Any University of Cincinnati Students (Current or Graduated) Out There?

I’ve been accepted to UC but am not familiar with the Cincinnati area at all and have not visited the campus yet. I’d like to gather some more information before narrowing down my choices and visiting the campus. If any current or former UC students are out there, I’d really appreciate your input! What follows are some questions I currently have:

<li> How’s the co-op program there? I’ve done some digging into the co-op program at another school (Drexel U.) and it appears, at least at that school, the quality of the co-op experience varies depending on major. Apparently all they do is provide leads for job openings and you do the rest. Also, you aren’t necessarily going to get a paid co-op or a position that gives you valuable/marketable experience as opposed to just preparing coffee for the boss and the like. So I get the impression that except for a few select majors, the co-op at Drexel isn’t of much benefit compared to independently seeking job opportunities at any other school that doesn’t offer co-ops.<br></li>

So I was wondering just how good the co-op program at UC is and whether it’s worthwhile for most or just a relatively limited few. The co-op program at UC would be a big selling point to me if it would likely be worthwhile.

<li>I won’t have a car, so I was wondering what the public transportation system on campus and around town is like. I’m unfamiliar with Cincinnati, but know what Columbus is like. Does the Cincinnati SORTA metro bus system offer frequent service runs on its various routes and does it take you pretty much anywhere you need to go?</li>
<li>What’s the campus and immediate surroundings off campus like? From what limited info I’ve read, apparently the campus is pretty compact and can be crossed from one end to another within 10minutes by foot, so it seems much smaller than OSU. The things I’ve heard about the immediate area off-campus has been mixed. It appears the school’s in a not-so-good area but that it’s getting better as they tear down bad properties and rebuild. </li>
<li>Are there any good malls, theaters, and other attractions that’s a bus ride away?</li>
<li>What’s the best place to live? if on campus, which dorm(s), if off campus, where? I’ve been looking at (a) the new Recreation Center building dorms since it appears they have singles there with a shared bath, (b) Stratford Heights and University Park apartments, and (c) the Family and Graduate Housing complex.
Any info on the pros and cons of the above or new suggestions would be appreciated.</li>

Thanks in advance for any information you can share!