I actually applied to the University of San Francisco last minute. It was a choice that always lingered in my brain, but I never thought I would go that far from home. Without touring the school or talking to anyone from the school, I chose this school and I think it is the best decision I could have made.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
The school, like the city is very hilly so be able to handle walking up-hill and downhill. Always take advantage of available resources if you ever need help or advice or tutoring there are many resources available for your needs. Like cooler weather because San Francisco is in the sixties year-round just about. Also, you do not have to be religious or be catholic like the school is. Religion is faintly present in classrooms and in the school in my opinion. There's a big school church, but besides that it feels like a normal school, so don't let the religious school label obstruct you from attending.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
My classes were very intriguing and I felt that I expanded my knowledge a lot in classes. All the assignments caused me to think and actually do work. In high school, I got by without studying or doing anything because I was that smart. Now, in college I study a lot, spend hours on homework, and am actually challenged like I should be. But, I would say the assignments are more time consuming than they are difficult. The only class where the assignments were a little scary was my ancient philosophy class of course but I even got B+s in that class.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
I think every freshman should live on campus their first year. The only thing I dislike about the dorms I was in, Gilson, is that they need to be renovated soon, and the community showers/bathrooms. Besides that, I love living on campus. I met most of my good friends in the dorms whether it was on the floor, in dorm activities that occurred, or in the elevator. Also, it gives you the chance to better connect with the school and the campus since you are already there. I have been able to go to office hours and activities more because I live on campus. I also have attended cool events the dorms do, like a Princess Diaries tour and a rap contest. Yes there will probably be some loud people on your floor, but they are respectable and the dorm has quiet hours after a certain time and 24-hour quiet time during finals. I love on-campus living.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
We don't have a McDonald's or Panda Express or anything in our cafeteria like our schools. It's kind of sad, but I would get fat if we did so I guess it's good we don't. The school, like the city, is health-conscious. The cafeteria has a contract with this food company so they make our food and run the cafeteria. There are different booths for different appetites you may be having. An american food section, special section, mexican food section, italian food section, vegan section, salad section, a pastry/coffee section, a little market section, and a asian food section. We also have another cafeteria in the University Center called the undercafe, the floor under the cafeteria with a lounge and the bookstore and a market/grill which is open when the cafeteria closes for those late night study people or owls. They sell a lot of healthy stuff, but also a lot of other food so I guess you can say it's pretty balanced. But, besides cafeteria food to use your meal plan, it is really cool because you can use your meal plan for non-food the school market sells! That is how I get washing powder, dish liquid, toothpaste, shower gel, etc. Then, you can't forget about the amazing food off-campus all over San Francisco.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
The campus usually has really cool events for students, but the campus life is not big like at other schools. Everyone goes off campus for parties and other events. It is San Francisco, there is always something to do for fun, just step out of your door: Movies in the park, shopping, the beach, sight-seeing, open mic, coffee houses, restaurants, Haight Ashbury (my favorite), Alcatraz prison, festivals every weekend, neighborhood concerts all the time, downtown events, and much more! Always free fun events too :)
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
It is expensive to attend USF. For me, I spend zero dollars to go here because I am a Gates Millennium Scholar and got a few other scholarships. However, invest in your education. Invest in a school that is worth it. USF may be expensive, but tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. And, you really get the most bang for your buck. You get to attend games free, we have a yearly concert that only costs us ten bucks. We have access to a high-quality gym, there are many activities, field trips in some classes, resources there for you, small classes, highly-qualified teachers, a clean and safe campus, and much more.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
I am still in my first year at USF, so I do not know any unusual traditions or locations on campus yet. But, I can name the most talked about location, which is Lone Mountain. Ask any student at USF about Lone Mountain and they will know exactly what you are talking about. Lone Mountain is a part of campus across the street where some classes take place. It's probably four flights of stairs to the top of the campus, because it us up on a huge hill. The view from the top of the stairs at the campus is beautiful though and everyone always takes pictures from up there.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
USF is great for any student. There is something for everyone and for every type of student. The school is diverse, there are many clubs to represent different races and cultures and different personalities and interests. It is perfect for healthy people who eat right and love to exercise also I've noticed. But, I am not that person and the school is still great for me.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
There are clubs and activies for all different cultures and all different personalities. There is poetry club, culture clubs, dancing clubs, spirit clubs, club and intramural clubs, gaming clubs, and much more.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
The Greek Life is not large like it is at other schools, but it is still present on campus. I am not in a sorority, but one of my roommates is and she tells me all about it. They still had to do the rush week I think it's called and they still had to be accepted into the sorority/fraternity. They still have fees and activities. They just don't have housing. Although small at USF, it still gives you connections, the Greek Life label, and everything else any other school's Greek life can give you.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
I feel so safe at campus. I have seen no incidents occur. They have the campus cops patrol at night and they check our dorms and make sure there is no foul play or anything. Also, a resource I know about but haven't used yet is if you are not too far from the school and you don't feel safe to walk home there is a number you can call at the school and an escort will pick you up and get you back to the school. It is 24-hours. They care about safety at the school. There are many numbers we can call to maintain our well-being and to stay safe.
