Southern Arkansas University is truly a lovely place. I am going into my senior year this August and am do excited to see what it has in store for me.
Freshman year was a little hard, but SAU has several activities for you to get to know people and make friends (a few of them are mandatory).
I'm in the Honors College which has allowed me to experience several interesting field trips and allowed me to travel abroad to France for 1 week.
Deana Taylor is wonderful. Take a moment to introduce yourself to her because she will help you throughout your time at SAU.
It's a growing community, but everybody seems to be close here (and friendly).
The cafeteria recently expanded and has gotten much better food.
The older dorms are okay, but I definitely suggest the newer dorms, University Hall, Honors North (not South), or The Village.
I'm going for my BBA in Marketing and love it so far. The professors are helpful and the courses (at least the marketing courses) are quite interesting!
If you feel like giving up after your first year just know this: after my freshman year I was suicidal. I hated life and didn't want to continue on. I moved home for the summer and got healthier. I was around family and good friends and it completely reshaped my life. I am now graduating in one year, have a marketing internship this summer, am in a healthy and loving relationship, and cannot wait to see where life takes me. College can be hard at first, no matter where you are. Make a friend, reach out to others, call your family, and get out there. Get involved. You've got this, and SAU is a great place to start your adult journey.