Rollins College

Rollins College emphasizes “community engagement” and “hands-on experience,” giving students the chance to apply what they learn in the classroom. In particular, one student reports “tackling real-world projects” in their human resources course: “We provided evidence-based solutions...to the company’s HR for a chance for our recommendations to be implemented state and nationwide.” Similarly, one student studying business had the chance “to do real PR work” for a local nonprofit. Weekend and Spring Break Community Engagement trips are free or heavily subsidized, and offer immersive experiences, such as “a service-based learning experience in Tampa focused on the shelter system.” Students also have ample opportunities to study abroad. One student reports that it’s “cost-effective to study abroad because your scholarships travel with you and there are lots of options for long and short-term programs.” Both on- and off-campus, professors at Rollins “are absolutely life-changing.” One student recounts: “My professors are incredible and truly aim to have their students succeed and actually take something away from the lecture that can be applicable to their day-to-day lives.” The small class sizes “feel more personal, and you’re able to connect to the professor.” Another student agrees: “My favorite professors are those who don’t just teach us facts. I have found the most joy from the professors who teach me about life!” Overall, Rollins’ community-engaged coursework and vibrant instructors motivate students to complete their education “with determination and pride.”

Students are impressed by the “drive and determination” of their peers, describing them as “motivated, ambitious, and focused on success, not just academically, but in everything they do.” The school’s small size makes “the creation of lasting relationships” easy. “You will always see a familiar face or two when walking to class.” Across the board, “people are genuinely nice...I’m not sure if it is the beautiful campus or just the people a small liberal arts college attracts, but it definitely feels like a community.” The student body particularly values the school’s “commitment to progressive ideals.” Tars note that the student population is “mostly women, [and] mostly white,” while at the same time a “melting pot of cultures.” Shares one Tar: “You meet a lot of international people, which is quite cool since you get a lot of different insights.” In general, everyone wants “to push themselves and grow. Being surrounded by students who care that much about their goals is inspiring. It creates an environment where we support each other while also challenging one another to be our very best.”

When Rollins students aren’t in class, they can be found “out and about on campus.” Mills Lawn is a popular spot for studying, picnics, and playing games, while “the lake on campus is a place you can go paddleboarding or kayaking.” With its beautiful campus and sunny weather, Rollins students like to “spend time outside, whether it be playing sports or just chilling by the lake.” One treasured campus tradition is Fox Day, a surprise in the spring when the president decides it is “too pretty for class” and cancels classes for undergraduates, providing the perfect opportunity to “play games on our lawn” or go “to the pool.” Tars, as Rollins students are affectionately known, looking for community can find it in recreational fitness classes (“barre, yoga, bodyworks, pilates, Zumba”) or performing arts spaces. One student explains that “Whenever I need a laugh, a cry, or just to escape for a little bit, I know the improv team is going to give me that.” The “Greek community is flourishing” as well, shares one student: “I’ve not only enjoyed the experience as a member of my chapter, but I’ve also made many friends in other chapters along the way.” Whether Tars connect through classes, Greek life, or extracurriculars, they love “hanging out with friends around the beautiful campus.”