Southern Methodist University - Local Atmosphere

College Prowler Take

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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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

Dallas is a great college city.... Dallas is a great college city. There are tons of restaurants and bars, and there is plenty to do on the weekends. If you are into the party scene, you can’t go wrong with Greenville Avenue. It is so close to campus, and Deep Ellum is right downtown. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

I love Dallas, but I’ve also lived... I love Dallas, but I’ve also lived here my entire life. I remember my freshman year, people would say that they hated Dallas, and I never understood why. It is pretty upscale around here. People walk around with their noses in the air and are very prissy. I would definitely stay away from South Dallas, places like Oak Cliff, that’s where all the gangs hang out. I love that Dallas has so many professional sports teams. You can go see any of their games. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

The city of University Park is... The city of University Park is very upscale and suburban. Some of the benefits are a really low number of crimes and a very eye-pleasing background for after-class activities. The disadvantages are the traffic, pollution, and lack of support for the school’s failing football program. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

The atmosphere is great, even... The atmosphere is great, even though it can sometimes be considered a bubble. People are very nice and approachable. There are no universities around. The local area is reasonably safe, so there is not much tostay away from. Places to visit: Lower Greenville, Deep Ellum, and Highland Park, which is located three minutes from campus. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

I think it’s a great city to have... I think it’s a great city to have a school in—large enough so you have a city feeling, and not like you’re in the middle of nowhere. SMU is active in the community and receives a lot of positive support from it. The city has a lot of character and diversity with lots to do (I, however, stay on campus mostly). Dallas features a great day life and night life. The school is in the best part of town. There is something here for everyone. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Facts

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”

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