Questions about Univ. of MN Twin Cities (Minneapolis: law school, universities)

[MitchArk87]

I am an Arkansas native who is interested in attending out-of-state universities. Although I got accepted by every school I applied, I want to learn more about the University of Minnesota and how it ranks among other Big 10 schools such as Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ohio State. I plan to major in History with a possibility of minor in Secondary Social Studies Education for state teaching licensure.

I know UMinn is an awesome school, but I am concerned if I would be able to make friends easily especially with its large student population and with their heritages of being German/Scandanivian, which has the reputation of being unfriendly and cold towards non-Minnesota natives.

How is the area surrounding UMinn Twin Cities Campus? Is it safe or dangerous? I am curious because I know it's practically across the river from Downtown. If it's a dangerous area to live, what are the boundaries of the bad area? Is the campus safe or not?

Anything you can tell me would be very helpful and deeply appreciated.

[Cleomayline]

There is a large international population at the U of M - all my kids made friends of different nationalities there. It is not a dangerous area. It ranks up there with other good universities, especially the ones you mention, and depending on your major. Above average law school and good veterinarian school. It's a fine place to get an education.

[MitchArk87]

Originally Posted by Cleomayline

There is a large international population at the U of M - all my kids made friends of different nationalities there. It is not a dangerous area. It ranks up there with other good universities, especially the ones you mention, and depending on your major. Above average law school and good veterinarian school. It's a fine place to get an education.

Thank you for sharing information about UMinn with me, Cleomayline. I am leaning towards UMinn as my choice for education. I believe it's an awesome school with plenty of cultural diversity and opportunities along with higher chances of getting job offerings upon graduation. I have heard many nice things about Minnesota especially about its excellent economy and being one of the most healthiest states to live.

[KellyErin]

well ya probably want to stay away from west st paul- ive seen a lot of "interesting" things happen around there. It isnt that bad around there though; as long as ya dont **** anyone off for no reason ya'll probably like it around there.

[K-Luv]

I am not sure about the history department at the undergrad level, but the history department at the grad level is ranked 3rd best in the country (I guess that depends on whose rankings you are reading and what particular aspect of history they offer).

Also, the UofM, Twin Cities is one of the best research schools in the country and they are pushing hard to become the second best research school in the world (I am totally serious).

It is also the largest campus in the country, and with that, there are tons of students which can at times make things a pain.


The campus is safe as well as the surrounding area.

Downtown Minneapolis is pretty darn safe itself. The only things you really have to worry about is a particular area around Block-E, the Warehouse District and the Greyhound station (Block-E in my opinion IS safe). And you only really need to watch yourself in the Warehouse District late at night when the drunk white hats and thugs are milling about the clubs. The Greyhound station is mainly due to Harbor Lights-a homeless shelter, and I don't know why you would want to hang out around there anyways.


I wouldn't worry about making friends at the UofM, unless you are extremely shy.

[golfgal]

Just a word of advice, in MN you would need a Social Science major to get a teaching certificate with a secondary education minor. Also, social studies teachers are a dime a dozen. You might want to consider the near impossibility of getting a job in that field after school--in MN anyway. If you have any interest in Biology, Chemistry, or math you might want to think about going that route instead.