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Shenandoah University Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Shenandoah University reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Shenandoah University. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Shenandoah University reviews, or contribute your own Shenandoah University review if you're a current student there.

  • 3 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Rebecca from Winchester, VA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I go to the Conservatory of Shenandoah University and just from my first semester of Basic Acting, I have learned so much. There are two (at least at this time) different first year acting teachers, both have completely different teaching styles but they are both wonderful. My acting coach helps us and is ready to help us with anything we come across in the Acting world. They also bring in casting agents for the actors at the end of every year. This is extremely helpful to get us all out of the door with jobs in our field.
    Am enjoying being here

    This school is wonderful. There are so many social events for every major, it is hard to not make friends. I will admit that all of my friends are in the conservatory, but this has more to do with similar interests than it being hard to make friends from the University. All the teachers are so understanding when it comes to getting your work done, especially if you have school related events. I had to tech a show which made me miss some classes and all the teachers were really supporting through that stressful time.
    Bang for the buck

    Yes, the school is expensive. I will admit that. But I got about half of my tuition covered through THEIR scholarships and financial aid. Other than the school being expensive, you can go to all sorts of wonderful shows for free! All the tickets for the stage performances, the music performances, the dance performances, and the sports games are free to students. With the conservatory alone they host about 300 shows, concerts, recitals a year; you are definitely getting what you paid for when you come here. Also, the schooling is 100% worth it!! I can't see myself fitting in anywhere else, and I just lucked out to get one of the best performing arts schools in the country.
    Tips for prospective students

    Get a good pair of walking shoes. The school is nothing huge or spread out, but it is a good walk from the freshman dorms to the business building or the conservatory building, point being you wouldn't want to walk around the whole campus in high heels.
    Great for these types of students

    Students interested in the performing arts: musicians (majors range from music performance to music education to music theatre accompaniment to music therapy!), dancers, and actors. These students will get the most bang for their buck I can't really see why any general education student would come to a school that is so expensive.

  • 3 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Brynne from Newport News, VA

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    All staff is amazing! the students are so nice. All the programs are top notch
    Will enjoy being here

    I LOVE IT
    Bang for the buck

    it's expensive, but scholarships are out there
    Tips for prospective students

    WORK HARD! if you're doing musical theatre, really work on your audition

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Nathan from Sandusky, OH

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Where do I begin? Every morning, I wake up and do what I love all day. Sure, it's difficult, but I am learning new information by the bucket-load every single day. The faculty cares about each and every one of us, and instructors take the time to get to know each student personally. Faculty are always willing to help me with upcoming auditions or to provide feedback. Faculty members even take the time to sit down with me just to talk about life! I want to learn, and the faculty makes it easy for me to do so.
    Am enjoying being here

    Unless you have discovered a way to make days longer than 24 hours, I honestly don't think I could enjoy being here any more than I already do. I am so grateful to be attending Shenandoah. Getting involved with campus activities and productions (since I am a musical theatre student) has increased my enjoyment.
    Bang for the buck

    To get your money's worth at Shenandoah (or for any college or business), you can't wait for the value to come to you. You must involve yourself, challenge your abilities, and make connections with everyone you can. I realized early that I am surrounded by extremely talented people. If you want to stand out and better yourself, then you have to audition for EVERYTHING you possibly can, and you have to make sure you are enjoyable to work with. Your reputation starts the moment you move onto campus.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you have a dream, stick to it. If you are willing to put hard work into making your dream come true, come to Shenandoah. The faculty dedicates itself to making sure you achieve what you desire. Again, this is another case where you control your destiny and need to make sure that you take responsibility for reaching your dreams. Also, make sure faculty knows what you want to achieve! At Shenandoah, they'll do their best to get you there.
    Great for these types of students

