Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
Shippensburg, PA, USA

Reviews

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

Rachel from Johnstown, PA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
In the beginning, they schedule your classes for you your first semester. The classes I got scheduled I really wasnt interested in and didnt think I would enjoy but I changed my outlook because I learned that a professor can make it or break it for the class. Most of the classes I didnt think I would like, turned out i did. I have learned alot in just my first semester. The teachers push you to learn alot which isnt always a bad thing, and most of them give you breaks and extra credit!! I also realized that most of my classes even though they are very different somehow tie together in different ways which is really cool.
Am enjoying being here
Shippensburg University is a great college to attend. Not only are the people really friendly here but, the professors are also. I live two hours away and Im not homesick at all. They really try to bring you together and make you feel involved in the SHIP family. There is alot of school pride here with I reall enjoy. I met so many new friends while staying in the dorms. The college has a union building where the activities committee is constantly running new and excitings things like comedians ( some that even performed on Comedy Central like Dan Cummins), bands ( Hit the Lights), movies ( Hangover and Orphan), and so much more. The CUB ( or Ceddia Union Building) has a quiznos, Chick-fil-a and a burger and pizza place. There is even a little convenience store where you can buy milk and snacks. They constantly have different people selling items there too. I just bought a blacklight poster for 8 dollars when i found it online for 20! And if you are a starbucks fan, we have one, right in the front of the library! Everyone at Ship seems to want to help you like the library staff and even the older students. We have 2 dining halls, one that was just remodeled and it all you can eat. I just feel really comfortable here especially as I walk around campus and constantly see people I know.
Bang for the buck
Shippensburg is a state school which means it is cheapest for PA residents. Its about 14,000 a year which is actually pretty cheap now. They have a great education program and what really sold me on the school was the elementary school they have on campus where you can observe starting your freshman year. Ship also has a newly built rec center where there are 4 basketball/volleyball courts, a track , machines and weights. Its really nice because students get to use it for free and with the meal plan you receive 200 flex which you can use many places around campus.
Tips for prospective students
Great school, you should really check it out!
Great for these types of students
Education majors, Biology majors ( 2 yr program then transfer), Chemistry Majors and any general majors like history, science, business, psychology.

Elizabeth from Littlestown, PA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
A small school that has a good feel of a sense of community. The professors are extremely educated and qualified. Extra-curricular activities are a good asset to the school.
Tips for prospective students
Do not base what classes you want to take on what others say about the class. If it is something that interests you then take it. Everyone has different opinions about the professors and difficulty of the courses. Take the course and decide for yourself.
Academic Rigor
The classes are as challenging as you choose to make it. Put the effort in and it will not be as difficult.
Dorm Life
The new suites are like living at home. The old dorms are a little rough.
Food and Dining
There is a wide variety of food choices. Whatever you are in the mood for I can guarantee you would be able to find it at one the dining locations.
What to do for fun
For fun I like to hang out with friends I made in the dorms and participate in clubs. Some clubs that they offer are mini-thon, psychology club, and spanish club.
Bang for the buck
You get what you pay for. College is expensive but, I have not come across one professor who does not want to teach and help you succeed.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Old Main Cafe is a dining location located in Old Main. There food is excellent. Many students do not know about this option. It's like a hidden secret.

