Kent State University

I graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2005, and got a Master's the next year. The university told me I'd have my email address for life. I'm still alive, and they're revoking access in October 2025 as a cost-saving measure. It's just incredibly destructive to lose an email account you've been actively using for decades. A very unfortunate double-cross.

My experience is obviously my own experience. Therefore, anything I say is what I experienced ONLY. I used to live in the Centennial dorms, which were nice because of the private bathroom. However, repairs were constantly needed on different things, such as the shower light. Before we were expected to move out for summer vacation, the light above the sink stopped working. This was the second repair needed in the room. I DID NOT put in a help desk ticket, which is completely my fault, but the lights did not die because I didn't put in a help desk ticket. The expensive housing around campus is obviously not Kent States' fault, yet it should still be mentioned. If you are looking for off-campus housing, the only cheap places I can recommend are the apartments behind the Raising Canes on Market Street. Everything else I have seen is extremely expensive for a college student. The food is alright, BUT Hippie Chicken is pretty good. I've eaten there a few times. They also have multiple other places you can eat at including The DI hub and Rosie's Diner. As for medical stuff, it's honestly really convenient. The clinic they have on campus is technically like a mini hospital. Of course, there are things they can not do, given they aren't working at an actual hospital. If you need a simple check-up, they are able to do that for you. They also have free therapy sessions that you can take to your advantage. I can't remember who said this, but someone at Kent State told us that we're paying to stay here, therefore, use everything they have to our advantage. Anyways, the free therapy sessions do not last. You will eventually be expected to pay. I can not remember how many free sessions you get, but I remember that you get quite a bit. I might be childish complaining about this, but the weed issue is horrible. They tell people not to smoke around campus. They don't listen. You could be walking to Rosie's Diner after class, and then all of the sudden, a huge whiff of skunk invades your nostrils like a lingering fart. I know there are others out there who have the same opinion as me, so that was for them. It is a genuine issue to think about before coming to Kent State. Moving on, some majors do require internships for you to graduate. If you have social anxiety, you know exactly why this is horrifying. I know that the Digital Media Production major requires one, so watch out. If you do not have a car, the bus and walking are your only options. DO NOT bike or walk to Walmart!! It's too far of a journey, no matter how close it seems. The towns surrounding Kent State are a bit sketchy at times. I was followed by a random man walking out of the Family Dollar by the McDonald's. If you are a woman, make sure you are keeping yourself safe. Of course, men should do that as well. Lastly, I feel as if the hours for the shops are too short. Eastways shop is not open past 8, whereas Rosie's Diner is. Rosie's Diner is open until 1 AM. Unfortunately, Rosie's does not have a wide range of products for you to choose from. It's basically a gas station inside of a college dorm. Eastways shop has meals and ingredients for those meals. Of course, it's not a full-blown store, but it still has a wider range of options. I do not believe I am returning to Kent State ever. I had a bad experience with a person who then ruined the whole experience for me. I am truly disgusted, sometimes driving past those navy blue signs. I don't hate Kent State, and I do wish I was able to go back. That's just not possible right now. With that being said, I hope you all have a great time at Kent State! It is a nice college, and a lot of the professors are cool. Bye!

Very nice looking campus, all buildings are fairly new. Easily walkable and very close to town. May 4 shooting memorial is very touching

Visited the May 4th Memorial and Visitors Center. It was quite informative and very well put together. I was a little disappointed in the daffodils as they seemed rather sparse compared to when I was last there some 20+ years ago.

I’ve known faculty here in geology and Geography for many years and recently taught there for two days. The faculty and students are all top notch… I highly encourage a visit or to enroll there. Kent is a very nice community as well and the regional surrounding landscape is beautiful particularly in the fall.

I have enjoyed the beautiful campus, cafeteria and the hospitality of the residents , staff, and families of students around the KSU community.

Justice for the victims of the massacre that took place on May 4th, 1970. Never forget who they were, their lives being taken during a protest against the American war in Vietnam. The Ohio National Guard was never held responsible for their deaths. Jeffrey Glenn Miller, Allison Beth Krause, William Knox Schroeder, and Sandra Lee Scheuer.

They got $60,000 out of me but that wasn't enough money to let me keep my "email for life". Thanks a lot Kent State, even years after the fact you manage to cause me problems.

