Two important factors in my choosing Regent were convenience and Christian atmosphere and my first semester here has been better than I imagined. The Christian atmosphere is great with friendly students and professors (and other staff!). Regent has been a setting for my growth in faith this past semester (through in/out of class discussions, friendships, and other experiences) and of course academic study.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
I suggest talking to the Admissions Counselors about any questions and worries, because in my experience, they're really open to talking with prospective students and are helpful. Through the Admissions Office, I've also talked to current students so you can also get a student perspective. Also, make sure to figure your Financial Aid details because college/university is an expensive endeavor (especially if you include food, travel,etc.). Regent offers nice merit scholarships, but also look into other financial aid and scholarships. I think it would help if prospective students do what a friend helped me do: make a comparison list of pros and cons of Regent with other college/university/trade school/etc. options. Finally, come visit the campus if you can, so that you can get a sense of the atmosphere and see if you can see yourself here.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
In my experience, most of the classes are at AP difficulty level. The academic rigor really depends on the professor and the class. Some classes may be easier due to subject material and level, but may be harder due to a professor's higher expectations and stricter grading. Then again, the reverse could be true. Be warned, Regent requires a lot of general eds for undergraduate students, and most of these classes aren't exactly easy A's in my experience. Most of the classes are reading heavy, which is understandable for college level classes. I've had difficulty keeping up with all the reading assignments because of my own irresponsibility with time management and the sheer amount of reading. Also, keep in mind the different writing styles (APA, MLA, Turabian) that are required due to diversity of subjects of classes and professor's personal preference. Last semester, I've had to do quick research on how to cite in APA, which is a style I haven't used before. However, the university has a Writing Center that offers helpful services. Besides quizzes and homework, all classes have midterms, finals, and at least one big project (essays, timeline).
Describe the dorm life at your college.
Being a commuter, my rating of dorm life is from a limited point of view. I do have some experience with the dorms through SOAR (Summer Orientation) and spending some time in the dorms. Through SOAR, I got to spend one night in a quad. The quad was spacious and the dorms were clean so I could see myself living there. The kitchens are equipped with a fridge stove, and oven. The dorms have a small work-out gym and laundry room. All the RA's I've met were really friendly. In my experience and through what I hear others say, the community is really inclusive in the dorms and Lifegroup (which is the hall-based small group) is a great experience. The community room has comfy seating and a television.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
Since every dorm room has a kitchen, Regent doesn't have a traditional campus dining hall, but it does have the Ordinary (smaller cafeteria, not open on weekends). The Ordinary is a bit price-y (for example, fruit cup is about $2 something), but I've been satisfied with most of my meals I've brought from the Ordinary. To save some money, you could bring a water bottle since there are water fountains. An economically responsible and satisfying meal I get often is a grilled cheese sandwich with fries which is around $3-4. They have a daily menu (cheeseburger, grilled chicken, etc.), and a menu that changes each day (but is the same bi-weekly). The Ordinary has a soda fountain (Coke products I think), a fridge with juices and such, limited Starbucks coffee, and water. They also have season treats like gingerbread cookies, a drink of the month, and this Around-the-World themed featured cultural dish entree. I have a small obsessions with their Smithfield burgers, and their personal pan pizzas are great (cheese pizza is only about $2). Their taco salads are also good, but I wouldn't suggest having them every Thursday). Their fries can get addicting and I heard high reviews for the sweet potato fries (I personally don't like sweet potatoes). The Ordinary's breakfast menu isn't huge (they do offer omelets!) and I personally don't like their hash browns. Their soups are good on most days and I still need to try their pastas. Snacks and drinks are also available at the School Store and vending machines. There are also dining options available down the street (very short car ride, long-ish bike ride), across the street (7-11, Waffle House..), and at the Founder's Inn (I think it's price-y though) which is practically on-campus.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
The Student Center has a game room with a pool table ( a lot of students like playing SPLASH), a ping-pong table, a Foosball table, two televisions (one for video games which I think there are some in the room, and one with cable), and board games. There are also volleyball courts on campus and the Village has basketball courts. Also, there is a YMCA across the street. They have Regent Goes to Town events (mostly free) which provide a shuttle to events like IndiaFest, a Fall Festival, and a Movie. If you have a car, Virginia Beach has a lot of shopping options and the beach is a big attraction. Campus Ministries and the Clubs also have fun activities that I can go into detail in the designated section.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
In my opinion, Regent is expensive but this is expected of college/university in general and private schools specifically. I've saved some money by being a commuter and I'm thankful for the financial aid. My AP Gov teacher said that college was a time to learn and grow in a setting of diverse people coming together to share ideas and at this university, despite a large number of similarities (like large numbers of Pentecostal/charismatic and politically conservative), there is a healthy diversity and an environment that inspires growth and learning.With my experience at the school so far, the environment Regent fosters for that university ideal has made the money has been worth it.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
