Review of California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
from Northern California
Do you feel you’re learning a lot?
I am learning a tremendous amount here at HSU - I've become a better student and a more educated scientist. The classes are challenging, some in ways I hadn't expected, but they have greatly expanded my critical thinking and observation skills. I am a kinesthetic learner, so HSU's focus on hands-on learning has been invaluable to me. The small class sizes (my smallest so far has been around 15 students) have made a huge difference in my education and have enabled me to interact with my professors beyond the classroom. Teachers from previous semesters still recognize me around campus and stop to see how I'm doing. Overall, I know my degree will be practical and will serve me well in the future. I cannot recommend HSU highly enough.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
As an outdoor enthusiast, I am more than enjoying my time at HSU. 60 minutes or less to backpacking, 15 minutes to rock climbing, 10 minutes to the beach, and 0 minutes to the forest, it’s easy to see that I’m in an adventurer’s paradise. But aside from the outdoors, I could list a million and one other reasons why I love it here. The campus community is wonderful – very unique and welcoming to students from all walks of life. The surrounding community also has so much to offer – why not check out a new movie at The Minor (the country’s longest running theater) or play laser tag with some friends after some delicious fresh sushi! If you're coming from the big city, don't fret! We do have a mall and an airport, too! ;-)
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
HSU is one of the most affordable universities nationwide for a number of reasons. Maybe it’s the small size – just around 7800 students – that allows them to keep the price low. Or maybe it’s the Western Undergraduate Exchange program that lets out of state students study for about the same price as California residents. But those are just the financial reasons. Humboldt has more than meets the eye; it's a secretly awesome university! Are you interested in the sciences? Try studying on our 90 foot research vessel, the Coral Sea, or stop by our marine laboratory. Do you love stars and nebulas? If you do, you’d be very pleased to work alongside professors in our observatory – and with a lot of hard work and a bit of luck, you may end up like two HSU students who recently discovered a new galaxy! But don’t let our science-nerd reputation fool you – HSU is well known for its Arts and Social Sciences as well. We have art galleries reserved just for student work throughout the university, a community counseling clinic for Psychology majors, and one of the largest art foundries on the West Coast! I could go on and on about HSU, but you get the picture. It’s a big box in a small package!
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Visit the campus, it will make a world of difference! When you come, take a tour and ask questions about anything and everything HSU-related! Also, schedule your appointment in advance, and take advantage of your opportunities while you're there - sit in on a class, meet with a professor or the dean of your department! You will find that Humboldt's staff and faculty is very accessible, so don't be shy to ask them questions, too!
Which types of students will excel at your college?
All types - the beauty of HSU lies in it's diversity (and the surrounding redwoods, of course!) Outdoorsy, indoorsy, there is something for everyone. You must, however, have an open mind and tolerate about 40 inches of rain a year!
I am learning a tremendous amount here at HSU - I've become a better student and a more educated scientist. The classes are challenging, some in ways I hadn't expected, but they have greatly expanded my critical thinking and observation skills. I am a kinesthetic learner, so HSU's focus on hands-on learning has been invaluable to me. The small class sizes (my smallest so far has been around 15 students) have made a huge difference in my education and have enabled me to interact with my professors beyond the classroom. Teachers from previous semesters still recognize me around campus and stop to see how I'm doing. Overall, I know my degree will be practical and will serve me well in the future. I cannot recommend HSU highly enough.
As an outdoor enthusiast, I am more than enjoying my time at HSU. 60 minutes or less to backpacking, 15 minutes to rock climbing, 10 minutes to the beach, and 0 minutes to the forest, it’s easy to see that I’m in an adventurer’s paradise. But aside from the outdoors, I could list a million and one other reasons why I love it here. The campus community is wonderful – very unique and welcoming to students from all walks of life. The surrounding community also has so much to offer – why not check out a new movie at The Minor (the country’s longest running theater) or play laser tag with some friends after some delicious fresh sushi! If you're coming from the big city, don't fret! We do have a mall and an airport, too! ;-)
HSU is one of the most affordable universities nationwide for a number of reasons. Maybe it’s the small size – just around 7800 students – that allows them to keep the price low. Or maybe it’s the Western Undergraduate Exchange program that lets out of state students study for about the same price as California residents. But those are just the financial reasons. Humboldt has more than meets the eye; it's a secretly awesome university! Are you interested in the sciences? Try studying on our 90 foot research vessel, the Coral Sea, or stop by our marine laboratory. Do you love stars and nebulas? If you do, you’d be very pleased to work alongside professors in our observatory – and with a lot of hard work and a bit of luck, you may end up like two HSU students who recently discovered a new galaxy! But don’t let our science-nerd reputation fool you – HSU is well known for its Arts and Social Sciences as well. We have art galleries reserved just for student work throughout the university, a community counseling clinic for Psychology majors, and one of the largest art foundries on the West Coast! I could go on and on about HSU, but you get the picture. It’s a big box in a small package!
Visit the campus, it will make a world of difference! When you come, take a tour and ask questions about anything and everything HSU-related! Also, schedule your appointment in advance, and take advantage of your opportunities while you're there - sit in on a class, meet with a professor or the dean of your department! You will find that Humboldt's staff and faculty is very accessible, so don't be shy to ask them questions, too!
All types - the beauty of HSU lies in it's diversity (and the surrounding redwoods, of course!) Outdoorsy, indoorsy, there is something for everyone. You must, however, have an open mind and tolerate about 40 inches of rain a year!