A half hour of wandering the beautiful campus of Kent State University today. It's a public school with a number of regional campuses but I'm at the main one in Kent, Ohio. Dating back to 1910, it's grown and grown to the point that it's now the third-largest university in Ohio. And of course, it's infamously known as the site where the May 4 shootings took place where the National Guard fired on students assembled and protesting in opposition to the US involvement in the Vietnam War. There is a huge memorial and of course, the Center for Applied Conflict Management that was founded after those events. [Review 1362 of 2024 - 281 in Ohio - 22385 overall]

First, I didn't attend Kent State University; but was there recently for the Brain Day 5k. The campus itself in my opinion was beautiful with flowers, green space, and the beauty of its nature. I was quite amazed that the library on campus, had 12 floors, by far the largest I've ever seen. Stopped in there after the race, to change and was astounded. The 5k itself was a nice event, benefiting the BGSC student scholarship fund, and benefiting a local charity for traumatic brain injury. Smaller event, everyone was friendly and welcoming, as I was out of town, and on a quest to say I completed a 5k in Ohio. Small challenge for myself, to complete runs in close neighboring states to my hometown of Buffalo, NY. My only suggestion for the next race is to possible have grad students volunteer, along the course route or better signage. Overall had fun, and was glad to chat with fellow runners, even if in another state.

As a former student/ graduate (alumni) as well as former employee of the university, I would not recommend Kent state for anyone looking to further their education (it won't happen here) and there is nothing that I felt (as an previously employee) that makes them superior in terms of being an "employer". If you are looking to further your education or to obtain employment at a collegiate level choose one of the other universities in the area.

Got to see the memorial of where they murdered the innocent students. It was breath taking to be in the actual place that I have read about in American History. Rest In Peace to the students that lost their lives for standing for truth, Liberty, freedom, and peace. Against the tyranny of US government.

Why don't more people review universities on Yelp? We need to make that a thing. I earned my undergraduate degree from KSU. I loved my time here. From Greek life, to living in a new, beautiful dorm (Stopher), to my classes and the study abroad program, I could not love this place more. From the beginning, I always felt as if KSU was a huge school run with heart. I am so proud of all the work accomplished at the university and in the surrounding neighborhood. It feels like an entirely different place than when I went to school here. From new buildings on campus to new local eateries and shops, Kent has really proven its ability to be a vibrant, buzzing place in a cool neighborhood. It may even be unrecognizable if you are an alum from before 2011. Kent State taught me how to thrive in the world, be fearless, appreciate a fine education and advocate for things I believe in. I am so proud to be an alumni. FLASHES FOREVER!

Love it here! I stayed in the dorms my first two years, now planning on getting my own place at Campus Pointe. Not to far from Campus and close to grocery stores. Canes is literally in the parking lot too!

Kent State University needs more reviews! I am a very, very proud alum of Kent! I graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor's degree in public relations and marketing. I spent all four years at the university exploring a number of organizations, clubs, Greek life, on-campus activities, and more. As cliche as it sounds, Kent has a little something for everyone. They strongly believe in sustainability and have put a huge effort towards providing vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options (among others). They are a big advocate for LGTBQ rights. They have a wide variety of educational opportunities with over 300+ majors, minors and certificates. Very affordable rates, especially for in-state students. It is in the sweetest little college town, with lots of entertainment and dining options within walking distance. And more! My education at Kent truly prepared me for my current career and even with the student loans, I would not change my education for anything! Flashes Forever.

My eldest son puts Kent state university on his list of potential 4 year schools. We go to visit in the dead of winter. If you think it was cold with the outside temperature being -15; you would be highly mistaken.... We were showered with a warmth from the students we met and the staff. Bring on visit # 2. We were invited to make a second journey to Kent. Again, the faculty staff, and "Flash Guides" made you feel so welcome. The campus grounds were above clean. Security was evident. You felt as safe as sitting in your livingroom. At every turn a smiling student. Constant hellos and welcomes were given in every building we toured. The town's folk appreciate the university you can tell as we visited some local shops and eateries where KSU apparel, or signage was found. What I really liked the most was how everyone treated my son, like he was going to be the most important person at Kent State... He chooses KSU... We make trip #3 to the college for freshman orientation called destination Kent State.... Another two days of we are glad you're here....tried the dining hall food it was good, met lots of friendly students and parents. Again, the grounds were beautiful, and we'll kept with modernization occurring ad we were there. Dorms were very clean and safe with high tech security.... This is a nice college in a nice locale.

