University of Kentucky (UK)

Founded in 1865, the University of Kentucky in Lexington offers more than 200 academic programs to its undergraduate students. It is one of only eight institutions in the country with the full set of liberal arts, engineering, professional, agricultural and medical colleges. With a "great variety in majors and classes" available, many undergraduates find UK has "available opportunities for students in all fields of study." Enrollees find support outside their standard classroom work with "so many study abroad options" and the chance to "become involved in undergraduate research." Many courses also incorporate "active technology learning classrooms," and some degree programs have hybrid classes. From classroom to campus, Kentucky makes sure that "everything is there to help the students-all of the resources you could need."

Undergrads say the faculty is "passionate about giving us more than just degrees" and most have "a great base of knowledge, enthusiasm, and accessibility." Students enthusiastically recommend registering for courses with seasoned teachers who have industry experience because they "are the best at their job," and "are able to answer questions from personal experience more so than just textbook knowledge." But regardless of if you're learning from a TA or a tenured faculty member, undergrads appreciate the fact that their instructors "do their best to make the material interesting and engaging." Many enrollees also value "the availability of professors and their willingness to help" after class and during offices hours. "They are more than professors; they are mentors for me and networking connections for the field," says a student.

Many students express "a love for [their] school" and the "very friendly" community that comes with it. As one undergrad notes, "Big Blue Nation makes everyone feel a part of the school pride here at the University of Kentucky." The culture of being a Kentucky Wildcat unifies enrollees in many aspects of their college career. "Students of every major and discipline find commonality in a variety of things," including "great pride about the state of Kentucky and its values." And while the student body is diverse with "a healthy number of in-state and out-of-state students," as well as "many international students and nontraditional students," walking around campus, "there is a comfortable atmosphere," which "helps each student to learn how to communicate with people from many different backgrounds." "There isn't a sense of elitism here," but "students still value academia." In the end, "all of UK's students contribute to a very diverse atmosphere that creates its unique environment." As one student explains, "It's one big community, and people are so happy to engage in it."

The University of Kentucky has made great efforts at "transforming itself into a more modern and thriving university city." "There is so much to do" at UK, and the "campus is close to downtown, so people will go out to eat or attend events happening there." The university is also located in "horse country and in a wonderful proximity to good hiking, so a lot of time is spent outdoors." During the week, you'll find students "[sitting] in common areas around campus to hang out and relax before the next class." After class, they will "usually study at the library or go to work" (UK has "a lot of opportunities for student employment"), but weekends are a time to let loose. "Sporting events are always popular," and students are "filled to the brim with pride." Home to a multitude of active Greek chapters, "Sorority/fraternity life is huge," as "Greek life is really important on campus." Beyond the Greek scene, "there are a lot of clubs that are very diverse and a lot of intramural sports," as well as opportunities to volunteer in Lexington and on campus.