1. A very supportive environment and success is the priority.
2. CLU is a small school and its students are very loyal.
3. A bit pricey, but it is a first class education in every way.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Be prepared to study a lot, learn a lot, and have a lot of FUN. The small setting is ideal for the student that wants to know their teachers, their fellow students, and even the administration. Getting assistance from the business department at most schools can be frustrating. At CLU, you have a person that you go to each time for personal assistance when necessary.
We have wonderful school spirit. I am an athlete and love when students come to my games so I like to reciprocate and go to other sporting events, too. We have excellent teams and having enthusiasm is easy!
Be prepared to have a great education. The faculty advisers really get to know you. They truly care about you and even know you by name. They take the time to help you plan your classes and what works for you so that you graduate on time.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
Your teachers are going to KNOW you. Your class size is small and you WILL be noticed if you aren't in class. This is not the school to come to and think you can skip classes. You will be expected to participate in class and actually learn the material. Additional assistance is very accessible. Your instructors want you to succeed and go out of their way to make sure you do so! There are a lot of bright students here so if your teacher grades on a curve, you will have to study to maintain good grades.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
I love living on campus. While it is required to live on campus for the first two years, it is not uncommon for students to remain in the dorms for all four years. There are different dorms for each grade, with larger rooms, private bedrooms, and kitchens in the upperclassmen dorms. Since CLU is a private Lutheran school, there are no overnight guests of the opposite sex. If you choose to break that rule and the Resident Assistant catches you, you are subject to disciplinary action. Same goes for alcohol. CLU is a dry campus and no matter how old you are, it is prohibited. Be aware that if you are even in a room where someone has alcohol, you are considered in violation of the rule and will be disciplined. Continued infractions can result in being asked to leave and not being able to live on campus during the rest of your time at CLU.
During my Freshman year, I roomed with three other girls I didn't know before school started. We had to make adjustments, but in the end, we had a really fun year. I chose to live with other athletes this year since we have similar schedules and waking up early didn't bother other people. It got old dressing in the dark for early morning workouts!
Describe the food and dining at your college.
At the beginning of each semester, you are able to choose a meal plan that best fits your needs - three meals a day or even just one. There are a couple of different options on campus that allows you to use your meal plan and bonus points. We have a regular cafeteria that we can get hot meals three times a day. The hours are OK, but the weekends are fairly limited. We also have The Centrum. It is sort of a cafe that you order your meal from a menu. They have specials as well, but the nice thing about this that your food is prepared when you order it...and to your specifications and you can also get it to go, which is helpful in between classes. At the Student Union Building (SUB) you can purchase pre-made sandwiches and fast easy meals if you are in a hurry. There is a new Jamba Juice that makes awesome smoothies and Mogan Mart where you can use your points to buy snacks and limited groceries. Once you are an upperclassman, your dorm room will have a kitchen so you can prepare your own meals and keep your meal plan at a minimum, if you so choose.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
We usually do things on campus on the weekends. Most of the time though, we go to CLU sponsered events such as sports, concerts, and other free activities that are offered. We shop quite a bit. The malls are great and there are outlet stores that make it affordable. There are many great spots to go out to eat, too.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
CLU is expensive. Bottom line. So come prepared to finish your degree in four years. And because it is such a small school, your ability to get all the classes you need in that time is quite easy. Many of my friends enrolled in the State school system will need to go an extra semester or two due to impaction and budget constraints. I will be able to finish on time, if not earlier. Living on campus is about the same cost as living off campus. Thousand Oaks is an upscale community and rents can be high. Living on campus offers safe, clean apartments, kitchens, meal options, and convenience. Entrance fees to on-campus activities is usually free so there is almost always something to do that is in your budget.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
During your first year at CLU, all freshman paint the CLU rocks that are on Mt. Clef. The mountain overlooks our campus and our CLU gets a makeover. You also have Freshman orientation which lasts 4 days - you definitely get to know your campus during that time. Big weekends are also Homecoming, Grandparents Day, Parents Weekend, and of course, graduation. Our campus is very active on during these events and it is a lot of fun.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
CLU is great for students that want to have very active social lives. It is a small school so you meet others easily. Most of my friends participate in a majority of the on-campus activities. I know a lot of the other people in my classes so I usually have someone with whom to study. I have also found that I really like my teachers and spending time talking with them. They are there because they like the small school setting and are always available to offer extra help when needed.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
I am a two year member of the Varsity Women's soccer team and the Track and Field team. I am also a referee for the on campus intramural sports. I attend most of the sporting activities - football, basketball, volleyball, and water polo games - as well as the weekly improv concerts.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
None.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
Thousand Oaks is one of the safest communities in California. I have never seen or heard of ANY crime in my nearly 2 years of living here. Parking on campus is free and though parking spots can be difficult to find at prime times, walking to and from your car is very safe.
The campus is well lit and patrolled 24 hours a day. All buildings require a pass card that students carry with them at all times. You cannot enter a building without one so there are no strangers roaming the halls!
