<p>I know there are several universities located within Lubbock, which are somewhat prestigious in their own right, but what do some of you, that attend a university in Lubbock, think about the surrounding area and the social environment? Is it not as diverse as they say it is?</p>
<p>O, and could you critique:</p>
<p>1) University of Chicago - Chicago, Ill., - Private University.</p>
<p>2) Texas Tech University - Which is in Lubbock, 4 year - public university.</p>
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<p>wfm1125 - I attended the University of Chicago (first hand info) and my son is a sophomore is in the Honors College at Texas Tech (so second hand info). Were you accepted into Tech's Honors College? If you decide to go to Tech, you will find the Honors College students often form strong bonds early on and are encouraged to participate in Honors activities of various kinds (such as the current events lunch every Friday). The Honors Freshman Year Experience classes really help nurture the ties not only between students, but also faculty and students. The Tech home football games are great for the fun part of being a college student. The Honors kids can roll out of bed on a Saturday morning at Gordon Hall and are less than half a mile away walk over to the tail gate parties before the games. My son really enjoys this. Both the men's and women's basketball games are a great time as well.</p>
<p>I can answer questions about Hyde Park (the neighborhood around the University of Chicago) and the city, but if you want to know specifically about the University of Chicago social scene and related questions, I recommend sending a private message to idad (who has the trifecta of having attended U of C as a grad student, taught there as a graduate teaching assistant, and currently has a son attending there) and Katharos (an upcoming freshman who already lives in Hyde Park and has participated in various U of C activities. I loved going to U of C myself, but it's a completely different experience than Texas Tech will be. </p>
<p>Also, feel free to pm me regarding Lubbock in general from a parent's eye view.</p>
<p>Lubbock as a town is ugly and boring, as is the whole Texas Panhandle region. (Yeah I said it. I was born there.) </p>
<p>The Texas Tech campus, on the other hand, is very attractive and is the region's one bright spot, socially and culturally. Kids who go there universally rave about it. But one wonders what they are comparing it to?</p>
<p>lol Thanks for your comment. I appreciate it a lot, and could you elaborate more on what you meant by, "But one wonders what they are comparing it to?"</p>
<p>I'm assuming the overall experience? And, if you could choose, would you choose either the University of Chicago or Texas Tech University?</p>
<p>And, if you could, go into more detail on the overall educational experience of Texas Tech, I'd greatly appreciate it. I know the city is a major bore! Who knows, I will be visiting it next week! I guess I will see for myself, but as of right now, I am forced to believe the opinions of others.</p>
<p>Thanks lonestardad for your comment! I greatly appreciate it. I will get back to you on TTU a little bit more. I'll ask you more questions in the future! Thanks for posting!</p>
<p>Nah, that's enough elaboration. I still have relatives out that way. The city/region is really not that important, but you asked. You can have a great time and get a great education at Tech. Or UChi. Not many have those two on their short list.</p>
<p>wmf1125 - Since your visit to Tech again is coming next week, let me toss another couple tidbits out about Tech and Lubbock. When you go on campus there are some "didn't know that" kinds of surprises on campus. First, be sure to walk over to the Recreation Center (it won't be on the tour). It is the largest one of its kind for a public university in Texas (see the climbing wall, the huge outdoor pool, etc.) Also, drop over to the International Cultural Center (ICC), which is on the northwest side of campus across the highway from the Medical Center, and see how numerous the study abroad opportunities are. My son is taking an Honors class in African Affairs this semester by a former ambassador to a country in West Africa who is also the head of the ICC. If a Washington D.C. semester is your cup of tea, Tech has its own residence facility in Washington (not many colleges/universities can say that) and a competitive scholarship program (a $4000 award) to defray some of the costs living in D.C. As you know from my other posts, the undergraduate research opportunities at Tech are outstanding, especially in the sciences.</p>
<p>Before my son and I visited Tech and Lubbock for the first time, he said that "no way" was he ever going to go to that "hick" town of Lubbock. He was used to the malls and other amenities of our large Dallas suburb. So his expectations were low for Lubbock in particular. As we drove around the edge of campus, we noticed that the rock group, Metallica, was coming to Tech's basketball arena. I said "hick towns" don't get groups like Metallica coming to town. He couldn't deny that. Then we drove around the west and southwest parts of the city which reminded him very much of our Dallas suburb in its residential areas, the mall, and close-by restaurants. (Embassy Suites - a major hotel chain - just opened up a facility near the mall.) If you are flying into Lubbock, the airport is very nice for a city of 200,000. Also, the mall itself (South Plains Mall) is very attractive and well-laid out INSIDE with a zillion stores inside (the outside of the mall is blah but inside is very appealing). </p>
<p>Be sure to walk a bit as well to get a flavor of the city. North of 15th Street and University Avenue bordering on the east side of campus are several new apartment complexes (not part of the University) built primarily to attract Tech students. Also, there are new townhouses and several new businesses. This section of the city (called "North Overton") is the largest privately funded urban renewal project in the country (at a couple hundred million dollars plus). Don't scoff, but a new super Wal-Mart (very convenient for a student's budget) just opened in North Overton less than a mile from campus. Also, if you have a chance, browse down brick-lined Broadway Avenue starting at University Avenue (the east entry to Tech) and see some of the grand old churches and large old homes. Broadway connects downtown to Tech. If you see Lubbock exclusively by car, you will likely say "boring, boring", but if you walk a bit, try a restaurant here or there, etc. you may come to find it's quite livable. I know it's too late for this visit, but if you come again to Lubbock with your parents try to stay at the Hawthorn Suites at 19th and University (just across from campus). It's comfy, relaxing, and very convenient.</p>
<p>Wow, I greatly appreciate your words of advice. You have given me hope! I am ecstatic about my visit to TTU, now more than ever! Thank you so much, and I promise I will take to heart everything you have shared with me. I especially appreciate the hotel recommendation!</p>