Concordia University-Irvine
Irvine, CA, USA

Reviews

Concordia University-Irvine

Bianca from Irvine, CA

accepted here and planning to attend soon
18 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
The ratio of student to Professor at Concordia is about 15:1. This means that each student receives personal attention. The Professors and other faculty really get to know each student. When it comes time to ask for a Professors Recommendation Letter, you will actually get a Letter written by a Prof who knows you and what kind of a future emplyee you would make. A high percentage of Concordia graduates get employment in their field soon after they graduate.
Will enjoy being here
I have already attended 2 events at Concordia and both times my family and I were treated so warmly. From everyone in Admissions to the Professors to the Woman's Basketball Coach, I have received such a warm welcome and I am very excited to start in August 2009.
Bang for the buck
The tuition may be hirer than a Calif University or State School, but what price can you place on a fantastic education? I do not believe there is a better value than receiving a first class education from Professors and Faculty that really have the time and take the time to teach. The small class sizes are too important to minimize.
Tips for prospective students
If you contact Concordia Admissions they will gladly send you information and also invite you to tour their campus. It is located in a beautiful area of Southern Calif; Irvine...the safest city in the USA.
Great for these types of students
Concordia Irvine is great for any student who is serious about getting a great education and earning their degree within 4 years. At Concordia, Freshman can actually get the classes they want, unlike at State Schools where funding has been drastically cut and where it takes 5 plus years to graduate.

Lindsay from Casco, MI

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors here are great!! They all genuinely care about you and about your success. I have had plenty of professors that will go OUT of their way to help you understand the material...This includes staying on campus until after 9pm to have a study session before a test.
Am enjoying being here
The campus is beautiful! It is a smaller campus so it is easy to get from one class to another without having to worry about being late, However it is very spacious. There is lots of grass and tress and open areas so you don't feel crowded like at some other schools.
Bang for the buck
There are always things to do on campus and off campus if you get involved. Going to Concordia Irvine means opening up a world of opportunities for your life and your future.
Tips for prospective students
Be outgoing and meet new people. If a student knows someone who is going to Concordia them, they tend to stay inside the little bubble with that friend. Don't be afraid to say hi to some random person-- Students at Concordia are very friendly!
Great for these types of students
Concordia is great for students who want to have a close relationship with their professors (One of my professors actually lives in the residential community around Concordia and he had the class over for a movie last year). Most professors teach more than one class here and chances are you will have them again. At Concordia, you aren't just a face in the crowd.

Haley from Klamath Falls, OR

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I have learned more here in almost two semesters than I think I ever learned in high school. What's even more amazing is that the way the classes are taught I am able to not only remember what I learn, but also apply it to my everyday life, and other classes. The teachers are all so passionate about their subjects, and more than willing to spend as much time with their students to make sure that we understand what they're teaching to us.
Am enjoying being here
I am enjoying the best time of my life here at Concordia. The people are amazing, the sports are awesome, the fine arts are mind boggling, the food and dorms are wonderful. I'm happier, and more content here than I have been in a long time.
Bang for the buck
This is a private school, so you do pay big bucks, but with their financial aid program it's not so bad. But no matter how big the bucks, it is small in comparison with the bang your getting. Concordia offers so many wonderful things, and most of it is already paid for in your tuition so once your on campus you don't have to worry about money unless you leave campus to go out with friends. But with all of the activities, you'll be hard pressed to find a night where you actually want to leave campus.
Tips for prospective students
Talk to financial aid, find out about the different programs scholarships, and contact the different programs you're interested in. Concordia is a small enough school that they'll remember you so when you arrive you already have a foot in the door.
Great for these types of students
Concordia is great for all students. Whether their interests lie in sports, education, the fine arts, and anything in between. Whatever your interests your sure to find someone here who shares them.

