Reviews
Augustana University
Mallory from Yankton, SD
a current student here
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Am learning a lot
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Each professor strives to utilize text, lecture, and assignments to ensure each student truly dives into the subject matter. What truly sets Augustana College above and beyond on this level is the attention to the ideas that unite the disciplines. I enjoy the moments when the ideas in one class begin to connect with my other classes.
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Am enjoying being here
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Augustana has a strong sense of community. The freshman dorms allow for a strong sense of unity among classes. There is never a dull moment on campus. The student groups host an event almost every night.
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Bang for the buck
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Augustana College is one of the most inexpensive private, liberal art schools in the country. They strive to make the school affordable for each an every student. Additional expenses such as parking are a hidden bargain. Also, remember, cost of living in Sioux Falls is very reasonable. Think of down the road when you want to live off campus-reason rent is always available in Sioux Falls.
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Tips for prospective students
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Over night visits during the fall can be great fun. Due to the pure number of events on campus you are sure to enjoy your stay. Also, talk to you admissions representative. Our representatives are known for calling and checking in. Spend a little time chatting. They are a great resource.
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Great for these types of students
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This school is great for students that want a rigorous academic work load. Augustana College is serious about academic achievement. This school is also great for students that want to be in an active community. If you are not willing to participate and have fun with the students around you, this is not the school for you.
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Anonymous
researching this school
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Will learn a lot
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The professors at Augustana seem to be very nice and caring about the students.
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Will enjoy being here
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From what I have observed from visiting campus, students appear to group together, especially with people they've known from high school. However, the campus and building seem to be in very good condition.
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Bang for the buck
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Augustana, like all private schools, seems to be pretty spendy. It appears that there are plenty of scholarships for the over-achieving students.
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Tips for prospective students
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Apply early, visit campus at least once, write a good, strong essay, do well in school, be active in a few activities, be in college-prep classes, have good grades, do well on the ACT.
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Great for these types of students
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Religious students, students looking for a challenge, residents of South Dakota with friends at Augustana, students with interest in the Arts.
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Tessa from Rapid City, SD
a current student here
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In three sentences
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Augustana College is my dream college. It the the perfect size, it is located in the perfect place, I have the most perfect work-study, I have the best professors and classes, and I have made the most perfect friends. I have never doubted that I made the right decision.
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Tips for prospective students
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Augustana College is smaller than most schools, but that is what makes it so great. It is like another family away from home, yet I still see new faces every day. The schoolwork is hard, but we make up for it in the fun we have here. Obviously it is not for everyone, but I would recommend it to anyone.
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Academic Rigor
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I went to a pretty prestigious high-school so I felt very prepared, but I am still working very hard to keep my grades up. They challenge you, but the benefits are 100% worth it.
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Dorm Life
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The dorms are not great, they are small and could use a few improvements, but they do a great job of matching you up with a compatible roommate and you get used to the living situations very quickly. Dorm life is going to be relatively similar wherever you go.
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Food and Dining
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Great cafeteria with a wide variety of food, but the unlimited plan that they recently implemented is not the best in my opinion. If you do the math, it is $27 a day/$9 a meal, and I eat in the commons maybe once a day. If you eat in the commons regularly, it is worth it, but you get a much better $9 meal elsewhere.
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What to do for fun
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Sioux Falls in general has a lot of options for stuff to do on the weekends, but Augustana College keeps you very busy with constant options for activities on and off campus. And don't think because we are a small, Christian school that we don't know how to have fun. :)
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Bang for the buck
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It is pricey, but in my personal opinion, it could not be more worth it. Job placement percentages are off the charts compared to other schools.
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Great for these types of students
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It's a liberal arts school so there are a lot of artsy, granola-y type kids here. But athletics are huge too, along with academics. So really, we have every kind of student here, and everything in between. It's a perfect fit for any type of student.
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Greek Life
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I was bummed to find out when applying that Augustana College did not have Greek Life, but they do have Theme Houses which are very similar!
