Rhodes College
Memphis, TN, USA

Reviews

Rhodes College

Richard from Frisco, TX

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
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In three sentences
Rhodes College is a four year liberal arts college in Memphis Tennessee that challenges students both academically and morally. The college offers many sought after courses, such as Biology and International Studies, and provides countless opportunities for research and to study abroad. Rhodes is a place for growth and discovery, and the resources available on campus will guide students to achieve their goals and ambitions.
Tips for prospective students
Those visiting Rhodes should come expecting a college with a student body of about 2000 students. While this may seem petty, the low student count allows for small class room sizes that make it possible to have student/professor relationships that are essential to a students academic success. While the classes are rigorous, there are sports, Greek life, and other activities to become involved with on campus.
Academic Rigor
Academic success ranks highly at Rhodes college. Expect a number of papers, hours of studying, and daily participation grades in most classes. Although the courses can at times become overwhelming, studying greats like Aristotle and Dante and the writing of many papers help a student develop crucial skills in reading, writing, and analytical thinking that forces one to challenge his ideals.
Dorm Life
Rhodes has 11 dorms, two which are apartment style with a living room and kitchen, that contain rooms for a single up to a quad. Depending on the dorm, there are community bathrooms or suite style bathrooms that are shared between two rooms. All dorms have one or multiple common rooms with a T.V. for students to meet as well as multiple study rooms that are great places to escape from the noise and distractions in the dorms.
Food and Dining
Students are offered a meal plan that grants them either 15 or 21 meals for each week as well as one hundred dollars of Lynx Bucks each semester that can be used for snacks, drinks, and even Starbucks. There are two dining areas where students can get their food, The Lair and The Rat. Both locations offer a wide assortment of food choices that should please everyone's desired cravings.
What to do for fun
When students have the chance to escape from their studies, there are many activities students can participate in. Rhodes has many sports activities every weekend for students to go support, and the school holds many small concerts and dance events as well. Over half the campus is involved in Greek Life, but there are also many restaurants and locations to explore and visit in the great city of Memphis.
Bang for the buck
Because Rhodes is a private school, the cost to attend is rather high. However, Rhodes is great in giving incoming freshman scholarships, grants, and loans to help them afford attendance. Even with the high cost to attend, the quality of the academics and the numerous opportunities available at Rhodes makes the price worth it.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Rhodes College does not have many traditions that a college like Texas A&M would have. However, students are expected to complete a series of activities before they graduate. These include riding the lynx statue on campus, swim in the fountain, and climb the physics building.
Great for these types of students
Rhodes College is for students looking to spend four years in an environment that allows for academic success and growth. Those looking for the large campus atmosphere will be disappointed. Students who want the capability to confront professors, be involved on campus, and live and support a city in desperate need of helping hands will find Rhodes an exceptional place for their undergraduate studies.
Clubs and Activities
Students can attempt to make a sports team or even play intramural sports at Rhodes College. There are many student run organizations such as Relay for Life and Special Olympics that students can become involved in, and each year new clubs are added. The city of Memphis itself provides many places for entertainment and historical landmarks to visit.
Greek Life
Greek Life is a major part of the Rhodes experience with over fifty percent of the student body being involved in Fraternities and Sororities. Students involved in Greek Life have the chance to attend many formals and activities thrown by their house. However, those not wishing to become part of Greek Life need not worry. All house parties are open to each student on campus after a certain time, and there are many other organizations to become apart of on campus.
Campus Safety
Campus Safety on campus is fantastic in responding to a student's needs. Each student is given campus safety's number to call for rides, assistance during emergencies, and even to be let back into a locked dorm. Rhodes is a gated community that has campus safety monitoring each entrance making Rhodes feel safe and secure at all times.

Freshman

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
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Am learning a lot
The classes at Rhodes are challenging, but the classes are small so it is easy to ask questions and get help in class. The professors are great and they are always willing to meet with students during and outside of office hours.
Am enjoying being here
There is so much going on at Rhodes. We host events for the community, including a carnival day called Rites of Play, and an Easter egg hunt. There are also many social events from lectures to concerts that are held on campus.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you apply for all of the scholarships you are eligiable for. Rhodes automatically looks at every student for some scholarships, but their are others that have separate applications. Some of the applications are difficult to find on the website, so look closely.
Great for these types of students
Students who are willing to work hard. Occasionally its necessary to spend the weekend in the library. Rhodes is also really big on community service, so students who are willing to volunteer their time would also fit in well.

