<p>Hello, I am an engineering freshman here at Texas Tech. If you would like to know anything, just ask me.</p>
<p>Daughter accepted with excellent scholarship, Out-of-state, bio-chem/pre-med, visited and liked the campus quite a bit. Nothing but good vibes in every interaction with Tech so far…</p>
<p>Trying to choose between A & M, Tech, Houston and Baylor. Any feedback on the student from out of state experience? How good are the bio and chemistry programs? </p>
<p>Trying to get a sense for campus and academics that you don’t get from the official tour and a sterile day on campus.</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>Are the apartments by Texas Tech nice?</p>
<p>do you know if Texas has a good premed/biology program? Do you know anyone who say the biology program is good?</p>
<p>@jbh2772nc I can not speak too much on the bio part, but I have some friends who major in biology and they enjoy it. Chemistry courses at Tech can be pretty tough, but with decent study habits and hard work, you can easily make an A in the class. I would advise people to take the 1 credit hour chemistry support classes, they are easy A’s and they help. I can tell you this- faculty in the chemistry building are very helpful and interactive; they are there to help you, not to overwork and scare you. Before every chem exam, practice exams are uploaded online and they are nearly like the actual exams. They are difficult, but you can get an A on them. And you learn a lot of information that you will need to retain for future classes.</p>
<p>Since Texas Tech is located nearly 6 hours away from where I live, it is almost like being out of state. Not being able to go home every month is not as bad as it seems. I can say that I have gained a lot of independence while being at college. I have met people from all over the United States, and they seem to really enjoy Tech. Although it is a culture shock at first, you tend to realize that a lot of people share the same interests as you and it is not difficult to make friends. I would advise people to stay in their learning-community dorms.</p>
<p>@Badluckbrian yes the apartments are pretty nice, especially the ones at overton! And my friends who are in pre-med say it is tough but they are all currently adjusting. I do not know too much, sorry</p>
<p>Great info! Thank you</p>
<p>So halfway through your first year, what’s been your “I wish I would have known…” </p>
<p>If one of your friends from home asked you about the party scene at Tech, you would tell them…</p>
<p>School spirit. It is Saturday night. You can get tickets to a basketball game or go downtown. Most students will…</p>
<p>Thanks for the help!</p>
<p>@jbh277nc My first semester, I wish I would’ve known that I would actually have to study hard, for everything. Not just tests. Also, I wish I would’ve known that I need to study for tests at least a week before I have them, not just a few days. I wish I would’ve known that it is best not to procrastinate too. Time management is something I would completely fix. Also, retain information, so during dead week, you do not have to relearn everything. Just study throughout the semester.</p>
<p>The party scene at Tech is amazing! Just like at any other school, there is alcohol and stuff at parties, but you do not have to get involved with that. Going to parties is a great way to relax and meet new people around campus. I advise to always go with people you know though. Also, the clubs are nice. They have different theme nights, and always ask for ID to see if you are a minor or not.</p>
<p>At Tech, people NEVER miss football games. We get into every athletic event for free. However, basketball is another story. Most people will most likely go out to a club or party on the weekend, but there are a lot of people who attend the basketball games, but usually when we are playing someone big. Since there are so many basketball games, we choose not to go to every one. Tech has a lot of school spirit. Just check out the video on YouTube “Red Raider Style” to get a glimpse of how much we love our athletic teams!</p>
<p>Thanks man. Do you dorm? Are community bathrooms a problem? I also am 6 hours away from Tech and being away from my parents and siblings is going to be incredibly tough. But that’s what you have to sacrifice to keep achieving.</p>
<p>@badluckbrian Yeah, I stay in the engineering dorm bledsoe. It’s nice, and so are the bathrooms, but I did not like anything about it at first. When I started making friends there, it all began to become better. And it’s rough being away from your family, but it ultimately makes your relationship with them grow stronger. The best thing about the dorms are the lobbies and the study lounges, you make many friends there.</p>
<p>flanaganml,
I am actually the current freshman at TTU as well. Interestingly enough, I have completely different experience than what you described here. I have managed to succeed in the academic life, getting all As with 18 hours taken, yet I didn’t integrate well into the college life. I think it mostly has to do with the fact that most part of a student-body is composed of local citizens; in other words, I didn’t find many fellow foreign students there. Also, I learned to realize that most Texans have conservative beliefs that don’t include welcoming foreigners with open arms. In the general picture, I was satisfied with the academics, but not with people there. I also found Tech’s reputation of a “party school” completely false, since I haven’t seen or been invited to a single party there. </p>
<p>Also, it’s international students who often get As in all classes; for local students, it’s a struggle. </p>
<p>Any advice from your experience, on how to “blend” there?</p>
<p>Out of curiosity, where are you from andersfrom?</p>
<p>I am from Europe, and I attend TTU as an international student.</p>
<p>@andersfrom What do you mean by local? I only know about 2 people who are from Lubbock. Most people are from Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and small towns throughout Texas. But going off what you said, yes there are a lot of people who hold conservative beliefs, but there are also many people who are college liberals. Try getting involved with clubs and organizations. I know many people who are international students that have made many friends. I just advise you to get involved and go out and meet people. Trust me, that is what worked for me.</p>
<p>flanaganml,
Appreciate your response.
By “local” I meant the students who came from the US (Americans).
Can you please clarify how exactly should I get involved? Do you know any organizations with many college liberals, who would welcome, appreciate, and be interested in a foreign student?</p>
<p>I’m new to this site. And I was wondering how do you make a post?</p>
<p>Sent from my PC36100 using CC</p>
<p>I also have concern regarding the medical services. We pay 1500$ as a “Health Insurance.” Fact: when I was sick, I couldn’t get a single anti-flu pill, and had to ask my roommate, who was generous enough to give me some. I don’t understand what student is expected to do when he/she is sick, has an upcoming final exam in 1 day (that’s when I got sick), and cannot make it to the wellness centre, which doesn’t work on weekend. Ambulance? “hm…only in case of an emergency, flu is not emergency” Professor: if you miss final, you get zero. Result: went to take final with 39 degrees of body temperature; is that what we pay for? How to deal with this, if you’re sick?</p>
<p>Hey what are the GE classes you are required to take?</p>
<p>Sent from my PC36100 using CC</p>
<p>1 year of english; 1 year of history; 1 year of science; 2 classes of political science; visual/performing arts; elective;</p>
<p>@andersfrom You can join the Tech Democrats. Also, the Vietnamese Student Association, clubs related to your major, and possibly a good fraternity. What’s your major?</p>
<p>And @andersfrom that sounds like an emergency! Usually the wellness center is busy, but they do treat you if you are ill.</p>