    Shenandoah is an environment that makes you feel like you're at home. It is a small school with a small campus, so if you are looking to party every night, this is not the school for you. If you are looking for a school that will make you achieve your potential, make you employable after graduation, and give you some great friends, then Shenandoah is your best bet. My schedule is nonstop, and my classes are rigorous, but if you are tenacious you can keep up with your studies and practicing what you learn. I have no doubt you will love it here as much as I do.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Tyler from Waldorf, MD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    A small school with small class sizes in a close knit community
    Tips for prospective students

    Take advantage of all the programs offered at the school
    What to do for fun

    Lots of off campus activities like White Water rafting

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Virginia from Charlotte Court House, VA

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    SU has a freshman global seminar that requires each freshman to choose one out of a very interesting set of courses that will teach the students things they would otherwise never learn. The idea behind many of the majors at SU is learning how to think for oneself. For example, in my major I will learn how to work with sound equipment, but I will also become adept at understanding and maximizing the value of new technology.
    Will enjoy being here

    Campus life looks great. There are some group events, plenty of intramural sports, a fitness center, and LOTS of outings. There will be an opportunity to go hiking, canoeing, or something like that practically every weekend. The college is in Winchester, so there's a mall nearby (and a Walmart for those of us who have no money left.) For those who are interested, spiritual life can be a huge part of campus life. Many ministry and mission activities are available.
    Bang for the buck

    Tuition is high compared to other private schools, but that is because of how personalized the experience is. SU does not meet 100% of financial aid needs, but if your EFC is a bit too high this school will probably give you more free aid than most.
    Tips for prospective students

    SU may not seek you out as much as other schools will, but it's worth the effort to make yourself known to the admission people. ASK about things you want to know, and do your own research to see what there is. Go to at least one of the campus days, and make absolutely sure you understand what is required for your application. (Conservatory people ALL have to audition, even the prospective techies.)
    Great for these types of students

    The SU Conservatory is amazing. Come if you play an instrument, sing, and/or act. Also, there is a Music Production & Recording Tech program here. I've only seen two or three sound majors like this.
    SU has a strong nursing program too, but I honestly don't know too much about it beyond the info on the school website.
    SU is perfect for anyone who is interested in keeping God in college. There is a program called JustFaith which is the first of its kind, and the participants love it!

  • 2 out of 5 people found this review useful.

    Shannon from Winchester, VA

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • Whitney from Charlottesville, VA

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    The University is small and is a close knit community with support that enables success in the programs offered. The community supports the programs by offering internships, etc. One on One interactive is the receipe for success.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you want to feel appreciated, this is the school for you.
    Dorm Life

    4
    Food and Dining

    4
    What to do for fun

    Sports
    Bang for the buck

    5
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Lot of History
    Great for these types of students

    Diverse
    Clubs and Activities

    5
    Campus Safety

    5

  • Morgan from Bealeton, VA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Shenandoah is full of caring faculty and staff who honestly want you to succeed. For me, personally, I would give SU at 3 out of 5. There are a lot of problems here and most of the time I was wondering where the heck all my money was going... I definitely couldn't see anything nice there.
    Tips for prospective students

    Speak up. If there is something you want, someone here can help you get it or do it. If you want something changed, don't wait for it to happen, be proactive and since it's such a small school, it will.
    Academic Rigor

    Like any college, we have everything here. From teachers who barely speak english, to professors who KNOW how to teach and care for their students. I would say that if you are proactive with what you want from them, the academics are good. The advising is not good though.. you need to know for yourself. And if you want to study anywhere other than your room, good luck. There are about two rooms here on campus for students to use. You're better off finding a unicorn than a quiet place to study during or around midterms/finals.
    Dorm Life

    For the amount we pay, you could NEVER tell by looking at the dorms. Floods, mold (they swear it's only mildew...), snakes, crumbling bathrooms, more mold, outside doors left open (UNSAFE), trash everywhere.. yeah.. not good...
    Food and Dining

    Awful hours all around. If I didn't know what plans were in the future, I would give dining one star. The food is prepared by the students usually and is absolutely disgusting. Unless its an open house day. But if you like bad french fries and burnt eggs, you're in luck! There is the Caf (buffet style) and The Grill/Sandella's... all food is sub-par and leaves a lot to be desired. We're always hungry. Plus, you only are given $50 for off campus and even those options are slim.
    What to do for fun