Kristina from Temecula, CA

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Since attending Concordia University I have learned a lot more information here than i would have by going to public liberal arts school. The curriculum here is amazing. For Freshman, there is what we call, Core Classes. Core classes are general ed. classes but Concordia's curriculum pairs up two very opposite classes, such as biology and theology, and math and philosophy, to get a more rounded knowledge of both things from the secular world views and things from the religious world views. They also have these classes linked because Concordia has found a way to connect them and have things from theology relate to biology and the history behind how natural science came to play and how it changed to science with God outside of the picture.
Am enjoying being here
I love the dorms here and my room and suite mates!!! My neighbors are my best friends! There is a survey thing that Concordia mails you asking what your living habits are and tries to relate them to another person of similar interests and living habits. By having this it helps for a better relationship between you and your room and suite mates. The dorms are something else all together! they are kind of like small apartments, but with out kitchens. The upper quads, for upper class men do however have kitchens and whatnot. the rooms are very spacious and if needed, you can open up the two closet doors that are right across from each other, that act as a wall to create privacy between the two rooms. through the bathroom there is another door leading to your suitemates' side. so 4 people share one shower and toilet.
Bang for the buck
Concordia is pretty price-y seeing that it is a private Christian college, but the curriculum here is incredible. The food here is also amazing. they have food for everybody. vegetarian and vegan included. the professor to student ratio in the class room is 1:16. So your professor knows when you aren't there and they will email you asking why you didn't show up. haha well that's what I have heard but i have not really missed any classes. oh! don't fall asleep in your class either because the Prof. will see you. That's pretty much the only downfall to having small class sizes. But this gives you a better chance to connect with your Prof. more and have a relationship with them. This can help when it comes to graduating and trying to get into graduate college and needing a reference from your
Profs.
Tips for prospective students
Hmmm...Tips. I would have to say fill out as many scholarships as possible. This is a price-y school but it is worth it. Everyone is pretty friendly. The school is small enough that if you join multiple clubs and get involved, you can know almost everyone, but big enough to where you will still discover new people that you didn't know attended this school. talking about clubs, get yourself involved in school sports, clubs, and/ or activities. It's a god way to get involved in the school and make for a better college experience.
Great for these types of students
This school is great for ANYONE who wants to have a greater, more rounded, education. You don't have to be religious to come here. That's another great thing about this school. There is no church or chapel that is required to graduate. There is chapel everyday, but it is optional. You will get a christian outlook from your Profs sometimes though. Remember, it is a christian school. Concordia has an AMAZING choir and handbells group and is known for their choir, so music majors, this is the school for you. We are also known for your basketball and track teams too.

Natalie from Monrovia, CA

accepted here and planning to attend soon
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
Concordia is focused on building students into well-rounded, productive citizens. They want you to be prepared for a successful career and a successful life (family, community...). Because the school is only twenty-five years old, course and degree additions are constantly being made. Class size can be large be for the most part class size tends to be in the 30 students range.The professors are role models and mentors.The faculty members are extremely dedicated to their students! Outside of the classroom, they continue to give students the tools to succeed in life! CUI gives you the opportunity and teaches you the skills to be a leader.
Will enjoy being here
Incoming freshman and transfer students arrive at the campus a week early for orientation. Great experience for those who are away from home for the first time. Freshmen and transfer students also reside in separate male or female dorm buildings. The dorm room actually consists of two separate living areas with a bathroom in between for the four students to share. Way back when there was a kitchen area for the students to also share. Currently that has been altered and freshmen now have a meal plan provided by the University to sustain nourishment.

Upper class men have apartment type housing down the path from the dorms. Four students share an apartment complete with living room, two bedroom spacious bathroom, kitchen and dining area. All furniture and appliances are provided, but microwaves, TV's, bookcases and the like make great additions. The apartments all face inward toward an outdoor courtyard. Outside the apartments are little balconies where you can barbecue or just hang out. With both the dorm and apartments, there are resident counselors and resident advisers who help enforce campus rules, give guidance in course planning and are there for whatever the student needs.

Extracurricular activities abound on campus. Intramural sports, dramas, musicals, Greek games and so much more give students plenty of down time from studying. Whether you want to study at the library, eat at the cafe, hack into the grade banks via the computer lab, hang out at the student union or start a pick up game, there is always something to do.

Located between the Turtle Rock and Woodbridge areas in Irvine, you are right down the street from University of California Irvine. Within walking distance from the campus housing resides a shopping center complete with grocery store, video rental, gas station and a college hangout. Irvine is very bike friendly with bike lanes on most major streets. And yes the beach is within biking distance, if you like to bike.

Newport and Ba...
Bang for the buck
Because CUI is a small private school expect to spend about $38,000 if you plan to board, and do extra activities. Off course the financial aid advisers will do anything in their power to help you out they. Look into their various scholarships for those interested in theater, music, forensics and sports.
Tips for prospective students
If your a senior in high school and think your grades are to low to get accepted anywhere try CUI. When it comes to admissions they want to see what you have to offer to them, so make sure to do community service and be active in some sort of extracurricular. Stay in touch with them, they like students who are serious.
Great for these types of students
Concordia is a great school, especially for students from small towns who are seeking a warm and enlightening college experience. If you are looking into a small, private, and christian college than I strongly suggest this one.

Michelle from Santa Maria, CA

accepted here and planning to attend soon
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The campus is absolutely beautiful and staff was extremely helpful the day I attended an orientation meeting for a masters program. The application process was very simple and so was registering for classes online. All my questions were answered in a timely manner.
Tips for prospective students
Write questions down of what you expect from the college you are applying for. Visit the school and the area, don't just visit once, visit several times. Ask people who live around the college, of areas to stay away from. Keep all school receipts in a folder for your parents tax records or your taxes.
Academic Rigor
I think the class schedule is perfect for a working person
Dorm Life
Not living on campus, but the area where the dorms were was very nice.
Food and Dining
Did visit the food court and the staff was very helpful. Great hot chocolate.
What to do for fun
Haven't started yet, but when visiting the campus there were posters of all types of different events going on.
Campus Safety
Very secure.

