University of Toledo

University of Toledo
"Guide to the Present, Moulder of the Future"

Background Information: The University of Toledo is one of 13 state universities in Ohio. We were established in 1872 and became a member of the state university system in 1967 in order to improve the human condition, advance knowledge through excellence in learning, discovery and engagement, and to serve as a diverse, student-centered public metropolitan research university. The University of Toledo is a transformative force for the world. As such, the University will become a thriving student-centered, community-engaged, comprehensive research university known for its strong liberal arts core and multiple nationally ranked professional colleges, and distinguished by exceptional strength in science and technology. (UT website)

Initial Thoughts: I don't really know much about UT. Not a lot of people from my high school graduating class went to UT -- actually, the only thing I knew about it before I began my research was that UT usually signed a couple students from my highschool to play for them collegiately. After researching the school, however, I have developed a few more opinions about the University of Toledo -- specifically pertaining to campus aesthetics (which is the focus of this blog). Based on the aerial view (the only view available in the ViewBook), UT should be quite lovely and very gray (I always get excited for campuses that are not red-bricked nowadays...). The one building that stuck out to me when I was looking at the school was the emblematic image of University Hall --- the tall building that UT always pastes on anything it sends out to prospective students. University Hall looks very grand, very gothic, very beautiful .... and I hope that it does not disappoint when I make my visit.

Notable website features: virtual campus tour

Lacking: some of the links do not work on the International Student portion of UT's website

The Campus

• Layout: UT's main campus is more than 450 acres in size, but there is no singular way that UT separates its campus. Unlike schools that separate its campus into quadrangles (quads), UT's campus is more defined by different landmarks within certain sections. For an example of the "random" layout of UT's campus, the visitor's center is located across the street from a few residence halls, which is adjancent to fully functional rail road tracks. According to a current student at UT, "the most annoying thing about UT" is the fact that trains run on those tracks, causing delay for students going to and from class.
  
  
• Architecture: I'm hesitant to say whether I believe Toledo's campus to be "beautiful" -- certainly, there are striking landmarks on campus --- but striking and beautiful are two very different words. UT's campus is a mixed bag -- there are elements of the fantastic and the mundane. Most of the buildings at UT are composed of either a light gray or very light peach colored bricks, and for the most part, they look pretty standard. The only building that stuck out in my mind was University Hall --- you know, the building UT pastes on everything they send out to prospective students! University Hall in real life was quite a sight -- such classic, gothic architecture -- and I really loved it. Apparently every afternoon at 5pm, the bells of UHall ring the UT fight song. I would have liked to have seen UHall up close, unfortunately, my tour guide did not get closer to the building. Needless to say, I was quite disappointed since UHall was the landmark that I wanted to see the most at UT.
  
  
• Scale: University of Toledo is, what I would call, a "good" size --- it's not too big, not too small -- just somewhere in the middle. According to a friend who currently attends the University, UT is a place where you will see a lot of familiar faces while walking to and from class, but you can still meet new people every day. It's definitely not a place where everyone knows your name, but you still won't be a number either. In terms of walking around UT --- everything that you need is within walking distance. According to my friend's estimation, the most you would have to walk to get from one end of campus to the other is about 20 minutes (assuming you are on main campus). If you need to get from Main Campus to the other 2 campuses -- Health Science Campus, Scott Park Campus --- then the university does provide shuttles for its students.
  
  
• The Student Union: UT's student union is basically one big multi-purpose facility, housing classrooms, food court/cafeteria, coffee place, lounges, a credit union, the bookstore, and lounges for students to come hang out in. It's a typical student union. For more information about it, please click here.
  
  
• Student Living: As far as campus living goes, Toledo offers housing on a first-come, first served basis (but those in the Honors program get priority over regular students). You can request to live in a specific residence hall, and the Office of Residential Life will try to be accommodating … provided that there is still enough space. I think the best thing to do once you have decided to enroll at UT is to get your housing application in as fast as you can! There are about 10 different residence halls to choose from, and all are co-ed living facilities. Depending on where you live is a determining factor on how the term "co-ed" is applied --- for an example, it is possible to live in a dorm that has all-male room with female neighbors right next door, or it is also possible to live in a dorm that separates male and female by floor. Wherever you live, however, it is worthwhile to note that UT has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to the consumption of drugs and alcohol inside the residence halls. This meaning that the party scene for the typical UT student is usually found off-campus. Aside from the typical residence hall, UT has also designated a place called McComas Village for Greek organizations.
  
  
• Notable attractions: University Hall. I think I've talked a lot about UHall in my earlier rantings, so I will refrain from doing so here! Aside from UHall, I also found Centennial Mall to be quite lovely. Centennial Mall is a stretch of green space spanning from UHall to the Student Center.
  

Final Conclusions: Overall, I thought Toledo had an above average looking campus --- nothing to rave about, but nothing to flame either. There was nothing at Toledo that I fell in love with, but UHall and Cetennial Mall were definitely beautiful features on a mostly average looking campus. I don't want to bad mouth UT, but I think it was a bit unmemorable. If I were a junior/senior in high school who was going on a lot of these trips, I think my visit at UT would probably be the one with blurry details, making it hard to distinguish it from other schools. Of course, these are just my opinions. I urge you to find out for yourself.

Photostream of UT: see the campus in pictures!

Still not convinced? Experience it for yourself! Schedule a visit today!