Different people have drastically different views on what the ideal college experience is. For some, the thought of a large state university with great athletics, a huge campus and endless opportunities seems like perfection. Although these people would undoubtedly love ASU, they would certainly dislike ASU’s Downtown Phoenix campus.
We are one of the largest universities in the country and growing. According to ASU News, the school has reached a record total of 70,440 students. It also states that the Downtown campus alone now has 13,567 enrolled.
With this many students, you would think the campus to be relatively large and lively, with a plethora of places to congregate with friends, study and enjoy everything ASU has to offer.
The real problem is that the Downtown campus is about as different from what the Tempe campus has to offer as you can get.
When I walk around the Downtown campus on the weekends, I usually see about three students, two police officers and a couple of city-dwelling pigeons. This is not the scenario I imagined when I pictured my life as an ASU student.
There is no denying that this campus is just not the same. With one dormitory, one dining hall, a few restaurants and basically two blocks of school buildings, I cannot help but wish I were exposed to everything the Tempe campus has to offer.
Perhaps that is why Downtown students ride the light rail to the Tempe campus whenever feasibly possible. Sporting events, nightlife, shopping and even diverse clubs and classes require students to travel to Tempe. What ASU offers Downtown is very limited, with only the basics available.
Now, this is not to say that living in Phoenix does not have some perks. The buildings are new and urban, classes are practically next-door and getting lost is never a problem.
Not to mention the beauty of Taylor Place — a twelve story stylishly designed and furnished palace for students to dwell in.
The building and streetscape improvements resulting from Taylor Place cost $5 million, according to www.phoenix.gov. Although visually pleasing, there is legitimate lack of that ASU spirit found in Tempe.
Dean Christopher Callahan of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication said in his welcome available at cronkite.asu.edu, “Our students are learning in a new, state-of-the-art journalism building that is unparalleled in journalism education.”
As a Downtown student attending and loving the Walter Cronkite School, I can honestly say that the journalism program has established a professional vibe throughout the campus.
Students are polite and studious, well-dressed and full of ambition. This may be a side effect of living in a more intimate and somewhat intense setting, or it could be a result of stricter rules.
Many students I know absolutely adore the feel of a smaller campus. The size is just right for them and they are able to attend ASU without feeling overwhelmed.
As for me, I look forward to moving to Tempe next year and getting lost, walking a long distance to class and having plenty to do on the weekends.
Contact Isabelle at isabellenovak@asu.edu
