Sonoma State University (SSU)

A member of the reputable California state university system, Sonoma State University distinguishes itself from similar institutions through its low-key atmosphere and strong "focus on undergraduates." Employing "teachers who are willing to take the time to make a difference in students' lives," SSU limits most classes to fewer than 50, giving students the opportunity to "develop close and meaningful relationships with professors and classmates that will continue even after graduation." During class time, professors often "allow open discussions and emphasize a comfortable, safe environment to express oneself." After class, they "are always available through email or in person during their office hours." Most SSU instructors are excellent in the classroom, but the school is big enough that you'll find "a wide variety of professors, ranging from spectacular to pretty poor." Fortunately, professors are generally "experts in their field" and "stay up to date on current events that affect our field of study." While students benefit from a very low in-state tuition, SSU has been affected by California budget cuts, and the resulting unit cap "makes it almost impossible to graduate in four years." Students have historically suggested that the bureaucratic process could use some improvements, most notably that the class "registration process is notoriously buggy," and the college has recently done so. For those hoping to stay in California after graduation, "Sonoma County and the city of San Francisco are two places very rich in career opportunities for Sonoma State students."

"Many students pick Sonoma because it is close to home," whether they live on campus or commute. Southern Californians and other in-staters round out the largely "Bay Area" crowd, and there are a number of older students mixed in with traditional undergrads. In broad strokes, "most students here come from middleto upper-class backgrounds, and they are all fairly down to earth and really very nice and socially aware." More superficially, you'll notice "a lot of white girls wearing yoga pants, Nike shocks, and drinking Starbucks coffee." That said, "everyone has their own thing" at SSU. Though the school is "not really racially diverse" there is an "eclectic group of students," making it easy to fit in. A wise junior advises, "The important thing is to find your passions, your niche, and pursue it. In the process, you'll come upon like-minded students who share the same interests." "Most of the students here are part of the Greek life," telling us that fraternities and sororities are the best way to make friends and have fun (though others complain that "Greeks feel like they run the school," to the detriment of non-affiliated students). Even if you don't pledge, "the residential community helps build great friendships" for those who live on campus, and "because everyone is friendly most people find it easy to make friends."

SSU boasts a "gorgeous campus" and "impressive" facilities, including "incredible" dormitories and "a new rec center with [a] climbing wall and indoor courts, as well as outside fields." A current student enthuses, "Just come look at the housing and you realize that Sonoma is trying to make everyone as comfortable as possible." With its "beautiful setting in the heart of wine country," "the pace here seems to be a slower one, which creates a peaceful and calm environment to take classes and study in; the stress level here is relatively low." After class, students might "hang out by the pools" or study in the "many little redwood groves" around campus. "There are hundreds of clubs" on campus, including many popular Greek organizations, and, for those with a little initiative, "the leadership opportunities are endless." Off campus, surrounding Rohnert Park is a "more suburban" environment, so "it is difficult to go anywhere unless you have a car." With a set of wheels, students love to take day trips to San Francisco, or go miniature golfing, hiking, and bowling nearby. "Outdoor activities are abundant year-round" and, for those of legal drinking age, "there are also a lot of wineries and vineyards to go wine tasting!" Come the weekend, "a lot of students like to party," while others "enjoy on-campus activities like midnight improv and free movies."