A semi-professional environment, where student can meet life long friends and future colleagues while doing the things they love. The university, as well as the city of San Francisco, become home to many students from all over the world, allowing for cultural influences and collaboration on students work. This school is located in a city that is very open, and better influences a students work, but beware, certain spots are hostile to AAU students. *cough*Yerba Buena*cough*
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Do not think that just because this is an art school, you get to slack off. It may be open enrollments, but this is a professional school. Keep an open mind, you will meet a lot of people from different countries and cultures who might influence your work. AAU has courtesy shuttles, which are very nice, but depending on where you are in the city, it might be better to walk.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
This depends on major, classes, teachers and what degree you are going for. Generally speaking, students are expected to put in 30+ of work on their projects.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
I would suggest being in the dorm for your first year or semester, until you know your way around the city. After that, it's better to get an apartment. For first years, the dorms are ok, but not great. One all girls dorm has communal bathrooms, and NO privacy, but the all boys dorm may be the nicest, complete with private bathrooms and a cafe. From experience, the all girls dorm was very hostile. For second years, and students 21+, the dorms are very nice. They have bathrooms, kitchens, and if you are lucky, you get your own room. Just a warning, if you decide to stay in the dorms during the summer, they jack up the prices.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
I will say that the meal plans are life-savers for poor college students. There are 3 school cafes that work with the meal plan, and 4 cafes that take money and Knight Kash (Money saved for food outside of the school, I don't really understand it, but whatever). The retail cafes don't have actual meals, but provides some good food if you're in a hurry. The 3 resident cafes (Sutter, I-House and Rodin) have decent food, but I have heard of people getting sick from eating at the I-House. Even I have gotten sick there. Luckily, Rodin and Sutter are better, and if Sutter is crowded, Rodin will not be.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
One thing I really love about this school is that there is so much to do. AAU Recreation and Campus Life organize events every semester, that are free for students (or cheap, but that's if they have trips outside the city). Some of my favorite events were Halloweek, Speed Meet (actually more fun than you think), Spring Break Staycation and New Student Orientation (a whole week of fun and meeting new people). The school also has 3 free gyms, a pool and many fitness classes. Dance classes include Salsa, Belly Dance, Hip Hop, Ballet, Zumba, Capoeira and Contemporary Jazz. There are also yoga classes every single day. Even if the school isn't holding any events, you're in San Francisco, there's always something going on.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
The reason I put 4 stars, was because I, and many others, have had classes where we felt it was a waste of our money. Either because we got bad teachers, or we learned nothing, or what have you.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
This school has buildings all over the city, hence the need for the courtesy shuttle. You can walk, but if you have class at one building and have to go across the city to another, you will be late.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Anyone interested in a designing career, or just love art in general. No matter what your background, there is something for you at this school.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
All those events and dance classes, plus the school has plenty of clubs. Clubs change every semester, so you might have to check the site to see who is still here and who isn't.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
Yeah, no. There's fraternity, but they're not very active. There was a sorority, but they got disbanded for hazing.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
Dorm security is strict, especially for the all girl dorms. You know, because we're girls. But you need a school ID to get into all the buildings, but your ID needs whichever dorm you are staying in to be programed in it, or else the security guard will have to let you in. I feel that this gets a little too strict at times, but it's not 1984 by any means. Well, it's getting close.
A semi-professional environment, where student can meet life long friends and future colleagues while doing the things they love. The university, as well as the city of San Francisco, become home to many students from all over the world, allowing for cultural influences and collaboration on students work. This school is located in a city that is very open, and better influences a students work, but beware, certain spots are hostile to AAU students. *cough*Yerba Buena*cough*
Do not think that just because this is an art school, you get to slack off. It may be open enrollments, but this is a professional school. Keep an open mind, you will meet a lot of people from different countries and cultures who might influence your work. AAU has courtesy shuttles, which are very nice, but depending on where you are in the city, it might be better to walk.
This depends on major, classes, teachers and what degree you are going for. Generally speaking, students are expected to put in 30+ of work on their projects.
I would suggest being in the dorm for your first year or semester, until you know your way around the city. After that, it's better to get an apartment. For first years, the dorms are ok, but not great. One all girls dorm has communal bathrooms, and NO privacy, but the all boys dorm may be the nicest, complete with private bathrooms and a cafe. From experience, the all girls dorm was very hostile. For second years, and students 21+, the dorms are very nice. They have bathrooms, kitchens, and if you are lucky, you get your own room. Just a warning, if you decide to stay in the dorms during the summer, they jack up the prices.
I will say that the meal plans are life-savers for poor college students. There are 3 school cafes that work with the meal plan, and 4 cafes that take money and Knight Kash (Money saved for food outside of the school, I don't really understand it, but whatever). The retail cafes don't have actual meals, but provides some good food if you're in a hurry. The 3 resident cafes (Sutter, I-House and Rodin) have decent food, but I have heard of people getting sick from eating at the I-House. Even I have gotten sick there. Luckily, Rodin and Sutter are better, and if Sutter is crowded, Rodin will not be.
One thing I really love about this school is that there is so much to do. AAU Recreation and Campus Life organize events every semester, that are free for students (or cheap, but that's if they have trips outside the city). Some of my favorite events were Halloweek, Speed Meet (actually more fun than you think), Spring Break Staycation and New Student Orientation (a whole week of fun and meeting new people). The school also has 3 free gyms, a pool and many fitness classes. Dance classes include Salsa, Belly Dance, Hip Hop, Ballet, Zumba, Capoeira and Contemporary Jazz. There are also yoga classes every single day. Even if the school isn't holding any events, you're in San Francisco, there's always something going on.
The reason I put 4 stars, was because I, and many others, have had classes where we felt it was a waste of our money. Either because we got bad teachers, or we learned nothing, or what have you.
This school has buildings all over the city, hence the need for the courtesy shuttle. You can walk, but if you have class at one building and have to go across the city to another, you will be late.
Anyone interested in a designing career, or just love art in general. No matter what your background, there is something for you at this school.
All those events and dance classes, plus the school has plenty of clubs. Clubs change every semester, so you might have to check the site to see who is still here and who isn't.
Yeah, no. There's fraternity, but they're not very active. There was a sorority, but they got disbanded for hazing.
Dorm security is strict, especially for the all girl dorms. You know, because we're girls. But you need a school ID to get into all the buildings, but your ID needs whichever dorm you are staying in to be programed in it, or else the security guard will have to let you in. I feel that this gets a little too strict at times, but it's not 1984 by any means. Well, it's getting close.