Written by Vishakha Mathur
With the size of U of M's student body, it is easy to get lost in a sea of swimming bodies. One can be unique, and yet fit in with the crowd. The U of M houses the whole spectrum of stereotypical jocks, nerds, geeks, goths, emos, and those who either fit in more than one category and those who make their own trends. You can wear Lady Gaga outfits and still feel welcomed by the students. An average student walks around with backpacks, headphones in their ears, hurrying to class. Although students are all different from one another because of their experiences, beliefs, and backgrounds, there is something about standing outside in the minus 20 F weather, waiting for the bus together, that builds relationships. Or soaking up the sun in the mall area. All in all, it is fairly common for a student to ask to join an intramural sports team or a game of Frisbee with total strangers. Everyone is genuinely helpful ("Minnesota nice" at its finest) and willing to meet new people.
The guy-to-girl ratio is pretty balanced, as well. Guys make up a little less than 50 percent of the population, but it doesn't necessarily tip the scale too much. There are neighboring schools to even it out, too. U of M offers anything from casual hookups to dating to serious relationships to soul mates. Want a sloppy girl to hook up with? No problem. A gentleman who will gently kiss you goodnight on the doorstep after a great date? Sure thing. Looking for someone to do yoga with? Watch movies? Discuss the Bible? Absolutely! And, of course, everyone likes "cuddle buddies." A student is bound to make connections with people—good or bad. There will be people who enjoy the same things and have a similar outlook on life, and then there will be the opposites, defying every belief one might have. But these interactions are what build one's character. There is so much to be learned from others, and U of M offers the perfect environment to develop connections and explore relationships.