I actually applied to the University of San Francisco last minute. It was a choice that always lingered in my brain, but I never thought I would go that far from home. Without touring the school or talking to anyone from the school, I chose this school and I think it is the best decision I could have made.
The school, like the city is very hilly so be able to handle walking up-hill and downhill. Always take advantage of available resources if you ever need help or advice or tutoring there are many resources available for your needs. Like cooler weather because San Francisco is in the sixties year-round just about. Also, you do not have to be religious or be catholic like the school is. Religion is faintly present in classrooms and in the school in my opinion. There's a big school church, but besides that it feels like a normal school, so don't let the religious school label obstruct you from attending.
My classes were very intriguing and I felt that I expanded my knowledge a lot in classes. All the assignments caused me to think and actually do work. In high school, I got by without studying or doing anything because I was that smart. Now, in college I study a lot, spend hours on homework, and am actually challenged like I should be. But, I would say the assignments are more time consuming than they are difficult. The only class where the assignments were a little scary was my ancient philosophy class of course but I even got B+s in that class.
I think every freshman should live on campus their first year. The only thing I dislike about the dorms I was in, Gilson, is that they need to be renovated soon, and the community showers/bathrooms. Besides that, I love living on campus. I met most of my good friends in the dorms whether it was on the floor, in dorm activities that occurred, or in the elevator. Also, it gives you the chance to better connect with the school and the campus since you are already there. I have been able to go to office hours and activities more because I live on campus. I also have attended cool events the dorms do, like a Princess Diaries tour and a rap contest. Yes there will probably be some loud people on your floor, but they are respectable and the dorm has quiet hours after a certain time and 24-hour quiet time during finals. I love on-campus living.
We don't have a McDonald's or Panda Express or anything in our cafeteria like our schools. It's kind of sad, but I would get fat if we did so I guess it's good we don't. The school, like the city, is health-conscious. The cafeteria has a contract with this food company so they make our food and run the cafeteria. There are different booths for different appetites you may be having. An american food section, special section, mexican food section, italian food section, vegan section, salad section, a pastry/coffee section, a little market section, and a asian food section. We also have another cafeteria in the University Center called the undercafe, the floor under the cafeteria with a lounge and the bookstore and a market/grill which is open when the cafeteria closes for those late night study people or owls. They sell a lot of healthy stuff, but also a lot of other food so I guess you can say it's pretty balanced. But, besides cafeteria food to use your meal plan, it is really cool because you can use your meal plan for non-food the school market sells! That is how I get washing powder, dish liquid, toothpaste, shower gel, etc. Then, you can't forget about the amazing food off-campus all over San Francisco.
The campus usually has really cool events for students, but the campus life is not big like at other schools. Everyone goes off campus for parties and other events. It is San Francisco, there is always something to do for fun, just step out of your door: Movies in the park, shopping, the beach, sight-seeing, open mic, coffee houses, restaurants, Haight Ashbury (my favorite), Alcatraz prison, festivals every weekend, neighborhood concerts all the time, downtown events, and much more! Always free fun events too :)
It is expensive to attend USF. For me, I spend zero dollars to go here because I am a Gates Millennium Scholar and got a few other scholarships. However, invest in your education. Invest in a school that is worth it. USF may be expensive, but tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. And, you really get the most bang for your buck. You get to attend games free, we have a yearly concert that only costs us ten bucks. We have access to a high-quality gym, there are many activities, field trips in some classes, resources there for you, small classes, highly-qualified teachers, a clean and safe campus, and much more.
I am still in my first year at USF, so I do not know any unusual traditions or locations on campus yet. But, I can name the most talked about location, which is Lone Mountain. Ask any student at USF about Lone Mountain and they will know exactly what you are talking about. Lone Mountain is a part of campus across the street where some classes take place. It's probably four flights of stairs to the top of the campus, because it us up on a huge hill. The view from the top of the stairs at the campus is beautiful though and everyone always takes pictures from up there.
USF is great for any student. There is something for everyone and for every type of student. The school is diverse, there are many clubs to represent different races and cultures and different personalities and interests. It is perfect for healthy people who eat right and love to exercise also I've noticed. But, I am not that person and the school is still great for me.
There are clubs and activies for all different cultures and all different personalities. There is poetry club, culture clubs, dancing clubs, spirit clubs, club and intramural clubs, gaming clubs, and much more.
The Greek Life is not large like it is at other schools, but it is still present on campus. I am not in a sorority, but one of my roommates is and she tells me all about it. They still had to do the rush week I think it's called and they still had to be accepted into the sorority/fraternity. They still have fees and activities. They just don't have housing. Although small at USF, it still gives you connections, the Greek Life label, and everything else any other school's Greek life can give you.
I feel so safe at campus. I have seen no incidents occur. They have the campus cops patrol at night and they check our dorms and make sure there is no foul play or anything. Also, a resource I know about but haven't used yet is if you are not too far from the school and you don't feel safe to walk home there is a number you can call at the school and an escort will pick you up and get you back to the school. It is 24-hours. They care about safety at the school. There are many numbers we can call to maintain our well-being and to stay safe.