Taylor from Memphis, TN

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Rhodes is a small, private liberal arts college in a big city. Not many other schools can provide an intimate learning environment, an all the opportunities of a big city. This along with its Honor Code, high caliber students and its gorgeous campus setting sets Rhodes apart from other schools.
Tips for prospective students
One thing to take advantage of as a prospective student is the tours. The students who provide tours are very knowledgeable about the school and its history and they can give you a good idea of what Rhodes is all about as far as moral system, academics, and support for students. The school is very welcoming and professional about how they take care of prospective and their families. Take one tour and I guarantee you will fall in love! Another tip is to explore what goes on outside of Rhodes! The school is located near the Memphis Zoo, Pink Palace Museum, Overton Park, and more! Not only are these places fun to visit, but you can also discuss internships and summer jobs early in your college career.
Academic Rigor
It is obvious that the professors at Rhodes LOVE what they do! In most classes, students are required to complete a generous amount reading outside of class. Professors often try to look beyond the textbook during lectures in order to give students a better understanding of the material. Never, ever slack on reading assignments, as it will affect your performance in class and teacher will refer them! Professors also move at fast pace, so if you are struggling with material or concepts you can easily talk with the instructor during office hours. Another thing to remember is that most classes will require a final 10 page research paper, so it would be a good idea to brainstorm about your topic before you become swamped with papers. Time management and use of resources is vital to being a successful student at Rhodes!
Dorm Life
I am a commuter, but I have visited the dorm area before. Some of the dorm buildings are not the coziest places to live, but it is really what you make it. It's a good idea to get creative and give those rooms a makeover. There are apartment-style living areas such as East Village, and the new West Village.
Food and Dining
In the past people often complained about food quality, especially at the Rat Refectory. The Rat is a buffet-style eatery where students can chow down on anything from classic home-style meals to vegetarian foods. However, since the Rat was reconstructed in this year, quality and taste has improved ten-fold. Not only is this building beautiful and roomy, but the chefs are very creative when giving the students fresh and tasty home cooked options. On the other side of campus lies the Lynx Lair. Unlike the Rat, the Lair the menu doesn�¢??t change on a daily basis�¢??there is a station of wraps and deli-style sandwiches, one for fried and grilled foods, one that sells quesadillas and burritos, one for pizza, and a salad bar. The items change during late hours and alcohol can also be purchased at the bar area. The lair is a great place to bring hang out with friends, watch TV in the lounge area, or study.
What to do for fun
Student often go to the quad to have picnics, play Frisbee, or bask in the sun. Students can also check out DVDs, VHS tapes and more in the Media Center, located below the library. There are viewing theaters to relax in or study depending on the time of the year.
Bang for the buck
Rhodes is small learning community with highly dedicated and educated faculty willing to work with students one-on-one. Inside and out, the school looks like a castle straight out of a fairy tale (some even compare it to Hogwarts!) What is even more impressive is the push to get students more involved with the Memphis community, internships, and going abroad (Rhodes is known for having a large number of service-minded students).
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
1. Chiseled into certain buildings on campus is the face of the presiding president at the time of the building's construction. For example, the current president, William E. Trout on the left side of the Paul Barret Library! Many students try to find them all before they graduate.
2. It is considered BAD LUCK to walk on the Rhodes seal in Palmer Hall before graduating. It is a tradition for graduates to walk, dance, or jump on the seal.
3. When Rhodes first moved from Clarksville to Memphis, a student planted a row of oak trees outside of Palmer Hall. This area is now known as Oak Alley-- a great place to study by the way.
Clubs and Activities
Sack Fair is a bi-annual event in which all clubs and organizations come together to attract new members. There is a good variety of groups for different religious and cultural backgrounds, and many more for community service opportunities & internships.
Greek Life
Over half of the entire student population is a part of Greek life! Everywhere you turn you can see girls toting their sorority bags, and guys clad in their frat shirts. Going Greek seems to be a large part of the social scene at Rhodes, but there are plenty more students remain active on campus without pledging.
Campus Safety
Campus safety is available 24 hours a day at Rhodes. They're even on the job during holidays. At any given time you can see an officer riding around in golf carts or vehicles inspecting the campus. These people are extremely kind and helpful--they will even give you a ride across campus if you need one!