Amanda from Waynesboro, PA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
For my first semester I took biology (my major), world history, human communications, math, and psychology. I got to choose the classes I wanted at orientation (which is where I met one of my best friends), and scheduled them and everything. So far, I really enjoy psychology and biology. I've learned a lot in psychology and it's been pretty fun. I loved biology, but it ended up being too hard and I had to drop the class, which also means I have to change my major. I haven't learned much in human communications, but I blame the teacher. I was pretty dumb to choose a foreign teacher for a kind of english class. I don't like my math class, but it's because it's developmental (meaning I didn't do well enough on my SATs to get into college algebra), and I learned everything that the teacher is teaching us in high school. World history is pretty tough, I don't really like my teacher, he's extremely serious and mean, hard to keep up with, and a tough grader as well. I'm looking forward to next semester to try out some new subjects and new teachers. I just have to get through finals!
Am enjoying being here
I honestly love it here. The people are so friendly, teachers and students included. I've made tons of new friends and it's been so easy making them. I live in a dorm so I'm constantly around other students and it's just made life here that much more fun. We have all kinds of activities in our hall and I couldn't imagine commuting, it would have been a completely different experience. I've heard tons of complaints from commuters saying that they're not meeting anyone or making any friends. Duh! It's because they're not living on campus! Coming just for classes isn't going to help you meet people. The activities on campus are so fun, like the Mr. Shippensburg Pageant. It was so much fun and extremely hilarious. Watching the guys up on stage. YUM. I also went on a trip to Kings Dominion with a couple of my friends. The trip was done by the university, so it was safe, and we went for the halloween day and the park had all kinds of scary rides and attractions. Also, it was only $20 for the whole trip, because it was done by the school in a group! Cha-ching!
Bang for the buck
I think SHIP is really worth the money. You get a true college experience here, and it's a great school. The food is pretty good and the classes are worth the money, if you choose the right teachers. You can also get a job pretty quickly after you graduate, I've heard. It's definitely worth your money and time. Enroll at SHIP!
Tips for prospective students
Don't mess around because you think it's going to be easy. AP classes in high school most likely didn't do college justice; mine sure didn't. Be sensible, if not, once mid-terms and finals come around, you're gonna be screwed. Take good notes and pay attention. Don't skip your classes because you're tired, you'll regret it later. I currently am in a class where we have a quiz each day, and those points add up! If you do need to miss a class, make sure you have a friend in the class to let you know what happened, and if you have a good excuse (like if you're sick) e-mail your teacher and they will excuse your absence, and won't take points off for participation or presence. Don't go out and party often. Tons of my friends have gotten caught and gotten underages. Be smart, people, cops are watching. Schedule your classes carefully, if you don't like getting up at 8am, don't schedule an 8am class. You'll end up not wanting to go. Your advisors might tell you at orientation that early morning classes are the smallest, total liars. Once they tell you all that, everyone wants an early class, which means it's going to be quite a big class.
Great for these types of students
SHIP is great for students who didn't do well on the SATs (in my case because I suck at test-taking) but try really hard and want to get a good education, as well as have fun.

Ashlie from Waynesboro, PA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I already completed my freshman year and I have to say, I learned alot more than I expected! The best part was that everything, more in the second semester, started to tie together. I could relate better to something in one class because I had learned a bit about it in another. They also pack in a lot of information in to each class and the professors are there every step of the way to make sure you get it right. The teachers are great and they really try to help make sure you understand the material.
Am enjoying being here
Shippensburg University is great to attend. The are set in a small town that lives for the college and it really shows. The school pride is outstanding and the community is proud of each and every student. It's a fun environment with lots to do. There's a Rec Center for any sports or activity related stuff, an auditorium that holds concerts and shows by famous people (we had B.O.B, Willy Nelson, and SO much more), and a food area that serves so great meals. It's like living in the ultimate town complete with amazing people.
Bang for the buck
Ship is a state school so it's cheaper to go here if you live in PA. Tuition and room and board just went up this year but it's still more affordable than most colleges and the experience you get is worth every penny. With all this school has to offer it's students it's a decent price. As with any college, it is pretty expensive; but it's cheaper than most.
Tips for prospective students
They have an awesome sight called Ship Underground that gives you a heads up on profs. It tells you how difficult they are, what they teach, and the average course load if you have them. It also provides student's oppinions and gives each teacher an overall rank. You can't choose your fall semester classes for your freshman year but definately look into it anyway, especially for your spring semester. It lets you know what your in for your first semester and helps you decide which teacher you want in the semesters that follow.
Great for these types of students
This school is great for any student but especially to those that would like feeling like part of a community. Ship is small enough to feel like a home rather than a school; yet large enough to meet new people everyday. They have activities to fit every personality and it's a great time there everyday. It's for every student that's ready to get a good start to their life and career, without feeling like they are in an ocean.

