University of Oregon (UO)

The University of Oregon provides “a wide variety of opportunities for students,” a sentiment echoed by many, including one Duck who shares: “My school does a great job of allowing students to navigate different academic paths by not pressuring them into declaring a major or minor immediately,” and encouraging them to take “a variety of diverse classes and explore different interests.” For example, one Duck enjoys “being a research assistant in labs, working as an editor at multiple student journals, completing an independent thesis project, studying abroad, and conducting experiments in class.” As an R1 research university, “there are so many opportunities to get involved in hands-on research.” Pre-health programs, particularly in human physiology, are known for “pushing the boundary of undergraduate research and sports health,” while the Warsaw Sports Business Center helps cultivate the “next generation of sports business leaders.” Alumni connections also enhance student experiences, as demonstrated by the Ducks Shadow Ducks Program, which lets students “shadow alumni in their desired field and make connections at large companies such as Visa, Edelman, Washington Times, and the SF Giants!” With a vibrant academic community and diverse learning experiences, one Duck feels well-prepared to graduate “with projects I can talk about on my résumé and examples of my work to show employers.”

“Welcoming, with a sense of family,” is how one Duck describes the vibe on campus, a sentiment shared by many at the university. Given the large size of the student body, students find that “there is a crowd for everyone at UO—athletes, sorority girls, frat bros, skaters, artists, outdoorsy, and more.” One student reports: “A lot of people are experimenting with their style, their ideas, and their interests, so it results in a lot of fun sights and experiences.” Another Duck agrees, describing their peers as “creative, eclectic, interesting, friendly, driven.” The strong athletic culture at UO contributes to “a sense of community and a collective identity of being Ducks,” while students also rally around “the outdoors and environmental activism.” One student adds, “The campus is very politically active and left-leaning.” Another proudly adds, “If there is something [Ducks] see wrong with the world, institution, etc., they will do something to try and change it.” For many, the highlight of their UO experience is captured in this sentiment: “My favorite part of being at UO is the people I have met and the community I’ve built.”

“Nothing beats walking to Autzen Stadium for a football game,” says one Duck, a feeling shared by many students at UO. As an unabashedly “sports-centric” school, Ducks take pride in “being a part of a Big 10 school,” offering students the chance to experience top-tier college athletes in a variety of sports. Many students enjoy “working out at the student recreation center” or playing intramural flag football, basketball, and volleyball, while others combine fitness with outdoor adventure, as “it is easy to find clubs dedicated to hiking, running, camping, and more.” Beyond athletics, the university thrives on its vibrant social scene: “There are so many lively clubs and organizations that are welcoming to everyone….It doesn’t feel like a big university when you can make small communities inside of it.” One of those communities is Greek life, which, as one student says, “has been a big part of my life and has truly given me my best friends.” Ducks enjoy Oregon’s natural beauty, and “if the weather is nice, students will be outside studying, lying in hammocks, and playing spike ball.” For those over 21, “the three bars near campus are packed and very fun.” One Duck sums up campus life at UO best: “The campus is beautiful, the football team is great, and the student body is lively.”