Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, LA, USA

Reviews

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Marlowe from Natchitoches, LA

a current student here
18 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am a journalism major and have already learned a lot in my freshman year. The journalism department, along with the other departments at NSU, believes the best way to teach is through the classroom AND practice. My department has four or five different ways for the students to practice what they are being taught in the classroom. It has really helped me to understand my studies and get to know the other students in the department.
Am enjoying being here
NSU is full of people and fun. Everywhere you look something is going on and people are eager for you to join. Since I have already chosen a major, it's really fun to do things with my fellow students in my department, but I have a lot of friends outside my academic department, too. During my freshman year, I did not join a sorority, but becoming friends with girls in sororities and seeing how much fun they have, I have decided to rush in the upcoming fall. So much is going on at NSU that people cannot help but get involved, have fun, and show off the spirit of NSU!!
Bang for the buck
Although NSU has gone up on the tuition, because of the economic problems, it is still a reasonable price. The books are, of course, a little expensive, but I have had teachers tell us if the book was too expensive, they would make notes and hand them out (and I've had teachers actually do that). The only problem I have with costs at NSU is the dorm costs. I lived in the dorms my freshman year and paid close to $4000 per semester! This covered my dorm room (a bed room/bathroom/living area/small kitchen area) and meal plan for a semester. It was nice that everything was paid for all at once, so I didn't have to worry about bills each month, but it was just a lot of money!! I did enjoy living in the dorms and meeting people, but I am living off campus for next semester.
Tips for prospective students
The main thing I would say is keep your mind and options open!! There are so many activities, clubs, events, and departments at NSU that first year students should keep their minds and options open.
Great for these types of students
NSU is great for any type of student! I think I have already explained how diverse the university and campus are. Students from every part of the United States and from every kind of background can find a comfortable, good home at NSU. The only problem they might have is the weather...but that is Louisiana's fault, not the University's.

James from Lake Dallas, TX

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am definitely learning a lot at Northwestern State. The teachers are good, and if you are willing to put in a little effort, you can succeed.
Am enjoying being here
I love the time I spend at NSU. It's nice to be able to go to class for a few hours, then be able to enjoy time with friends doing things like going to the recreation center, amd participating in many different organizations. The city is also very historic, and there is much to do.
Bang for the buck
The housing and meal plans are definitely worth it based on what you pay. I live in an apartment style dorm and only pay low-end dorm prices.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure to get your housing and other forms in when necessary. This will help you to enjoy your time at NSU that much more!
Great for these types of students
Small town, likes to relax, but dut do work when needed. Great for students who want to learn and enjoy their college experience.

Desiree from Covington, LA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Northwestern State University is diverse in student body and organizations. There truly is something for everyone here. You can really branch out and grow to the person you're meant to be.
Tips for prospective students
This is a great place to study and get your degree. You can have the traditional college experience while still maintaining your grades and having a good time.
Academic Rigor
The course load is enough to keep you busy but not excessive to break your back. The teachers are all really helpful and willing to work with you.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is great. It's quiet when you need to study and energetic when you want to have fun.
Food and Dining
The food is actually pretty good for being a cafeteria. There's also places on campus, Vic's and The Grill, that you can eat at that have a wide variety of selections.
What to do for fun
Natchitoches is a small town but there's always festivals going on downtown and cute restaurants to eat at.
Bang for the buck
It's a great school for the affordable price.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Something fun we do is a scavenger hunt around Halloween. It's called Chasing Isabella, named after our campus ghost Isabella.
Great for these types of students
Everyone can find their niche at NSU. There's truly a place for every student where they feel like they can fit in and thrive to the best of their abilities.
Clubs and Activities
Everyone can find an organization that interests them and keeps them involved. There's such a vast variety of different clubs and sports you can join.
Greek Life
Greek life is a great way to meet new people and widen your group of friends. There's a house for everyone that really fits your personality.
Campus Safety
Campus police work around the clock to make sure the area is safe for everyone. If there's ever a time you may need them, they get to the scene in a few seconds. Since they're stationed in the heart of campus, it doesn't take them long to get where they need to be.

La'Kendria from Natchitoches, LA

accepted here and planning to attend soon
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
It has a beautiful campus, it's fairly sized, and in a small town. They have the fourth largest nursing program in the Untied States. Another plus is that Northwestern is not very expensive.
Tips for prospective students
Like any university, you'll want to get involved, and NSU has a wide range of activities. Be one of the first of the group to apply for classes, if you wait you will be stuck with courses at a time of day you may not prefer.
Academic Rigor
If you study and manage your business correctly you'll be successful. If you get off track academically you could possibly be placed on academic probation, which may jeopardise your reception of certain scholarships.
Dorm Life
The dorms are comfortable and clean. However, there's a limited number of dorms so if you'd like one you have to register several months ahead. Otherwise, you'll end up having to live off campus.
Food and Dining
There are several eateries on campus. There's Iberville, which is like a buffet; it's really good. Also, closer to the center of campus in the student union you can grab a bite to eat. There is a wide variety of food. Also off campus there are several restaurants that accept student ID cards which will provide for discounted purchases.
What to do for fun
Extracurricular activities like sports, clubs, and fraternities/sororities are always fun. But, if you're seeking off campus activities there's a local bowling alley, movie theater, several shopping centers, and spas; some of which give NSU students discounts on their purchases.
Bang for the buck
Attending Northwestern is not overly expensive. Each term is $4,000. So, if you're good as far as academics are concerned you'll receive several scholarships, much of the money you will not even use. Therefore, you may get cash back in your pocket.
Clubs and Activities
There are several athletic, leadership, and talent clubs and activities that are accessible to the entire student body. Many of which provide you with many scholarship opportunities, and things of that sort.
Greek Life
Fraternities and sororities are extremely prevalent on campus. They're fun, inviting, and administration runs a tight ship when it comes to hazing.
Campus Safety
The campus is extremely secure. Northwestern has its own campus police. Their office holds an easily visible place on the campus. Along with campus police the city sheriff's and police departments are no more than a mile or so away (if not less).