Current Student

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Rhodes College is definitely a small liberal arts institution where everyone has fun and gets their work done. Classes are challenging and will prepare anyone for their post-graduate studies/careers on Monday through Friday, but people still party hard Friday and Saturday. Sunday, the entire campus studies.
Tips for prospective students
Rhodes is challenging for a reason. There are no easy classes, you have to do the work and apply yourself to do well.
Academic Rigor
Classes are very challenging, but most are fair.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is amazing. It's a typical small college dorm, but campus is beautiful to look at!
Food and Dining
Food is really average. There are two main dining areas that offer a change of pace. It depends on the day. Friday's 'fried chicken Friday's' are always a hit, though.
What to do for fun
For fun, most people hang out in the library for hours on end or party it up on campus (go greek).
Bang for the buck
It's a great school: extremely beautiful, academically rigorous, and fun. It's still very costly, with tuition increasing every year.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Riding the lynx is probably the biggest tradition or avoiding the campus seal until graduation day when you stomp it with all the energy you have left!
Great for these types of students
Rhodes is great for the smart kids in high school that aren't afraid of being smart and want to reinvent themselves in college and the students that are willing to devote hours for As.
Clubs and Activities
There's a wide variety of campus clubs and activities, all are great and everyone is welcome.
Greek Life
Greek life is kind of a big deal here. End of story.
Campus Safety
Campus safety is pretty legit. They give rides to class when needed or when late. They take care of people when they're in need. Just like any other campus, parking sucks and they will definitely write tickets. They're pretty good about appeals though.

a rising sophmore

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
a very well-managed and planned out college. the security is great and surprising enough - the food is great!
Tips for prospective students
bring rain boots - it gets really muddy on campus. use the resources they have available to you starting with the ra up to your counselor. order your books early.
Academic Rigor
i graduated 1st in my class from high school and feel really challenged here.
Dorm Life
the dorms are really nice - my friends see the pictures and ask if i really live in a castle.
Food and Dining
after all the horror stories i heard about college food i was prepared to not like anything. i have found there is always something good to eat.
What to do for fun
fun? i study and work.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
every graduating senior is supposed to ride the statue of the lynx..naked. i would not advise it because there are harsh penalties for anyone caught.
Great for these types of students
pre-med, which is what i am. rhodes is one of the few colleges that offer a biology and chemistry major.
Clubs and Activities
globe-med is what i focus my energy on.
Greek Life
is not a major force on campus.
Campus Safety
the key fob system tracks us as we go in and out of buildings. there are gates with guards that we have to go through to get on or off campus.

Akosua

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The classes at Rhodes are very interesting and full of lots of new information. They are challenging, but in a way that is supposed to challenge you to gain understanding and insight.
Am enjoying being here
I am having a great time here. I have made lots of friends and there is plenty to do both on-campus and off-campus. The classes and professors are very interesting and enjoyable.
Bang for the buck
So far, I have had really great professors. I feel that I am getting what I expected and much more. The professors are really dedicated to their jobs and their students.
Tips for prospective students
If you are considering Rhodes, I would definitely come visit and then come attend. The college is amazing and everything you can imagine it to be. You'll have an amazing time.
Great for these types of students
Rhodes is great for all types of students, but particularly students who want to achieve their goals, are dedicated to their studies, and are willing to work hard.

Very Interested

accepted here and planning to attend soon
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Rhodes is an oasis of knowledge. It captures the antiquity of the art of learning. Rhodes is a pearl in the oyster.
Tips for prospective students
Go see the campus. Nothing can compare to the actual experience of being there. After touring several Ivy League colleges, I can declare that Rhodes far surpasses them for beauty and provides a feeling of scholarship the minute you step on the campus.
Academic Rigor
Rhodes has a high academic standard that it upholds. It is not easy to get into this college.
Dorm Life
It seems like it will be a good place to live and work.
Food and Dining
The Refectory has an outstanding and modern selection of food. The Lynx offers a more casual, sports pub feel. They are both on campus, and both are sparkling clean.
What to do for fun
Memphis abounds with music, culture, and all kinds of opportunities for fun.
Bang for the buck
It is expensive, but seemingly worth it.
Great for these types of students
Intellectual, serious, and high achieving students who want a safe learning environment.
Clubs and Activities
Football, and all other sports, as well as Student Gov't.
Greek Life
Large part of campus life, but seems to be controlled.

prospective student

researching this school
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Rhodes is a beautiful school with extremely nice, smart, and outstanding individuals. Very safe campus, and has a very strong pre-med program. I hope to be able to attend.
Tips for prospective students
Visit the campus!
Academic Rigor
challenging and will require studying
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
do not step on the seal before graduation, climb on top of the lynx, heads on three of the buildings
Great for these types of students
students who want to be challenged
Campus Safety
police at every exit, great honor code