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Campus Safety
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Campus Safety is awesome. They are always doing their job, but instead of looking to get students in trouble, they are looking out for the students and their safety. They are always reachable by the dial of a phone and will be there to help you jump your car in a matter of minutes!
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Stephanie from Onawa, IA
a current student here
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In three sentences
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Augustana is a great liberal arts school for those looking for a small institution that they can feel at home at. Class sizes are small and the professors really care; everyone on campus is super friendly! Being in Sioux Falls, you don't have to worry about it being too small and boring; there is always something to do in the city.
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Tips for prospective students
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Go on a campus visit; this is the best way to really get a feel for the college. You can check out the dorms, eat the awesome commons food, and meet some of our amazing professors. It is only by visiting campus that you can truly understand what makes Augie special.
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Academic Rigor
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I'm not going to lie - it's tough. Now don't get too scared; it's not Harvard or anything. But it's definitely more challenging than community and state colleges, and a lot of the private colleges in the area. This academic rigor can only benefit you though. The professors know what they're talking about; and they're always available to help (a privilege you won't get at bigger schools).
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Dorm Life
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You may not be impressed at first, but let me tell you, in general, dorms suck. Augie's freshman dorms are larger than dorms at most other schools, and the upperclassmen dorms aren't bad. If dorms aren't your thing when you're older, they offer apartments and theme houses. The freshman dorm life experience is the best around. You will really get to know your floor, including your PA (peer adviser) through a monthly floor activity and all-hall events.
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Food and Dining
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Superb. That's all there is to say about it. Most colleges don't offer as many choices as Augustana - main dish, secondary dish, pizza, burgers, sandwiches, salads, wraps, soup, and stir-fry station. Every day. It doesn't get better than this! (And if you're on the go, you can stop by the Huddle, Augie's little restaurant.)
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What to do for fun
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UBG offers a wide variety of activities every month. There's always something to do on campus. For off campus fun, you can check out Falls Park, the mall, or many other places. Sioux Falls is a city with the best of both worlds - big enough to find stuff to do, small enough to walk around without fear of getting shot.
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Bang for the buck
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Augustana is pretty expensive, but the education and overall experience I'm getting here is invaluable.
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Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
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We are a very Norwegian inspired campus. You'll find many things pertaining to Ole, our viking mascot, or just viking stuff in general.
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Great for these types of students
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Students looking for a small, close-knit campus, small classes, caring faculty, and a mid-sized city with a small city atmosphere
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Clubs and Activities
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Many different clubs and activities for all kinds of people. A great majority of the students on campus are involved in something.
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Greek Life
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We offer Theme Houses, which are like Sororities or Fraternities, except that the students living in the houses must have a community service theme. - But no Greek Life
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Campus Safety
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They do what they do; no complaints.
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Sonora from Westminster, CO
a current student here
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Am learning a lot
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I am for sure, learning alot. Augustana is challenging, always keeping me on my toes. I never feel like I am learning stuff I already know. I am always learning new things everyday.
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Am enjoying being here
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The community is great and It feels like a family, which is nice because I am so far from home. The campus is small and beautiful and i really love everything about it.
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Bang for the buck
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Augustana has its bang for the buck. Everything that ague has is well worth what you pay. This college is amazing in everyday.
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Tips for prospective students
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Understand that Augustana expects a lot out of their students and it is a lot of work but you can have fun at the same time. Don't isolate yourself from the community because you won't create relationships that will help you when you feel over worked or home sick or whatever else might come your way.
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Great for these types of students
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Great for students seeking a challenge academically and students who would like to travel and see the world and still graduate in four years.
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Michal from Sioux Falls, SD
a current student here
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In three sentences
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Augustana is an amazing college with great professors. The community there is very friendly and welcoming. It is hard word, but well work the effort.
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Tips for prospective students
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Do well in school, don't sell yourself short, apply for as many scholarships as you can, and don't let the price or the standings intimidate you. You can make it in if you work for it.
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Academic Rigor
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I have heard that the science classes are very hard. But as for the classes that I have taken so far, the work is hard but well worth the effort. If you work hard and try your best, you will succeed. This is not a school for slackers.
