Johns Hopkins University Top Questions

I think that if I didn't love my friends to death I would hate Hopkins, they definitely allow it to be somewhat bearable. I think that Hopkins is a socially segregated school and groups seem to break off instantly, like as soon as we get to school, which is sad. Honestly, I would not advise anyone who I care for to come here.

Hopkins is a perfect size for anyone who likes seeing familiar faces, but doesn't necessarily want to meet everyone in their class during orientation. It's small enough where your adviser will know who you are, but big enough that you're always meeting new people. It's also pretty convenient to get around without needing a car because there are shuttles running all over the city, as well as the MARC train to DC and other places in Baltimore.

Hopkins is an amazing place with a huge amount of diversity in every area - the student body, academics, athletics, arts, extra-curriculars, charitable organizations and so much more . The school is the perfect size (around 5000) so you don't feel insignificant but at the same time, you can always meet people who you haven't met before. The great thing about Hopkins is that it has both a campus and a city atmosphere. Baltimore is not a huge city, but it constantly surprises you. The city's selection of restaurants is one of its best features I think, and there's always cute boutiques, markets and shopping areas (such as Fells Point and Mount Vernon) to visit. I spend most of my time on campus in one of the coffee bars, in the library, in the Hut of at the gym. Also, Charles Commons is a great new addition to the school where you can play pool, grab some food, and just relax with friends. I would say that there is a lot of school pride, especially during lacrosse season, when everyone (including alumni) come out for the games.

Really beautiful in the spring. I think the grading of some of the classes makes things a bit more stressful than they need to be. Mostly, I love it. I sometimes wish there were a bit more to do in the charles village area, but it's still an aamazing time.

the classes are pretty hard if you're in science. thats probably true anywhere. people will inevitably ask you if you're going to be a doctor if you tell them you're going to JHU, please just get used to it, it really isn't that big of a deal. the biggest controversy involved a fraternity that inadvertently came off racist, but that was over a year ago and thankfully is done with. there is school pride when it come to lacrosse, which is really fun.

I enjoy that people at Hopkins are very dedicated to their studies. Its possible to have intellectual and thrilling discussions with people of many majors and focuses. I dislike the segregated aspect of the location of the campus in that it is located in Baltimore yet almost scorns the Baltimore feel to the city. The campus is traditional, elegant and ornate while only a few blocks away are row houses and downtown is right down Charles Street. Yet I find it easier to take a train to Washington DC than to jump on a bus to the Inner Harbor. There is a definite lack of respect for the city of Baltimore by students at JHU.

i think one of the hardest things is the attitudes of people coming in. most seem not to have picked hopkins as their first choice; they either didn't get into some other school or friends/family pressured them to come here. but that means their attitudes right off the bat are at risk for being a bit negative and pessimistic.

Students are serious about their studies and will understand if you need to work instead of going out. At the same time, most students are social, so it's not like everyone is always studying. I found this balance of work and play to be satisfying. Probably one of the biggest weaknesses of Hopkins is the food and variety of food. On campus food is fine (quality-wise), but there aren't enough venues. This results in lack of variety and long lines at lunch time. Additionally, many locations don't serve dinner, so the cafeterias become your only option. Additionally, off campus options are pretty limited, which doesn't help this issue.

The campus is really nice and it is a good size to get to know a lot of people but not so small that you have to see the same people all the time. Research is emphasized but often difficult to get initially, once you have a lab however, it is easy to get more research experience/ published. Students are really involved in their groups on campus but do not have a lot of schoolwide pride in athletics or other groups.

The best thing about JHU are the people you meet here. I've met some of the highest quality people I will probably ever find in my life. I think the school size is good (~4000 undergrads) but I wish the classes were smaller and more personal. If people actually know what Hopkins is, they seem to be impressed that I go here (and I am proud of that). Most of my time on campus is spent in my building, whether it's hanging out with friends, t.v., or studying (a lot). There isn't much of a college town but there are things to do if you know where to look for them.