Xavier University (OH) (XU)

Xavier University is a Catholic college that prides itself on being a small community driven by Jesuit ideals, making "[all students] feel comfortable in every aspect over their four years." The school "focuses on how to make [its students] better people," and the school's connections throughout the city and state provide "post-graduate opportunities that involve careers [and] volunteer work," as well as access to the sprawling Jesuit alumni network. Study abroad, field work, and internship opportunities are plentiful, and many students also volunteer on campus, which brings to the school "an amazing atmosphere for any student regardless of...age, religion, or culture."

"Professors are more than enthusiastic about their students' success," says a student. Faculty members utilize their skills and resources to "challenge the minds of students in the best possible way," truly preparing them for the future "especially when it comes to critical thinking." Classes incorporate guest speakers who "share experiences and tips," projects utilize programs that are relevant to real world practices, such as Qualtrics and Nielsen, and many core classes are seminars where students "solely discuss as a class and engage with each other" rather than a traditional lecture. Although "exams can be difficult depending on the class," most professors will offer the opportunity "to earn points back or redo parts of [an] exam," and "smaller class sizes make it easy to get to know your professors and create a bond with many of them."

"Xavier students are well-rounded and highly involved individuals," which means "the campus feels like family." The small, tight-knit community here "brings a sense of intimacy." As one student explains, "If you're struggling with something, there will be someone to help you." People tend to be "laid-back and welcoming but are also a somewhat homogenous group," though everyone is "inclusive and supportive of different faiths [and] political views." Students note that the school is in the act of "becoming more diverse," which allows "for more discussion to learn new perspectives and...in turn to understand each other more deeply."

At Xavier, students tend to be "very devoted to studying," at least during the weekdays. "There is more time to go out and roam around off-campus [and] the Cincinnati area on the weekends," which is when social gatherings usually take place. That said, this is a social bunch that "truly likes to be around others, since everyone is so nice," and when not studying, many students fill their time with clubs, activities, sports, or just "go grab coffee at Gallagher Student Center or hang out on the lawn if the weather is good." The campus is, after all, "gorgeous and well-maintained," even if some students feel it "could use more on-campus dining options." Overall, the university's size lends itself to a beloved "general feel"-which is to say that it's "very easy to see the same people each and every day" and, in turn, "easy and fun" to make friends. Students are also described as having "so much school spirit" and some note that "Basketball season is the best time of year."