Howdy folks, I'm currently exploring Sam Houston University as an option post-high school. Anyone got some insights or experiences you can share about the place? I'm curious to know about student life, the local area, and more. Any kind of information would be great!
Sure, I can provide some insights about Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX!
Sam Houston State University (SHSU) was founded in 1879 and is the third oldest public institution of higher learning in Texas. It's a rather large institution with an enrollment of approximately 21,000 students with a vast range of majors and programs from which to choose. It's particularly noted for its criminal justice program, which is nationally recognized.
Student life at SHSU is very vibrant, with more than 250 clubs and organizations you could join. Greek life is quite popular, but not necessary for social involvement. Throughout the year, there are numerous events and activities that students can participate in. The campus is situated only about 70 miles from Houston, so opportunities to explore the city and its attractions like museums, music festivals, and sports events are within easy reach.
Huntsville itself is a small city but with a college town feel. It has a downtown square with a range of restaurants and shops. There's also the famous statue of Sam Houston that you can visit. Many students also appreciate the nearby nature spots, such as Sam Houston National Forest and Lake Livingston.
Let's talk about academics. The most popular majors at SHSU are Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement, Multidisciplinary Studies, and Business/Commerce. It has a student to faculty ratio of about 21:1 and around 43% of its classes have fewer than 20 students. This suggests the potential for considerable faculty interaction.
As for the on-campus housing, it offers freshmen the option of living in dorms or apartments. Many students choose to live on-campus during their freshman year and then move to off-campus housing as upperclassmen. However, living off-campus is not mandatory after the first year.
Lastly, it's worth mentioning that SHSU has been recognized for its commitment to service. So, if that resonates with you, you might find some valuable opportunities there.
Hope this gives you a good starting point!
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