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Ursinus College Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

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

  • 8 out of 8 people found this review useful.

    Stephanie

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The professors are always there for students anytime the student needs help. It is important to the university that the students truly understand the material, instead of just squeezing by. All of the professors have a wide range of knowledge and allow that knowledge to rub off onto the students.
    Am enjoying being here

    There are so many different things to do at Ursinus that I am never bored. Students have have the opportunity to attend parties or throw parties, watch movies in the many lounges, or attend the many different forms of entertainment that the school has provided. Entertainment ranges from magicians, to comedians, to speakers. The school hopes to not only educate students, but allow them to grow socially as well.
    Bang for the buck

    Though the school's price may seem very overwhelming at first glance, the Financial Aid department works hard with the students to lessen the burden of paying for school. Jobs are also very available on and off campus. The education provided with the lively social environment is truly worth the cost.
    Tips for prospective students

    In coming students should be sure to attend all events during Freshmen orientation. Be friendly and open to all student. You never who could become a great friend. Don't get stuck in your books throughout the school year. Be sure to have fun and take advantage of everything the school has to offer. While you might be homesick within the first few weeks, try not to go home unless it is necessary. Everyone makes lots of friends the first few weeks of school and you don't want to miss the opportunity.
    Great for these types of students

    Students who benefit from small classes and wish to build strong bonds with not only their professors but their advisers as well would love to attend this college. While the work load is a bit strenuous at times, students are never alone. Advisers, professors, librarians, and programs such as the Writing Center are always available for students when they need it. Ursinus College is for students who are serious about there education but also wish to have the opportunity to have a terrific social experience. Ursinus never forgets that the students are still young and enjoy having fun. Programs are in place to ensure that parties are safe, and for those who are still underage, that there is an alternative to drinking. If you like to have fun, but are serious about learning, this college is right for you!

  • 6 out of 6 people found this review useful.

    Kyu Chul from Fort Lee, NJ

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The professors teach very well here. They have office hours where they will drop what they are doing immediately to help you and even if they're busy they'll generally be willing to give you a helping hand. Most classes are either Monday Wednesday Friday for 50 minutes or Tuesday Thursday for 1hour 15 minutes each. You'll cover a surprising amount of material in that time, believe me. Even if you don't know a professor, if you just introduce yourself to him or her they are more than willing to receive you with open arms.
    Am enjoying being here

    Ursinus is a friendly place. There's simply no other way to put it. People will hold doors for you and say hi to you even if you've never met them. As one student told me, Ursinus has a serious case of the friendlies. However, there are some things of the environment some students may not like. The cafeteria, for the most part, serves the same food everyday. The hot lunch seems to be the only exception. The campus is small so it's easy to get to know the place and expect to get to know your fellow students and professors. There aren't too many of us.
    Bang for the buck

    Look, I'm not going to lie. Ursinus is a very expensive school. If you can somehow get the cost down by getting an Ursinus Scholarship or Creative Writing Scholarship, the cost is worth it. However, even if you have to pay the full 50k+ amount to get here, I would still say the education you receive here is worth it.
    Tips for prospective students

    You need to like the small town feel. There are maybe 1600 students here; that's smaller than a lot of high schools out there. If you don't like seeing the same people day in and day out and get bored of a structured schedule, this isn't the school for you. It's a good idea to come in with AP/IB credits, as they count for the core requirements and even for the majors. (As of October 2010 anyway.) There are a good number of programs that are offered in many big time universities that aren't offered here and most of the upper level courses are offered on rotation. (As in the class might be offered once every two or three years.) So make sure you have a good idea of what you want to study.
    Great for these types of students

    This is a school for two types of students. If you are that kid who struggled in high school and received mostly low Bs and Cs, this school is going help you become the best you possibly can be. If you put the work in and make an honest effort at improving yourself intellectually, you will be a different person by the time you are a senior.
    Ursinus is also for that A-/B+ student in high school who probably took a couple of APs and honors. You might have been in the top 10-15% but you felt like an idiot compared to the kids in the top 5%. This is a place where you can shine. You have all the resources available to you and professors who can help you improve to the same level as those top 5% kids in high school.
    If you're a kid who likes taking advantage of great professors who care, then you will love it here. Promise.