    The surrounding areas are beautiful and SU tries to set up hiking/camping/kayaking trips as much as possible. Other than that, people go home for fun. If you are 21, there are good bars and restaurants on the Walking Mall in downtown. Of course there's also the Apple Blossom Festival!!
    Bang for the buck

    As long as you're not expecting much, Shenandoah is average. If you are expecting a full out college experience, SU is not the place for you. If you don't mind the lack of.. personality, this is a good place to get focused on school and keep your head in the books.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    The Apple Blossom Festival every spring! Its a big deal for EVERYONE, but usually just an excuse to get drunk for the students. We get out of classes for a few days and there are parades and carnivals... its a very big deal here.
    Great for these types of students

    PT-students, Nursing students, Conservatory students. People who don't need tutors. (SU may boast free tutoring but don't be decieved- they have very few tutors and limited hours, not many people get tutors)
    Clubs and Activities

    Very little effort done due to lack of budget. There are next to no activities or clubs for the students that are any good. SU does things like tie-dying on the quad and have 10 shirts out... and ice-cream bar in the caf where they move the ice cream from its normal spot, to the counter right when you walk in.
    Greek Life

    The only greek life here is for honor societies. All two of them.
    Campus Safety

    Dangerous... campus is intersected by a public park and basketball courts.. numerous stabbings and attacks have been reported there. Often lights are out around campus which makes it so you can't even see the path in front of you. Dorm doors are often left propped open, allowing anyone to go in and out. They do have the blue emergency towers, though. And the campus security phone number is on every student's ID cards.

  • Sara from Manassas, VA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    The campus is small but lovely.
    The class sizes are small as weel giving each student the time and attention they need to grow.
    The school spirit is alive and well.
    Tips for prospective students

    Explore your options when choosing your college, I love it here but this school is not the right fit for everyone.
    What to do for fun

    Hang out with friends, go bowling, go to parties
    Bang for the buck

    This is a private school, it's more expensive than public colleges but you can get more money in loans and grants because it's private.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    We celebrate something called the Apple Blossom, it's celebrated in late April and many parties are thrown, and we even get a few days off from school.
    Great for these types of students

    Great for athletes, book worms, and anyone with the drive to further their education
    Clubs and Activities

    Get into sports teams whether it's the school team or a recreation sport
    have a works study job, it's a great way to make money and meet new people
    Greek Life

    There are no sororities or fraternities on this campus

  • Katherine from Great Falls, VA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    shenandoah university is a small school in the middle of winchester, va. academically, it is not the ideal school for people to attend, however the conservatory and the nursing and pharmacy majors are widely respected.
    Tips for prospective students

    if you're going here, be sure you know what you want to major in. there are not a lot of options if you change your mind.
    Academic Rigor

    this school offers no challenge academically.
    Dorm Life

    the dorms are not the best living situations. they offer no access to kitchens, the internet is slow, and many of them have fallen into bad shape. move off campus as soon as you have the opportunity.
    Food and Dining

    dining options are not often open for extended hours, making it difficult for students with very busy schedules to get in and eat before they close. furthermore, the quality of food leaves a lot to be desired.
    What to do for fun

    get an xbox or other game console.
    Bang for the buck

    it's a pretty pricey private school, and they're wasting their money on turning parking lots that are needed into green spaces.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    apple blossom is the first weekend in may and is the only reason you should go to shenandoah. they give us the friday off from school and there's a giant parade, a carnival, and loads of other activities to participate in.
    Great for these types of students

    theatre, music, nursing, pharmacy

  • Charles from King George, VA

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    unless you are serious about sports or conservatory you shouldn't go here. however, if you are dedicated in either of the two then you could have a great opportunity to excel them at shenandoah. small school so nightlife isn't great but you get to know everyone and develop close relationships with most of the students.
    Tips for prospective students

    stay focused on what is important. understand what shenandoah is and don't go in expecting it to be anymore than that.
    Academic Rigor

    stay on top of your studying and you should do fine. teachers are willing to help.
    Dorm Life

    rooms are really big but most people keep their door shut.
    Food and Dining

    food is great but the dinning hours are retarded.
    What to do for fun

    go to jmu. or if you stay on campus you can go to parties but make sure you have a designated driver because you have to drive to all the parties.

