Niagara University (NU)

Niagara University is a Catholic college that offers its students “a friendly learning community” and an education that “is very focused on service and the Vincentian tradition.” Niagara’s “great hospitality program” stands out among its academic offerings and students in the program highlight that “There are also many resources available to us and various classes that are truly staples to helping us with real world situations within our careers.” The college also boasts strong programs in business and education. Education majors looking to get some real life teaching experience should also note that at Niagara, “Their education program puts you in the classroom in your first year!” Students love the school’s “small size and individual attention” as well as the “family-like support system.” They also rave about the “one on one with professors” who are “fantastic” and “very approachable and knowledgeable.” One student tells us that “Most of my professors have fulfilled my expectations of a teacher: polite, humorous, reasonable, and stimulates interest in his/her class.”

Students at Niagara generally recognize that “a lot of students are from this area and seem pretty similar due to similar upbringing” and that many members of the student population could fit the description of “Catholic raised, upper-middle class, white student.” They observe that Niagara “is a Catholic school so there [are] a number of religious students, but it isn’t crammed down anyone’s throats.” “Everyone seems to know everyone,” at Niagara. Some observe that “Students fit in well, especially if they are into athletics” and that “the hard-working, normal, athletic not-crazy-partiers but not-geeks are the hardest group to find friends.” School pride seems to be a common thread among the students and “the typical student owns 10+ purple shirts, is very friendly to everyone, [and] likes to be involved in any/every way possible.

Life at Niagara seems to be a whirlwind of activity set against a backdrop of “beautiful architecture.” In addition to either participating in or supporting the Division I sports teams, students gush that “There is so much that the school offers: concerts, game nights, movie nights, ice skating, fitness programs (yoga, zumba, spinning, pilates, karate, etc.)” Another student adds, “Hiking and running along the gorge right across the street is an absolute pleasure throughout the seasons.” For the less athletically-inclined, other campus activities range “from guest comedians, to movie nights, to Christmas cookie decorating.” Be warned though, “One major draw back at NU is that though there are a lot of clubs and organizations, campus activities tend to have limited attendance, and limited variety.” For those seeking adventure off campus, having a car helps as “going to downtown Buffalo or Niagara Falls to the bars is popular on Thursdays (college student night) and throughout the weekend.” If that’s not an option, then it might be good to note that “Canada is a taxi’s drive away and is always a fun time.”