California Lutheran University
Thousand Oaks, CA, USA

Reviews

California Lutheran University

Austin from El Cajon, CA

a current student here
12 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
How could you NOT learn here, there are so few students per class and the professors know you!!I was taking an easy class in my major and the professor found out I was bored, so he offered me a chance to audit an upper level class in something I was interested in!
Am enjoying being here
The staff and helpful upperclassmen were so helpful from day 1. They act like they want YOU on campus, not just your money!! They provide lots of support for freshman so they don't fail. You get a student and academic adviser to help you through the first year!
Bang for the buck
I got a great scholarship and financial aid. They accommodated my parent's sudden loss of income with lots of help with finances! They go out of their way to help you afford the school.
Tips for prospective students
They like kids who are service-oriented (Boys Scouts, etc.) not just with high grades. Go to the interview, if you get invited, and share something great you have done to help your community.
Great for these types of students
Somewhat conservative but creative! No drinking on campus by anyone, so don't come if you like to party with alcohol!! Great school for kids who like to travel abroad and who like mingling with their professors. Lots of just normal kids who are not there just to get ahead. Great school if you don't want to feel like a number! It has a very cohesive feel to it, like everyone enjoys being there.

Kasey from Long Beach, CA

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors work with the students and are more than happy to to find time outside of their office hours to help.
Am enjoying being here
The campus is welcoming and safe. The school also puts on an event every Friday, called Club Lu, that is free to the students (includes a chuckee cheese night, black out socials, snowball fights, etc.).
Bang for the buck
Although it is pricey, it is worth it! Would not transfer for any cost!
Tips for prospective students
Don't let the cost of the school make you shy away! The school is amazing!
Great for these types of students
Ideal for students that enjoy small classes, close relationships with their professors and don't want to be solely a number! Perfect for the all around students, there are many clubs and activities to get involved in!

Philip from Barstow, CA

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This school is one of the best small schools in the country. It has a killer academic program, as well as top notch D3 sports' programs. What makes this school even better, are the people that come here.
Tips for prospective students
Prospective students should try to be outgoing and cheerful. Thousand Oaks is a wonderful town full of amazing and interesting people, try and get to know them! If you're more of a shy and inward person just take sometime enjoy the scenery, you'll make tons of friend who have the same interests as you.
Academic Rigor
Courses here are a lot of fun, but very rigorous. Because you are at a small school, however, classes will not be 200-300 students per classroom. Many classes will range in size between 20-30 students and the professor will have designated office hours for you to go and meet with said professor. It is a great opportunity to get to know your professors and an even better way to learn the material. My favorite class on campus was also one of the hardest on campus but thanks to my professor I aced the course and now I'm ready for any other class that I have to take on.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is really amazing. In TV shows they show dorms as cramped areas and sometimes really dirty. Cal Lu dorms are quite the opposite. Unless you choose to live in Mount Clef, all the other dorms on campus are apartment style. Of course if you're an underclassman you might have to share your room with another person, but once you become a junior or senior you get the chance to live in Trinity or Grace which is real apartment-style living. It also comes with an entire kitchen and refrigerator.
When you first move in people may be a bit tentative, but as the weeks go on friends will be made and you will find a best friend. Sometimes it may not seem like the most social of places but do not fret, its just all part of the plan.
Food and Dining
Sometimes food and dining can become monotonous. The dining company, Sodexo, offers a wide variety of different foods and meal specials throughout the year. The thing that becomes so monotonous is that the specials and varieties do not change. I know what I'm saying may be a bit confusing but once you come here you'll understand. Monotony aside, there are not many places where you can get a top notch meal on a campus. Oh yeah we also have something called the Centrum where you can get your food on-the-go if you don't have the time in between classes or you're running late to a meeting.
What to do for fun
There are many things to do around the Thousand Oaks area. There is bowling for very cheap in Simi. Being 30 minutes from the beach is also a plus, and since the weather is constantly 65 degrees year-round, it's always a perfect beach day. Thousand Oaks is also half an hour away from Los Angeles. Night life in L.A. is like no other. Many friends and myself have gone to see a movie, go to a comedy club, or visit a museum. There are tons of things to do around here.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
One big location is the statue of Martin Luther although it doesn't really look like Martin Luther is looks a bit more like Gumby. He is located right in front of the library and points towards the spine of the campus. You'd have to see him to believe it.
Great for these types of students
Great for all types of students! You don't need to be a particular type of student to come here, just be willing to learn and ready to party. (metaphorically of course!)
Clubs and Activities
There are many different clubs on campus. I, for one, am part of the Rugby club and the Asian and Friends club here on campus. The clubs range from anything like Hawaiian club to an Atheist club. Whatever you want to join I guarantee we've got it.
Campus Safety
Campus safety is great. They are patrolling 24/7. Also being on a small campus everyone knows who everyone is and if one person is missing or hasn't come back in a while someone will notice.

