Getting to the International Students Webpage

Before we get on with the review, let’s make sure you know how to get to the international students portion of the website. From the main page, click on the “Admission” link located at the top; this link will lead you to the main Admission information website. From this page, click on the “Undergraduate” link, and follow it to the general Admission website for prospective students. Locate the link labeled “International Students” and follow it to a page asking you to “Experience Dayton.” I have to admit that I have no idea where to go from this page; I had expected it to take me to a page specifically for International Student Admissions, rather, it had redirected me to a page that has given me a brief synopsis on life for an International Student at UD without any links to the resources available for such students. In order to find the resources available for International Students, I had to look up “international student services” in UD A-Z, which finally gave me what I was looking for. I found my experience on UD’s website to be very disappointing, and not at all user-friendly.

The Campus

I toured the University of Dayton on a very lovely summer day, perhaps seeing Dayton in the most idealistic way possible with the shining sun and bright blue sky. Even on this picturesque day, I found myself a bit disappointed with Dayton’s campus – I saw a lot of potential in it, but for the most part, it fell kind of flat. It’s not that the campus was ugly by any means (there were quite a few pretty parts), but it wasn’t what I would call striking either. I guess a good word to use is the word average. There wasn’t anything incredibly “notable” about Dayton’s campus; even the blue dome was a disappointment because the tour did not lead into the chapel (admittedly, it might have been under construction). I wish I had more to say about Dayton’s campus, but I find myself a bit apathetic about it.

Residence Hall - Marycrest

Residential Living

According to University statistics, approximately 90% of the student population chooses to live in either the residence halls or in the student neighborhoods around campus. First year students will live in one of these four residence halls – Founders, Marianist, Stuart, or Marycrest. After the first year, many students will opt to live in student apartments or a house (both located in the student neighborhood owned by UD). According to my tour guide, the residence halls and student neighborhoods are her favorite part of UD; these are the truly “sacred” places where you will meet your life-long friends. UD really prides itself on being an open community to people of all backgrounds.

However, I feel like this is as good time as any to bring up the fact that UD only attracts approximately 38% of out of state students. The majority of your classmates (should you decide to enroll at UD) are going to be coming from the Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati area, and yes, most of them will be hailing from Catholic high schools. With that being said, I think you should be aware that you will experience these already in-tact high school groups (it happens everywhere, but it is especially noticeable at UD). I know my high school (a Catholic high school in Columbus) always sent a large group of kids to UD, and more than a few members of this group tended to stick together.

Of course, I am in no way suggesting that you will have a horrible time trying to make friends at UD. I think one of the greatest things about freshmen year is the fact that everyone is incredibly eager to make friends. With that in mind, please do not be intimidated by these established groups; rather, be sure to make friends with people on your floor, and continue to branch out by joining the many student organizations offered.

RecPlex (recreational facility)

Student Activities

One of the best things about college is the fact that there is always something to do. Most colleges have at least a hundred student organizations to choose from, and UD is no different. With around 180 student organizations, I think it’s safe to say that it is possible to find something to help you occupy your time. Joining different clubs and organizations is also a good way to meet people, so I highly recommend finding your niche early.

Although UD has many groups to choose from (community service, student government, multicultural organizations), the most popular among UD students is definitely intramural sports. If you are an active person (or someone who wishes to become active), intramural leagues are a good way to stay healthy while meeting a lot of people you otherwise would not have met.

Of course, college is not just about academics, student organizations, and dormitory living. College is also about parties, and Dayton is definitely known for its party scene. UD is a big “drinking school,” and most of the parties usually occur off-campus in houses located in an area affectionately known as “the ghetto.” The typical UD students’ social life will be lived out in the ghetto — it is a place that is very well-used in the UD vocabulary. Aside from partying, I was told that while finding something to do is not completely impossible, but it will take some effort on your part.

The International Student Experience @ Dayton

One of the most impressive things about Dayton is the fact that it currently ranks #1 (according to The International Student Barometer) in the nation for being a leader in international student satisfaction. Please click here to read more about that article.

University of Dayton

There are quite a few reasons behind this high ranking, including (and not limited to) its student advising office, intensive English program, and also its international living and learning community. When asked about why UD was seen so favorably, a counselor within the international student admissions office told me that it is because of the feeling of community at UD.

UD believes that its goal to be an institution rooted in community, service, and faith makes it a very inclusive place for people of all walks of life to gather and learn together. Since it is currently regarded so highly statistically, it can only be assumed that international students truly do reap the benefits of being a student at the University of Dayton.

To sum it all up …