Linda from Jarreau, LA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I'm learning more than I could ever imagine I would, especially with my budget. With the Scholars' program here, it really is amazing I found such a gem in a crumbling education system. The Scholars' programs is the honors program of Louisiana. There's nothing like it anywhere else. You pay the regular NSU tuition and receive an education that, I find, is more extensive and challenging than any other program in Louisiana.
Am enjoying being here
NSU is wonderful and the Scholar's program is equally amazing if not more so. It's almost too good to be true. Your fellow Scholars' become family and your professors are the matriarchs. You feel well taken care of and there's never a time you should ever feel alone. We have manage to have endless fun without it conflicting with our educational performance. And trust me, we do have our fun.
Bang for the buck
Again, concentrating on the Scholars' program, it truly is a bang for your buck. If you're looking for a school that won't send you and your parents to bankruptcy and still want to have a five-star education, the Scholar's program is perfect. All of the Scholars' professors have doctorates in their specified subjects. The classes are advanced and never fail to challenge you.
Tips for prospective students
The Scholars' program isn't for everyone but NSU might be. So, if you try out the program and it's too much for you to handle or it's just not what you're looking for, try regular NSU. Those of you who do want a challenge and are determined, the professors and upperclassmen are here to help you. There's Scholars' study groups and tutoring and never be afraid to ask your professor.
Great for these types of students
Really, the Scholars' College is for the weird and the intelligent. We tend to come from the group of high schoolers that never really melded into the common scene. This doesn't mean we're limited to the 'rejects'. We have a diverse student body that includes athletes, musicians, thespians, artists, chemists, and anything else you can think of. It never hurts to try us out.

Christina from Pitkin, LA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I graduated in May with my Bachelor's. The amount of information I learned in such a short time was amazing. Now I am working on my graduate degree.
Am enjoying being here
I am a strictly online student. Although, I have enjoyed any time I have come on campus for awards ceremonies, clubs and graduation.
Bang for the buck
While, there was a tuition increase, it is still more than reasonable for the quality of education you receive from NSU.
Tips for prospective students
Register and get all forms (especially financial aid) in early. This helps to ensure a uneventful start to your semester. I was late getting registered and my forms in this semester and did not receive my books for two weeks after the start of the semester.
Great for these types of students
All. Young or old. There is a degree for everyone.

Adrianna from Shreveport, LA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I love my first year at Northwestern State University ! The classes are close, there are plenty opportunities to get involved on campus, and there are great dorms to stay in. I could not have chosen a better choice than this one.
Tips for prospective students
Northwestern State is a place where students can study, get involved, and receive an education well spent. My first tip for future students would be to have a plan to come to college and be someone. Secondly, use all resources that are offered to you. Lastly, always study and do homework first before deciding to hang with friends or attend a social event.
Academic Rigor
Academics on campus is taken very seriously. In my opinion, most students focus on studying, attending class, and doing homework on a daily basis. There is also plenty of opportunities for students to get help if they lack in some subjects. Lastly if students need advising on classes Academic Advisers are available during the week.
Dorm Life
Although I stay in University Columns, I think the dorms around campus are very nice and clean. Residence advisers are very informative and are not afraid to meet with us for issues at hand. All dormitories are secure and safe for the residents who reside in them.
Food and Dining
Campus food is awesome if you love to eat burgers, french fires and pizza everyday. Occasionally, the cafe will serve a special dish but if your looking for variety you might need to visit the other campus dining services such as the Grill.
What to do for fun
If you would like to get involved on campus there are plenty of organizations to join or events to go to. Many students attend basketball games for the games and for the free raising canes ! Organizations on campus always have events around campus so there is never a dull moment for students.
Bang for the buck
What made me really want to come to Northwestern is the small but big community and my education of course. The many good things I heard about Northwestern pulled me in even more, and when I attended a Freshman Connection session during the summer I was all in.