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Dorm Life
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The dorms are not the best. They have their ups and downs. Visit the campus at least once to get a feeling for what you are getting into and keep your mind open. The loving and accepting community and ongoing activities are well worth it. Augie requires that you live on campus for 2-3 years after you graduate high school. The friends that you will meet and develop relationships with will help you through all your ups and downs. The community of Augie is one of the main reasons I am staying at Augie.
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Food and Dining
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The food at college is not your mom's cooking. Just putting that out there.
That being said, the dining services at Augie are very, very good. The staff are all very friendly and always willing to ask how your day was. They get to know you. The variety of food available on a daily basis is very good. During meal times, there is available a main meal, stir-fry/omelets, pizza, hamburgers, sandwiches, dessert, and a salad bar. And even in the off times you can get food in the huddle or a sandwich from cafeteria. They also have fun nights planned every month or so. They plan huge campus-wide meals. It is so much fun and I love it. |
What to do for fun
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There are activities on campus on a daily basis. UBG (the Union Board of Governors) has activities all the time: Concerts, events, comedians, parties, dances, etc. And all the different clubs have their own meetings and events on a weekly basis.
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Bang for the buck
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It is pricey to go to Augie, but it is worth it. The education that you get from Augie is a good one. The professors care about you as individuals. They get to know you by name and try to help you do your best in their classes.
We have some of the best programs in the country for the sciences, the arts, and Sign Language Interpreting (my major). |
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
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The Back Alley is a cool little place on the ground floor of the commons. It used to be a bowling alley, but it was not used much so the college took out the bowling equipment and painted it to look a little cooler. Now we use it for smaller concerts and events, some fitness class, dances, and just as a general hangout place.
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Great for these types of students
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Augie is great for students who are willing to work hard and want to go far in life. Augie draws social people who don't give up easily.
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Lydia from Saint Cloud, MN
a current student here
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In three sentences
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It's a wonderful school. Teachers and students are friendly and want to be helpful. I feel like I am getting a decent education.
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Tips for prospective students
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Do not let the tuition scare you. Augustana wants to help students of all economic backgrounds, and there are many ways to receive financial help. Also, don't be afraid about the freshman label. At this school, it doesn't exist. People do not pay attention to the status and there are no cliques. Everyone is welcome here on campus.
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Academic Rigor
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You have to be willing to do some work. There is usually reading that must be done for a majority of the classes, and of course there are tests and papers to be done. Many of the classes are discussion based, and it is expected that you have read the material and are prepared for class. It can be difficult sometimes, but the professors are more than willing to help find ways for you to succeed.
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Dorm Life
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The dorm life is not as bad as people say. I personally do not mind it that much. The rooms are a little small, but it is something you can easily adjust to. The bathrooms are shared by around twenty other girls, but there is seldom more than five or six girls in there at one time. And they are usually well kept. It's also nice having them co-ed. In the dorm I am in, the guys are on one side of the building and the girls on the other, and then there is a dividing door which is locked at night so no one can sneak in and out of the guy's and girl's wings.
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Food and Dining
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The food is excellent. There is a wide variety to choose from. There are two main lines which change every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Then there is a line from which you can get an omelet in the morning or Chinese food during lunch and dinner. Next to that line is the vegetarian line, then there's a station where you can get a sandwich or wrap. Then there is a grill where they have pizza or pasta and burgers or some type of warm sandwich. Those are the main options, but there are several other things to choose from. The dining space is quite nice, too. There are many places to sit and you can stay as long as you need/want to.
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What to do for fun
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Every once in a while they do a Friday night activity called a Coffeehouse, when some type of singer comes and performs and there is a coffee bar with coffee, an alternative drink, and some type of snack. There are also some activities on Saturday nights hosted by the gym staff such as late night laser tag or ice skating. There's almost always something to do on campus, and if there is nothing that interests you, hanging out with friends is just as good!
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Great for these types of students
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This school is good for students who value community and a great education. Everyone here is here because they want to learn and be in a strong community.
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Greek Life
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There is no Greek life.
