Roosevelt University
Chicago, IL, USA

Reviews

Roosevelt University

Nancy from Chicago, IL

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am enjoying being here
The students ans staff are great. Everyone is friendly, and willing to help in whatever they can.
Bang for the buck
It is a private school but they give plenty of financial aid.
Tips for prospective students
Same as for any other colleges or universities visit the campus.
Great for these types of students
Perfect fit for those that love the city life.

Jessica from Naperville, IL

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
A wide variety of students from all different backgrounds, the school is was started as a social justice establishment and (almost) keeps this up. Plenty of political science and political justice majors, while also offering a great Psychology program, and an extremely reputable Hospitality program.
Tips for prospective students
Definitely get involved. Join a sports team or a certain club. Go to events. Be apart of the school, and you will have so much more fun. Also, make sure to stay on top of your classes. Even though you don't have to call in sick for classes anymore (for those of you right out of high school), that doesn't mean you can stop going. And get to know your professors! They're all down to earth and extremely friendly.
Academic Rigor
It all depends on the classes you take and the professors you have. Some grade more harshly than others, and some classes are easier than others. Same as any other school. The general education classes are pretty easy, but still take them seriously.
Dorm Life
Many, many housing options, especially with the new building just opening for the 2012-2013 school year. All the dorms have great views of Chicago, and are conveniently located in the south loop, very near to public transportation. Most of the dorms are also shared with other schools in the area (DePaul University, Columbia College, Robert Morris University), and there are several rooming options (apartments, suites, studio apartments).
Each building also has very high security, so don't be worried about the dangerous city. The south loop has cleaned up a LOT in the past 20 years.
More info on living in the dorms: http://www.roosevelt.edu/ResidenceLife.aspx
Food and Dining
With the new dorm building open, there will now be two cafeterias open to Roosevelt students (one at the new Wabash building, and one at the University Center). If you do not live in one of the two buildings with a cafeteria, you can still get a meal plan. The cafeteria is very vegetarian and vegan friendly, and always has many options for everyone. Unfortunately, cafeteria-style food does get old. To the Chicagoan's advantage, there are plenty of restaurants in the area otherwise.
What to do for fun
Its Chicago! Plus, almost everywhere has a student discount. First, the school has plenty of activities to involve students. Also, living in the dorms, the RAs (resident assistants) have constant programs that apply to students of every type. If you don't want to stay in the dorm or the school, there are plenty of museums (with free days for those of us who can't afford $20 museum tickets), city parks, stores and endless shopping (though you don't have to buy everything), numerous neighborhoods with different personalities and cultures (the CTA pass is a part of tuition, so traveling is even easier), beaches, Navy Pier, historical buildings and monuments, and for Hospitality geeks like me, so many hotel lobbies and convention centers dying to be explored.
Bang for the buck
Roosevelt University is a private school, and thus a bit more pricey. There are plenty of financial aid options, however, and many scholarships available. The dorms are expensive too, especially with a meal plan, but the scholarships can be put towards housing.
If you put it into the broader perspective, living in the heart of Chicago could really cost you so much more, without an education.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Roosevelt University actually has a formal Homecoming dance every year! And the Auditorium building, located on Congress and Michigan Avenue, has a ton of history. It used to be a hotel, was used to house soldiers at one point, and is now a school. The library is huge and beautiful, and offers an incredible view of the lake from the top floor. The library stacks also stretch for one whole city block. There are several various theatres within the building, and the main, well-known theatre (though it has a separate entrance) taking up the first floor and resulting in the odd horseshoe shape of the halls. There are hidden stairwells and bathrooms, and the building is overall enjoyable to be in.

Picture of the library: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XekJWAFcLSs/TlKbt8iHqCI/AAAAAAAABhM/cvkh6MYBs3Y/s1600/Library-overall.jpg
Clubs and Activities
There are clubs and activities for everyone at Roosevelt. There are different associations for students of varying backgrounds and several sports teams.

