Reader's Choice: Missouri University of Science and Technology

We use hard statistics to produce Kiplinger’s annual rankings for best values in public colleges and universities, and we’re proud of the results. Now, we’re giving our readers’ favorites a chance to brag a little, by letting a student fill us in on what’s fun, cool, quirky and just plain great on campus and nearby.

LOCATION: Rolla, Mo.

UNDERGRADUTE ENROLLMENT: 4,753

BEST ON-CAMPUS FEATURE:

The Havener Center (Missouri S&T’s student center), in the heart of campus. It offers activities, events, dining, recreation and student entertainment.

BEST OFF-CAMPUS FEATURE:

The campus is close to great dining – from fast-food joints and sub shops to a sushi bar and Alex’s Pizza Palace, a Greek pizza parlor.

WHERE SENIORS WANT TO LIVE:

Off-campus, but close enough to walk or ride their bikes to class.

MOST UNUSUAL CAMPUS TRADITION:

St. Pat’s. Since 1908, S&T students have celebrated “St. Pat’s” every March. The weeklong festivities – ostensibly in honor of the unofficial patron saint of engineering – involves student “follies,” a knighting and coronation ceremony, the return of hundreds of alumni, and the painting of downtown Pine Street with green paint for the annual St. Pat’s Parade. In the days leading up to that week, students carry shillelaghs – crudely carved walking sticks made out of tree branches – and use them to drive the snakes out of campus. See http://bestever.mst.edu for photos and more information about St. Pat’s Week.)

BEST PLACE TO STUDY DURING FINALS WEEK:

The Havener Center. It has designated “quiet” lounges, computers, and team meeting areas. The second floor of the Curtis Laws Wilson Library is also popular, with couches overlooking the lobby and just enough noise, in the words of one student, “that the silence doesn’t drive you crazy but you are still able to concentrate and study.”

MOST CROWDED SPOT ON THE FIRST NICE DAY:

The lawn in front of the Havener Center. Students gather there to study, read, play Frisbee or soccer, and even have class.

BEST PLACE TO EAT WHEN THE DINING HALL WON'T DO:

Kyoto Japanese Restaurant – the ultimate sushi place in the area and within walking distance of campus./p>

WHERE YOU WANT TO BE ON A SATURDAY NIGHT:

Bruno’s Pub and Grill, a favorite off-campus spot for unwinding with friends.

WHAT WE WON'T LEARN ON THE CAMPUS TOUR:

How close-knit the campus community is. You will see familiar faces regularly between classes and around the Rolla community.

CLASS THAT GETS STUDENTS TALKING:

Physics 23 with Dr. Ronald Bieniek.. He uses video clips from Wallace and Gromit or Monty Python movies to explain physics concepts, and his “Vector Man” superhero, who rides a fire-extinguisher-propelled tricycle, creates a memorable impression while illustrating concepts like momentum and energy

BEST WEEKEND FOR FRIENDS TO VISIT:

The weekend before classes begin. All of the freshmen are on campus, and there are several events for them that everyone can participate in. No one has to worry about homework yet.

SIX WORDS ABOUT YOUR COLLEGE THAT SAY IT ALL:

The best experience of our lives.

Missouri University of Science and Technology