Jessica from Barstow, CA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I love all of my classes. The curriculum is well organized and the professors are great. They are all very helpful.
Am enjoying being here
I love the surrounding area. The weather is amazing down here and the people are friendly.
Bang for the buck
We have a lot of benefits that are included in tuition.
Tips for prospective students
This is a good choice for a school, especially if you are looking for a close knit atmosphere and small class sizes. Everyone here is very helpful and it is super easy to fit in and make friends.
Great for these types of students
This school is great for any kind of students. There are many different types of personalities on campus that just add to the learning experience.

Derick from Sherman Oaks, CA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
If you put the work in, you will be pushed to learn and grow to great heights. Professors here really care about your education and will get to know you on a personal level if you are willing. I have some of my professors numbers that are in my major and allow me to contact them if need be. The size of the classes are small with a ratio of about 17:1 (17 students to 1 professor).
Am enjoying being here
The fact that Cal Lutheran is such a tight knit community allows for you to make some really close relationships pretty quickly. The students at Cal Lu are friendly, just remember to treat people how you would like to be treated and you will do fine. Also, although Thousand Oaks is small, there is plenty to do. the school puts on many events and different programs and if that is not enough La, the beach, or even Santa Barbra is right around the corner.
Bang for the buck
California Lutheran can be expensive, but they are willing to help you. With numerous donors and out side sources I believe its over 85% of students that get some sort of financial aid. CLU already provides $19 million a year in financial aid to students, but in 2009-2010 it plans to increase the amount of scholarship money available to current students to help them meet educational expenses during the recession.

source: http://www.callutheran.edu/news/news_detail.php?story_id=5453
Tips for prospective students
What I would recommended for prospective students is to come out here and get a taste for yourself. Schedule a private or group tour or if you are interested in athletics you can contact the coaches and come for an overnight stay with an athlete. If Cal Lutheran is not in reach of a tour check out the website www.Callutheran.edu and find out everything you need to know.
Great for these types of students
California Lutheran is great choice for those looking for: A degree in Sports Medicine, Chemistry, Biology, Business, Communication, etc.

Also DIII Athletics: Football, baseball, basketball, soccer, track and field, softball, etc. (many inter-mural sports teams and clubs)

And this college is good for students that want a small community with a very friendly atmosphere, Lutheran background, diversity, and great education.

Student

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Cal Lu is a great school. It is a very friendly environment and it's easy to feel right at home on campus.
Tips for prospective students
Take a tour it really helped me to choose the school.
Academic Rigor
The classes are challenging, but teachers are willing to help and there are a lot of other resources on campus if you need help.
Dorm Life
Living on campus is nice. The dorm I live in just got renovated so its very nice.
Food and Dining
The meal plans could use a little tweaking, but overall the food is good. There are also a few different dining options on campus.
What to do for fun
Join clubs, go to Improv, and Thousand Oaks is not that far from the beaches and LA. So there are lots of opportunities for activities.
Greek Life
There is no greek life.
Campus Safety
Campus is super safe. Thousand Oaks is ranked the 5th safest city in California.

Sari from Thousand Oaks, CA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Small and active community. Lots of chances for success. Very helpful and caring professors
Tips for prospective students
Get involved! It doesn't matter if you're a commuter or a resident, stay on campus and get involved and you will find your little niche.
Dorm Life
I don't live on campus but I've heard that its enjoyable.
Food and Dining
The meal plan needs some tweaking at the moment but last year it was good and the food isn't bad
What to do for fun
Go to improv! Join clubs, lots of Lu events where the school pays and you get free pizza!

Stephanie from Burbank, CA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I absolutely love Cal Lu! I have been familiar with the campus for the past three years since my brother attended before me, and now that I am living here it as even more enjoyable! Cal Lu feels like home; lots of amazing people. dedicated professors, and living in the Residence Halls is an unforgettable experience.
Tips for prospective students
Apply for as many scholarships as you can (performing arts, sports, etc.). DON'T pick a school for it's party status; if you're going to college for parties you're headed in the wrong direction. Pick a school for its educational opportunities and if the environment fits you.
Academic Rigor
The history courses are extremely difficult. I would say science would most likely be the next most difficult classes. But other than that if you maintained at least a 3.0 in high school, the other classes here at Cal Lu won't be too hard on you.
Dorm Life
Love it! The RAs in the hall make the experience all the better. Noise level is fun at times, annoying at others, but you can adapt. Many freshman have a difficult time getting used to their roommates, but I was fortunate enough to get placed with two amazing roommates :) I definitely recommend living with an RA.
Food and Dining
It's not bad, but it just gets old really easily. I don't have a problem with the system, but a lot of people complain about it because of time periods and how many times you can eat and what not. As a freshman you have to have a meal plan, but after freshman year I would recommend canceling your meal plan and making your own food in the kitchens in the res halls.
What to do for fun
RAs always have fun programs going on. Also on our website if you check The Hub that will always tell you about Sports Events or other campus-wide activities going on. Simply staying in my room and inviting people over is enough fun for me, personally.
Bang for the buck
Canceling your meal plan! You'll save so much money if you cook for yourself and you don't eat out all of the time.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Our Annual Undie Run!!! And painting the rocks is always fun :)
Great for these types of students
Not a party school. Our RAs are highly trained and know when someone is up to no good. We are a dry campus. If you like partying, this is not the school for you. We are a Liberal Arts school that is extremely dedicated to education. We are a school for the determined and the prestigious.
Clubs and Activities
There are many clubs related to every major so I would recommend becoming members so you can put that on your resume in the future.
Greek Life
There is none.
Campus Safety
I never feel that I am in danger on campus. Our campus safety drives around on 24 hour watch. And in the Res Life halls there are swipe ins so that only students can enter the halls.

