The professors here are definitely knowledgeable and are always happy to help you understand anything you might not. The small class sizes also contribute to how much individual attention you get from your professors, both inside and outside class. Even in the core classes that everyone has to pass to graduate, the classes are no larger than twenty-five students. I feel incredibly intellectually stimulated!
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
I enjoy the academic aspect of this school, however, being an atheist at a Catholic school is not easy. While UIW is generally much more liberal and accepting of viewpoints and ideas that conflict with Catholicism or Christianity than schools like University of Dallas, or Houston Baptist University, it can still be difficult to find a group of students who share your views if you are agnostic or atheist, or if some aspect of you conflicts with Catholicism or Christianity. There is, however, a small LGBTQIA support group on campus called StandOUT Alliance, and there will be a Students for Choice (pro-choice) club as well this coming semester. I am happy with the level of diversity and multiculturalism here, in regard to the student as well as faculty and staff populations.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
You pay slightly more than you would for a relatively popular state university because UIW is a private, but the small class sizes and quality of education are worth it. The number of resources available to students is also something that you pay for that is worth it, if you take advantage of the Wellness Center (equipped with exercise equipment) and the Learning Assistance Center (tutoring center).
I have only two complaints. I take issue with some of the practices of the administration. There is a fair amount of bureaucratic red tape that you will face, but I get the impression that most universities have this issue and that it is something you just have to deal with almost anywhere you decide to attend.
Lastly, I feel that I am charged too much for the food and snacks here. The snacks are overpriced, and the meal plan charges would be more reasonable if the cafeteria offered both healthy as well as comfort food options side by side on a more consistent basis. Sometimes I will walk into the cafeteria and don't see very many or even any healthy meal options, but you can more often than not find something healthy to eat. There is a small vegetarian section for those of you who don't eat meat, but it is not always stocked.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
If you need high levels of intellectual stimulation like I do, join the Honors Program. The classes are more challenging and intimate, and it looks marvelous on a resume.
Live on the main part of campus, even if your hometown is San Antonio. This allows you to focus more on your studies and is much more convenient. Commuters aren't allowed to park on main campus and have to park in a parking garage on the hill behind the football field, which forces them to walk or take the university shuttle down to the main part of campus. I have lived on campus, one semester on main campus and one semester in a dorm on the hill. The hill dorms cost much more and are not close to your classes. Live on main campus -- it's easier. If you do choose to live on the hill, though, you will still benefit. Some dorms on the hill offer private baths and are also newer and nicer but are more expensive. If you would like a compromise between the benefits of private bath as well as closeness to you classes, the on-campus apartments are probably for you.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Students who are Catholic or Christian, immensely interested in learning, who need individual attention, and who would prefer a learning community that is smaller and more intimate.
The professors here are definitely knowledgeable and are always happy to help you understand anything you might not. The small class sizes also contribute to how much individual attention you get from your professors, both inside and outside class. Even in the core classes that everyone has to pass to graduate, the classes are no larger than twenty-five students. I feel incredibly intellectually stimulated!
I enjoy the academic aspect of this school, however, being an atheist at a Catholic school is not easy. While UIW is generally much more liberal and accepting of viewpoints and ideas that conflict with Catholicism or Christianity than schools like University of Dallas, or Houston Baptist University, it can still be difficult to find a group of students who share your views if you are agnostic or atheist, or if some aspect of you conflicts with Catholicism or Christianity. There is, however, a small LGBTQIA support group on campus called StandOUT Alliance, and there will be a Students for Choice (pro-choice) club as well this coming semester. I am happy with the level of diversity and multiculturalism here, in regard to the student as well as faculty and staff populations.
You pay slightly more than you would for a relatively popular state university because UIW is a private, but the small class sizes and quality of education are worth it. The number of resources available to students is also something that you pay for that is worth it, if you take advantage of the Wellness Center (equipped with exercise equipment) and the Learning Assistance Center (tutoring center). I have only two complaints. I take issue with some of the practices of the administration. There is a fair amount of bureaucratic red tape that you will face, but I get the impression that most universities have this issue and that it is something you just have to deal with almost anywhere you decide to attend. Lastly, I feel that I am charged too much for the food and snacks here. The snacks are overpriced, and the meal plan charges would be more reasonable if the cafeteria offered both healthy as well as comfort food options side by side on a more consistent basis. Sometimes I will walk into the cafeteria and don't see very many or even any healthy meal options, but you can more often than not find something healthy to eat. There is a small vegetarian section for those of you who don't eat meat, but it is not always stocked.
If you need high levels of intellectual stimulation like I do, join the Honors Program. The classes are more challenging and intimate, and it looks marvelous on a resume. Live on the main part of campus, even if your hometown is San Antonio. This allows you to focus more on your studies and is much more convenient. Commuters aren't allowed to park on main campus and have to park in a parking garage on the hill behind the football field, which forces them to walk or take the university shuttle down to the main part of campus. I have lived on campus, one semester on main campus and one semester in a dorm on the hill. The hill dorms cost much more and are not close to your classes. Live on main campus -- it's easier. If you do choose to live on the hill, though, you will still benefit. Some dorms on the hill offer private baths and are also newer and nicer but are more expensive. If you would like a compromise between the benefits of private bath as well as closeness to you classes, the on-campus apartments are probably for you.
Students who are Catholic or Christian, immensely interested in learning, who need individual attention, and who would prefer a learning community that is smaller and more intimate.