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Campus Safety
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Campus Safety is wonderful. There are usually two or three officers on duty, and the buildings are all secure. If ever you need anything, there are phone posts on campus where you can call campus safety and they will assist you. At the beginning of the year they asked all freshmen to put their number into their cell phones, in case we are no where near the phone posts. I feel very safe being on campus.
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Jen
a current student here
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In three sentences
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Augustana is an amazing school with a great sense of community. It is a liberal arts college, so you take classes in many different fields, and classwork can be difficult. However, there are many free and fun events and opportunities on campus that make up for the difficult homework.
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Tips for prospective students
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Read everything that your professors assign you to read. Understand that even though you may have a week to do an assignment you should do it right away, because you will get even more homework. Join groups on campus, too!!
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Academic Rigor
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Coursework can be hard, specifically during interim or J-term. Students are pushed to succeed in the classroom, so that they will succeed in the real world.
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Dorm Life
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I love the dorm life. My floor is very laid back and go with the flow. Although it can get loud or crazy at times mostly it is a great place to study. Plus freshmen can choose between two dorms: Solberg and Bergsaker. Each has a different feel, but both are well liked.
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Food and Dining
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Our meal plan is pretty great. It is unlimited which means you can swipe your card as many times as you want from 7-7 everyday. Hot meals are not served the entire time, but there is soup, sandwiches, salad, and some other foods that you can eat. Also included in the meal plan is a transfer meal to the Huddle. So, if you have a really busy day, you can stop by the on campus grill and get a 'free' meal.
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What to do for fun
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An on campus group, UBG, plans FREE events every Friday and Saturday night. The events include everything from dances and bands to movies and fashion shows. Other groups often have events going on during the week as well. UBG also hosts a big event where they bring in a popular musician. This year they are actually bringing both Macklemore and Phillip Phillips!
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Bang for the buck
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Even though Augie is on the pricey side it is totally worth it. The professors get to know you in every class, and also have their doors open for students to just stop in. The classes are worth the price. The professors have experience in their fields, and know what they are talking about!
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Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
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The Back Alley is probably the coolest place on campus. It used to be a bowling alley, but they transformed it into a place to host all of the UBG events. It is located in the Common's building, and there is always something going on there! We are also home to the Augieholics which are a group of die-hard Augie fans on campus. They pump-up the atmosphere at every sporting event, and almost everyone on campus has an awesome Augieholics shirt.
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Great for these types of students
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Augie is the perfect place for students who strive for success.
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Clubs and Activities
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There are so many different clubs and activities on campus. There are clubs dedicated to every major, and then the big groups on campus like Union Board of Governors (UBG) or Augustana Student Association (ASA).
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Greek Life
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Does not exist
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Campus Safety
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Campus Safety is very nice and helpful. There are also safety poles scattered around campus. The safety poles have a direct line to the Campus Safety desk. When the button is pushed a Campus Safety officer will come to the pole with in a few minutes to assist you on anything from jump starting your car to actual safety concerns.
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Sally from Sioux Falls, SD
a current student here
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In three sentences
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augustana college in sioux falls, south dakota is a rigorous school filled with motivated students from many different countries who like to have fun, just as much as the like to study. augustana has division ii sports, and is a haven for intramural sports. augustana is a great place to meet new people, experience new things, and start your path toward an amazing and rewarding career.
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Tips for prospective students
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come for a visit!! you cannot fully experience what a college is like until you actually come and see it for yourself. augustana college is full of great people who are not only involved in their school work, but also involved in many extracurricular activities. 72% of augustana students participate in intramural sports every year! augustana is also a center for visual and performing arts. come for a visit and see how great it is to be an augustana viking!
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Academic Rigor
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classes at augustana are not for those who want to slack off and slide by in college. the classes are taught in a manner that is understandable and all of the professors are excellent at what they do. classes at augustana are not impossible, but you have to do a lot of studying to get good grades. augustana offers free tutors, and many of the sciences have specialized tutors available on certain days. over all, augustana is a challenging school, but the education you will receive is worth the hard work.
