University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT, USA

Reviews

University of Utah

Katie from Sandy, UT

a current student here
27 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I'm very impressed with the way the professors are so willing to help students. I have had several instances in classes where I have not understood the material given, and I'm pleased to say that I have felt totally comfortable in going to my professors and asking them to explain things. One professor in particular stayed after class with me for an hour and a half! They all seem to be very professional and knowledgable.
Am enjoying being here
The U is a very friendly school. The only issue I've had with it has been that I had a little trouble with my freshman interview. The lady that interviewed me seemed to be extremely impatient with the fact that I hadn't decided on a major yet, and rushed through my interview, making me feel like I didn't get the most help I could have. Other than that, like I said, it is a very friendly school.
Bang for the buck
This school is fairly expensive. However, I feel like the professionalism and experience of the professors is almost enough to make up for it. I would suggest, though, that you try as hard as you can to apply for any scholarships from this school that you are eligible for. I didn't and am really starting to regret it!
Tips for prospective students
I would suggest applying for as many scholarships as you can. The U is more expensive than SLCC and USU, and money can get tight really fast if you are paying for everything out of pocket. It would also be good to schedule an appointment with a school advisor as soon as possible when you start. They help a lot when you are new and don't necessarily know what you are doing.
Great for these types of students
This school is great for you if you are very career driven. They have programs that are catered for individual career needs, which is awesome. The social life here is amazing as well, with lots of dances and activities to get involved in on a weekly basis. There are also several clubs that are definitely worth looking into, especially if you enjoy sports or the outdoors.

Erika from Salt Lake City, UT

a current student here
19 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The first year felt like a review for me (in some of my classes). I was, however, able to take classes that fulfilled some of my general education requirements where I did learn new things. The professors were also always trying to find ways to help you get good grades (with study sessions before tests, study guides, and supplemental instruction sessions) :D
Am enjoying being here
I enjoy being here because there is a lot to do when you get bored. It almost seems as though the outdoor activities offered are endless and there is always something to do and there is some nice sight seeing and shopping around town.
Another bonus? You get to experience all four seasons to a near extreme here!
Bang for the buck
I live in-state so I was able to get the in-state tuition rate, which is pretty good. I would say if you live in-state and decide to stay in your state, you definitely get a big bang for the buck.
Tips for prospective students
It would be a brilliant idea to look at the clubs and organizations offered at the University of Utah. There are tons of outdoor oriented groups (if that's your thing) that are always looking for new members, but there are lots of other groups to join as well. Also be sure to check out the dorms at the U (and apply for on campus housing as soon as you can... it fills up quickly) because they are really nice (you don't have to share a bathroom with your entire floor), plus you can meet a lot of people.
Great for these types of students
This school has a lot to offer students with outdoor interests (like hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and snowboarding, just to name a few). If you plan on going to the University of Utah, or are looking at applying there, I would definitely take your outdoor interests into account.
The U is also a an amazing school for students interested in medicine.

Alexys from Sterling, UT

a current student here
16 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The classes at the U are very learning intensive. The professors aren't just preparing you to pass their tests but are greatly concerned with the real-world applications of their subjects. Professors are excited about their disciplines and are more than willing to take extra time to try and help you understand. All the professors I have had experience with have had fairly convenient office hours when students can come talk to them face-to-face and are eager to communicate through email as well. I feel like all this professor-student interaction has really helped me gain a pretty comprehensive knowledge of the classes I have taken. However, sometimes I feel like it is hard to learn on a very intimate level in the huge, auditorium lecture classes that are the style of many of your undergrad general level classes.
Am enjoying being here
I have really enjoyed gaining my education at the University of Utah; it's seriously one of the best decisions I have ever made. It's a great campus with friendly people and lot of great student programs and I'm glad I made the choice to come here. I lived in the dorms for my first year and really enjoyed the experience I had in close contact with other students and the network it helped me develop. However, coming from a small town, sometimes I feel a little overwhelmed by the shear number of students on campus and in my classes. Sometimes I feel like a very small fish in a huge colligate pond.
Bang for the buck
I would say that the tuition for the U is pretty reasonable but no one likes to pay for anything, especially school. The great thing is that the U does offer a lot of scholarships, especially for incoming freshman. All in all, with the great professors and innovative teaching styles, I feel like you get a very ivy league education on an almost community college budget at the University of Utah. Also, as a paying student, you gain access to the state-of-the-art library, a great gym and swimming complex, ubiquitous campus high-speed internet, and a lot of other great student resources, not to mention tickets to see a nationally ranked football team!
Tips for prospective students
I would find out about all the scholarships you can possibly get. As a partially state-funded school, the U does give out a lot of scholarships, the trick is hunting them down and applying for them. They aren't too hard to find so apply for as many as you can.
If you are going to try on campus housing, sign up fast! The rooms fill really quickly!
Get involved in a couple of good clubs or associations, they will make your experience at the U so much more rich and fulfilling. ASUU (Associated Students of the University of Utah) is a great place to start! (http://www.asuu.utah.edu/docs/FC_APP_09-10.pdf)
Also, get some good walking shoes and break them in! The U of U has a giant campus and some of your classes can get pretty scattered; be ready to walk or even run to your next class!
Great for these types of students
The U is a great place for the out-of-doors loving student. There are lots of awesome hiking and bike trails in the hills behind the University, and we are just miles away from several canyons with numerous world-class ski resorts. There are also many good places for the rock climber or repeller to try his or her skills.
The University of Utah is also a really great place for the the student who likes to be involved. There are a TON of clubs and associations to get involved in and the students are very friendly. There are a lot of on-campus activities year round including, but not at all limited to, concerts, Crimson Nights (all night dancing/party extravaganzas held periodically throughout the year), rowdy football games, Redfest (a weeklong concert series), and carnivals.

