Luther College

Luther College

Decorah, IA, USA
Private
4 Year

Jessica's Review

Review of Luther College

from Prior Lake, MN

Describe your college in three sentences.

It has a great atmosphere, where I feel welcomed and at home. There are so many great activities and programs to be a part of such as, music ensembles, student-lead groups, and the outstanding nursing program. Since it is a smaller campus, you have more opportunity for one-on-one time with a teacher and/or tutor and it is really easy to get to know all sorts of different people.

Do you have any tips for prospective students?

Definitely come check out the campus, or even stay over night with a current student. Actually coming to visit the campus is what convinced me to apply to Luther and is what made me fall in love with the school. If possible, schedule a tour where you can meet a faculty member in your prospective area of study, a music professor in a band or choir, or a coach in an athletic field that interests you.

Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?

There is definitely a class for everyone, no matter your academic level. Counselors and teachers are ready to help you find the class that fits you, whether you need to be moved into a more challenging course, or maybe you need to take a step back.

Describe the dorm life at your college.

The residential life here is fantastic. They choose they best RAs, who have great attitudes and are always ready to help you with whatever you may need. Of course the first-year dorms are not air conditioned (which is common among most schools), but they do have air-conditioned study and social lounges in each residential hall. They also each have a kitchen and a service center where you can check out cleaning supplies, cooking necessities, etc. The RAs do their best to plan fun activities for your floor to do together to increase bonding.

Describe the food and dining at your college.

The food in the cafeteria is actually really great. Every day they have a grill (hamburgers, fries etc.), salad bar, pasta bar, sandwich counter, a main entree line, fresh fruit, a simple servings line (gluten-free, etc.), cereal/other breakfast items, and stellar dessert. Online, they also have the entire week's menu, where you can plan what you're going to have (or what you did have) and it will show you the nutritional information. As far as other places to eat on campus, there is Marty's--a more laid-back, hang out spot, with more restaurant type food (taco salads, burgers, chicken, etc.), there is the coffee/ice cream/bakery shop, the C-store where you can buy some general food for snacks or a quick bite to eat, there is Oneota Market, and the Sunnyside Cafe. I'd have to say that the food here is pretty great. They also try to serve a lot of locally grown, organic, and gluten-free food so there is sure to be a lot of options.

What’s there to do for fun at your college?

It seems like there is always something to do on campus, whether it be a concert, a band performance, a guest speaker, movie night, study group, or athletic event. There is never a dull moment and definitely has something for everyone.

Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?

Yeah, it's a private college, so of course the initial sticker price is going to be shocking; however, because it is a private school, they are able to offer more financial aid, unlike a large state university. The dorms are in good condition and have a more homey feel (i.e. they don't look like a prison cell). The food is great, the professors are helpful and knowledgeable, and the overall vibe of the campus is very welcoming.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

One of my favorite traditions on campus is SeptemberTime. Every night in the month of September, we will all gather at a different location on campus and dance to the song September by Earth, Wind, and Fire. Also, there is this cute little ice cream shack in town (within walking distance from campus) called the Whippy Dip. It is definitely a campus favorite.

Which types of students will excel at your college?

It is great for students who want a smaller, more close-knit campus. It is also great for those you want to be involved and challenged academically, but who also want to participate in sports, music ensembles, student-lead groups, etc.

Are you involved in any clubs or activities?

As previously mentioned, there is always something to do on campus, and most of the time it has something to do with a student-lead group or activity. There are dance groups, acapella ensembles, groups for different areas of study, leadership/community service groups, a PRIDE group, even a quidditch team!

Are you involved in any clubs or activities?

There is a small Greek life on campus; however, it is not a big part of campus life, like it may be in some bigger universities. Many of the sororities/fraternizes on campus are community service based.

How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?

I would say that our campus is really safe, since it is in a smaller town. Usually the biggest crime on campus is a bike getting stolen. However, this is usually because it is not locked and someone borrows it to get across campus. Most of the time the bike is later found at another building on campus.