University of South Dakota
Reviews

Off Campus Housing Available and Affordable

There are many off campus housing options for upperclassmen, including many within walking/biking distance. Rent is affordable, ranging from 500-800 ish a month. There are also many houses for rent.

Off Campus Housing

There is a lot of apts/houses available for rent near campus.

Public Transit

Vermillion only has a public transit system for those who do not have a car. The cost is generally $2.50 and they have a student discount for year round pass. Not many students use the bus during the day, but there is a late-night party transit for students coming back from the bars and who are unable to drive. The only real problem is the transit's hours of operation which is a huge inconvenience on the weekends.

Helpful Information

It is nice that USD sends out text messages and emails about possible threats to their students.

USD Drug Scene

Drinking is popular, but other drugs don't appear to be much of an issue.

USD Greek Life

Although I'm not familiar with the greek life on campus, it would seem that many students are involved. Also, I get the impression that the students are generally satisfied with the greek life offered at USD.

The heat index at 120 degrees in...

The heat index at 120 degrees in July will make you want to melt. One summer, we took turns sitting in each other’s cars because the air conditioner in our house couldn’t keep up during the day.

I really like the fact that most...

I really like the fact that most teachers check their e-mail several times a day, and it’s a convenient way to communicate with most of them. They also let you e-mail them assignments and post notes and PowerPoint presentations online. Most of my classes are using WebCT, and I enjoy the group message boards and private class e-mails through the system. Plus, if you join the Honors Program, you get a Palm Pocket PC. I love my Palm. I use it as my agenda book, and it comes in handy, but professors aren’t using it in classes like they are supposed to be doing.

USD Weather

As a Northern State, South Dakota gets plenty of snow. Classes are rarely cancelled, but this should be expected where snow is typical.

Vermillion gets tons of storms in...

Vermillion gets tons of storms in the summer.

Guys and Girls

The guys and girls on campus seem to be pretty average.

Buildings

Wow is all I can say to all the new buildings. I wish I was a business major-what a spectacular building they have. Also the new student union is excellent. I can't wait to live in Coyote Village and the new Wellness Center will be done next Spring....it's a great time to be a Coyote!

What do you mean? There are people...

What do you mean? There are people here who aren’t white?

Very Easy

I pretty much went it told them what I wanted and was accepted.

Doesnt Really Apply for Rapid City Campus

We are not at the main campus, so it doesnt really apply to us.

It Cost More to Go Here

Not being on the main campus our credit hours are roughly $150 more than main campus. So your finacial aid doesnt go as far.

Alot of Older Returning Students

I attend a off main campus learning center. It is comprised of mostly working adults returning to school or just starting college.There are a few young people just out of High School but as an older student I am very comfortable with the mix.

A Lot to Choose from

Majors are wide and the professors will really help you decide which major will help you later on in life. They also provide you with the schedule you will have for most of your years in the college.

Wellness Center Is a Big Plus

The Wellness Center is very spacious and has a lot for athletes to do as well as other people who want to work out or try the rock climbing wall.

Coyote Village Great for Freshman

It's almost like living in an apartment. If you don't want to live on campus you can live in apartments within the area.

Small Community, Great for One-On-One

It's a small community which is great if you need to get one-on-one help with the instructors. The student center is very helpful if you have any questions. The office of admissions also answers your questions quickly.

More Financial Aid

I remember upon my original meeting with the financial aid office being very confused and anxious. The woman helping my mother and I through the process seemed very rushed. We were offered a very minimal amount of information on outside financial aid which would have been very helpful.

Punishment Policies

The campus police are not very strict when it comes to drinking. Officers tend to be more concerned about making sure you make it to your destination safely than punishing students. This does not mean, however, that there is no negative repercussion for bad behavior. There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence or drug use.

Acceptance of Diversity

There is a fairly good variety of people from different backgrounds. While the majority of students are white, there are few signs of discrimination or racial tension. One of the things I enjoy most about my school is the people and how accepting most are.

The Midwest

Since Vermillion, SD is so small it does not take too long for streets to be plowed. USD is very good with having sidewalks always cleared with our terrible weather in South Dakota. Since the campus is no where near big, and driving is a main way of transportation from class to class it is never a huge bother to get to class with weather.