Hailey from Mashpee, MA

a current student here
14 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I love my classes here! The professors know what they're talking about and are pretty easily accessible; they like telling you when their office hours are and are pretty friendly. I have e-mailed back and forth with professors when I've had questions, and they are always happy to respond and clear things up. Best of all, lots of options for classes!
Am enjoying being here
I live off-campus, but I enjoy the campus and the surrounding area. It's beautiful, and there's plenty to do! Football games, Hogle Zoo just around the corner, a great on-campus library....I hear there's good skiing in the winter. Overall, it is really a fun place to be!
Bang for the buck
Being an out-of-state student, the tuition is a lot higher than in-state. It's definitely not a cheap school, but classes are fantastic and there's a good social life, plus with your UCard (student ID) you can ride buses and the local train system for free, which is really helpful.
Apply for all the scholarships you can!! The school does offer quite a few, and you'll need them.
Tips for prospective students
1) Apply for scholarships!! You want to spend more time studying and having a social life than figuring out how to pay for school later.
2) For out-of-state: if at all possible, start establishing residency ASAP. Again, not the cheapest school. You'll want that discount.
3) Be prepared to hike; campus is really built into the side of a mountain....if you have classes in different buildings, you spend a good deal of time walking between them. Bikes/scooters/skateboards are another good option, and the campus is set up for you to use those!

Kathryn from North Ogden, UT

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The University of Utah offers classes in just about everything, so you can learn anything you want to. All of my professors have been friendly and very willing to help you out if you don't understand something. They are interested in more than just cramming your head full of facts; they teach you how to learn on your own. Such a skill is invaluable in our ever changing world.
Am enjoying being here
The U is great, especially if you live on campus. There's always something going on, whether it be a play, a concert, a lecture, or a sports event. There is an abundance of places that you can sit and study or take a break and nap or have some fun. The Student Union offers pool tables, a bowling alley, food, video games, and TV. Plus, you're 5 minutes away from numerous hiking trails, a swimming pool, basketball courts, and other sports facilities.
Bang for the buck
The U is rather expensive, but if you take advantage of all of the resources the U offers, it pretty well evens out. The library is huge and full of books on everything. The U has an excellent collection of online resources as well. The facilities are well kept, and the campus is pleasurable to walk through. The quality of the education measures up to what you pay for. The professors are genuinely interested in your success, and they teach you how to learn.
Tips for prospective students
1) Go to your professor's office hours. If you are too shy to do that, at least talk to your professors. Most of my opportunities have been made possible because my professors know who I am.
2) Take advantage of the programs the U offers. They offer so much support for undergraduate research, tutoring, and social opportunities. Do some research on the website and find out about programs that may be interesting to you.
3) Learn to navigate the website. Use the A-Z catalog for the best results.
4) Apply to every scholarship you can. Every department has some departmental scholarships, and you can't get them if you don't apply for them.
5) Live at least 1 year in the dorms. They're a great place to meet people, plus being a resident allows you to take part in the events that the resident halls put on (such as free admission to haunted houses or dance parties)
6) Look into the Trax and bus schedules. They will take you anywhere in Salt Lake, and since you're a student, it's free!
7) Figure out the campus shuttles. They're not hard, just make sure you understand when each schedule applies as they run at different times during the day. They're free and great if you don't want to walk.
8) Sign up for everything early. This includes housing, scholarships, classes, or the MUSS (the student sports fan club).
Great for these types of students
* People who are interested in graduate school since the U has many opportunities for undergraduate research
* People who like to be involved. Your college experience just isn't the same if you don't join something.
* People who like to have activities to participate in, such as plays, dances, concerts, or clubs.
* People who like to be outdoors. The campus is