Where else did a major protest for Vietnam War happen and then Neil Young wrote a song about it? This is also where I honed my marvelous writing skills that are showcased on Yelp.

I graduated from Kent State in 1999 and I'm now hoping my son will also be a Golden Flash. The campus is absolutely stunning. A ton of green space. A lot of the dormitories have been upgraded as have many of the academic halls. They certainly have kept with the times as far as what students need and expect. The student involvement here is amazing! I was incredibly impressed 20 years ago and it appears that there is still a niche for everyone. You will definitely find your tribe here. I so loved my time at Kent that I was a little irked at some of the negative reviews. Obviously this is not the place for you if you prefer an urban campus. Duh. And I bet it is expensive if you are coming from out of state - that's where the money is made at state universities because they are so affordable for in-state students. As for administration and registrar, if you have your shit together, there will be no problems. Many a time I had to visit the registrar's office and there weren't any issues.

All colleges change. Now I wouldn't be admitted to main campus as a Freshman. When I was admitted, I was in the Honors College. LOL. When I started there was a campus facilities master plan - the area from Memorial Gym South was a mud puddle. Now the space is built up. Probably going to campus for May 4th - this Saturday. It's 52 years since I was a Frosh! Memory: 1st week, Kent V Buffalo. Food service serves "Buffalo Burgers." "Dink Frosh!" She was cute. "If you can't go to college go to Kent. What's the number one degree granted? MRS" . Can't say that for the school now.

I left school back in 2011, but often visit Kent for work travel with my husband. The campus has changed a-lot since we went here but I love the improvements. We love taking our daughter here and showing her the campus now, it's so much more walkable and has so many more places to eat. We love Kent for all the great memories it has given

Wow- Kent sure has changed since my kids were there. I recently took a trip with one of my grandchildren as he is thinking of attending and it is simply beautiful. The university itself is so pretty and has that great college vibe and feel. It makes you feel like you just want to stroll around and go into all of the buildings. It's so pretty and the landscaping is so well maintained. As for the city of Kent- it has changed so much. It is like a mini city right next door to the college and there are so many shops and places to eat that I imagine that he choices can be overwhelming at times-- In a good way of course. There are plenty of little places- we went to a donut shop and a Starbucks and there are also Mexican and Indian and Chinese and pizza.... so Many choices! If I were a student I would love to be here as the town is alive and filled with energy. It's just a great place to go if you have some time to kill and want to experience the college life again.

WOOHOOO!!!! Alma mater what! I finished my undergrad here and also attended graduate school here. I would've found it hard to go elsewhere after seeing this campus for the first time. I loved KSU. The campus is gorgeous and so full of history. Many more green pastures than its next door neighbor the University of Akron. Because of the vast size of campus in order to give some character, the buildings could be a little far apart, but it was worth it in my opinion. Some of those walks and the people watching that occurred were epic. My professors, particularly in graduate school were amazing and it was fairly easy to find the resources one needed to study or do anything else for that matter. We had our share of fun festivals (we all know the Black Squirrel should be the mascot right?) and campus activities. One of my favorites was the Wyclef concert, though now I'm probably dating myself. There's lots to do in the vicinity and always something going on around campus. I mean come on... Eastway Center has a bowling alley (or did). The Ratt in the basement of the student center is always a good time. I had a few review sessions with professors and classmates down there while enjoying a brew. Drew Carey bought shots for everyone at one of the local bars once.. but now I'm just name dropping :)

I hate this school. I hate this campus. I'm not impressed on any level, and trust me....I've been to a bunch of schools. Maybe it is because I like an urban school. Maybe it is because I'm old & I hate the bureaucratic garbage that Universities make you do just for the sake of jumping through hoops. I cannot wait to finish my degree & be gone. KSU, please don't contact me for donations as an alumni, you will not be getting my dollars. Did I mention that getting here is a pain in my butt too? A single-lane, weirdly speed-limited road is not the best way to get one to campus. Although, it does remind me a bit of driving my sister to ONU. Ugh, again, I'm not a fan of a "Rural" school. Many of the buildings on campus are older & needing updated. Some of the new buildings are gorgeous & I can see that KSU is spending much of my tuition $$$ on bettering their appearance. Unfortunately, it isn't in the building where I spend most of my time. I also find it annoying that in a parking lot with too few spaces, the parking trucks manage to occupy real spaces for students & faculty. Come on guys, use your status & park illegally or in your own spaces. Don't take up valuable space for us peons. Grrrrr. Me no likey KSU!