1. A very supportive environment and success is the priority. 2. CLU is a small school and its students are very loyal. 3. A bit pricey, but it is a first class education in every way.
Be prepared to study a lot, learn a lot, and have a lot of FUN. The small setting is ideal for the student that wants to know their teachers, their fellow students, and even the administration. Getting assistance from the business department at most schools can be frustrating. At CLU, you have a person that you go to each time for personal assistance when necessary. We have wonderful school spirit. I am an athlete and love when students come to my games so I like to reciprocate and go to other sporting events, too. We have excellent teams and having enthusiasm is easy! Be prepared to have a great education. The faculty advisers really get to know you. They truly care about you and even know you by name. They take the time to help you plan your classes and what works for you so that you graduate on time.
Your teachers are going to KNOW you. Your class size is small and you WILL be noticed if you aren't in class. This is not the school to come to and think you can skip classes. You will be expected to participate in class and actually learn the material. Additional assistance is very accessible. Your instructors want you to succeed and go out of their way to make sure you do so! There are a lot of bright students here so if your teacher grades on a curve, you will have to study to maintain good grades.
I love living on campus. While it is required to live on campus for the first two years, it is not uncommon for students to remain in the dorms for all four years. There are different dorms for each grade, with larger rooms, private bedrooms, and kitchens in the upperclassmen dorms. Since CLU is a private Lutheran school, there are no overnight guests of the opposite sex. If you choose to break that rule and the Resident Assistant catches you, you are subject to disciplinary action. Same goes for alcohol. CLU is a dry campus and no matter how old you are, it is prohibited. Be aware that if you are even in a room where someone has alcohol, you are considered in violation of the rule and will be disciplined. Continued infractions can result in being asked to leave and not being able to live on campus during the rest of your time at CLU. During my Freshman year, I roomed with three other girls I didn't know before school started. We had to make adjustments, but in the end, we had a really fun year. I chose to live with other athletes this year since we have similar schedules and waking up early didn't bother other people. It got old dressing in the dark for early morning workouts!
At the beginning of each semester, you are able to choose a meal plan that best fits your needs - three meals a day or even just one. There are a couple of different options on campus that allows you to use your meal plan and bonus points. We have a regular cafeteria that we can get hot meals three times a day. The hours are OK, but the weekends are fairly limited. We also have The Centrum. It is sort of a cafe that you order your meal from a menu. They have specials as well, but the nice thing about this that your food is prepared when you order it...and to your specifications and you can also get it to go, which is helpful in between classes. At the Student Union Building (SUB) you can purchase pre-made sandwiches and fast easy meals if you are in a hurry. There is a new Jamba Juice that makes awesome smoothies and Mogan Mart where you can use your points to buy snacks and limited groceries. Once you are an upperclassman, your dorm room will have a kitchen so you can prepare your own meals and keep your meal plan at a minimum, if you so choose.
We usually do things on campus on the weekends. Most of the time though, we go to CLU sponsered events such as sports, concerts, and other free activities that are offered. We shop quite a bit. The malls are great and there are outlet stores that make it affordable. There are many great spots to go out to eat, too.
CLU is expensive. Bottom line. So come prepared to finish your degree in four years. And because it is such a small school, your ability to get all the classes you need in that time is quite easy. Many of my friends enrolled in the State school system will need to go an extra semester or two due to impaction and budget constraints. I will be able to finish on time, if not earlier. Living on campus is about the same cost as living off campus. Thousand Oaks is an upscale community and rents can be high. Living on campus offers safe, clean apartments, kitchens, meal options, and convenience. Entrance fees to on-campus activities is usually free so there is almost always something to do that is in your budget.
During your first year at CLU, all freshman paint the CLU rocks that are on Mt. Clef. The mountain overlooks our campus and our CLU gets a makeover. You also have Freshman orientation which lasts 4 days - you definitely get to know your campus during that time. Big weekends are also Homecoming, Grandparents Day, Parents Weekend, and of course, graduation. Our campus is very active on during these events and it is a lot of fun.
CLU is great for students that want to have very active social lives. It is a small school so you meet others easily. Most of my friends participate in a majority of the on-campus activities. I know a lot of the other people in my classes so I usually have someone with whom to study. I have also found that I really like my teachers and spending time talking with them. They are there because they like the small school setting and are always available to offer extra help when needed.
I am a two year member of the Varsity Women's soccer team and the Track and Field team. I am also a referee for the on campus intramural sports. I attend most of the sporting activities - football, basketball, volleyball, and water polo games - as well as the weekly improv concerts.
None.
Thousand Oaks is one of the safest communities in California. I have never seen or heard of ANY crime in my nearly 2 years of living here. Parking on campus is free and though parking spots can be difficult to find at prime times, walking to and from your car is very safe. The campus is well lit and patrolled 24 hours a day. All buildings require a pass card that students carry with them at all times. You cannot enter a building without one so there are no strangers roaming the halls!