University of Lynchburg (UL)

Beneath the Blue Ridge mountains in Lynchburg, Virginia, the University of Lynchburg students experience an "academic environment [that] is the perfect level of challenge and excitement." Lynchburg is "huge on community service" and opportunities on and around campus make it easy for students to "get out there and get involved in the local community." Students enjoy a "friendly environment" among peers who are "willing to help you out when needed." Students say that the academic environment is convivial, classes are "very discussion based and allow for conversation." Students appreciate that "class sizes are so small" and explain that this means "participation is necessary" from everyone. A low student-to-faculty ratio also means that it is "very easy to ask questions during class and meet with your professors" outside of class hours. One student in Lynchburg's wellregarded nursing program tells us "we have incredible faculty members who are caring, compassionate, and experienced. They go above and beyond for us each day to make us the best nurses possible." Lynchburg boasts "other amazing programs such as Exercise Physiology, Biology, Teaching, [and] Business," all of which "are backed by the liberal arts education that allows us to expand our thinking and look at the world in a broader view." "I have been given nothing but support and encouragement throughout my time in the program," one student tells us. This nurturing atmosphere helps students become "the best version of ourselves." It isn't uncommon to hear students say, "I wasn't very successful academically in high school but I have done extremely well in college. I would attribute that to the professors" who offer plenty of office hours to get in contact with them, as well as most classes having a class tutor with weekly study sessions to help you along with the class."

Students at Lynchburg are described as "friendly and willing to work together and help each other out." Students agree that "the majority of students are from Virginia or neighboring states" and tend to be "primarily Caucasian," but observe that the university is "beginning to have more cultural diversity" and the overall number of international students has increased. Lynchburg students are "open to ideas and accepting to others" while extending their welcoming Southern hospitality. Students will "hold the door for you and give you a sincere smile as you walk by them on the way to class." As one student puts it, "Everyone is very helping. If someone is not able to help you with a homework question or a project, then they will find you someone that can. It does feel like one giant family here."

There is plenty going on around the University of Lynchburg campus to keep students busy. During the week "most people go to class and then have meetings for clubs," which are well attended at Lynchburg. "Very often, students are involved in at least two campus organizations," and it is a great way for them to get involved in the community: "Students spend a great deal of their out-of-class time working on planning events, service, and projects for these organizations." Athletics are popular on campus and "nearly 1 in 5 students is involved in Greek life." Students say they can "always fill any free time...exploring the city of Lynchburg," where they can check out "a movie, trampoline parks, skating rinks" or catch a bite downtown where "the restaurants and bars...are absolutely amazing." Outside the city, students can explore the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains where there are "lots of opportunities for hiking, cave diving, and rafting."