I don't know everything since it's my first semester, but there are a couple events ( I've actually only been to Convocation) that seem iconic/ or special of Regent that I'd like mention in this section. Annually, Regent has a debate/discussion panel with special guests (politically significant figures I believe) called Clash of the Titans.Chili Bowl is an event that includes a tailgate party, chili contest, and the final games of the flag football season. Convocation Chapel is a special chapel service (I think it's annual) that celebrates new staff and professors and dedicates them to the Regent mission. There was also chapel service this year that celebrated the continuation of CBN and Dr. Pat Robertson spoke at. I know Regent has a Winter Ball that I've heard good things about. As for social culture wise, there is a joke about the Regent water making people ring before spring and some guys move the park benches around to different places often. Some unique locations on campus are the eternal flame in front of the CBN building, and Dr. Robertson's mansion on campus with the horses.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
I'd say it is great for students who like the suburban setting and are looking for a Christian environment to grow and learn. Of course, as a Christian, it's a personal active walk with Jesus that's most important to keep the faith going. However, my experience so far is that this place is pretty inductive for dialogue and growth.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
Although I don't believe there are a large number of clubs at Regent,there are a lot of great free activities hosted by SAB/SLB (the student council-like clubs) including a cultural day in the commons, a hot chocolate bar during finals, a Men's Night (beard contest,free pizza, and watching Rocky), parties in the Ordinary and I believe the dances (WinterBall which does cost money). Other clubs I know of/heard of are SAA (Student Alumni Association) which keep in touch with alums, Society 78 which do all sorts of neat activities for a fee of $20, Russian Culture Club, Surf Club, Regent Undergrad News, and Swing Dance Club. For activities in general, Campus Ministries has a Chapel service every Wednesday noon and student-oriented UnChapel Thursday nights. Also, most Fridays they have a shuttle to a community service event called Good Fridays. There are also service oriented Greek letter associations that you can get involved with.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
There are no fraternities/sororities at Regent except community service ones.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
I see campus police around every time I go on campus and I feel safe on campus. There are those emergency call booths around campus and Campus Police offer personal escort back. I've seen the crime report universities are required to provide and Regent's crime rate is really low.
Two important factors in my choosing Regent were convenience and Christian atmosphere and my first semester here has been better than I imagined. The Christian atmosphere is great with friendly students and professors (and other staff!). Regent has been a setting for my growth in faith this past semester (through in/out of class discussions, friendships, and other experiences) and of course academic study.
I suggest talking to the Admissions Counselors about any questions and worries, because in my experience, they're really open to talking with prospective students and are helpful. Through the Admissions Office, I've also talked to current students so you can also get a student perspective. Also, make sure to figure your Financial Aid details because college/university is an expensive endeavor (especially if you include food, travel,etc.). Regent offers nice merit scholarships, but also look into other financial aid and scholarships. I think it would help if prospective students do what a friend helped me do: make a comparison list of pros and cons of Regent with other college/university/trade school/etc. options. Finally, come visit the campus if you can, so that you can get a sense of the atmosphere and see if you can see yourself here.
In my experience, most of the classes are at AP difficulty level. The academic rigor really depends on the professor and the class. Some classes may be easier due to subject material and level, but may be harder due to a professor's higher expectations and stricter grading. Then again, the reverse could be true. Be warned, Regent requires a lot of general eds for undergraduate students, and most of these classes aren't exactly easy A's in my experience. Most of the classes are reading heavy, which is understandable for college level classes. I've had difficulty keeping up with all the reading assignments because of my own irresponsibility with time management and the sheer amount of reading. Also, keep in mind the different writing styles (APA, MLA, Turabian) that are required due to diversity of subjects of classes and professor's personal preference. Last semester, I've had to do quick research on how to cite in APA, which is a style I haven't used before. However, the university has a Writing Center that offers helpful services. Besides quizzes and homework, all classes have midterms, finals, and at least one big project (essays, timeline).
Being a commuter, my rating of dorm life is from a limited point of view. I do have some experience with the dorms through SOAR (Summer Orientation) and spending some time in the dorms. Through SOAR, I got to spend one night in a quad. The quad was spacious and the dorms were clean so I could see myself living there. The kitchens are equipped with a fridge stove, and oven. The dorms have a small work-out gym and laundry room. All the RA's I've met were really friendly. In my experience and through what I hear others say, the community is really inclusive in the dorms and Lifegroup (which is the hall-based small group) is a great experience. The community room has comfy seating and a television.
