Oregon State University (OSU)

It's not just that Oregon State University seems to have it all, from "amazing research programs" to an "incredibly beautiful" campus and "inviting community." It's also that the administration does its utmost to ensure undergrads feel supported from the moment their first semester begins. This includes sending "frequent emails to check in on students' progress" and weekly "updates on career development, research, and community building" initiatives. Students praise many of OSU's offerings, from technology-and specifically engineering, given that the school has "an on-campus nuclear reactor"-to "excellent wildlife, ecology, and natural resources" programs. The hands-on nature of business classes also stood out to this first-year student: "We had to create microbusinesses with teams and sell products we made. It gave me a lot of insight and experience." No matter the course of study, undergrads generally receive a nice balance between "discussion-based classes and experiential learning." Moreover, "there are so many innovative peer education programs that supplement traditional lecture classes and give students another way to learn."

Though "experience varies quite drastically from professor to professor," students say that most of their instructors are "accessible, knowledgeable, and engaging." Indeed, "it's pretty rare that I have a class that feels like a drag." Overall, professors seem to be "very understanding of personal issues and are willing to be flexible and work with individual students to be sure that they succeed." As one enrollee concludes, "I have been blessed with some fantastic professors who have gone above and beyond in the time they put into me and my learning goals."

If Oregon State University were "the set of a movie, then it is very fair to say that we have a very diverse cast that come from all kinds of ethnic backgrounds." A wide variety of personality types as well, united by being "very smart and having fun quirks" from magnetics to country dancing. Students suggest that "the majority are very welcoming and nice and helpful" and that "I never had trouble starting conversations with anyone." Students note that while their classmates are "driven" they also manage to give off a "relaxed" vibe. Case in point: "You'll see multiple people wearing pajamas to class." This all makes it easy to recognize that most "everyone is down to have a really good time." Indeed, "I believe that everyone feels a sense of belonging here because of that."

For the hardworking students of Oregon State who need a break from their studies, "the massive amount of extracurricular clubs and activities is amazing. Anyone can find a group of people with...similar interests." That's great, whether you're into formula racing, bouldering, or drag; there's even stuff like "Concrete Canoe (the civil engineering club where we build a canoe out of concrete, then race it against other school's concrete canoe teams)." There are even non-credited courses like a "bushcraft class." As this individual boasts, "I slept out in the woods for two nights in a tarp shelter using my skills!" For more traditional entertainments, students can "enjoy the active Greek life surrounding the campus." Students also note that because "the beach and mountains are both only an hour away... outdoor recreation is abundant."