  • 4 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    Katie from lanoka harbor, NJ

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    At Ursinus, learning is infectious. Everyone is so knowledgeable, and so eager to teach and pass along information to others. Being a liberal arts school, you get to learn so many things that you might not be exposed to at traditional four year schools.
    Am enjoying being here

    Ursinus is not only a great environment for learning, it's also a great environment for living. Being such a small school, the campus feels more like a neighborhood than a network of buildings. There is always something going on on campus, whether it be a free concert or comic show, to a special exhibition in our art museum, entertainment is easy to find. Also, the campus is about 30 minutes outside of Philadelphia, with public transportation available via SEPTA busses and trains.
    Bang for the buck

    Ursinus is definitely expensive- which is something that shouldn't be overlooked when choosing a school. However, Ursinus was recently ranked in the top 10 schools for graduate salary vs. price of degree by SmartMoney Magazine. Also, being a private school, they have a large endowment fund, and aid very well.
    Tips for prospective students

    Apply! My SAT scores slightly lower than the range of their averages, but I took a chance and I got accepted. They really look at a student from all angles, not just your GPA and class rank.
    Great for these types of students

    I chose Ursinus because I didn't want to feel like a number. Students who enjoy being in smaller classes, and communicating directly with professors and other students will thrive at Ursinus. It is really a community of intellectuals, so students who enjoy learning and experiencing new things should definitely consider applying.

  • 3 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Jennifer

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Since Ursinus is such a small school, you get to know your professors a lot better than you would at a larger school. This makes it a lot easier to contact them outside of class, and they just want to see you succeed. So, from my experiences with many of my professors, they'll help you out in ways professors at larger schools wouldn't. You're able to start laboratory research in your second semester of freshman year, and there are ample opportunities for independent study in any field! Professors will often go out of their way to help you find an internship or the contacts to conduct the research you're interested in. The tutoring program is also very good! Tutoring is free for students, and the tutors get paid by the college. I'm currently a tutor for the college, after receiving help from a tutor in a couple courses.
    Also, Ursinus has recently started a program called Ursinus is talking about... which features a specific book, play, or other media each semester. Then, throughout that semester, there will be several programs regarding the issues presented in the topic, including lectures, concerts, discussions, presentations, and more. This is sort of continuation of the idea of the common intellectual experience (CIE), which is sort of a freshman forum in a small class setting, which address topics mostly in history, English literature, and philosophy.
    Am enjoying being here

    The college has several different programs to enhance student involvement on campus. One organization is the Campus Activities Board (CAB), and another is the Student Activities Office (SAO). CAB organizes mostly on-campus events for students, and the SAO organizes many off-campus trips. CAB has organized Casino nights (using play money to win some nice prizes), Bingo nights (again, to win some nice prizes, like a flat screen TV, microwave, etc.), movie nights (projecting a movie outside during good weather or in an auditorium). SAO mostly hosts trip off-campus, and they also reimburse up to $10 each semester per student for off-campus entertainment, like movie tickets. They have also hosted trips to a fall festival (for hay rides, corn maze, apple cider, and picking out pumpkins), annual Ball at the Bellevue (a formal dance that costs only $5 per student held at the Bellevue in Philly), and Dorney Park. Another campus organization is the Resident Hall Association (RHA), which hosts resident activities, like a coolest room competition, best Halloween decorated house, and best snow sculpture competition. Ursinus also has an organization called UCARE, which organizes community service on and off campus. There are many weekly and one-time service opportunities; some of the weekly service opportunities include volunteering at the organic garden, Wismer on Wheels (packaging food to go to homeless shelters), Head Start, and ESL tutoring of hispanic maintenance workers. Other organizations that increase student involvement are greek organizations and sports teams. Ursinus has 8 fraternities and 5 sororities on campus, and has Division 3 sports teams.
    Bang for the buck