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Dorm Life
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i love living in the dorms! before you are assigned a roommate, augustana has you fill out a survey based on your cleaning habits, sleeping habits, and personal interests. that way, they can place you with a roommate you are really compatible with. there is always so much to do in the dorms! all of the pa's for each floor plan floor events in which the floor gets together and has fun, either watching movies, making crafts, or eating some pizza. also, many of the activities put on by the school, especially at the beginning of the year, are focused toward freshmen. many of the activities are held in the freshman dorms and are focused on meeting new people. dorm life is awesome!
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Food and Dining
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there are many options at the augustana dinning facility. there is always a main line with a full meal prepared. there is a pizza line, and also a cook's choice line. there is a line for wraps, sandwiches, and for the grill. there is also a stir-fry line with different meats, noodles, and veggies. there is a salad bar, and also two soups of the day! augustana also has many choices for desserts. a new ice cream machine was put in this year. you can make all kinds of blizzard-like ice cream mixtures. also, there are always cookies, brownies, cupcakes, pudding, and a wide variety of other deserts. there are many choices every day at the augustana cafeteria.
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What to do for fun
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about 72% of students at augustana participate in intramural sports. also, there are 8 men and 8 women division ii collegiate sports, so there are lots of sporting events to attend. augustana is also home to the ubg, or the union board of govenors. ubg plans dances, concerts, volunteer opportunities, and many other events throughtout the year. augustana always has lots of fun things to do.
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Bang for the buck
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augustana is very expensive, but they offer plenty of scholarships and grants to help with the cost. in the long run, spending the money to get a well rounded education is money well spent. also, there are lots of other scholarships through websites you can apply for.
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Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
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most campuses have at least one unique spot to hang out, and augustana is no different. augustana's back alley is often the place to be on the weekends. the back alley used to be a bowling alley, but now there are comfy chairs and couches for studying. on the weekends, there are singers and comedians that come to preform. the back alley is also where our dances are held. there are also pool tables, and a bar where food and water is served during events. augustana has lots of other cool places to hang out too, so come for a visit!
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Great for these types of students
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augustana is great for students who love school and are passionate about learning. school is tough, but the great education you receive is worth it long nights of studying. also, augustana is great for students who are looking to play collegiate sports, but who also want to focus on their education. augustana is very competitive in all of our sports, but most coaches say that homework comes first. this way, you get to play a sport you love, plus get a great education.
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Clubs and Activities
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augustana is full of different clubs and there are always activities going on around campus. for science majors, there is the biology club, pre-med club, and many others. there is a deaf-awareness club that promotes deaf culture. there are also outdoors clubs, such as, rock climbing club, biking club, and the hunting club. you can also be involved in the school news paper, the school radio programs, and ubg (union board of governors) which plans and brings different events to augustana.
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Greek Life
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there are no greek houses at augustana.
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Campus Safety
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augustana is a very safe campus. there are always campus safety officers on duty and they are often seen driving around campus making sure everything is safe. there are also emergency poles around campus that can be used. although the campus is well lighted at night, a student may feel unsafe walking to their dorm at night. in this case, they can call the campus safety desk and be given a ride to their dorm. each dorm also practices fire drill in case of a real emergency. also, all of the dorm are locked 24/7, so an augustana i.d. card is needed to enter a place of residence. augustana is a very safe place to live.
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Travis from Box Elder, SD
a current student here
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In three sentences
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It has a great theatre program. It has a great sense of community. I am certain this is the place for me.
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Tips for prospective students
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It feels a bit overwhelming at first, but once you are used to the transition from high school to college, it is a great place to be because you will always feel welcomed by students and teachers alike.
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Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
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One unusual thing is that they have an interim semester strictly in the month of January. Here every student is allowed one course to take over one month, cramming an entire semester's worth of one class into a month. However, this class is free to take and recommended to do so as no other college will offer a free course. If you opt out of doing interim, or J-term, you can instead stay home for a month and just have a month vacation from school.
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Great for these types of students
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I find it to be the best school for anyone interested in the fine arts, but there are a lot of science majors here as well.
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Clubs and Activities
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If it weren't for the several clubs i'm involved in, my life here would be very dull I believe.
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