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Southern Methodist University - Local Atmosphere - College ProwlerCollege Prowler5.00

Local Atmosphere

A+
Where does this grade come from?View all Local Atmosphere rankingsReview this school to add your opinion

Comparable Schools' Local Atmosphere Grades:

Quick Stats

Points of Interest
  • American Airlines Center
  • Ameriquest Field
  • The Dallas Museum of Art
  • The Dallas World Aquarium
  • Hurricane Harbor
  • Lone Star Park
  • The Meyerson
  • Music Hall at Fair Park
  • Six Flags over Texas
  • Smirnoff Music Centre
  • The Texas Motor Speedway

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

To the non-Dallasonian, this city may seem like nothing but tall cowboy boots and hats. But, if anything, Dallas breeds sophisticated cowboys. When I say cowboys, I am not referring to the ones that ride horses and chew on hay; I am alluding to the polite and sociable ones. By the time you are ready to graduate, you will have the best handle on the ins and outs of the city; however, at that point, it will be time for your departure. But for now, you have four years to explore. SMU is located in the midst of the Park Cities, which is comprised of University Park and Highland Park. Both areas are the wealthiest ones in Dallas. The best aspect of this area is its safety. The community is one similar to Pleasantville, where everyone knows everyone. And it is true, there is something here for everyone. The neatest thing about Dallas is that it features live music every night of the week, most of which will be found in Deep Ellum. The museums and Fair Park constantly feature new works of art.

There is always something to do, and everything is at your fingertips—if you have a car. The shopping and dining scenes in Dallas are among the most prestigious places in the nation (San Francisco, New York, Miami, Beverly Hills). Dallas is the home of several top sports teams. Not only do you have the best of what’s around, but if you’re low on cash, you can still find something amusing to do on any given day. White Rock Lake is a mere five minutes from campus if you’re in the mood for a bike ride or a jog. Of course, everyone is aware of the crime rate here. Just as with any other urban city, the best thing to do is to use common sense. Do not embark on a journey into new territory unless it is with a friend. With all that said, I am still finding little treasures in the most remote parts of the city.

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Southern Methodist Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Local Atmosphere at Southern Methodist University

madgebo2014

'14

Communication and Media Studies

5.0
A+

Dallas/Highland Park

I love living at SMU! There is soo much to do because both Highland Park and Dallas are at your disposal. You have the small town atmosphere of Highland Park and Big City of Dallas. From Rangers, to Cowboys, from museums to rester aunts galore, Life is great!

Sep 15, 2011

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Local Atmosphere at Southern Methodist University

kethomas14

'14

International Business

5.0
A+

Dallas

There is always something do to and somewhere to go in Dallas. Great restaurants, night life, and shopping. Couldn't be happier especially because everything is so close to campus.

Aug 18, 2011

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Local Atmosphere at Southern Methodist University

alexpnowlin

'14

Dance

5.0
A+

Dream World

We live in one of the nicer sides of town, so safety is optimal and there's police for both SMU and the smaller suburb town we are in. The area is nice, but not exclusive to those in the lower & middle class. Dallas has a LOT to offer, and is a hidden gem that's not too crowded with tourists. There's always something going on downtown, since they are trying to up the ante around here. Honestly, I don't know of one thing you name and cannot find in Dallas (besides a beach...haha). The local stores are very welcoming of the college lifestyle, and often have discounts in surrounding places. The corporate world highly respects SMU grads, partly because a lot of alums stay in Dallas.

Jun 02, 2011

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Photos of Southern Methodist University's Local Atmosphere

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Southern Methodist University - Celebration of Lights At Dallas HallCelebration of Lights At...
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Celebration of Lights At Dallas Hall A look at the "Celebration of Lights," which kicks off the holiday season.
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Southern Methodist University - Bridwell LibraryBridwell Library
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Bridwell Library The weather can be fickle in Dallas.
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Southern Methodist University - Down the boulevardDown the boulevard
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Down the boulevard This is a view from Dallas Hall.
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Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate the local atmosphere on the following topics

What is the local atmosphere like at your school?

What is the proximity to other universities? Is there much interaction?

Can you see yourself living here after graduation?

Facts

Shopping Centers
  • The Galleria
  • Highland Park Village
  • Mockingbird Station
  • NorthPark Center
  • Preston Center
  • West Village
Major Sports Teams
  • Dallas Burn: soccer
  • Dallas Cowboys: football
  • Dallas Stars: hockey
  • Texas Rangers: baseball
City Web Sites
Distances to Nearest Major Cities
  • Austin: TX: 3 hours
  • Houston: TX: 4 hours
Did You Know?

5 Fun Facts about Dallas:
• Dallas ranks as the ninth largest city in the U.S.
• The State Fair of Texas has been held every year since 1886 in the same location: Fair Park.
• Dallas, the television show that ran for 13 years, featured the Dallas area.
• CBS’s Walker Texas Ranger, was filmed in Dallas.
• With more than 13,000 births per year, the Dallas Parkland Hospital System is the largest birthing center in the country. Oooh, baby!


Famous People from Dallas:
Jensen Ackles Angie Harmon
Erykah Badu Norah Jones
Ernie Banks George McFarland
Clyde Barrow Meatloaf
William Ramsey Clark Tracy Needham
Emily Erwin Aaron Spelling
Martie Erwin Stevie Ray Vaughan
Morgan Fairchild Owen Wilson
Melinda Gates Robin Wright-Penn
Peri Gilpin


Local Slang:
Ya’ll – Southern way of saying “you all” or “you guys”
Blows – Another word for sucks or stinks; “this blows”
Izzle – This is attached to everything, mostly by guys
Fixin’ – Southern way of saying “about to” or “fixing to”

Movie TheatersWhat's This?

AMC Northpark
8687 N. Central Expressway
Dallas
(888) 262-4386

Angelika Film Center at Mockingbird Station
5321 E. Mockingbird Ln.
(214) 841-4700

Cinemark 17
11819 Webb Chapel
Dallas
(972) 247-8172

Loews At Cityplace
2600 N. Haskell Ave.
(214) 828-6008

The Magnolia at West Village
3699 E. McKinney Ave.
(214) 764-9106

Regent at Highland Park Village
32 Highland Park Village
(214) 526-9668

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Most Recent Student Author

College Prowler guides are in the hands of students throughout the entire process. Because you can't make student-written guides without the students, we have students at each campus who write, edit, and survey their peers for every guide that we publish. Thanks to our most recent student author at SMU

Name: Peter Goldschmidt

Hometown: Jefferson City, MO

Major: Financial Consulting

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