Here's a list of the student organizations that Roosevelt had in the Spring 2012 semester: http://www.roosevelt.edu/CSI/Orgs/List_of_Student_Orgs.aspx
Greek Life
There are some sororities and fraternities starting up at Roosevelt, though I really can't say much about them.
http://www.roosevelt.edu/CSI/Orgs/Greek.aspx
Campus Safety
The loop can be trouble at night, but the dorms are all very safe and secure. As long as you're not wandering around at night by yourself, you'll be safe, especially with police circling the neighborhood constantly (to keep us safer!)
http://roosevelt.edu/Security.aspx

Cianelle from Richton Park, IL

accepted here and planning to attend soon
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
It's one of the coolest campus I've ever seen! There's a plus to it -- it's in downtown Chicago! I love the atmosphere and the people are nice.
Tips for prospective students
Enjoy it and make sure to apply to every single scholarship possible
Academic Rigor
The teachers really challenge the students with the academic work.
Dorm Life
The dorms are awesome because you get to bond with your roommates and get the amazing view of the city
Food and Dining
The food is great and there are a lot of options to choose from plus the cafeteria is nice.
What to do for fun
Stroll around the city or hang with your newly found friends

Jocelyn from Anchorage, AK

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The classes are what you make of them, if you aren't trying then you won't be learning. All of my professors have been great so far!
Am enjoying being here
The campus is downtown Chicago, how much better can it get?
Bang for the buck
Expensive, yes. But this school gives tons fo financial aid and is very generous with merit scholarships. Housing in downtown Chicago is really the most expensive thing about Roosevelt.
Tips for prospective students
Join the honors program to make the most of your time at Roosevelt!
Great for these types of students
Great for the non-partier, great for the introvert and out-going types at the same time, people who love the city life, and those who are liberal-minded with a passion for social justice.

Michelle from Plainfield, IL

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I absolutely love attending Roosevelt University. I am a CCPA student majoring in music performance. It is a smaller school and good for people who don't require a major social scene. The classes are small in size and the administration is always helpful.
Tips for prospective students
-Do your best to apply for as many scholarships as possible, you'll need it.
Academic Rigor
Because of the small class sizes, the professors can really cater to your needs, but this also means that they will push you to go above and beyond your best.
Dorm Life
The dorms can be kind of loud during the day because they are mostly made up of CCPA performing arts students. This means a lot of musical theater majors and musicians. The views are amazing though and there are lots of study areas as well.
Food and Dining
The cafe area is nice but most food options are typical of a cafeteria and are not the most healthy. The good thing is that there is a target and trader joe's close enough to walk to and pick up some healthier options.
What to do for fun
Roosevelt University is located near many performance venues, restaurants, museums, and other fun places to check out. There is always something going on in Chicago.
Bang for the buck
The school is EXPENSIVE. It is a private institution so keep that in mind. CCPA students are only eligible to performance scholarships while other students are eligible for other scholarships. YOU NEED TO FILL OUT YOUR FAFSA.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Roosevelt is big on social justice issues.
Great for these types of students
Those who have a high work ethic and do not always want to party.
Clubs and Activities
There is always tons of new things to discover.
Campus Safety
There is always security available at both entrances and at many checkpoints throughout the building. I have never felt unsafe on campus.

Patrick from Rolling Meadows, IL

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Roosevelt is full of friendly and open-minded professors. I am more than confident that I am receiving my money's worth in education. I have made many friends and networked thanks to Roosevelt University's vast and seemingly never ending array of helpful staff and students
Tips for prospective students
The most important part of college is showing up. Do not make the mistake of flaking out on an education you are paying for. High school is over and college is a time to show the world AND yourself that you are autonomous and capable of surviving the rest of your life independently. Do not expect success and growth to happen overnight. Work hard and apply maximum effort to every class and you will see the greatest gift that a college education provides: a well-rounded and informed mind equipped with empathy and critical thinking skills.
Academic Rigor
Roosevelt University is very challenging academically. Each professor I've had was great at teaching because they were willing to be tough on students. They are curmudgeonly old crones that give out abundant work. The hardest class I had so far was surprisingly an English class. The professor pushed us to reach a higher level of reading comprehension and it worked because the assignments were fun yet challenging. I think the academic rigor at Roosevelt University is challenging because the professors are passionate about their jobs.
Dorm Life
I have not personally lived in the dorms but I have been in the dorms. All I can say is that they are dorms. Do not expect the Trump Hotel accommodations. But not to worry. Dorm life is tons of fun and a great way to make friends if you are not into clubs and sports.
Food and Dining
The food at Roosevelt is great, The cafeteria is not a cliched dining hall of death. They serve Mexican, Italian, and American. I love to eat at the cafeteria.
What to do for fun
Join sports or clubs. This is the best way to find your niche and make friends and acquaintances for the rest of your life. Social and career networks are almost more important than you degree itself. If you are not into sports or clubs than I suggest living in the dorms for 2 years to make friends.