Claudia from Moorpark, CA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
CLU is the friendliest campus you will ever step foot on. All of the students make you feel welcome and want you to be a part of their group. The professors get to know you on a one-on-one basis, you are not just an ID number to them.
Tips for prospective students
Don't let the fact that this is a Lutheran school scare you. Everyone is super open to many religions and sexual preferences. Even though tuition here is a bit expensive, the scholarship office gives out many scholarships for you to apply to, so take advantage of that.
Academic Rigor
Some classes at CLU are very fast paced, depending on when you have your classes some will be for 50 minutes or some for 2 hours. The professor usually gives you an overview of what they expect from you, so follow their advice.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is pretty slow at CLU. There are no wild parties' but there are many events which students can go to. The RA's put on little get togethers such as a pancake night or a just dance game night. Students rally around playing games and sport rather than going out to party.
Food and Dining
With the new Ullman commons coming soon, the quality of the food should increase ten fold. Before, students could order from the Cafeteria or the Centrum. CLU is pretty healthy and also offers a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan food.
What to do for fun
There is always something happening at CLU! Students can lounge by the pool or enjoy a game of basketball or beach volleyball. Students can go to the state of the art gym or enjoy lounging in the dorm lounge while watching a movie on the flatscreen TV.
Bang for the buck
Although CLU is a bit expensive, the teacher to student time that you get cannot be compared to any other campus. Teachers actually take the time to know your name and make time to meet with you, sometimes without an appointment!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
During orientation, freshmen usually go up to the CLU rocks and paint them!
Great for these types of students
This school is great for students who would like to build long lasting relationships with their peers and really care about challenging themselves academically.
Clubs and Activities
There are many clubs that a student can join at CLU. They range from religious clubs to Hispanic associations. There is always a club that one can join in at CLU and if not the process to create one is simple.
Greek Life
CLU has no greek life, unfortunately.
Campus Safety
They are on campus 24/7 and really make sure everybody is safe.

Jessika from Alta Loma, CA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Cal Lu is proud to have a school that is all about diversity. Students are able to connect more with other students, professors and the community of Thousand Oaks. The small school size will help any student learn more about the subject they want to learn more of with smaller sized classes, and have more opportunities to have a better and brighter future!
Tips for prospective students
Don't be shy! go out and have fun, experience new thing, meet new people and try new things. That is the best advice I can give to any new student, if you don't want to try new things college will be less fun and you want college to be one of the best experiences in your life.
Academic Rigor
California Lutheran University is tough because school is tough but what I love about CLU is that school can be easier because the professors are glad to answer questions and have workable office hours that will allow you to understand your class easier! Also the classes with be easier or harder depending on the professor, subject and the amount of energy put into the class.
Dorm Life
I give CLU 5 stars because the dorms are big and you get to share your own bathroom with your roommates! So it is nice that you don't have to walk down the hall in your towel to take a shower or even go to the bathroom but you have it in the convenience of your own room! Also the older you get the dorms just get nicer so you have something to look forward to when you are a senior!
Food and Dining
Food at CLU is good the cafeteria has a buffet for salad and pizza and the best part of our cafeteria is that we have a touch screen menu that allows you to pick what ever you want on the menu and it is made right on the spot! Just like any other cafeteria some foods are better than others so you just have to try it all!
What to do for fun
CLU has many things to do for fun! Each dorm has different activities that a RA (a student in charge of the students living in the dorms) organizes to allow the students to get to know each other better within the dorm and make the dorm experience even better!! Cal Lu also has one of the best football teams in California for division III and the games are EXCITING to go to! The clubs on campus are also a fun thing to do and you get to meet other people who love the same thing you do! If your athletic and want to join a team, JOIN ONE!! All the facilities are new and you can contribute to Cal Lu spirit!!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
UNDIE RUN!! It happens every year and the cloths get donated to charity!
We also have two volunteer dates that are available for students that allow them to help the community and meet new people!
Every activity done at the school you either get food or a free t-shirt! I have 20+ shirts!!
Great for these types of students
Is known for there great financial aid and they also have academic scholarships!
Clubs and Activities
So many of them!
Greek Life
none
Campus Safety
I always feel safe on campus and even in the city!