that I'm going to end up dead. I mean, I know absolutely no one there. Anyone could take advantage of me!

[Laggard]

Originally Posted by jazzymentality

I have a feeling that I'm going to end up dead. I mean, I know absolutely no one there. Anyone could take advantage of me!

Not if you don't let them. You learn quickly. For instance, any time a stranger address you as "sir", they're going to ask for money.

[Thegonagle]

Just don't buy into the "My truck broke down on the freeway and my wife and daughter are in there and I just need $4.50 to take the 'shuttle bus' to the Mission Hotel to borrow a gas can..." kind of stuff. Some of the panhandlers have some well rehearsed stories. You'll meet people to hang out with and you'll be fine. Minneapolis is very safe as far as big-city living goes.

If you're going to MCTC, the apartments owned and managed by Laurel Village couldn't be a more ideal location. Some of their buildings are literally across the street from the college. They're newer buildings that clean and safe. Cost might be a concern though.

[laura82erickson]

The great thing about being 18 and going to college, is that you finally get to make a decision that is best for YOU - not your parents! The "big city" may not be good for them... but it might be great for you, and you'll never know unless you give it a try. The best thing about trying it out is that you won't have any regrets - and you can always move back home if you don't enjoy city life

I hope you make your choice for the right reasons and stay true to yourself - only YOU know what you are capable of handling