Enna from PA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania is a moderately sized school with a diverse selection of majors. There are many clubs for a variety of different students, too. There are people from all over the country who attend as well, so there's always going to be someone to bond with.
Tips for prospective students
If you're interested in Shippensburg University, I would suggest to go on their main site and have a look at their list of majors--especially if you're undecided. Take a campus tour if you have not been on a college campus before. Check for visiting opportunities as well.
Academic Rigor
Defining academic rigor as a way to help students think for themselves, I would rate it very high at Shippensburg. In class, students are offered a plethora or ways to learn and in many classes, students are able to interpret the lessons and lectures for themselves and are given help if need be.
Dorm Life
The dorms in Shippensburg are very clean and nice. Shippensburg does offer one traditional hall at the moment and the rest of the halls are suites. The traditional hall, which I have lived in, consists of 2 beds, 2 desks, 2 dressers, and some electrical sockets. There are public bathrooms. While the hall is cleaned every day, the traditional dorms have no air conditioning which is troubling when it is warm if a fan is not present. The heat the is provided is not controlled by the student but by the hall as a whole and they usually don't turn it on until later in the winter. There are about 6 halls that contain suites. These suites contain the same items as the traditional halls but they are newer. The suites have carpeting and a shower as well as air conditioning and heat. There are a lot of different suites--some having 4 rooms with 2 bathrooms, a living room and a kitchen, and some with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and a living room. Everybody in all dorms is usually very friendly and willing to help with anything.
Food and Dining
The food is pretty good at Shippensburg. On campus, you are offered 3 meals per day--one for breakfast, one for lunch, and one for dinner. There are 2 dining halls open until about 7-8pm as well as a cafeteria that is open until 12am. Aside from on campus, there is a gas station, dollar general, dollar tree, giant, walmart, various chinese restaurants and fast food that surround the campus and town as well as small diners and cafes.
What to do for fun
For fun, exploring the town is something I'd recommend. There are usually events on campus catered towards different groups of people but if you are uninterested in that, the town has a lot of interesting shops that are fun to explore. There is also a mall and there is a bus that runs to Harrisburg.
Campus Safety
There are emergency lights located near every dorm and there are even some near the off campus housing that is offered by Shippensburg. There is also a police station on campus as well as a health center. They will assist you at any time.

Josh

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Ship is a medium sized campus which allows you to make new friends and see old ones on a daily basis. There are always parties to go to if you are into that, a lot of college students are. Ship has some tough courses that are worth your money in preparing you for a job or grad school.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you go to the school that has your top two or three majors in it so that if you want to change major you can do so and not transfer schools.
Academic Rigor
Really depends on the courses you are taking. Ship has some very difficult science courses that will test your ability but if you take the right professors you can sometimes get off easy in your gen eds.
Dorm Life
Ship is putting in all new dorms and although they are very nice, they take away from the sense of community that people have in the traditional style dorms.
Food and Dining
Ship has a lot of options for food and two large buffet style dinning halls.
What to do for fun
Parties, programs, movies, sports, and a gym kind of sum it up.
Bang for the buck
Ship is very very inexpensive!!
Great for these types of students
Ship has a good science program and a good business program.
Clubs and Activities
Lots of intramural sports and other things going on.
Greek Life
I would estimate that a good 50-60% of campus is in some type of Greek life.
Campus Safety
I have never felt unsafe and there are cops patrolling at all times.

