The Pros and Cons of Spending College Years in Duluth, MN.

Lucy Lowe and Sarah Muller

PROS:

There are many benefits to living in Duluth and attending the University of Minnesota. Among these benefits are the numerous clubs and organizations that UMD offers, which appeal to every interest. Some examples of these clubs are Wuda Wooch, a wilderness exploration and appreciation club; the Alpine Ski Club, which allows students to compete intercollegiately; Hiki No self defense club, which teaches technique and refines self defense skills. There are many, many more; however, it would be impossible to list them all here. More can be found out at the UMD website, http://www.d.umn.edu/~student/stuorg/list.cgi

Also among the benefits are UMD's proximity to Lake Superior. There are numerous fun activities to be enjoyed that involve the lake. For example, on nice nights many students have campfires on the beach at Park Point. The more adventurous in the group even go swimming! The entire area of Canal Park is very fun to walk around and offers numerous restaurants, such as Grandma's, Green Mill, and Famous Dave's.

For people who enjoy being outside, Duluth has much to offer. The Lake Superior Hiking Trail is being extended through the city, and is great for an envigorating hike. Also the Boundary Waters are within a few hour's drive, and are perfect for canoing trips.

:
CONS:
Although Duluth is a great place to stay for the whole year there are a few
things that make life there difficult.  The winter snow is one of those
complications that everyone has to deal with.  If you have a car, you may be
moving it in and out of the parking lot more than three or four times a week.  
Also driving up the hill in the winter is always tough on old cars that are not
the best on snow.  Another situation that makes snow not the most exciting
thing in the winter is if you live off campus and have to walk to classes.  The
snow can really be a hard thing to get through when you’re tying to get to
class on time.  We cant for get the good things about snow though!

One other thing that some students dislike about Duluth is that within the
dorms there are no small kitchens for the students to use.  When you are not in
the mood to eat the dining center food you don’t have the opportunity to make
your own unless it’s microwaveable.  Although it may not be as good as home
cooked food, there are many new microwavable foods that you can buy to make in
your own dorm room. Despite the few cons, Duluth is a great place to visit!
http://www.visitduluth.com/