    Ursinus offers many scholarships, merit and need-based. There's a scholarship weekend in the spring for high school seniors to interview for merit-based scholarships. Also, finding on-campus jobs is relatively easier at Ursinus than at many of the schools my friends attend. You can start an on-campus job as soon as you start your freshman year, and you can apply for a job by early August before freshman year. Also, a laptop is provided for all 4 years, including receiving a new one after sophomore year. Laptop insurance is one of the fees charged with tuition. And resident halls are nicer that at many other schools. The freshman dorms are closest to the various campus buildings, and each building has a kitchen, lounge (with big screen TV), and free laundry facilities. And unlike at many other colleges, you can select the specific room you want to live in each year, through a lottery process.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you want a campus job your freshman year, you should apply for one as soon as you have access to careernet, around early August.
    The meal plan can be a bit confusing, but all freshmen have a 19 meals per week plan. After freshman year, you can choose 19, 14, or 10 meals per week. All of the options cost the same, but an additional amount will be charged if you select additional dining dollars. Dining dollars are like currency that can be used at Zack's, Jazzman's, and the Convenience store. Meal credits can only be used at upper Wismer and Zack's (at Zack's, they're currently valued at $5.25).
    When choosing which freshman dorm to live in, BWC has more triples, which has less floor space per person, and BPS has doubles, a couple quads and suites, and a few singles. Suites have two separate doubles with their own bathroom, and quads are just a large room for 4 people. It seems that the quads are only ever assigned to girls because the college seems to think they need less privacy. I lived in a quad freshman year, and my roommates and I started getting on each others' nerves by the end of the year. I would suggest that if you live in a triple or quad, you should schedule privacy times each week when each person can have the room to him/herself.
    Try to be open-minded because you have no idea how much you're going to change and grow over the next 4 years!
    Great for these types of students

    I think it's a great school for anyone who would prefer a smaller school. We don't have just one type of student, although we're not very racially diverse, although that's mostly due to the location of the school. I know that I chose Ursinus because it's known for having a great Biology and pre-Med program, and also because I noticed how well you get to know your professors at a small school.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Douglas from South Waverly, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Ursinus College is a tight-knit close community of ambitious students who love to learn and professors who love to teach. The curriculum is like that of no other college because it focuses on shaping students to be honorable members of society and not just intelligent thinkers. There is something for everyone at Ursinus or a least a way to be able to reach it.
    Tips for prospective students

    Prospective students should definitely visit Ursinus to get a feel for it's culture. Students interested in Ursinus should come with questions to ask faculty and current students. If you're on the fence about attending come out for a visit (or a second one) to Ursinus; it can make all the difference in your college decision!
    Academic Rigor

    Ursinus is as intense as its heavily ambitious, achieving students and professors make it. It's academic rigor can easily compare to that of Ivy League schools. Be prepared to work your hardest, but also reap an uncountable amount benefits from your hard work.
    Dorm Life

    Underclassmen are all in the same two dormitories, which are well accommodated. Upperclassman can choose between residential houses turned dormitory style housing, two brand new clean and fresh dorms, or even Special Interest Housing (SPINT). All in all the community feel of Ursinus' campus DEFINITELY is a direct result of the camaraderie in all of UC's dormitories.
    Food and Dining

    Students have a choice between two dining halls, and a convenience store for meal options. The upper dining hall is an all you can eat buffet with a legendary salad bar, while the lower dining hall is a made-to-order style experience that range from subs, salads, flat bread pizzas, wraps, bowls, sandwiches, and even gourmet coffees and teas.
    What to do for fun

    Ursinus is only a short drive from historic Phoenixville, the brand-new Providence shopping center, The Philadelphia Premium Outlets, The legendary King of Prussia Mall, and of course Philadelphia. If that doesn't bring out the shopper in you, you can unwind with some free weekend food, video games, and more at Late Night Lower. If the social scene is your calling there are creatively themed house parties every weekend and of course the beats are also banging in the campus self-proclaimed party dorm, Riemert.
    Bang for the buck

    Ursinus is expensive, but the school makes up for it with EXTREMELY generous gifts of financial aid and merit scholarships. The level of education received here is worth almost twice what you pay for it. Most importantly the connections and people you meet here can pay you any dividends you may have lost by attending a state school at least tenfold!
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Celebration of Student Achievement day or (CoSA) is a once a year event where some students present their findings in what they've learned over the year, reveal findings or breakthroughs in research, or just sit back and enjoy the fun filled day of presentations and NO CLASSES! The Campus is also home to the seemingly never ending Perkiomen Valley Trail, the luscious and beautiful Hunsberger Woods, UC's very own Organic farm. It is also rumored that the graduating seniors sneak out the night before graduation to take the annual slide down the ramp-shaped fountains outside of the Pfahler Science Building.
    Great for these types of students

