The University of Arkansas has exactly what everyone should want from their college experience. It offers a quality education, a lively and beautiful atmosphere, and endless opportunities to get involved, meet new people, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Regardless of who you are or where you come from, there is certainly something for everyone at the U of A.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
If you don't intend to be engaged in Greek Life, then at least be prepared and aware of the fact that fraternities and sororities are huge at the U of A, and the majority of people that you meet will probably in one. It's not necessarily a good or bad thing, but it's something to consider if you are looking for a way to get involved right away.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
I just finished my freshman year and while I found some parts of it to be very challenging, I fully believe that the difficulty of your academics depends on your major, whether or not you are in the honors program, and your specific professor. Students in the engineering and architecture programs are always studying/busy with school, and everyone knows that those are two of the most difficult majors. The difference between honors and regular courses is very obvious, after taking both and comparing the workload. The fact is, your honors courses' teachers just expect more from you and if you want the grade, you're going to have to work much harder for it. It's also important when picking your classes to pay attention to what professors you're getting. Ratemyprofessor.com is very helpful in determining who would be a good pick or bad pick. Sometimes two people take the same class, but depending on the professor, one of them may be doing MUCH more work/studying. Keep that in mind when registering for classes.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
Dorm life at the U of A varies GREATLY, so it's important to decide what you're looking for before picking your dorm. Maple Hill and the NW Quads are the nicest and priciest dorms on campus, but I've never known anyone to enjoy staying there. They aren't social at all, and while it may be nice to be basically living in a hotel-like atmosphere, it's not what most people are looking for their freshman year. As far as the more affordable, traditional dorm-style residence halls go, most people seem to really enjoy staying on campus. It's still pretty pricey in comparison to an apartment, but you can't beat walking down your halls and seeing your best friends everyday. Granted, you're NOT going to be friends with everyone you meet in the dorm but there are so many other people staying there that you will make a lot of new friends and always have someone to do something with at basically anytime.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
Eating at the dining halls on campus can get pretty old after a while, but when you go home and realize how convenient it is to have your food made and ready to go at all times, you may reconsider. There are three dining halls on campus and various other restaurants that you can go to and even do meals trades for. The meal trades are great because they stay open until 11:00 and it gives you a way to switch things up and not go to a dining hall every single night. Overall, I do think the dining halls have pretty good quality food. I have eaten on other college campuses and I have to say that the U of A is probably the best in comparison. Lots of options for anyone, including vegetarians, those with food allergies, etc. You can even special request certain things from the chefs and they will make them for you (usually vegetarian). The restaurants on campus include Quiznos, Starbucks, Burger King, Chik-fil-a, Sub Generation, the Wok, a burrito bar, and a pasta place. Overall, good food but definitely not a bang for your buck. Meal plans are great, but pretty pricey!
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
Fayetteville has endless options as far as leisure activities, events, etc. Dickson Street is where most people go because it's so close to campus (especially if they're 21 because it's a lot of bars). But there are also shops, coffeehouses, restaurants, bookstores, bakeries, and various other places along Dickson and around the town square. Fayetteville is known for its Farmer's Market, which is held in the town square on the weekends. There is a great mall, two movie theaters, a bowling alley, miniature golf, and lots of frozen yogurt places and restaurants. It's also a great place for biking, camping, hiking, fishing, etc. because of Lake Fayetteville, Mount Sequoyah, and other well-known camping spots. As far as campus events go, there is ALWAYS something going on, basically every single day, and Razorback athletics are amazing so everyone loves going to football games, baseball games, etc. To sum it up, you will NOT be bored.
The University of Arkansas has exactly what everyone should want from their college experience. It offers a quality education, a lively and beautiful atmosphere, and endless opportunities to get involved, meet new people, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Regardless of who you are or where you come from, there is certainly something for everyone at the U of A.
If you don't intend to be engaged in Greek Life, then at least be prepared and aware of the fact that fraternities and sororities are huge at the U of A, and the majority of people that you meet will probably in one. It's not necessarily a good or bad thing, but it's something to consider if you are looking for a way to get involved right away.
I just finished my freshman year and while I found some parts of it to be very challenging, I fully believe that the difficulty of your academics depends on your major, whether or not you are in the honors program, and your specific professor. Students in the engineering and architecture programs are always studying/busy with school, and everyone knows that those are two of the most difficult majors. The difference between honors and regular courses is very obvious, after taking both and comparing the workload. The fact is, your honors courses' teachers just expect more from you and if you want the grade, you're going to have to work much harder for it. It's also important when picking your classes to pay attention to what professors you're getting. Ratemyprofessor.com is very helpful in determining who would be a good pick or bad pick. Sometimes two people take the same class, but depending on the professor, one of them may be doing MUCH more work/studying. Keep that in mind when registering for classes.
Dorm life at the U of A varies GREATLY, so it's important to decide what you're looking for before picking your dorm. Maple Hill and the NW Quads are the nicest and priciest dorms on campus, but I've never known anyone to enjoy staying there. They aren't social at all, and while it may be nice to be basically living in a hotel-like atmosphere, it's not what most people are looking for their freshman year. As far as the more affordable, traditional dorm-style residence halls go, most people seem to really enjoy staying on campus. It's still pretty pricey in comparison to an apartment, but you can't beat walking down your halls and seeing your best friends everyday. Granted, you're NOT going to be friends with everyone you meet in the dorm but there are so many other people staying there that you will make a lot of new friends and always have someone to do something with at basically anytime.
Eating at the dining halls on campus can get pretty old after a while, but when you go home and realize how convenient it is to have your food made and ready to go at all times, you may reconsider. There are three dining halls on campus and various other restaurants that you can go to and even do meals trades for. The meal trades are great because they stay open until 11:00 and it gives you a way to switch things up and not go to a dining hall every single night. Overall, I do think the dining halls have pretty good quality food. I have eaten on other college campuses and I have to say that the U of A is probably the best in comparison. Lots of options for anyone, including vegetarians, those with food allergies, etc. You can even special request certain things from the chefs and they will make them for you (usually vegetarian). The restaurants on campus include Quiznos, Starbucks, Burger King, Chik-fil-a, Sub Generation, the Wok, a burrito bar, and a pasta place. Overall, good food but definitely not a bang for your buck. Meal plans are great, but pretty pricey!
Fayetteville has endless options as far as leisure activities, events, etc. Dickson Street is where most people go because it's so close to campus (especially if they're 21 because it's a lot of bars). But there are also shops, coffeehouses, restaurants, bookstores, bakeries, and various other places along Dickson and around the town square. Fayetteville is known for its Farmer's Market, which is held in the town square on the weekends. There is a great mall, two movie theaters, a bowling alley, miniature golf, and lots of frozen yogurt places and restaurants. It's also a great place for biking, camping, hiking, fishing, etc. because of Lake Fayetteville, Mount Sequoyah, and other well-known camping spots. As far as campus events go, there is ALWAYS something going on, basically every single day, and Razorback athletics are amazing so everyone loves going to football games, baseball games, etc. To sum it up, you will NOT be bored.