University of Louisville (Kentucky)

The University of Louisville is a large research university that is part of the Kentucky state university system. The school provides "great STEM research" opportunities, and popular programs include the School of Medicine and the Speed School of Engineering. The academic experience is "very good" and many students also appreciate the classes that use a flipped classroom model, where more of class time is devoted to discussion or hands-on activities rather than lecture. Such learning experiences include field trips and opportunities to engage with the local community. One engineering student recounts working on a water filtration system that the class presented to the city's water utility, saying, "To be able to do something like that as [first years] was pretty cool." Professors at UofL are "passionate about the subject matter, knowledgeable, and care about their students" and overall, most students report positive experiences. As one student emphasizes, "Every professor I've had has been personable and understanding." The school's internship and research opportunities are also lauded, especially by engineering students who mention paid Co-op work with a variety of employers including NASA, GE, and Ford. For many enrollees, this "dedication to making students enter the workforce with applicable skills outside a degree" makes UofL stand out.

The overall atmosphere at University of Louisville is "supportive" and "feels like a family once you're there." As one student elaborates, "The community of this school is so embracing and kind." UofL is "a very diverse institution with students truly from every walk of life." The student body is "very inclusive" and "there is a large queer population." Students advocate for each other and are "quick to take action towards a better campus community." Undergraduates describe their peers as "academically driven," and "some of the smartest people I know." Many students also work while in school, balancing their classes with participating in programs such as the partnership between UPS and UofL, which pays tuition for students working the overnight shift at UPS. Many students agree the best thing about UofL is "the student body and how easy it is to find friends and a sense of belonging." As one student sums up, "If you ever need help with anything, there's always someone there to help you."

Students report spending a lot of their free time studying in the library or other academic buildings, but when students get a break from studying, they describe University of Louisville as a "beautiful campus" where, in warm weather, people flock to the "lawns to play sports games and/or have picnics." The school's activities also cater to a wide range of interests, with a special nod during the fall football season where "tailgates are the biggest events to go to." Intramural sports are also popular among many students, as well as working out in the recreation center. For those with a green thumb, UofL has a Garden Commons where volunteers help grow "free-to-pick, fresh, organic produce." One excited student explains, "I love gardening, so it's awesome we have this resource on campus." There are also "many creative events such as art galleries and poetry readings" happening on-campus, as well as clubs including the LGBT+ club, the commuter student club, the pre-pharmacy club, and the horseback riding club. As one student elaborates, "There are organizations ranging from helping people with their mental health to pickling different types of vegetables to research organizations for the STEM fields." Students note that Greek life is "pretty prominent but does not overrun the school"; it's possible to not participate and "still have a social life." For venturing off-campus, "People like to go to bars or find local restaurants to visit since there are so many," explains one student. Just as "lots of people gravitate towards Louisville's music scene," so too is there a scene for everyone at UofL.