MTSU Student Population Size: Pros and Cons?

Hi there, I've recently been looking into MTSU and noticed the student population is pretty large. I'd appreciate hearing from someone familiar with large schools – is there a strong sense of community or do students typically feel lost in the crowd?

The experience at large universities tends to vary, and Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is no exception.

In terms of benefits, one of the major pros is the sheer number of resources available. Since MTSU is a big school, it has a strong selection of courses, departments, and majors, which could allow you to personalize your academic journey more easily than at a smaller institution. In addition, large universities like MTSU tend to have robust facilities such as libraries, research facilities, and career centers that cater to a diverse array of student interests.

Besides academics, the size of MTSU allows for a broad range of extracurricular activities and student organizations. You'll find clubs for nearly every hobby or interest imaginable. This variety can be very enriching and offers many opportunities to meet like-minded individuals, contributing to a sense of belonging within specific community groups.

On the flipside, it is possible for students at larger universities to feel somewhat lost in the crowd. This might be the case particularly in introductory-level courses, where class sizes can be pretty large. One could argue that the impersonality of such situations might make it more difficult to form meaningful relationships with professors.

It's also important to note that, at a large university, it can sometimes be easy to feel like a small fish in a big pond. Some students might feel overlooked or find it challenging to stand out. For those who were accustomed to a smaller high school environment, this could be quite an adjustment.

Essentially, whether a larger student population is a pro or con can largely depend on your personality and preferences. Some individuals thrive in larger, bustling environments, relishing the opportunity to constantly meet new people and explore a wide array of options. Others may prefer a smaller, more tight-knit community where personal connections are easier to foster.

It would be a good idea to try and visit MTSU (or any large university you're considering) in person, if possible. This would allow you to get a genuine feel of the campus environment and perhaps speak with current students or faculty about their experiences.