Anderson University (SC) (AU)

Anderson University is a good fit for students seeking "a warm, friendly, Christian environment where someone can get a liberal arts education and a lifetime of memories and experiences and friends." "There is a religious focus campus-wide" at Anderson, so "If someone wants to be in a Christian atmosphere, Anderson is an excellent school to choose." It's also a school on the rise; students note that Anderson "has changed a lot" in recent years, adding "a new library and student center." Still, the school isn't for everybody; those craving independence may bristle at Anderson's many rules and restrictions. One such student complains that "We are not treated as adults…If our desk is so much as cluttered, we risk being fined…We have an attendance policy that requires us to go to class or be failed." Students also observe that the new library "could improve on the materials and resources available." Fortunately, students can "use nearby Clemson University's library for the bulk of [their] research" when necessary.

Anderson students are "typically hard workers" who are "involved in campus activities" and "love their school." Most are also "in love with their savior, Jesus Christ," "but there are some exceptions." If you were to divide the student body into four categories, you might find them to be "nonreligious student athletes, religious student athletes, students in religious organizations, and students involved in the arts. For the most part, the different groups tend to stick together." The typical student is also "from the state of South Carolina; either a Clemson or a Carolina fan; [and] an education, music, or religion major." While "most of them are religious, do-nothing-wrong people," "A lot of them are still your typical teenagers who party a lot." There are "very few minorities at the school."

There are no fraternities or sororities at Anderson, so students must look elsewhere for diversion. Fortunately, options abound; "During the week, ministry-focused groups (FCA, RUF, BCM, CRU, etc.) meet at night," and the university "also has many fine arts concerts and exhibits that occur." When the weekend rolls around, "There are always athletic and intramural games to attend as well as various happenings in the community. For the most part, it's not too difficult to find things to do at and around Anderson University." Off campus "There are two movie houses in town, a bowling alley, a skating rink, and the Civic Center, a highly frequented place for candlelit picnics and long walks by the duck pond." There are also "a few people who like to go to dance clubs [and] parties at the local university [Clemson]." "On the weekends, a large majority of students go home. "We are definitely a suitcase college," says one student.