St Olaf College

St Olaf College

Northfield, MN, USA
Private
4 Year

Erin's Review

Review of St Olaf College

from Elmhurst, IL

Describe your college in three sentences.

St. Olaf College is a gem. Musicality and class transcends throughout, as it embraces a strong diverse community, with rich traditions that make St. Olaf a magical Harry-Potter-like place to enjoy studying. Christmas Fest sets St. Olaf apart from any school in the world, where people come from all over the country (compelled by the pride of being an Ole) come to reunite with the Norwegian culture by wearing ugly sweaters for a week as well as eat the traditional Norwegian food, such as Lutefisk.

Do you have any tips for prospective students?

St. Olaf embodies students that behold a strong work ethic and commitment to helping others, therefore try your best in high school. They really value students and help you become the best person you can be. Come here if you looking for the most excellent food, endless fun events (concerts, dances, theatre, etc) and enjoy the community of students that love being Oles.

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

You have to work hard to do well at this school. Professors hold their students up to these high standards because they want to help us be better thinkers and develop our own understandings. This school is not invested in training you for a specific career but this Liberal Arts education prepares you for life and beyond. It gives you the tools to operate the 2/3 of your life when your not working.

Describe the dorm life at your college.

Students are respectful but know how to have fun. The community is tight within the cooridors. We had a fun Hoe-Down, Murder-Mystery Party, Fast Food Formal, Winter Walk, breakfasts, and much more. It is so fun!

Describe the food and dining at your college.

EXCELLENT! My mom's cooking is good, but you can't beat St. Olaf. You have your own desert area with fresh baked cheesecakes, cookies, etc. Great vegetarian, vegan, gluten, etc options. There is a chef that makes your own omelets for you, like Benihana style! Students who have severe food allergies are greatly accommodated by the head chef, and students are able to text the chef to tell him what they want to eat!

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

This school has everything you need to have fun. They have an superb events coordination staff, which plays movies, concerts, plays, outings, dances, and things you never thought of that always give you something to do!

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

Fantastic Financial Aid and network. Piper Center was innovated recently and it has endless opportunities for jobs, networking, resume consulting, internships, scholarships, etc. Everyone is here to help you.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

CHRISTMAS FEST!!! St. Olaf Choir plays on National TV every Christmas season. They are phenomenal and ranked high in the nation. Behind the scenes, there are people from around the world that come and watch this concert that takes place for a week. Campus is beautiful with radiant decorations and Holiday fever in the air. Students, alumni, and St. Olaf enthusiasts alike are adorned in ugly sweaters and embrace the Norwegian traditions of Cafeteria food, such as Lutefisk and other unique Norwegian food that you would never try on your own. Only at St. Olaf!

Which types of students will excel at your college?

Love life, open to new things, musical or enjoy listening to music or the arts, and ready to have fun!

Are you involved in any clubs or activities?

Anything you can dream of is at St. Olaf, even Harry Potter Club!

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

You feel safe walking back alone in the night from the library. If you are feeling lazy, public safety is open 24 hours and will take you anywhere to your destination.