Hampton University (HU)

Virginia's Hampton University is one of the world's top historically Black universities, offering students a progressive education in business, the sciences, and the liberal arts. This "school of tradition, family values, and excellent education" is well-known for its focus on STEM programs and its five-year MBA program, and proudly forces its students to be at the top of their game. "My school exudes and strives for a standard of excellence in any and every aspect," says a junior political science major of the oft-quoted motto "The Standard of Excellence."

Professors "are at the top of their field," and the majority of the faculty members provide office hours "where students can have more one-to-one assistance" on lecture topics on which they may need more clarification. "My professors have not only been teachers in the classroom, but in my personal life as well," says a student. "I have been taught how to use the communication and research skills that I have obtained outside of the classroom." In addition, the university provides "a plethora of outside resources" such as paid internships, undergraduate research, and job shadowing opportunities.

The "historically rich" institution is "supportive of its legacy being upheld by all that pass through" while at the same time making individuals aware of their own legacies and "supporting them in their professional and academic endeavors through all available resources." Alumni connections abound in such an environment, and there are plenty of "excellent career planning tools," internships, and careers available to students "during and after their tenure at Hampton." There is "an immense amount of clout and history behind Hampton University's walls." Though the campus is undoubtedly "beautiful" (and sits right on the water), many agree that some of the facilities (especially the dorms) could use renovation. In recent years, three new dorms were constructed and historic halls were modernized.

The typical student here is an African American "go-getter" who is "trying to make something of themselves." They are "poised, considerate, and self-sufficient" and "knows how to act and dress in the appropriate setting and time." "Hampton students have a certain attitude about themselves; you can always tell a Hamptonian. Once you have been Hamptonized, there is no going back," explains one student cryptically. This "driven," "hardworking" crowd gets along fairly well, and there are no issues of isolation "unless one chooses that lifestyle." Students are almost without fail "outgoing and involved in many organizations within the school and the community."

Hampton does an excellent job of "blending past traditions with modern times," and Homecoming and Spring Fest are two important events for Hampton. On the "closed" campus, there is an "unlimited [number] of activities for students to participate in." During Organization Week, the student center has a two hour "12-2" period, during which "students are able to be social during the day," and many students love to "catch a Friday movie" night there as well, or hang out with friends in the new waterfront dining hall.

Hampton is small and "not a college town," and since "the University is really the only thing around," having a car is useful. Monday through Friday campus life is "mostly academic and extracurricular," with students mostly focused on class and the various clubs that they may be involved in. On the weekends students attend onand off-campus parties, or go to "kickbacks," which are "a more low-key version of a party." "Student life is lacking as far as dorm life," so many students "often interact with the students from NSU, ODU, and William & Mary." For the most part, "everyone on campus has the same mindset, a unanimous goal, and that's to graduate and strive for a successful life."