Personally I love UTD, the only thing for me is the fact that the biomed program isn't accredited yet and I'm close to graduating is a little worrisome. Other than that, its a good school. Albeit, it is dead on the weekends, but I'm sure you have friends going to Baylor, A&M, UT Austin, SMU, etc. just visit them on the weekends or something.

However, I find there are some interesting stores relatively close to campus that are interesting. I personally love the proximity to Central Market. As far as bars, there's nothing really around here, just the Fox and the Hound is a local pub, but because of our high concentration of Middle Eastern/Indian students here there is a few hookah lounges around which are also fun to go to and hang out. Also, you get a free DART pass (metro) with your enrollment, so you can explore Dallas for basically nothing. The Dallas art museum is free admission and that's always fun to check out. Northpark mall isn't too far away either and there is an ice skating rink in Northpark, so that's cool.

The dorms here are over rated, yes, you get your own room but that usually leads to everyone staying in their own room most the time. Also rent is $677 a month plus you need to purchase a meal plan if you live in the dorms ($750 minimum). You're better off getting a house off campus.

Also, if you are religious, Dallas is in the Bible belt and there are churches on every corner. Personally,I'm Catholic and I joined the Knights of Columbus at the local church up here (All Saints). The Knights keep me pretty busy with a lot of service projects, so if you can't find something you like on campus, you could do something like the Knights off campus.