Damiana from Clovis, CA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
As far as people go, everybody here, including students and faculty, are extremely welcoming. Concordia puts on a lot of events, making it easy for residents and commuters to become involved. The atmosphere created by the people here and the amazing location as well make Concordia a wonderful place to go to school.
Academic Rigor
The classes at Concordia are doable but challenge the student just enough. Many of the classes require at least 3 to 5 hours of studying for every 1 hour spent in class. In my experience, the courses at Concordia are very achievable if you put in the time and effort required.
Dorm Life
The dorm life at Concordia is amazing. Despite living with a roommate, the way the dorms are set up still give each person a good amount of privacy. Each room comes with furniture for each student and a microwave and fridge for two to share. If you ever need anything, the Resident Assistant for your hall is always just a few doors away. There are plenty of places to go and study within the resident halls. Overall, my experience living on campus at Concordia has been more than excellent.
Food and Dining
For the most part, the meals in the cafeteria are above average meals. There are many things you can choose from: a main course from the Exhibition, something made fresh off the grill, and a variety of options at the salad bar. The food here is not five start restaurant material, but it is college kid on the go material.
What to do for fun
Many of the different clubs, programs, and organizations here at Concordia put on a lot of events. The events range from movie nights to open gym to moonlight kayaking. Some of the more popular events that people get involved with here are intramural sports, hiking, and dances. Overall, lots of different kinds of events are put on here that will suit the liking of a wide range of people.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Right by the resident halls of Concordia is French Hill. Many like to take a hike up it for exercise, but some also just like to take their time walking up. Whether hiking or just taking a walk, the best part of French Hill is the view from the top. During the day, you can pretty much see all of Irvine, and at night, you can watch the sunset. Another cool night time feature of French Hill is that from the top, you can see the Disneyland fireworks!
Campus Safety
I feel completely safe living on campus at Concordia University. First off, the whole campus is within a gated community. Second, anyone can always call the campus safety number if there is ever an issue. If injured, a campus officer will be come on a golf cart and take you where you need to go. If you need to walk to the other side of the campus but feel uncomfortable doing so because it is late at night, you can call campus safety and they will escort you to where you need to go. The campus safety at Concordia will do their best to accommodate you and make you feel comfortable being on campus.

Yesenia from Rancho Cucamonga, CA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Concordia University of Irvine is an amazing Lutheran university, where incoming students will have the opportunity to interact with not only peers, but staff and faculty as well. The best part of CUI is the small student body, which enables students to small classroom sizes and one-one interaction with professors. Lastly, Concordia is a place that will help individuals become enriched everyday citizens.
Tips for prospective students
I encourage prospective students to maintain a range of dedication to both academics and community service.
Academic Rigor
Each incoming-freshman is enrolled in core classes that are taught to help each student become a well-rounded individual and student. The core classes are not meant to be simple, which means a lot of study hours.
Dorm Life
The dorms at CUI are not like regular dorms. At Concordia each resident will be living in a suite-style dorm where space and privacy are no problem. In each dorm every student will share one restroom and shower with three other roommates and he/she will also receive a mini-fridge and microwave that will be shared with one other roommate (one microwave and fridge per two residents). Living in the dorms also allows for students to experience what the school has to offer.
Food and Dining
The food that is served in the Student Union or otherwise know as: The Caf is cooked fresh on a daily basis. Variety is not an issue that is present in the cafeteria.
What to do for fun
Getting away from textbooks after long hours of studying is no problem at Concordia. All students are encouraged to grab a few friends and do a variety of different things, such as: go on a hike on French Hill, take a shuttle to the nearest shopping district or to the beach, rent a bike for free and ride on the many trails leading you to Newport Beach, Laguna Beach or even just around town. With so many things to do on-and-off campus one will never get bored.
Bang for the buck
CUI is great one helping those seeking a profound college education.

Shawn from Tavernier, FL

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The MAIS program allows you to earn a Masters in one year while teaching in China. They combine intense language study with hands on field research. Fast paced, manageable and affordable.
Tips for prospective students
Dont get behind, Enjoy the China experience!
Academic Rigor
Accelerated and Intense
Dorm Life
Six weeks on Campus with fellow Cohorts..Bring a coffee pot and blankets.
Food and Dining
Fantastic food on campus.
What to do for fun
Disney, LA, beaches and hiking.
Bang for the buck
Earn a Masters while working in China..the program is alsmost free.
Great for these types of students
those who want to study abroad.
Campus Safety
Very Safe and accomodating. Small quiet and alcohol free campus.

David from LA Verne, CA

a current student here
0 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Coming to Concordia University has helped me not only grow as a christian but as a student by opening my mind more into different disciplines.
Am enjoying being here
For me personally I like the size of the campus as well the ability to flourish as a musician in the small orchestral setting Concordia has established.
Tips for prospective students
The campus is great for one on one learning. Classes are generally small so there is more flexibility in the class.
Great for these types of students
A very christian like atmosphere, everyone is nice and outgoing.