Lawrence University (LU)

Lawrence University is a small liberal arts college in Appleton, Wisconsin, centered entirely around the ethos of Engaged Learning, in which students learn by doing. Beginning with the cornerstone Freshman Studies program, these "crazy smart" students are grouped into course sections of about 15 students, and commence the reading and discussion of great works. Exploration of the mind is stressed, and "even the smallest idea is considered on a grand scale." Tutoring is readily available, and the school "places an incredible focus on mental health issues and counseling." Professors "have great opportunities for help and discussion outside of class," and "there are many opportunities for experiential learning (off-campus study, visits, field trips, grants) that are available to those that work for them, without being too hard to get." Lawrence is especially good at "providing a creative and explorative atmosphere within the college," and structuring itself in a manner that allows for student flexibility, so students "are able to explore and study whatever we are interested in, and we are encouraged to do so." A stunning 7:1 student-tofaculty ratio means students have access to their professors at all times, all of whom "are excited to transfer their knowledge to us through various kind of ways." Professors are "upfront with us and treat us more like academic peers," and make time to help students outside of class and connect the course to larger ideas. "To the professors, you are a person, and they make sure that they know your name and what you're about," says a student.

There's a surprisingly large number of international students at Lawrence University, and people embrace the opportunity to learn about different cultures and topics in general: they are all "exceptionally curious and eager to explore fields outside their own major." "Not only do we yearn for experiences that take us outside what is comfortable and known, it is safe to do so," says one. Students here "are not afraid to show who they really are" and "truly just love expressing how every person is their own and that we all accept it." This "healthy and excellent" social atmosphere is due to the chemistry of the student body, which is a "combination of odd, quirky kids, who are dedicated to music or the arts, but also dedicated student athletes." More than anything, the students here "are kind, funny, intelligent and a little bit wacko-in the best way."

One student sums up Lawrentian life: "cheese curds, high stress, ten weeks, snow, repeat." "Study takes big part of people's life," but most are also on many different clubs or committees "whether for the student government, toward our major, or just for fun like long boarding club or painting club." "People are always hoping for more time in a day here," says a student. Admittedly, "there isn't much to do in Appleton," so this entirely residential campus is able "to cultivate a fantastic atmosphere within the college," but "outside of the Lawrence bubble is a mystery to most of us." Many people engage with the school's dances, comedians, musicians, speakers who are brought to campus, and movies shown in the cinema, and every term has a big event, such as the Fall Festival, Trivia, Winter Carnival, Cabaret, and LU-aroo. On weekends, partying is a popular pastime; underclassmen spend their time at the cafe on campus while upperclassmen "flock to our on-campus bar, where we often see our professors during happy hour." As the university houses a popular music conservatory, "there is ALWAYS a type of concert going on (Monday jazz sessions are highlight)."