Abby from Salt Lake City, UT

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The University of Utah classes are both academically challenging and realistically applicable.The professors teach in ways that challenge me to think differently and openly relating to the real world. It's actually quite refreshing. Not only am I learning about the subjects but of myself as a student too, like what my needs and learning style are, and where I'm struggling. It can be kind of difficult to get everything out of a professor when you're in a class of 300+ students but they also have TA sessions and tutoring in the library. With all the resources available (for free!) there is no excuse I can't do well in school or reach out for help if I don't understand something. The U is all about student success first and there's plenty of faculty, staff, and peers that passionately aid in that endeavor.
Am enjoying being here
After getting over the freshman shock I find myself really enjoying the U. The thing that can be most overwhelming is the size. The U is a commuter school with over 30,000 students (including grad students) so it can get somewhat hectic at times, especially parking (I recommend public transportation for that reason). But with that size comes a lot of great opportunities to get involved and meet new people. There are clubs for every interest and they always have fun little fairs at the union patio with music and free food. The U does a great job at making everyone feel welcome and providing opportunities to get the most out of the college experience.
Bang for the buck
The U may overall be a tiny bit more expensive than Utah State but not by much. I am living at home (resident) and taking public transportation so all I had to pay for this semester was tuition which was around $3,000 for 14 credit hours. This amount is easy to take care of with scholarships and Financial Aid which the U offers a lot of. Just make sure to check the deadlines! They may be earlier like in February. Those are on the web and they also have departmental scholarships if you've already decided on a major; you just have to talk to your Advisor for more info. Also, as a student I get tons of free resources such as the gym/field-house use, FREE public transportation services, and academic resources such as career services (clean up your resume) or the writing center (edit a paper). Plus on top of that the U is always giving out freebies at events and discounts to restaurants and such. As a college kid free is my favorite word and the U understand that.
Tips for prospective students
First things first, start early on those scholarship apps because you could end up going all four undergrad years paid for and be able to live in the dorms (which are expensive and I wouldn't suggest doing unless you have scholarship). Look on the web and if you have an idea of what your major will be call an advisor, they'll be happy to talk with you. Also, once you're enrolled don't be afraid to talk to your peers or professors. The relationships you form can be good for study groups, future references, or in my case research opportunities (research is big at the U).
Great for these types of students
This school is great for people who don't mind big campuses and lots of other people. It's minutes away from downtown SLC so if you like the city life this is perfect for you. We're also a huge research facility and not just for science and medicine (although if you're lookin' to go to med school the U is the place to be). On top of that we have a wonderful arts program such as modern dance and ballet, A Capella choir, and a new musical theatre department. We LOVE our sports and rock in football and gymnastics. Basically, the U is big, diverse, absorbs the culture of life, and provides the ultimate college experience both academically and socially.

Julie from Castle Rock, CO

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I have learned a lot, and the professors are so helpful and nice. I got so sick this past semester and missed class for two and a half weeks. They were all so nice and let me make up tests and papers and quizes. They really understood and want me to do well.
Am enjoying being here
I love going to the U of U. It is very close to downtown, so you are a five minute trax stop from a lot of fun things to do. The football games are also very fun!
Bang for the buck
It is a little expensive, however it is very worth it. The dorms are very nice to live in and the school is very technologically advanced. You can tell the difference from the niceness of this campus compared to a lot of other old schools.
Tips for prospective students
If you are out of state, apply for the Western Undergrad Exchange. Even if you don't get the in-state and a half tuition your first semester, you will most likely get it your second and third and anything helps!
Great for these types of students
It is a school great for the outdoorsy type of people. You can take classes for credit that are outdoor. For example I am taking an Ice Climbing class next semester, and my boyfriend took a camping class last year.