Travis from Brentwood, TN

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
A good school with a wide range of majors. Northwestern has a large, beautiful campus that is well looked after. Has a very active student body that will always be planning events for students.
Tips for prospective students
Be prepared to create your own fun, since Northwestern is in a small college town. Join an organization, they will help you get involved, meets some new people, and stave off the boredom mentioned above. Do not forget to study, college life is awesome and extremely free, but do not forget that your going to college for an education.
Academic Rigor
I attend the Scholars honors program, so if you are looking for a challenging academic program, this is the one for you. It contains some of the greatest professors around, and with its small class setting you will not have to worry about being just another face.
Dorm Life
As a Resident Advisor, i can assure you that Northwestern has some of the best dorms in the state. There are four different buildings to choose from, and the rooms are large compared to other dorms. Housing is also very cooperative.
Food and Dining
There are multiple places to eat on campus, such as Vic's, which is a small cafeteria. There is also the Grill, which contains burgers and chicken strips. There is also Iberville, which is the largest cafeteria, which allows you to eat as much as you like.
What to do for fun
You will quickly make friends, so hanging out with them is always an option. Besides that there are multiple organizations on campus always holding student events. You can also join Greek life, which Northwestern has many different Greek organizations to choose from. If you wish to leave campus there is front street which has a nice small town feel to it, great for dates :). Northwestern is also only an hour away from either, Alexandria or Shreveport.

Angela from Walker, LA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
northwestern is a wonderful campus with professors who are willing to cater to the students. although it is a smaller campus, this allows the professors to actually interact with all of the students. no one is lost in the back of a classroom.
Tips for prospective students
northwestern offers many different scholarships, you should make sure you apply to every scholarship possible and do not wait to the last minute.
Academic Rigor
how hard the classes are genuinely depend on what classes you take.
Dorm Life
there are two options for on campus living. one can live in university place, which is more like a traditional dorm, or university columns, which is set up like apartments.
Food and Dining
there are several places on campus to eat using your meal plan. for only $6 you can eat at the cafeteria and have as much as you want.
What to do for fun
there are plays, music recitals, and student activities board programs every week as well as the antique district of natchitoches. the antique district of natchitoches is reffered to as front street and is beautiful. it boasts many great, and budget friendly, restraunts and coffee shops as well as clothing stores.
Bang for the buck
there is always something to do on campus and a plethora of organizations one can join.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
i love the zombie walk. during the zombie walk, the art department does special effects makeup for volunteers to look like zombies, we then storm the campus and attack other students. it's a lot of fun.
Great for these types of students
northwestern is a great college for students who prefer the country, or just a quiet setting. of course, one can always find things to do to stay busy but the area has a more relaxed feel to it. it is also the leading school in louisiana for nursing.
Clubs and Activities
there are a plethora of activities every week and more clubs than i can name. almost every department has a club. there is the biology department's beta beta beta. the art department, theatre, communications and vetinarian program also have clubs.
Greek Life
greek life here is amazing. i am a member of alpha omicron pi. we have an amazing chapter filled with lovely ladies. the other sororities and fraternities are great too and there are many activities we put on together.
Campus Safety
the campus is very safe. campus security is constantly patrolling and there is a small police station on campus.

Catherine from DeRidder, LA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Northwestern is a school that my family has been attending for many years. My grandma, two of my aunts, my dad, my mom, and myself have attended this college (I am still attending and should graduate in2016). My family has spoken very highly of this school and I agree with them completely because they are always ready to help you get to where you need to be to succeed.
Tips for prospective students
Do not be a stranger. Teachers love to communicate with their students not only to benefit their teaching abilities but to help make sure you are on the path you need to be on for what you want to do in life. I do encourage you to look around at other schools though, don't just settle because you will be there for a few years. You want the best college for you but also a great environment/location of the college, which Northwestern can provide.
Academic Rigor
Northwestern tests you with your first year and first couple of weeks of your classes to see where you stand o help figure out what is required to push you to where you need to be.
Dorm Life
I personally have not gotten to experience the dorm life because I am an untraditional student. However, I did have a great friend you lived in the dorms and loved it. He said everyone should have that experience because it will get you out of your shell and teach you not to be shy and hold yourself back from anything.
Food and Dining
There are many places for students to eat on and off campus in Natchitoches. I love the areas and the food options that is available for you. You have about three areas on campus that you could eat at that does not limit what you can order to eat. If you would like to go off campus to dine, there are many places you can choose from between the amazing locals shops to the regular food places you get anywhere.
What to do for fun
The campus is constantly giving every type of student options to do what they would enjoy. The school sends out mass e-mails for bathe-a-dog day, sports game days and times, holiday activities for every holiday, theatrical shows, and many more. There are also several things off campus to engage in such as the yearly Natchitoches Festival of lights in December or the Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival, etc.
Bang for the buck
This college is not as expensive as some of the other colleges that I have toured, but it seems to give you so much more. If you are someone who enjoys being active in the school, they give you every option possible. f you are someone who enjoys history, the city of Natchitoches gives you so much of that with the Cane River Heritage or the Fort St. Jean Baptiste historic site, or even if you are somebody that just enjoys the peace but beautiful nature you can get the at the Natchitoches river walk.
Great for these types of students
This is a type of school that is for any and all types of students. There is a army base that is near by that brings in many ages and many different cultures of students to our campus.
Campus Safety
There is always a campus cop riding around with one if the office to notify the other of everything. There are also many signs all over campus with the security number for any reason.