The campus is large and growing. It has a diverse campus life and offers many pathways of study. It has a PharmD program that is amazing.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
If you are from the mainland, make sure this is where you really want to go. I have seen students get what I call isolation fever. This campus is located on the Big Island and it is very big, but you have to forget you are on an island. Housing off campus is affordable, but staple food is not. Yes, milk and bread are very expensive, so you have to shop around. Be careful buying local produce that is not thoroughly washed. If in doubt, stick to the national chains (Target, Walmart, and Safeway). Tuition is affordable and the most of the 99% of the professors are pro student success.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
The graduate classes are extremely hard (PharmD), but go to the professors early and don't let yourself get behind.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
Not an expert on dorm life, but my classmates that do live in the dorms have mixed feelings. So, it is like most colleges.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
Remember you are on an island. There are sushi restaurants on just about every block. Staple food (milk, bread, OJ, etc.) can be expensive. You have to shop around. Take-out food is pretty cheap. It can average about $10; depending on where and what you are buying. I love oriental food and my average bill is about $12, but the servings are large and I can make it last a couple of days.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
Lets see, what to do for fun. It's Hawaii... Many of my classmates go swimming in the lagoons or in the ocean. You have to travel to find sandy beaches though; 10 miles or more. There is fishing, surfing, swimming, hiking, biking, the volcano (not too far), eating, and don't forget about the ice kones. That last one is my favorite. Bring your appetite, because they are HUGE.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There are Hawaiian ceremonies that take place on campus and most of the time you will get an email a few days before the event. Sometimes you will drive up and see one happening. Most people stop and watch. These type of events happen rain or shine.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
If you don't mind the rain, then this is your campus. It rains most days (sometimes only at night). It is hot most days; until December. The average temperature in the winter is about 70 degrees. The summer can heat up to about 100 degrees, but with the humidity it feels like 120 degrees. Most housing have ceiling fans, but no air conditioning (including the dorms). So, make sure you ask about that when looking for off campus housing.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
There are many clubs and activities. I am a grad student, so I am not part of any at this time.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
Still new at this campus
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
This campus has the blue light security. It is even active at the graduate campus now. I feel safe walking on this campus after dark. The community walks on this campus with their dogs, so I feel even more safe. This is an amazing family-like campus.
The campus is large and growing. It has a diverse campus life and offers many pathways of study. It has a PharmD program that is amazing.
If you are from the mainland, make sure this is where you really want to go. I have seen students get what I call isolation fever. This campus is located on the Big Island and it is very big, but you have to forget you are on an island. Housing off campus is affordable, but staple food is not. Yes, milk and bread are very expensive, so you have to shop around. Be careful buying local produce that is not thoroughly washed. If in doubt, stick to the national chains (Target, Walmart, and Safeway). Tuition is affordable and the most of the 99% of the professors are pro student success.
The graduate classes are extremely hard (PharmD), but go to the professors early and don't let yourself get behind.
Not an expert on dorm life, but my classmates that do live in the dorms have mixed feelings. So, it is like most colleges.
Remember you are on an island. There are sushi restaurants on just about every block. Staple food (milk, bread, OJ, etc.) can be expensive. You have to shop around. Take-out food is pretty cheap. It can average about $10; depending on where and what you are buying. I love oriental food and my average bill is about $12, but the servings are large and I can make it last a couple of days.
Lets see, what to do for fun. It's Hawaii... Many of my classmates go swimming in the lagoons or in the ocean. You have to travel to find sandy beaches though; 10 miles or more. There is fishing, surfing, swimming, hiking, biking, the volcano (not too far), eating, and don't forget about the ice kones. That last one is my favorite. Bring your appetite, because they are HUGE.
There are Hawaiian ceremonies that take place on campus and most of the time you will get an email a few days before the event. Sometimes you will drive up and see one happening. Most people stop and watch. These type of events happen rain or shine.
If you don't mind the rain, then this is your campus. It rains most days (sometimes only at night). It is hot most days; until December. The average temperature in the winter is about 70 degrees. The summer can heat up to about 100 degrees, but with the humidity it feels like 120 degrees. Most housing have ceiling fans, but no air conditioning (including the dorms). So, make sure you ask about that when looking for off campus housing.
There are many clubs and activities. I am a grad student, so I am not part of any at this time.
Still new at this campus
This campus has the blue light security. It is even active at the graduate campus now. I feel safe walking on this campus after dark. The community walks on this campus with their dogs, so I feel even more safe. This is an amazing family-like campus.