I would like to know more about the reputation of the university. How good is the university with research activities? From what I have heard, professors in UNM are not approachable, and friendly. Is it true?
In addition, how is the social life at UNM?
UNM has research activities available. My physics major at UNM has zero difficulties getting research positions in physics or engineering. Neither did my high school student who cold emailed about 15 professors in the bio dept. dept. In fact, I don’t of a single STEM kid who wanted a research position who didn’t get one.
(I can’t speak for other areas since my kids were in STEM fields.)
Additionally, rising juniors and seniors in STEM fields who are eligible can do summer and continuing internships at the two National Labs nearby (Sandia National Lab and Los Alamos National Lab).
Some professors are more approachable than others. It depends. Generally people in the Southwest are pretty laid back.
Social life is what you make of it. Some of the dorms have a party hearty reputation, but most don’t. There are frats/sororities if you’re into that. There’s plenty to watch if you’re into athletics (though the football team has been dismal for the past 3-4 years). Basketball and soccer teams (both men’s & women’s) are top notch. A couple of players on the golf team will qualify for the pro tour this year. There’re 3 climbing walls at the gym and the there are a wilderness area and a ski run within 30 minutes by car. (Or you can take the tram up to the top of the mountain from the city side.) Santa Fe is 40 minutes by train. (More skiing, lots of shopping.)
If you’re looking NYC or LA style night life–you’re not going to find it at UNM, but there are plenty of clubs downtown and a reasonably decent campustown adjacent to the school for dining & shopping.
BTW, Albuquerque has more microbreweries than any other place in the US! And pretty happening food truck scene.