<p>Next year, I will be a freshman at the University of Michigan, and I'm happy overall to be going there. I know that I'll be able to get a great education at U of M as well as meet many new people while I'm there. Those are two things about which I'm very excited. </p>
<p>However, I'm also slightly worried about going there. I'm worried about the size and the layout of the campus, but those are things to which I can adjust (not really vital problems). The main problem that I have with this university is that I've heard many times that many students as well as the administration are "stuck up" and treat their visitors (people and college wise) poorly. This has always been a major turn off for me about U of M, and I hate it when people (as well as universities) act like they're better than everybody else (I sincerely hope that I do not become that way while I'm there). I'm just wondering how much "outsiders" (for lack of a better word) have noticed this in Michigan as well as how other universities (perhaps more so in the Big Ten) perceive the school attitude wise. I don't know. It's not always just the academics that make a school a great one but also how the school treats its guests and opponents. Hopefully, I'll be able to deal with the snooty part of the school if it turnes out to be really apparent.</p>
<p>I visisted this past break, and I thought we were treated very well as visitors. The information session was actually much better than the one I attended at Northwestern, and we had a great campus tour guide. They offered us plently of materials and everyone was very friendly.
It's such a diverse and large population, I'm sure you'll be able to find your niche. I doubt such a generalization can apply to a school with 40,000 students total.</p>
<p>You've been listening to too many State fans. Congratulations on being accepted to the best public university in the country. Hail to the Victors.</p>
<p>Agree with dstark's "snooty nonsense". S was OOS student who graduated in 2003. I checked with him about your concern. He countered with a big "NO WAY". Midwestern friendliness everywhere. Made friends quickly, social life was vibrant. Was not into greek scene, but had no trouble finding a good party. Campus feels smaller than the number of students would indicate.</p>
<p>The only place you'll notice a lack of courtesy towards UM opponents is at Yost Arena during a hockey game. There are a few cheers from the student section that are not for children's ears. Go Blue! You'll have a great time there.</p>
<p>Reeses414: I have a master's degree from Michigan and also have worked for the university. There ARE some snobby people connected with the university and some in Ann Arbor who think it is the center of the universe, academic and otherwise. I don't think it would be a problem for you as a student, though. I think all the benefits that Michigan offers far outweigh this small streak of overdeveloped pride.</p>
<p>I live in MI and have spent a lot of time in Ann Arbor and at UM over the years. They do regard AA as something like heaven on earth and UM as a superior university. But frankly, AA is in fact a quintessential college town (though not quite up to Madison) and UM has a whole lot going for it -- not least of all a devoted group of alumni.</p>
<p>However, you will find many different kinds of people at UM and you will make lifelong friends and get a terrific education. There's great academic opportunities and school spirit.</p>
<p>I think this is a very strange question! I guess we have to understand what snooty means to you? Table manners--snooty, yes or no? Designer jeans--snooty, yes or no? Academic credentials--snooty, yes or no? Using tissue instead of sleeve--snooty, yes or no? Corncob...well enough fun and games.</p>
<p>I have never heard this about UMich. But you talk about opponents, so maybe you are focusing on a rah-rah attitude and a sports win-win mentality? I don't even know who is big10. I guess I don't at all know what you mean. </p>
<p>In general, in life, I find that people who are concerned with others' 'snootyness' are often shy, have low self-worth, or are over-analyzing. But, this can also be a response to finding that other people don't share your values. Good medicine is to be found in trying to get a layer deeper and find out what makes individuals tick. But do pick and choose your friends. Be sure, it is a big enough place to find 'your' people and hang with them. But don't rule out a snooty person, if say, they get assigned your roommate. You might end up finding out a bit more about them and you. Just keep an open mind. </p>
<p>Thanks for all of the responses so far! Yes, I think that I have been around too many State people lately saying my father is a Michigan State alumnus, and my brother is currently a student at MSU (I was also accepted at State, but I like U of M better). I'm glad to hear that Michigan is not as "stuck up" as what I've been hearing.</p>
<p>Bettina - When I'm talking about being "stuck up," I'm talking about someone thinking that he or she or even a school thinks that superiority is owned and everyone else is not as good. The Big Ten is a conference here in the midwest which includes schools like Northwestern, Michigan, Michigan State, Indiana, Purdue, Ohio State, etc. that play each other in sports and, I'm sure, have relations beyond that. I've just heard that when these other schools come to play at Michigan, they're not really treated as guests (Then again, that may just be State talking).</p>
<p>"I've just heard that when these other schools come to play at Michigan, they're not really treated as guests "</p>
<p>LOL Welcome to the Big 10!!! Let me assure you that no visiting team at any school is treated the way you would treat your future in-laws. </p>
<p>This brought back memories of when I was at Michigan. For the Ohio State game, which was to be played at Columbus, the school organized several bus loads of students to attend the game. This was during the height of the Woody vs Bo rivalry (if you don't know about this, you had better do some summer reading). After the game (which Michigan unfortunately lost) we were all on the bus leaving the stadium area when some of the OSU celebrants noticed our bus was full of Michigan fans. They descended upon the bus from all sides and shook it back and forth, attempting to turn it over! Not exactly the way to treat a welcome guest, but indicative of the nature of the rivalry. While this was probably an extreme example of how visiting teams are treated, it is essentially all in good fun and one of the great things about going to a school with huge school spirit. Enjoy your time there and ... Go Blue!!</p>
<p>Reeses,
My D and I visited the campus in the fall and sat in a Physics class of several hundred students. After the class, the professor came up and introduced himself and offered to answer any questions. I found the students and staff very welcoming. My D will most likely be attending UM this fall - pending notices coming today.</p>
<p>fundingfather - LOL! I've heard rumors like that about Ohio State as well. I've heard that if you go to an away game at Michigan, all you'll hear is talk, but if you go to an away game at Ohio State, you may want to fear for your life.</p>
<p>morley - I'm glad to hear that the professors are that welcoming. That's a nice bit of news that would be conforting to any new freshman (especially me). I'll have the chance to see the place a little bit more for myself on Monday since I'll be there for campus day. This way, I'll be able to test out all of these wonderful claims that I've been hearing about this university.
BTW, good luck to your daughter on her incoming decisions. Let us know what happens.</p>