The campus was great. They remodeled after I graduated so I can only imagine how beautiful the campus looks now! The study rooms were soundproofed and the dorms I lived in, Centennial Court were very clean and even had a private bathroom in the suite) I did the Study abroad Geneva program in the Spring of 2007 and had an phenomenal experience. I met lifelong friends and have the opportunity to ski in the mountains of Switzerland and travel Europe on a tight student budget. I would recommend that everyone study abroad in college, it was my most memorable aspect of my college experience. I was a member of the Washington Program on National Issues (WPNI) spring semester of my graduating year where I had the one-in-a-lifetime experience to live in an apartment with fellow Kent State students and work my internship at the Department of Justice. We heard briefings with congressmen and the CIA! It was life changing! Dr. Richard Robyn did such an excellent job insuring everyone in the program felt secure in their internship and safe in Washington DC, it was remarkable and I recommend that all Political Science majors apply for WPNI. If I had it to do over again, I'd definitely choose KSU. But I'd have taken more of a variety of courses the school had to offer rather than playing it safe and choose classes in my major.

What exactly is a Golden Flash? Front Campus looks like a college. The rest of campus looks like someone flying over a field dropped paper and where ever the paper landed, they put up a building. It seems to me there was a period of building without any sort of master plan. Seriously, do you think you could put sidewalks in between the buildings? I attended grad school here. My grad program was great. My profs were top notch and the other students extremely interested in learning and growing personally and professionally. My experiences with undergrad students was very different. The student body did not seem motivated and lacked drive. I am sure there are exceptions to that; the fashion students, for example, spent 24/7 in labs sewing.

No school is perfect. You'll have to deal with subpar service in many areas and whatnot. The pros of KSU definitely outweigh the cons, though. I recently graduated with a bachelor's in Journalism, and will be attending graduate school there starting this fall. This place has been my home for the last four years and I've had nothing but good experiences there. The campus is beautiful, the town surrounding it is small but cute, and has been revamped lately. It looks really nice. Not too far from Cleveland either, which is nice when you live in a college town. Aside from that, the people are very welcoming and the school is quite diverse. Being an international student from Brazil it made my adaptation a lot easier to be in a place that promotes globalization.

Best place to go to college and meet new friends. When I first moved into my dorm back in August 2017, I was a little scared to be away from home but I have gained new friends

This has to be the worst college I could have decided to go to. They charge you FOR EVERYTHING. I left my key card at home so I went to get a temporary one (flash card office was not open) the receptionist did not tell me that I needed to return the card at 11pm and I was charged $25! Now, I decided to move out the of the dorm I was in due to issues I was having with my roommate and was not aware that I needed to sign a document.. all because I did not sign this document to move out, I was charged $25 for a Improper Check Out Fee! You have got to be kidding me. It takes FOREVER to get appointments with advisors and the food absolutely sucks. I am miserable here, everyone if you are deciding to go to Kent State. DO NOT.

If you're thinking about this college and you're not from Ohio look the other way and run. $34,000 living on campus and for just 1 year of schooling is ridiculous, especially when there are in-staters going there for $9,000. Just isn't right. Not to mention that every semester they will charge you a "legal service fee" for $10 dollars and if you don't waive it within the first week then it can stop you from requesting a transcript to attend a better college. Also if attending this college you might have non professors teaching you. TA's teaching classes I'm paying $34,000 for. I think it's just unacceptable. And if you're living on campus don't live in a dorm that has no AC. You'll die from the heat in the Summer and Spring.

Kent State was an amazing experience and great education!! I received my bachelor and masters degree in 4.5 yrs in their Speech and Language Pathology program. The professors were great and very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly! They would help you out if they knew you had a good mind set and were a hard worker! I love my career now, and gained so much great knowledge from KSU's program and their professors! Every employer I have worked for says, wow, where did you get your degree? it must have been a great school! I will also say, I had a BLAST throughout my undergrad experience! The night life is also great! SO many fun parties on college, university and the rest of the streets off of main (behind taco bell/ BK. etc) The bars, once I turned 21, was also amazing! My friends and I have so many great memories, or maybe lack of memories! lol :) Kent is close to home for most, so it is an easy drive to see your family, if you want :) I did go home often, to do laundry, but that did not affect my night life, or my education. I would recommend Kent State over and over. The campus has made some architectural improvements since I have been there (i graduated with my master's 3 years ago) so now, the campus looks even nicer than before!!! I loved my whole college experience, would not change a thing, and would go back in a heart beat!!