Kerri from Chicago, IL

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Roosevelt University has a diverse student body, experienced and knowledgeable professors that are dedicated to promoting higher education, and quality resources readily available to students. The staff works hard to provide students with timely and accurate information, ranging from Student Account information to financial aid. Lastly, the academic advisers are friendly and helpful in aiding students to select the right classes for their major which makes for an interesting and challenging personal curriculum.
Tips for prospective students
Student hard, study often. Take at least one online class, while at Roosevelt University, you might find it more challenging and interesting than being in an on-campus class! Take advantage of the library, as well as the librarians (they are a wealth of knowledge and are so helpful).
Academic Rigor
I have found all the classes, online and on-campus, that I've taken so far to be rigorous and academically challenging. The bulk of my classes have been online and the level of time management that one needs to take these classes is unparalleled. Additionally, the level of difficulty for each class has been pretty even. I've take some 100 level classes that demanded as much quality of work as some 300 level classes! The professors are quite good about requiring excellence from their students and the work they produce.
What to do for fun
Explore Chicago! Chicago students get great discounts in the downtown area, as well as some outer neighborhoods. Take advantage of the museums in the area, Navy Pier, restaurants, etc.
Greek Life
Unknown.
Campus Safety
As far as I know, the campus is safe and secure. Students tend to feel very safe when on campus and venturing off campus.

Emily from Chicago, IL

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The fulltime staff members at Roosevelt University are incredible. Because of the small class sizes, courses are focused and driven. Plus, Roosevelt students are passionate about campus life, which really adds to the learning environment.
Am enjoying being here
Beyond the academics, there are sporting events, student organizations, and endless leadership opportunities. Plus, it's located in Downtown Chicago, so there's never a dull moment.
Bang for the buck
Tuition is increasing, but to be fair, tuition is rising at comparable institutions.
Tips for prospective students
Stay on top of correspondence from departments like financial aid and student accounts. Also, visit the school outside of the 'visitor week' events. It will help show you what RU is really like.
Great for these types of students
Students interested in social justice, human rights, liberal arts, leadership, policy making, activism, and community involvement.

Dulce from Glendale Heights, IL

accepted here and planning to attend soon
0 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Its a nice,friendly and clean campus. And living in the city is a plus! The staff in Roosevelt help a lot in answering questions!
Tips for prospective students
Apply for scholarships early and learn your way around the city.
Academic Rigor
The classes are small and there are many mentor that can help. So the education here is high.
Dorm Life
The new building is beautiful. It has a great view of lake Michigan and living downtown is so much fun!
Food and Dining
Great food. Chicago is known for the best Pizza plus there's nice restaurants everywhere in town.
What to do for fun
Go to the beach, go to club to dance, take a walk on Michigan Ave. Go to concerts, and Museums.
Clubs and Activities
The basketball team is awsome!
Greek Life
There's almost every sorority and fraternity and they are very nice and laid back.
Campus Safety
There is no crime and its a dry campus.

Willie from Chicago, IL

a current student here
0 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Roosevelt University is challenging.
Am enjoying being here
I really enjoy the small class size at Roosevelt University.
Bang for the buck
Roosevelt''s tuition is affordable.
Tips for prospective students
Visit and tour Roosevelt University. You will really enjoy the atmosphere.
Great for these types of students
Roosevelt University has unique opportunities for students of various ages.