Want to know more about what it’s like to be a student at SMU? Check out this interview with Apollo Campus Ambassador, Keyshon Jones, about SMU’s campus, culture, and community!
- What’s your favorite thing about SMU?
a. My favorite thing about SMU is the people. SMU has some of the most unique and passionate people that I have ever met. They all have a hobby or passion, and they all love it with all their hearts. SMU is filled with students that are exploring all different combinations of education. All of the friends I’ve made so far have made my experience extraordinary! - Describe the surrounding town. What makes it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?
a. The food in Dallas is absolutely amazing! There are a bunch of amazing restaurants in the Dallas area that serve everything from soul food to Tex-Mex and even sushi. There are a bunch of places to visit in the Art District like the Perot Museum and DMA. I’ve also found that Deep Ellum is a fun place to visit! - How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes?
a. My class has about 1,500 students, and there are about 6,700 undergrads total. I absolutely love it! There are the perfect amount of people for me to always see someone who I know when I’m walking around campus. I can pop into Arnold or Umph (the dining halls) and find friends to grab a meal or study in Fondren Library with a friend. But the most exciting part is that there are still so many new people that I meet over the course of aweek, and there’s always an opportunity to build new relationships! - How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants?
a. I’ve found that there isn’t a single person on campus that’s “too busy.” All of the professors have office hours that work to fit any schedule, and professors are always willing to help students succeed. - How would you describe the dorm life – rooms, dining options, location, and socialization opportunities with other students?
a. One of my favorite aspects of SMU is the residence life because of how unique each student can make his or her own experience. There are several dining options to keep things interesting, and I think the food is great! Also, there is so much that you can do within your own Residential Commons that brings everyone closer and gives you the opportunity to bond with the people living in your building. The faculty do an amazing job of keeping the commons close and provide support for each student! - 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?
a. I am currently double majoring in Film and Marketing, and I feel that SMU has the resources and people to support every major on campus. From Lyle to Simmons, SMU does an amazing job at career preparation and has a staff of extremely intelligent professors. - 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?
a. For me, it’s been a great experience getting to know people and forming relationships with all of the amazing people on campus. Everyone on campus is friendly and willing to have a conversation with you. Making friends in college has been one of the best parts of my college experience because the students at SMU are always looking for a friend. While Greek life is popular at SMU, I have many friends that have had amazing experiences without being a part of Greek life. I would honestly say that Greek life is as important as you want it to be to your college experience. - Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most.
a. One of the most memorable experiences that I’ve had in college has been my Contemporary Media Industries class, Film 1302. This class is taught by Professor Derek Kompare, and it has been the most exciting part of my academic career! In his class, we talk about the state of media, what changes are being made, and how the idea of media as a bigger picture is being shaped. I am always excited to learn about what’s going on in the media world and what we need to understand about it!
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