As the one paying the tuition bills, I get to deal with the Bursar's Office and the Administrative staff. After 2 years and dealing with 5 registration cycles, I'm frustrated. We are lucky enough to have a tuition grant, but like many grants, it has conditions on when it will be paid. Those conditions were in fact agreed to by the KSU decision makers. However no one has told the billing computer that, so each semester, we get email threatening to deregister us. The web site is not useful in dealing with this situation. ALWAYS a horribly long wait to talk to a human. So far, none of the people in the first line of response has been able to understand the problem, and none realizes that the proper way to deal with something you don't know is not, "I don't know" but "I'll need to ask someone else". In addition, the amount that is owed is usually not exactly calculated, even when they're dunning us for that grant money. So we usually end up paying too much, and then the only refund is via some arcane credit account rather than a simple refund check. There must be an easier way!

The education and the friendships I developed were amazing. It was an unbelievable struggle for the degree but when I look back on it - what a beautiful time.

It's a University. What can I say about it that would be different than anyone else? I loved the place. It's my Alma Mater and since I only live 10 minutes away, I frequent it A LOT! If you're proactive in what you want, you will have no problems here. Staff is super friendly and helpful. Best to start at the student center or Bursar's office.

I don't generally write reviews, but I feel like I need to do people a service here by giving KSU a 1-star as a university. To begin, I enjoyed my department. I found several people who were very caring and did everything they could, giving me the small-school experience of caring professors, while being at a big university. The problem is the administrative offices. The registrars and bursars DO NOT CARE. They love making you jump thru hoops and run back and forth to each office to get problems fixed. I feel like they did everything they could to squeeze more money out of me. I have 2 master's degrees, and have attended 4 different schools; never have a felt more of a number than I person than at Kent State. I graduated in May, after being a student for 7 years here and they are STILL charging me tuition from some effed-up situation from last fall. If you want a school where you feel you belong and matter, do not attend Kent State.

Of Course I love this place! I gave them all my money when I was in my 20's. Good network of people built from this school.

I am very disappointed with the administration here. I am currently a transfer student and they are giving me the hardest time with allowing my classes to transfer, all they want is more money. I have reached out to the dean in the fashion program to only be ignored and get no assistance from him. I am supposed to graduate in the spring but I most likely won't because all of the classes are full. My friends have had their advisors put them in classes that are full, which is very nice. However, when I asked my advisor she said she cannot do that. I am looking into transferring to another school asap. It is very sad that students spend all of their money for an education and cannot get any assistance from faculty who are getting paid with the money that I am spending at the school. I would never suggest going here.

I visited the school with my daughter who is considering fashion majors. The school is in a cute college town with many restaurants and pubs. The campus very much your traditional lovely sprawling experience with a lot of green space and visual interest. There appears to be a lot of money going into updating and improving all facilities. For fashion, they are among the best in the world! As an in state person, this would be a very good value, if my daughter chooses to go here. Close to Cleveland and Akron for those that want to visit city, shop or see pro sports, the Indians, Cavaliers and Browns.

Our local university makes Kent the college town we all love. They have many events and programs which are often free to the public. To write a review about everything going on could not do it justice. The campus is really beautiful, like a park really, and there are top notch programs at this school. The new nature trail for bikes, runners, and walkers though a natural bog which leads from the University to the football stadium is an understated but beautiful recent addition. The town of Kent is quirky and interesting as many college towns are. There are some great things to do downtown, which is very walk-able, such as a live theater, book store, coffee shops, restaurants, bars, more bars, live music, a natural foods store, free music events, and even more bars.

Came to this University with my son to put in an application. Staff are so amazing with assisting us for this life changing event. My son is so excited to be enrolling in this university. Never seen this kind of excitement from him before now.

I loved my time at Kent State. I was able to join a sorority and get involved. There is always something to do to stay busy, and the academics and professors are awesome.