    Ursinus is great for the ambitious and conscientious, self-driven student. Since there are no cakewalk courses here, UC is for students who are ready to challenge themselves in EVERY area of academia. Also students who contemplate the meaning of life, what are place is in the universe, and what it means to be human will thrive here at Ursinus.
    Clubs and Activities

    There are way too many clubs and activities to get involved in at Ursinus, all of which are eligible to receive funding through the school as well as AFAC. Ursinus offers clubs, honor societies, student-faculty committees, students government, both local and National Fraternities and Sororities, varsity athletics, club athletics, and intramural athletics. If you cannot find a club, activity or organization here for you at Ursinus, then you can simply start your own!
    Greek Life

    Ursinus is by no means Greek or DIE, and you aren't even allowed to consider joining a Fraternity or Sorority (rush) until after the completion of your Freshman year. Ursinus offers both National and local Fraternity and Sorority options for interested students, which all are required to do additional community service hours for the college on top of their required hours. There are extremely strict anti-hazing laws at Ursinus that prevent any type of negative effects that come about as a result of Greek Life hazing procedures.
    Campus Safety

    Ursinus and the surrounding areas feel exceptionally safe, especially when you consider its proximity to Philadelphia and King of Prussia. The campus safety team on campus is exceptionally vigilant, caring, and hard working individuals who students can rely on for rides across campus, escorts at any time of day or night, or any other concern that they may have. Recently inaugurated President Bobby Fong, is working hard to add to the campus' feeling of safety by adding more pathways lights for nighttime, installing more help/emergency stations, upgrading and updating electronic and timed lock systems, as well as set up a committee for any type of disaster response from sudden injury to sexual misconduct.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Kaitlyn

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    You will learn so much while at Ursinus. I've only been here for one semester so far and have grown mentally so much!
    Am enjoying being here

    It may take some time getting to small town life, but everyone is so friendly and outgoing that everyone seems to enjoy being at Ursinus!
    Bang for the buck

    Even though the college is expensive, the level of education you will receive and the memories you will make are totally worth it!
    Great for these types of students

    Students who are hard working during the week but still want an environment where they can relax on the weekends.

  • Angelo from Mullica Hill, NJ

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    It is an amazing institution! Their science program is top tier, and rivals some Ivy League schools. They have a 96% acceptance rate into graduate schools
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure you come prepared to do a lot of work. Get help from the teachers when you need it, because they are always there to help. Don't get caught up in the party life, and learn how to budget your time.
    Academic Rigor

    As a neuroscience pre-med major, I can only speak for the science department, and it is extremely rigorous. As I said, the science department rivals some Ivy League schools.
    Dorm Life

    The dorm life is awesome. You just have to learn to get along with everybody which is pretty easy. The people here are very nice.
    Food and Dining

    To be completely honest the food here is not that great.
    What to do for fun

    The college has a campus activities board that put together a lot of fun activities. During Halloween, there was a a hay ride, and they always plan trips to the movies.

  • Kevin from Philadelphia, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    If you are looking for a smaller school Urisnus is where you'll wanna go. Almost every class is 20 kids or less and that really helps you to learn better. The professors are really nice and are always willing to go the extra mile to help.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you are looking to come here for something other than a science you may want to re think that decision because the school is really geared towards science based majors
    Academic Rigor

    The classes are definitely difficult, but as long as you do the work you will be fine. The professors are always willing to help you too.
    Dorm Life

    The dorms are okay nothing fancy but not cramped like some schools.
    Food and Dining

    Not many options and most of those options aren't the best

  • Leah from Bordentown, NJ

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I have had so many great professors. The class sizes are fairly small, except for a few introductory courses. The teachers always give their office hours and are very open to help students. The liberal learning criteria ensures that students take classes in a variety of subjects, and because of that, since taking my humanities requirement I have decided to minor in history. I have learned so much in my past two years and I know there is plenty more to come
    Am enjoying being here

    I enjoy Ursinus so much. Such a small student body makes it easy for me to know a lot of the people I am learning with. There is always a friendly face around if I need help with something. I play soccer and run track for the college, and I've met so many new people who are genuinely nice. It is the students I go to school with who make the school. There is always something to do on and off campus, and the Campus Activities Board plans a lot of on campus movies and fun events. I've been able to maintain a healthy balance between schoolwork, athletics, work, and a social life.
    Bang for the buck