  • Dejuan from Williamsburg, VA

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • Megan from Burke, VA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    shenandoah is a awesome, small, student oriented school. winchester, va is a beautiful area and the city essentially caters to the school. the fact that it is small allows for a wonderful, community like feel.
    Tips for prospective students

    visit the school. we have tours most weekdays and weekends, as well as open houses where you can meet with professors, advisors and try out the dining hall. also try to meet with a student and department head of the department you are looking into.
    Academic Rigor

    i wouldn't say that its that rigorous of a school because most of the professors truly make their best effort to work with you and help you in any way as long as you also put effort into the class. don't take more classes/ credits than you can handle at once, thats what gets most students in trouble
    Dorm Life

    dorms are nice, one dorm is renovated every summer to they get re-done ever 5-6 years. i would recommend trying to find a roommate on the facebook page before submitting your housing sheet. they're not that great on matching people that will get along.
    Food and Dining

    the dining hall isn't very good. there is a wide variety of food but at the cost of quality. the student center has a food court that is a slight step up quality wise but is extremely limited when you are using meal plan points. however most local restaurants have college night (ihop wednesdays 1/2 off, waffle house 10% off all the time, sweet frog 10% off all the time. buffalo wild wings 50 ct wings tuesdays)
    What to do for fun

    campus has events almost every night and every weekend for free take advantage! also find a club you're interested in, there is so many things to do for free.
    Bang for the buck

    su is expensive, however the small class sizes and awesome professors make it worth it. the dorms are also pretty decent and are renovated fairly frequently. the only down side is the meal plan is pretty expensive and the food isn't very good. however the area is cheap for students coming from areas like fairfax and dc
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    midnight wal*mart scavenger hunt at midnight on move in day. apple blossom festival http://www.thebloom.com/
    Great for these types of students

    shenandoah is great for students that may need a little more encouragement or one-on-one help from professors. the class sizes are small. i've yet to have a professor who didn't know me personally by the end of the semester. most professors are more than willing to go to any length to help you outside of class or answer questions via e-mail at all hours. su also offers free tutoring for all students.
    Clubs and Activities

    su offers clubs for just about any interest. intramurals are offered for most sports. there are clubs/honor societies for most majors. as well as community service clubs, interest clubs and cultural clubs. for a complete list visit su.edu/studentlife
    Greek Life

    su doesn't have a true greek system so there are no sorority or fraternity houses. su does have music, dance, and theatre fraternities as well as greek honors societies for most majors.
    Campus Safety

    very safe campus. su has a safe walk program where security officers will walk you to your dorm/class after dark. several emergency panic buttons throughout campus. students can also sign up for text/email alerts for emergencies/last minute info (delays/snowdays) to be sent directly to their cell phones.

  • James from Lovettsvilel, VA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    shenandoah university is a school for both the community and for the commuter. located right off i-81 south, shenandoah university offers a wide variety of majors, from music or business, to become a pharmacist. su has something for everyone and you will not be disappointed in their offers.
    Tips for prospective students

    do your research first - the school offers scholarships, there are multiple programs and bonus options for specific majors.
    Academic Rigor

    if you do the homework and study, you will be fine. too often people fall into the trap of partying and coming to class hungover.
    Dorm Life

    it all depends on the dorm. some are very good, others, not so much.
    Food and Dining

    su offers multiple different meal plans for every type of student.
    What to do for fun

    su is not far from the blue ridge mountains, washington d.c., richmond and others - there is always somewhere to go!