Birdie

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Shippensburg is an affordable school with much to offer. Their business programs are the soul of the school's education, leaving not as much for the arts. Regardless of this fact, there are many opportunities for meeting new people and doing things on and around campus.
Tips for prospective students
I would recommend this school especially for students wishing to get a degree in business, and dual degrees.
Academic Rigor
The amount of work you need to put into a class highly depends on the professor.
Dorm Life
I was fortunate enough to room in a dorm with someone who is quiet and a little strange, like me. The behavior of some of the other students in my building act very loud and obnoxious late at night. Late Tuesday night, as soon as it turned midnight, I heard a student yell out of his window, HUMP DAY, which was followed by other kids yelling from their windows. This would have bothered me if I was trying to sleep, but since I wasn't, I found it pretty amusing. An email was sent out the one day warning people of write-ups, because some students threw a mattress out of a window...
Food and Dining
The food's alright. There are two dining halls placed on either sides of campus, and in the CUB building in the center of the campus you can get some food and either eat there or take it with you. Good for students on the run, because it's open later than the dining halls.
What to do for fun
There's not much to do around town aside from going to the mall. The best bet for having things to do is by joining a club, like the adventure club, which organizes hiking trips and other fun things. There are also many activities that take place on campus nearly every day. In the CUB building, there is even a little theater that plays movies before they come out on DVD, and it's free!
Bang for the buck
As far as tuition goes, it's a really affordable education, but the school has a very small and shrinking programs for the arts.
Great for these types of students
Great for any type of student!
Clubs and Activities
There is a lot to do on campus if you know where to find it, and step out of your comfort zone to meet new people!
Campus Safety
I've never had any problems with anyone, or even walking back to my dorm at night. People are pretty good at caring for each other. The campus police station is on campus, and they can be seen patrolling pretty often.

Chelsey from Everett, PA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Shippensburg University is a great place to learn and make great friends in the process. The professors are so willing to help and you aren't just a number. I absolutely love it here!
Tips for prospective students
Work hard and study. You aren't in high school anymore and it only gets harder. Make sure to take time to have a social life while keeping your academic work as your main priority.
Academic Rigor
As a biology major, my course work is tough as it is. The professors at Shippensburg University challenge their students while still making the course manageable.
Dorm Life
Some of the dorms are a little older and outdated but Shippensburg University is taking the initiative to build brand new dorm buildings for their students. They want all of their students to be as comfortable as possible being away from home.
Food and Dining
The food at Shippensburg is great which is a large part of choosing a university. You don't want to go to a place that has disgusting food. If I had anything to say it would be that I wish we had more food choices as far as places to eat.
What to do for fun
While Shippensburg is a very small and rural town there are still ways to have fun. Chambersburg is located roughly 10-15 away with a mall, movie theater, and plenty of places to eat. Also, Harrisburg is 45 minutes away with a multitude of things to do.
Bang for the buck
While tuition costs have been rising consistently, Shippensburg University is worth the money. There is an excellent staff of professors that are so willing to help and teach their students. The atmosphere is great and there are so many fun activities that the university plans. This is a great place to receive an excellent education and make life long friends.
Great for these types of students
Shippensburg University is a great place for all students! For those who want to pursue a career in education this is a great place. There is an elementary school located right on campus! Also, the science program is excellent with highly qualified professors who are great at what they do.
Clubs and Activities
There are so many clubs and activities on campus. From Greek life to club sports teams to science clubs there is something for everyone here!
Greek Life
As I'm not a member of Greek life I hear it is a very positive experience for those who partake in it. It's a great way to meet great friends and give to a lot of great causes.
Campus Safety
While there is a police force for the town of Shippensburg there is also a police station on campus with a fully staffed force just for our students. This makes me feel extremely safe with the extra measure of security. Also, there is surveillance on campus and emergency phones located around campus.