Lauren from Sandy, UT

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The University of Utah offers a wide range of class options within each major, making it easy to find classes that fit my interests. The professors are extremely knowledgeable, encourage open discussions, and most have quirky senses of humor that keep students entertained during long lectures. While the professors teach the standard curriculum, they also incorporate current events and trends into theories, making them easier to remember and use in everyday life. I'm a communication major and I thought it would be the same sort of information taught in all of the similar classes but they are all very unique and teach me something new every day.
Am enjoying being here
Campus is a beautiful and peaceful place to be. The scenery is unbeatable with all the open spaces on campus and the ski resorts are only a bus ride away. Plus, campus rents equipment to students for very cheap (ski's, hiking equipment. etc.). People on campus are generally courteous to students around them and are usually very nice and approachable. There are a lot of extra activities offered and clubs to join on campus. There is constantly something to do and people around to have fun with (especially in the dorms).
Bang for the buck
The school is generally well priced, especially for in-state tuition. Housing is a bit pricey but the buildings were all just re-done for the athletes competing in the 2002 olympics. The personal rooms are spacious and the closets are pretty big, every floor has a laundry room and some kind of hang-out or study room.
Tips for prospective students
The university offers a 'U- night' program (different then orientation), where prospective students spend the day touring campus, go to a sporting event at night, and spend the night in the dorms with college students. I highly suggest participating in one of these nights because you get to experience the actual student atmosphere on campus and see what it would be like living in the dorms and eating in the cafeteria. I would also suggest that students look at the student course feedback when enrolling in classes. These are submitted by students who have just taken the class from that exact professor the semester before. It's nice to see what you're getting yourself into, in terms of what the professor says he requires and what the students actually experienced.
Great for these types of students
The University of Utah is great for students who enjoy a large campus and being around people. Students should expect to work hard but the work is worth the knowledge and experiences gained. It is a great school for people who are driven in a specific field or students who have no idea what they want to study and are planning to bounce around until they find a field their crazy about. Overall, all the programs offered have enough diversity that any student could be happy here.

Cason from Salt Lake City, UT

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
In my experience at the University of Utah the professors at the University of Utah are all very great at aiding students learn the material and the college in general encourages the students to do their very best. There are many opportunities to both aid and expand yourself, with tutoring programs if you are having trouble, and the Honors College and other jump start programs to challenge yourself further. I would recommend taking advantage of as much as possible at the U, as it is there to help you anyways.
Am enjoying being here
In addition to the great academics, the school's community offers many options to get out and enjoy the campus and the people. There are many clubs and organizations (I believe if I remember it's close to 500 different organizations). Also, the school's got a great student pep club for sports, called the MUSS (Mighty Ute Student Section). This makes games very enjoyable to attend as a student.
Bang for the buck
Certainly I would recommend the U to any prospective students for various reasons. The school is NOT the cheapest education on the block, but it is well worth it, IF you take advantage of all the opportunities. If you are intending on going for a basic education and not pushing yourself to explore new areas, it may not be financially advisable.
Tips for prospective students
Look into the Honors College, see if you are eligible and join. It is a great experience.

If you don't know anyone, get on-campus housing. This helps you gain some foothold on a very large campus.

Get involved. If you are going to the U orientation you will probably get sick of hearing this but it is HIGHLY recommended. It is very easy to get involved and it will make your experience at this college a 100 times better.
Great for these types of students
It is great for various types of students, from the most basic to the most stellar. There are varying opportunities that make college life bearable and even enjoyable

S B from SLC, UT

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I have learned so much at the U. I thought college courses in high school would prepare me for real college courses, and I was somewhat right. The teachers aren't nearly as attached to you in college as they were to you in high school. I love the fact that I have an independence and I have to work a little bit harder for the grade. The classes are so diverse and there is a lot of options, so everyone can find their niche.
Am enjoying being here
I love the U. It may seem like it's a big school, and you will get lost as soon as you start. But choose the smaller sized class and you can get to know your peers as well as your teachers more. Utah offers soooo many clubs and you can pretty much find something you love. I joined a sorority, and am so glad I did. I love being involved at the U.
Bang for the buck
I say that you get what you want out of the experience. Milk it for all it's worth. Go to every activity, event, concert, or mini show on campus. Enjoy the clubs and service activities that are offered. Choose the classes you want, at the times YOU WANT! If you are miserable, work to change it. There's tons of different things you can do, just find what you love.
Tips for prospective students
Don't get too scared of the campus. It is big, yes, but it's also great for your health. 15 minutes between classes is actually a decent amount of time. Try to schedule your classes somewhat together. Even if you have no plans at the start of the semester, you could get a job or join a club, and you could really have conflicts. Take the smaller classes, and register as EARLY as you can. Science and Math classes fill up QUICK!
Great for these types of students
Ambitious, Energetic, Fun, Adaptable, Curious, Disciplined & the Not so disciplined, Enterprising, People interested in the college life, Commuters, Original, Unique, Interesting, ANYONE- we love them all!