The University of Texas at El Paso

I loved the Texas Heritage about the university and the comraderie I found in the student body. It’s a lot of fun to join clubs like rugby or tennis.

I didn’t like the Greek houses I found them to be snobbish. Also I would have liked to see better student participation in activities.

UTEP is a one-of-a-kind university, located in a very diverse city, it offers a unique kind of educational experience. Academics wise, we are one of the leading schools in research.

Some professors are difficult (like any other university), don’t be discouraged by our sports teams or the student attendance at games, the social life in El Paso is still very much alive and well.

Since I entered this college I was fully convinced that its functionality to educate me will be enough for me to be satisfied, which it once did the first years I entered. I do like my studio teacher S. Nordstorm who has been incredibly helpful in teaching me and enhancing my technique and music sensitivity. Also in past semesters, the courses of RWS1 and RWS2 were incredible for me; they helped me to enhance my writing skills and to have critical thinking towards my writing.

What I did not like is that the program of music performance is almost the same as the education program in terms of the ways that are being applied. In my case, I have not performed to an audience in the last 6 months indifferent to my classmates that are music education majors, which in the case of music performance, one needs to perform a lot to learn how to perform. Another thing is the student debt in terms of international students. The education system really does not support foreign students as they are not given any financial aid which is enough to cover expenses in a comfortable way for them to study in a comfortable environment. As a music student, practicing needs to be methodical and brilliantly consistent. And many students are not given the opportunity to properly engage in these practices.

I like how the University is very diverse and that almost everyone there is bilingual. I have felt safe and encouraged to participate in almost all my classes.

There are few options for food in-campus and it is not very accessible for college students who pay for their own expenses.

The university offers a number of research and professional experiences for students. I was able to participate in a research course and currently have an internship with the university wellness center. I feel confident graduating with my experience and education.

What I loved at the university was the number of like-minded individuals you may find. It may seem as if you cannot make friends or find people with similar features and attributes, but you'll be surprised! The academics are pretty straightforward, simple, and complex at their respective levels and distinctions. Students and staff are friendly and are there to see you succeed truly.

I wouldn't say I liked some experiences with professors. They seemed to not care for students' success in their classrooms or would comment with negative opinions towards students. Some professors have big egos, and some are giant teddy bears and very helpful. The mentality to face professors is to show up, be quiet, take notes, and study for your exams. Many students have spoken up, but the university never seems to address these student-professor issues.