<ol>
<li><p>Is there a bus or train that goes back and forth from Kzoo to Chicago?</p></li>
<li><p>How far does a student need to venture off of campus to get to coffee shops, stores and the like ("downtown")?</p></li>
<li><p>How safe does the campus feel as well as the surrounding locale?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>There is a train that runs between Chicago and Kzoo a coupke of times a day (I know it is atleast twice, maybe 3 times). The one way fare is $50 for an unreserved seat–you can get the fare fro less with advance purchase.</p>
<p>Regarding access to coffee shops, etc.—downtown is Kalamazoo is just a short walk away. I would not describe Kalamazoo as a vibrant, cosmopolitan city, but it has a decent number of restaurants, bars, coffee houses, etc. Its really a pretty charming place. Easy access by foot. You can also walk to the train station from the campus, or take a cab (short ride).</p>
<p>Oops–regarding safety–the campus is in an urban area, so it is not unusual to see homeless around and occssionally on the campus. My son typically walks downtown at night, jogs around the campus, etc—never has had any issues. If you walk at night downtown, so long as you are in a small group, I think you are as safe there as you would be anywhere.</p>
<p>thanks for the info. another question: how would you describe the party scene at Kzoo? Would you call Kzoo a party campus? Are the students more interested in academics than the next or last party?</p>
<p>also, how far is WMU from Kzoo? </p>
<p>How much interaction is there between Kzoo and WMU students? Is there any kind of problem between the two, one being private the other being public (maybe tension or whatever)?</p>
<p>I would say that the party scene is on the mild side for a college—you will see some drinking, some drugs, but lot of students get by and fun without either. I think on the whole, the students are pretty serious about school/studying, etc. Western is very close–within walking distance; I beleive that Kzoo students use some of the facilites there, e.g. science libarary, etc. I am not aware of a lot of interaction between the students of the two schools; I suppose one could take advantage od the activities on Western’s campus, but just don’t know if it happens frequently.</p>
<p>Stephenandrew, this is helpful information. My D is not a big party person. She was accepted EA and we have gotten excellent communication from the school to date. From the stats that I’ve read about the school, it seems like more the serious side–which is good thing. My D is going to visit between now and spring break.</p>
<p>oompaloompa64 - obviously a good idea for your daughter to visit; she can form her own opinions as opposed to relying on me. One thing I would also suggest is that if she attends Kzoo, she should seriously consider doing LandSea. I suspect she has already received info on the program. My son did it, and had a great experience—met a lot of kids prior to school starting and sort of established a social circle which (I think) eased some of the high school to college transition issues. I don’t have a lot to compare it to, but I agree with you, they do seem to be organized from a student communications standpoint.</p>
<p>More good info, Stephenandrew. We’ll be asking more about Kzoo & LandSea. Their representative (for WA State) is sharp, on top of his game and informative. My daughter continues to become more intrigued with K. And she has a friend (from MA/while visiting another midwest college a few weeks back/also accepted EA w/fantastic aid pkg) who has also expressed similar interest in this school. Looks like a win-win to me. The decision ultimately lies with my daughter.</p>