Monae from Bushkill, PA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
A University I would highly recommend for anyone. Ship is one of the top educational institutions in the state with a balance of the young college life you look to enjoy. All while creating memories and gaining a wonderful experience you would never forget!
Tips for prospective students
Maintain focus on your studies and you will get to enjoy the fullness of what Shippensburg has to offer. The events, activities around campus, recreational competitions, concerts, festivals, easy job search, resume programs etc. I mean the list goes on. Something you do not want to miss out on.
Academic Rigor
One of the top institutions in the state of Pennsylvania. They offer over 350 course you can choose from within each major. The professors are open and whiling to communicate one on one.
Dorm Life
Very luxurious compared to most. They have just built suites for new comers and the living is spectacular. All including full furnished amenities.
Food and Dining
Any thing you could ask for is freshly prepared to your liking. The have specials and salad bars, grill, fruit bar, desert bar, and the space in the dinning hall features flat screens so you will never miss your shows and or sports events while you get a good meal.
What to do for fun
The musical events, sorority groups around campus, recreational competitions, concerts, festivals, easy job search trips, resume programs, campus trips to football/basketball games, trips to New York, Washington D.C, Performing Art Center, etc. The list can go on!
Bang for the buck
Tuition is fairly manageable and they have many loan and scholarship programs open and willing to help! There is nothing like earning a quality education while getting to experience the wonderful things that Shippensburg has to offer!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Knutes and/or B&A Cafe are amazing places college students grab great bites to eat at lower cost but great quality food. The CUB on campus is a building you can get yourself lost in with its food court options including sushi bar!! Amazing. The man rooms, arcade, game room, movie room in it's 5 floor making is extraordinary!
Great for these types of students
ALL TYPES OF STUDENTS!
Clubs and Activities
The musical events, sorority groups around campus, recreational competitions, concerts, festivals, easy job search trips, resume programs, campus trips to football/basketball games, trips to New York, Washington D.C, Performing Art Center, etc.
Greek Life
Sororities are amazing on campus and they star in many of the campus events. They host dance competitions, concerts and grab food and prize events. We love our Greek Life!
Campus Safety
Campus Police are very responsible and make sure to frequent the areas of campus making sure everyone remains in safety or within a safe environment.

Jordan from Hanover, PA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Shippensburg University offers a quality education that is the best in the area. The school itself is built on pride and has elite professors and students enrolled. The school itslef offers a ton of opportunities (from getting involved in sports, red sea (student section), clubs, greek life ect.) that help to build the future of our community.
Tips for prospective students
Students should learn to value their time and spend it wisely. It takes a little bit of adjusting at first, but it is very important to make sure that you enjoy every second you have in school while managing your time wisely.
Academic Rigor
Shippensburg provides a school environment that pushes their students to reach their potential. The professors are willing to help when a problem arises, but they also expect you to be an adult.
Dorm Life
New dorms were just put up this past year which will allow for a much more modern feel. The dorms are great in the sense that everyone seems to create bonds with people on their floor or in their building.
Food and Dining
There are two buffet style dining areas for students. I personally think that the food is very good and there is a lot of variety to chose from. There is also a fast food type of building to eat at on campus which gives students the opportunity to grab food before their classes.
What to do for fun
There are plenty of things to do at Shippensburg. I know a lot of students are involved with clubs, greek life and sports. It is what you make it in that if you sit in your dorm, you obviously will be bored. I am involved with the Red Sea (student section), mini thon, relay for life, internships around campus ect. So I think that if you get involved there really is no issue with finding things to do.
Bang for the buck
Shippensburg is a fairly inexpensive state school which provides a really solid education to their students. I feel as though I get the most out of the money that I pay and I am overal happy with the way that my money is being spent.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There are a lot of cool traditions that happen at Shippensburg. One of my favorites from this past year was the pep rally in the Quad area. The band, cheerleaders, football players and administration came to get the team excited about their big upcoming game.
Great for these types of students
Shippensburg is a great school for education majors and business majors.
Clubs and Activities
There are plenty of clubs to get involved in. I feel as though there is a club for every student that comes to Ship.
Greek Life
Although I am not personally involved with Greek Life, I know a lot of students who are, and they all seem to have a positive experience with it.
Campus Safety
The police on campus do a really nice job of patrolling the area to keep the area safe. There are emergency areas in case a freak accident occurs, but I have never seen anyone use them.