The University of North Texas

Date: Nov 22 2011
Major: History/Histories (art history/etc.) (This Major's Salary over time)
I loved my time at UNT. Although it is going through many "growing pains," the school itself has a great deal to offer.

The image of UNT as a commuter college was still present when I was a freshman ('04), but that seems to be drifting away with construction projects and efforts to improve old buildings. By the time I was a senior ('08), the commuter image was starting to fade. Many younger people I know that attend now say that everything is more campus-centered.

My major (History) and minor (English) professors were very approachable. Their office hours were workable. The only classes I did not like were in the Math Department. I was involved in several extracurricular activities. If you look, you will find something to do.

After graduation, I had no trouble finding employment directly related to my major as a state historian. The History Department (outside of freshman core classes) is excellent for developing a solid research foundation. My major classes were decently small (18 students, tops.) Currently, I am in grad school at another Texas school and have no academic issues. No one in my job or grad school thinks less of me because of my UNT degree.

The student body is interesting. A claim that UNT is made up solely of DFW kids is not entirely fair. The majority of my UNT friends were not from DFW. I am originally from Austin, so I am not from DFW either. People can be quite free-spirited: the number of barefoot students is a giveaway. If you have an open mind, you won't have problems as far as social interactions.

Parking is an issue that needs to be addressed. (Although most large schools deal with the same problem. Have you ever tried parking at UT? The only campus I haven't had parking issues with is TCU.) My advice is to live on campus, bike, or get an apartment close to campus. Don't waste your time with parking permits or tickets.

UNT is seriously underrated. If you want to attend a growing university with a quirky atmosphere and good academics, UNT is a pleasant place to spend four years.