The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach – they’re sharing their college experiences as well. Najah is a Dallas Fort Worth tutor specializing in Anatomy tutoring, Physiology tutoring, Essay Editing tutoring, and a number of other areas. She is currently a junior at University of North Texas majoring in Biology. See what she had to share about University of North Texas:
VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. How urban or safe is the campus? Are there buses or do you need a car/bike?
Najah: University of North Texas is a fairly safe, urban school located in Denton, Texas. The university offers campus-wide bus services, as well as ride-sharing services. Many students drive their cars around campus, and even more use bikes, skateboards, and scooters, but these are not requirements to be able to navigate the campus. I generally walk around campus, but I drive to and from school.
VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants?
Najah: The professors’ availability truly depends on the individual professor. I have had many professors who have always been ready to answer a question, along with others who have never answered emails or been available during office hours. Academic advisers are generally always available; I have been extremely happy with the service I have received from them. As for teaching assistants, I have only had experience with a few, all of whom have also typically been available to answer any questions I may have had.
VT: How would you describe the dorm life – rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students?
Najah: Although I have never lived on campus, I have heard different opinions about the dorm life at University of North Texas. Most students seem to agree that certain dorms are more appealing than others, both in terms of room arrangements and dining options, but those who do enjoy the dorms truly have only good things to say. I have heard that living in the dorms is the best way to meet new people.
VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study?
Najah: The primary focus of University of North Texas is definitely the liberal arts. The Music major is one of the best in the country, and it is massively supported both financially and by word of mouth. Education is also a great focus at University of North Texas, but Music definitely precedes it. I am studying Biology because I am interested in medicine. Although science degrees are definitely not the University of North Texas’ main focus, I have been very pleased with the support I have received throughout the last few years. The science department is a very professional one, with very knowledgeable advisers and professors.
VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life?
Najah: I did not get a chance to socialize much as a freshman because I was a commuter; I definitely met new people through my extracurricular activities (the organizations that I later joined), but I think I needed that first year to feel my own way around college life. Once I got used to the workload and atmosphere, I found it easier and more practical to begin socializing more. Greek life does play a significant role in the University of North Texas campus life. Although I am not a member of any sororities, both fraternities and sororities constantly recruit new members, and they plaster signs all over campus inviting students to the events that they host.
VT: How helpful is the Career Center and other student support services? Do many reputable companies recruit on campus?
Najah: Although I have not personally had any experience with the Career Center on campus, I do know that these support systems are generally met with approval from students. They are said to be very helpful in providing students with any information that they need about employment and other future endeavors. I have also noticed that many reputable companies do recruit on campus.
VT: How are the various study areas such as libraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious?
Najah: At University of North Texas, the student union is currently being renovated, so students typically study in the libraries. There are two main libraries—Willis and Eagle Commons. Eagle Commons, the science library, is the best place to go if a student actually wants to get any work done; it is quiet, spacious, and easily available. Willis, the art library, is definitely overcrowded during the day (although it is more spacious than Eagle Commons) and pretty loud. Willis also contains a café, so it sort of doubles as both library and social hangout. I prefer Eagle Commons.
VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between? To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus?
Najah: Denton is an interesting area. Close to campus, there are many different establishments, such as a movie theater, mall, and several different restaurants. Downtown Denton also contains “The Square,” which is the city’s largest social center. The Square contains everything from restaurants to a courthouse to art studios, and it is very popular among students. I believe that more students frequent the downtown area versus the campus area simply because there is more to do downtown.
VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes?
Najah: University of North Texas has a very large student body of approximately 30,000 students. In fact, this year’s incoming freshman class was the largest freshman class to ever be admitted to the university. I am the type of person who enjoys large class sizes, so I was very pleased with the classes that took place in auditoriums. I was not so much a fan of the smaller class sizes that took place in typical classrooms.
VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most.
Najah: The most memorable experience I can think of is definitely the research that I completed at University of North Texas. As a freshman, I was chosen to be part of a research group on bacteriophages, and it was amazing because freshmen generally do not get research opportunities. I spent the year discovering a new organism and then conversing with a genuine, professional research institute in order to have my findings published. This opportunity was the greatest experience I have had so far at University of North Texas.
Check out Najah’s tutoring profile.
The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.
