Saint Joseph's University (PA) (SJU)

Students at Saint Joseph's University find that the school "prepares you for an amazing career ahead," especially if you're focusing on its well-known business school or science/ healthcare programs. "They have an amazing network," enthuses one B-school enrollee, adding that "they prepare you for having a great job and being an ethical person." For science majors, students praise the Phage Lab, which offers first-year students an early opportunity to get into research and appreciate the real-world experience they can earn in courses: "We volunteered at the local elementary school, and it was a great way to practice my science communication skills in real life." This seems to be a theme across all subjects, from Irish Literature and Culture ("We got to hurl with each other and, through playing the National sport of Ireland, we came to understand more about [their] national identity") to a class in which "students were instructed to interview farmer's market vendors to learn about their experience in opening up a stand and their visions [and] worries." Students also feel positively toward "the small classroom sizes because I am able to make a connection with the professor and other classmates." And when it comes to accommodating students with special needs, students refer to the way the Kinney Center enables them to "participate in college life, activities, courses, and even aspects of independent living."

"The community, first and foremost, is amazing. We are a very happy campus and a very friendly one," enthuses one first-year student. This is true even for the most rigorous majors, who note that "every individual is strong, passionate, open, and positive, as we all race to achieve our dreams." Another student describing healthcare classes as being filled with "a lot of critical thinkers and people that are driven by the goal of helping others." Some students on campus mention that it can feel "like there are two distinct student bodies: those at the [Hawk Hill] campus, and those at the...University City campus." Nevertheless, many contend that "we are a close-knit and collaborative community, and we are proud of our school." And though students perceive their peers as "very regional"from Pennsylvania and nearby states-they also note "there is no one, cookie-cutter type of student" and that SJU has "a diverse student body in terms of life experience." All in all, SJU is "a great place to make connections and get out into the real world."

Many students agree that SJU's two campus locations-downtown Philadelphia and suburban Hawk Hill-are "perfect because you are not in the crowded city but you're still really close by." While students in the city love exploring Philadelphia, "sports and studies encompass most of a student's daily life at the University City" location. Meanwhile, the "Hawk Hill campus is beautiful...[and] has a large offering of student clubs and activities" for students to enjoy. As one third-year student puts it, there are "many opportunities for people to really find their niche, whether it be with campus ministry or a club team." Karaoke, Hawk Pep Band, and the popular Hawk City Productions are just a few of the extracurricular opportunities "that allow students to unwind and take their minds off school and focus on enjoying their time in college and living their life to the fullest." The "date parties and formals" that make up a part of Greek life also rank among campus favorites, as does "the sheer importance of volunteerism-it seems as if it is present in almost every club on campus." Perhaps most importantly, students appreciate the SJU's priorities: "My school is aware of mental health and stress for students, which is why there are many stress relief events for students near exam weeks or in the middle of the semester."