Hi! I’m a student from South America interested in these two universities, but want to decide on one of them since I’m also applying to others too. Can you help me by giving me your opinion of these two colleges? Which place is nicer/more fun (I know they are small college towns), Columbia or Fayetteville? Are they too conservative? Is Greek Life that bad on both of them (I’m indifferent about Greek Life, but imagining them dominating the campus and being mean to others isn’t nice). Pros and cons? It will help a lot, thanks!
I don’t really know that much about Fayetteville and Arkansas, but I’m a student at Mizzou. Greek Life is pretty big here (I think we’re second only to the University of Alabama for biggest Greek Life %), but while it’s a big thing, there are plenty of opportunities for students not involved in it. I’m not Greek and neither are most of my friends. And being involved in a fraternity and sorority doesn’t mean they’re mean.
Columbia also isn’t a small college town. It’s not huge, like New York City, but it’s not super small either. It’s about 115,000 (Fayetteville is about 75,000). It’s a great college town and there’s a ton to do; there’s always something going on, either on or off campus. Mizzou’s a bigger school, I believe (about 10,000 more students).
What’s your major?
I want to study Industrial Engineering. So you can have plenty of fun and party once in a while even if you are not in Greek Life? That’s what scares me, not being able get to know people because of the “Greek Life”, I know they don’t have to be mean but it’s a fact they can be cliquey… Columbia looks great, I don’t think being in the middle of Missouri would be a problem, it looks fun and with plenty of stuff to do as you said. Was it ever a problem to you?
The (engineering) programs are very similar. You should check out the areas of focus for each Industrial Engineering program. They can very by school.
Good Luck!
Yeah, of course you can have friends and have fun even if not involved in greek life. While it is a big part of the social life on campus, only about 30% of the student body belongs to a frat or sorority so there are a wide variety of people to meet and activities to do.
Columbia is a great place, I love it here and there’s always something going on whether it be a concert, movie festival, etc. There are a lot of great parks around here and a ton of great restraints. It’s 2 hours from both Kansas City and St. Louis so weekend trips are also possible to go do things in those cities.