A Review of the University of Miami

You cannot discuss the University of Miami reasonably without recognizing its unique location at the southern most tip of Florida. Everything else that happens at the University of Miami is colored by the scenic background, tropical temperatures and near Caribbean location. Having an academic center located in such a perfect vacation spot seems dangerously contradictory. For some, the temptations of studying in " paradise" are overwhelming, but for those who come to grips with their good fortune, they can plan to really enjoy four years of good education and extraordinary surroundings.

Geography and Academics The unique location of the University of Miami makes it the perfect spot for some very specialized, ocean dependent, study majors. The University has made good use of its geography by creating two major campuses , one of which is situated on the coast at Biscayne Bay. There the University of Miami has developed an outstanding center for marine biology and other environmental studies. Students from around the country are drawn by the state of the art teaching and laboratory facilities available there.

At its main campus at Coral Gables, the University of Miami offers a host of majors but some are profoundly influenced by the location of the college. For example the nearness of Cuba has resulted in the school offering programs in Cuban studies, not your typical major. Being a school located in a climate where outdoor sports are played all year long, it is also not a surprise that the University offers strong courses in sports related areas.

Now under the direction of former Clinton cabinet member ,Donna Shalala,the school has an improving academic reputation.

Geography and the Student Body. It's location in the South naturally has resulted in a countable per centage of African American students who attend the University of Miami. But if you are considering the diversity of the University of Miami you need to look again at the rest of its geography and its proximity to island states. The large Hispanic population in Florida and in nearby countries is reflected in the large ( almost 25%) Latino population at the University of Miami. The overall result of its geography is rather amazing . Almost half of the student population is made up of students from what are normally considered minority groups.

What this means is that students who are looking for a school that will allow them to grow and learn about the real world around them may want to consider the University Miami a school whose geography has encouraged them to be diverse and open.

Geography and Student Life. Geography has led the University of Miami first into the Big East Athletic Conference and now into the Atlantic Coast Conference. This puts all of its sports teams into Division I athletic competition with premier schools like Duke University, the University of North Carolina -Chapel Hill and Wake Forest. For students attending the Miami,this means a chance to watch outstanding college athletes compete in their own backyard.

The nearness to the sea opens wide the activities and relaxation opportunities available to students. The year round sunshine and mild temperatures mean that student life is really outdoor life for the majority of the time. Little concern needs to be given to inclement weather ( except during hurricane season). Students may find some stress from their studies but they certainly will only enjoy the overall environment they will find at the University of Miami. The biggest problem that geography creates for student life, as our daughter, a graduate student there, made clear was that when you are so drenched in warmth and sunshine it really can be hard to hit the books.

The geography of the University of Miami makes it a relaxing place to be, it only becomes a difficulty when it challenges the will power of students who need to put in those serious hours of study before heading for the beach.

Geography and Uniqueness
The University of Miami has popped up on the radar screen of many high school seniors who are looking for that special place to go. They want a unique place to call home for four years , or more. There are so many "typical" colleges that seem to kids to be way too much like their own high schools. Young people are attracted by what is different and will give them new experiences and perspectives. When they look at the University of Miami and see its incredible campus they can't help but be attracted. It is the geography of Miami that gives it a quality all its own and draws students who want a little taste of the good life while they beef up their academics.

The University of Miami is a college that is heavily influenced by its geography. Students who attend the University of Miami will be forever influenced not just by the school but by the environment in which it is set. Those students who keep a grip on their academic lives in the middle of this tempting campus will discover that the the University of Miami really has lots to offer both inside and outside the classrooms.