Hollins University (HU)

Hollins University is a private liberal arts college in Roanoke, Virginia, that heralds the unique benefits that come with being an all-women's college, which includes a student-tofaculty ratio of 8:1, a relatively low class size, and a global network of alums that connects students to mentors, jobs, and internships. "Our community and traditions help us create connections with students and alumnae that will last well into our adulthood," says a student. As for hands-on experiences, they are guaranteed for every eligible student, and three out of four students complete at least one: "I am currently doing an internship that is completely out of my field, but one class I took intrigued me to do so," reports a student, while another notes "I have done three internships through Hollins and it contributes a lot to my career." The so-called J-Term, or January Short Term, helps free up students to pursue such opportunities, as well as research and study abroad. Students also note that the school has made a serious "investment in the creative fields," with plenty of "readings and Q&A sessions by guest authors," and classes incorporate plenty of hands-on elements, such as a public health class where students had "to complete a field experience assignment where we study a disease, and then interview random students about [it] just as a real epidemiologist would."

The school is "academic and forward-thinking without putting a ton of pressure on students to maintain perfect grades," and creates "a positive intellectual standard that makes me and my peers want to really grow and push our education further." Faculty are "absolutely the backbone of this school and have such a passion to support their students in any way they can, both academically, emotionally, and just in life." They "are more than willing to work with you when life throws you curve balls" and are "very good about answering questions and making themselves available outside of class."

Despite being a historically women's college, "Hollins students represent a wide range of gender identities," including "AFAB, non-binary, trans-masculine, LGBTQIA+ students, as well as cis-gendered women." There is a "Culture of Care implemented on campus, which makes respect and empathy for one another a conscious mindset throughout all of campus." There are just seven hundred undergraduates, which "makes finding friends and familiar faces easy." As one student says: "I never see a face I've never seen before... I find it comforting." This is "a safe place to express oneself" and "everyone is so open and accepting and the clubs, societies, and traditions give everyone a unique place in the school." Overall, this group of "kind, smart, funny, talented" individuals create "a warm and friendly environment where everyone feels like they belong."

Hollins University is "a beautiful, optimistic place" where almost all first-years live, be that in one of the 10 home-style residences or seven special interest houses and halls, all located "right next to a huge natural preserve and reservoir." (That historical, picturesque quality does come with a bit of a price: several students report a desire for renovationslike airconditioning-in the oldest dorms, and for a more varied menu in the dining hall.) Given the natural scenery, students appreciate the school's outdoor activities, like "hiking and trail walks they set up" to horseback riding and a climbing team (that can also make use of the gym's rock wall). The student government also works to organize "many great sponsored events that take us out of Hollins and into the city of Roanoke," like basketball games, and "lots of social events, ranging from the little hot chocolate buffet on the quad...to the semi-formal fall dance." (Hollins students do love "a party with a theme, any excuse to dress up.") Students also report a lot of activities ("everything from crafting club to anime club") and note that the school is "really great about making sure everyone can get involved."