    Tuition has recently gone up, however the school has helped to compensate for it. They offer good financial aid packages and there are plenty of jobs on and off campus. The school is also right outside of Philly, so it's location makes it easier to find jobs and internships. The school also offers work study in some of their financial aid packages.
    Tips for prospective students

    Definitely go for an interview when applying. It made a world of a difference when I applied. I felt like the school really wanted to get to know me, and I was so passionate about what I wanted to do-study psychology, play soccer, and run track- that they really enjoyed my interview. Also, it's really helpful to go to the freshmen orientations. They are a lot of fun and a great way to meet some of the people you will be going to school with for the next four years. Don't be afraid to get involved in a lot of activities, from sports to clubs. Attend as many events as you can, such as sporting events or the school's Relay for Life.
    Great for these types of students

    Students who want small classes, are involved, and like to know a lot of other people they are attending school with, whether it be professors, students, campus safety, or advisers. Its also a great campus for prospective college athletes, as the athletic programs at the school are strongly growing. A majority of the students participate in sports, and its a great way to meet people. The school also has a great biology program, which is fairly difficult, but there are a lot of outlets for help, such as tutors, Student Instruction sessions, and the Center for Writing.

  • Allison from NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    This fall semester I will be a senior at UC and I have to say that in my years here I have definitely learned more than I ever thought I would. Since the school is small, the classes - most notably the upper level classes - are small as well, allowing for each individual student to be more than just another filled seat in a large lecture hall. Professors are very helpful and are always willing to meet with students to assist them with any work they have and answer any question which is brought forth. The student community is very engaged in learning, so discussions inside and outside of the classroom will bring forth a learning experience as well.
    Am enjoying being here

    I came from a very large high school, so being thrust into such a small environment with a small community was a little shocking for me, and took me some time to get used to. Sometimes I overworked myself and would get incredibly stressed with classes and administrative policies (but what student doesn't, honestly) but overall there is a very friendly air to this campus. It is also not too far away from Philadelphia, if you are more of a city-goer and would like to get into that area sometimes, whether by car or by bus and train. The town of Collegeville is quiet, but that doesn't mean that UC always is! Weekends on this campus can be very fun, whether you're going out to houses on Main Street for the parties and the dancing, or you're sitting in lower Wismer for Late Night Lower just to play some video games and catch up with some friends and discuss certain areas of interest!
    Bang for the buck

    Yes, UC is expensive. However, you do get quite a bit for those expenses, such as the small classes, the many clubs and societies, the attention from professors, and - and I say this because I just came back from an Abroad experience - a chance to Study Abroad in several countries! In addition, you have the opportunity to do research in any field, not just the sciences! Plus, there are plenty of merit and need-based scholarships which you can watch out for. Plus, there is always outside scholarships, and there are professors on campus who would gladly point you in the right direction to get some more cash if you need it, and would be more than happy to assist you with essays and the like.
    Tips for prospective students

    As everyone will say, get involved! Although the community is small, getting involved in clubs or sports or other activities will always introduce you to new people of similar interests who may become your very close friends! Be more than your grades; although it is important to do well in classes, and in there you should do the best you can, you should always try to branch out and do more - do things you did not think you would do! Get an idea for a honors thesis - if that is something you're interested in doing - and work on it little by little. Watch out for opportunities which may slip by you if you don't pay attention. And (again, I say this because I just got back from England), look to Study Abroad if you wish to travel to another country!
    Great for these types of students

    Those who like small campuses or a small close community. Students who are looking for a well-rounded academic background, as well as a liberal arts education. Someone who truly loves learning and loves the feel of an intellectual environment, and loves having fun, with or without the books in hand!

  • Alyssa

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    All of the professors are interested in their students and what they have to say. While some classes can be a lot of work, for the most part I am enjoying everything about all the classes I am taken and have taken in the past.
    Am enjoying being here

    It's easy to find people with common interests at such a small school. There is a large number of club opportunities as well as weekend socialing.
    Bang for the buck

    The tuition is not cheap. However, the small class sizes and quality of teaching make going here worth it. The food could be better.
    Tips for prospective students

    No matter what school you choose, but especially in a small school, get involved early to make friends. These people might turn out to be some of the most awesome people you know.
    Great for these types of students

    This school is great for independent students who like to participate in class and can find a balance between classes and a social life.