Since every dorm room has a kitchen, Regent doesn't have a traditional campus dining hall, but it does have the Ordinary (smaller cafeteria, not open on weekends). The Ordinary is a bit price-y (for example, fruit cup is about $2 something), but I've been satisfied with most of my meals I've brought from the Ordinary. To save some money, you could bring a water bottle since there are water fountains. An economically responsible and satisfying meal I get often is a grilled cheese sandwich with fries which is around $3-4. They have a daily menu (cheeseburger, grilled chicken, etc.), and a menu that changes each day (but is the same bi-weekly). The Ordinary has a soda fountain (Coke products I think), a fridge with juices and such, limited Starbucks coffee, and water. They also have season treats like gingerbread cookies, a drink of the month, and this Around-the-World themed featured cultural dish entree. I have a small obsessions with their Smithfield burgers, and their personal pan pizzas are great (cheese pizza is only about $2). Their taco salads are also good, but I wouldn't suggest having them every Thursday). Their fries can get addicting and I heard high reviews for the sweet potato fries (I personally don't like sweet potatoes). The Ordinary's breakfast menu isn't huge (they do offer omelets!) and I personally don't like their hash browns. Their soups are good on most days and I still need to try their pastas. Snacks and drinks are also available at the School Store and vending machines. There are also dining options available down the street (very short car ride, long-ish bike ride), across the street (7-11, Waffle House..), and at the Founder's Inn (I think it's price-y though) which is practically on-campus.
The Student Center has a game room with a pool table ( a lot of students like playing SPLASH), a ping-pong table, a Foosball table, two televisions (one for video games which I think there are some in the room, and one with cable), and board games. There are also volleyball courts on campus and the Village has basketball courts. Also, there is a YMCA across the street. They have Regent Goes to Town events (mostly free) which provide a shuttle to events like IndiaFest, a Fall Festival, and a Movie. If you have a car, Virginia Beach has a lot of shopping options and the beach is a big attraction. Campus Ministries and the Clubs also have fun activities that I can go into detail in the designated section.
In my opinion, Regent is expensive but this is expected of college/university in general and private schools specifically. I've saved some money by being a commuter and I'm thankful for the financial aid. My AP Gov teacher said that college was a time to learn and grow in a setting of diverse people coming together to share ideas and at this university, despite a large number of similarities (like large numbers of Pentecostal/charismatic and politically conservative), there is a healthy diversity and an environment that inspires growth and learning.With my experience at the school so far, the environment Regent fosters for that university ideal has made the money has been worth it.
I don't know everything since it's my first semester, but there are a couple events ( I've actually only been to Convocation) that seem iconic/ or special of Regent that I'd like mention in this section. Annually, Regent has a debate/discussion panel with special guests (politically significant figures I believe) called Clash of the Titans.Chili Bowl is an event that includes a tailgate party, chili contest, and the final games of the flag football season. Convocation Chapel is a special chapel service (I think it's annual) that celebrates new staff and professors and dedicates them to the Regent mission. There was also chapel service this year that celebrated the continuation of CBN and Dr. Pat Robertson spoke at. I know Regent has a Winter Ball that I've heard good things about. As for social culture wise, there is a joke about the Regent water making people ring before spring and some guys move the park benches around to different places often. Some unique locations on campus are the eternal flame in front of the CBN building, and Dr. Robertson's mansion on campus with the horses.
I'd say it is great for students who like the suburban setting and are looking for a Christian environment to grow and learn. Of course, as a Christian, it's a personal active walk with Jesus that's most important to keep the faith going. However, my experience so far is that this place is pretty inductive for dialogue and growth.
Although I don't believe there are a large number of clubs at Regent,there are a lot of great free activities hosted by SAB/SLB (the student council-like clubs) including a cultural day in the commons, a hot chocolate bar during finals, a Men's Night (beard contest,free pizza, and watching Rocky), parties in the Ordinary and I believe the dances (WinterBall which does cost money). Other clubs I know of/heard of are SAA (Student Alumni Association) which keep in touch with alums, Society 78 which do all sorts of neat activities for a fee of $20, Russian Culture Club, Surf Club, Regent Undergrad News, and Swing Dance Club. For activities in general, Campus Ministries has a Chapel service every Wednesday noon and student-oriented UnChapel Thursday nights. Also, most Fridays they have a shuttle to a community service event called Good Fridays. There are also service oriented Greek letter associations that you can get involved with.
There are no fraternities/sororities at Regent except community service ones.
I see campus police around every time I go on campus and I feel safe on campus. There are those emergency call booths around campus and Campus Police offer personal escort back. I've seen the crime report universities are required to provide and Regent's crime rate is really low.