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Winona State University Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

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

  • 4 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    Krystal from Echo, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Winona is a great college! I am absolutely learning a lot of information in a variety of classes! I am a nursing major, and I brought a year's worth of credits in with me from taking PSEO classes during my junior and senior years of high school. Therefore, most of my classes are prerequisites for the nursing major. Most of my classes are science related classes. I love them! They keep me busy, but I'm doing well in them and learning a lot. The professors are great and easy to talk to! Also, the science building is incredible (my favorite building on campus) so labs are organized as well!
    Am enjoying being here

    I do absolutely love Winona - both the college and the city. The college campus is beautiful! I love how the campus is big enough that you meet new people everyday, but small enough that you recognize people around campus each day, too!
    The bluffs in the city of Winona are a great place to meet up with people and go hiking on. The lake next to campus has a great running/walking path around it that MANY people take advantage of! It's a great way to relax from anxieties of life for a while and just take in some fresh air.
    I love the college life in general! I love the freedom and responsibility of sort of being on my own. Each day is a new experience and it teaches me something new.
    I LOVE Winona State University! :)
    Bang for the buck

    Winona State is an amazing university for a great price! Let's face it, college is expensive no matter where you go. Thankfully, Winona is actually less expensive than many universities! Also, Winona has a great reputation for academics, so it is definitely worth the investment!
    Scholarships are easy to apply for at Winona during the admissions process. Once you are accepted to the university, you are automatically registered for any scholarships you are eligible for from the university. It's that easy!

    Tips for prospective students

    Some students that I know in Winona that are from the Twin Cities or other really big cities sometimes say that the city of Winona doesn't have very many things to do in it. Well if they are from huge cities, Winona obviously isn't going to have all of the entertainment available that those cities have. However, for a small town girl like me, Winona is the perfect sized city to go to college in! College students are so busy and there are so many things to do on campus that I don't feel like I have tons of extra time to drive around the city looking for things to do.
    Other random tips: Apply to the University early and apply for housing as soon as possible. Housing is first come first serve - you will have a much better chance of getting the housing you want if you apply early.
    Also, don't be afraid to email professors and other faculty at the university if you have questions about anything; they are happy to help you and often respect students who show a real effort in their college experience.
    Try to contact your roommate before you move in so you can decide who is bringing what appliances in your dorm. You can also decide if you want to loft your beds or just bunk them.
    Otherwise, just do what you've been told your whole life - do as well as you can in high school and look forward to college with a positive attitude! :)


    Great for these types of students

    I am a farm girl from a really small town, so I wanted to go to a University that was in a nice sized town, but not too crazy at the same time. I do not think that I would have been comfortable in any university in a huge city! Any city that large is at least 2 hours away from where I live, so I'm not used to that atmosphere.
    Winona is a very laid back city with friendly people in it. It's definitely a bigger town than any town in my area of world where I grew up, but it doesn't feel crazy. I feel safe walking around town at any time of day.
    Winona has great science courses and is great for medical majors!

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Lauren from Apple Valley, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I am learning a lot at WSU and the helpful teachers really help out with this. Whenever I have an issue or have questions about a class I find it very easy to meet with the professors to talk about anything and everything.
    Am enjoying being here

    I love going to Winona State because of all of the friends I have made and all of the sporting events, groups and clubs, as well as other fun events such as concerts!
    Tips for prospective students

    Check out West Campus if you don't mind scheduling in a few more minutes for taking the short bus ride to main campus!
    Great for these types of students

    Great for those who like a smaller school that still offers many opportunities.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Anna from Clear Lake, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The classes are excellent and the professors are very knowledgeable about their fields. The classes are very comprehensive and complete. If you are having trouble with a class, Supplemental Instruction and tutoring are incredibly helpful! I have learned a ton since I have been here and feel very ready for my occupation.
    Am enjoying being here

    Winona has a variety of activities to do when you are not studying. Going downtown is always fun and there are a lot of fun shops within walking distance of campus. The lakes always have a beautiful view for walking, running, biking, or rollerblading. There is also free canoeing in the summer and free ice-skating in the winter. Lacrosse and Rochester is a 45 min drive away and has lots of great restaurants and stores. Winona may be small, but it has lots of things to do!
    Bang for the buck

    Winona offers many scholarships ranging from diversity to music to merit to major specified. It is one of the most reasonably priced MNSCU schools in the state and I have saved a lot of money going here. You may not even need college loans!
    Tips for prospective students

    My best advice for prospective students would be to come in with some credits if possible. Not only does it put you ahead of other freshman, but it allows you to choose your classes before the other freshman, makes finishing in four years more likely if you choose to pursue a minor, and gets you used to taking college classes.
    As a freshman, make sure you step out of your comfort zone to meet people. Sure, it will be awkward, but that is the best way to meet friends you will have for the next four years!
    Lastly, explore the scholarships that the school offers. Winona offers many different scholarships for diverse subjects, so you should be able to find one for you. Just spend the time...it's worth it!
    Great for these types of students

    If you are a hard working student who is passionate about what you want to do, this is the place for you to dive right in. Or if you still need to decide and explore your options, this is the perfect place for you!

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Anthony from Winona, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    the campus of the school is beautiful, and has every tree industrious to minnesota growing on the campus.has over 100+ major and minor undergraduate programs, with a wide range of specializations within each department. the staff and professors are friendly, and are always will to help in or out of class.
    Tips for prospective students

    talk with advising counselors about potential career paths. get to know the professors in your department, and the staff you meet will become great resources and contacts for the future. exhaust all options before picking a major, you have plenty of time to graduate, so make sure you graduate with a degree you have a passion for.
    Academic Rigor

    although its a state college, the level of competency required by the average student some times makes you feel you're at an ivy league school. professors are constantly challenging the students to over achieve, and surpass the normal stigma of the undergraduate model. so the students are prepared for the career path they have chosen.
    Dorm Life

    winona houses more then 3000 students on campus, and on 2 residential campus located about a half mile east and west of main campus, with a shuttle schedule for student transport. wsu is constantly renovating the dorms to keep them updated with the demands of the student body. in 2010 they opened two new housing facilities for upper clansmen just across the street from campus to facilitate on campus living in an apartment style setting.
    Food and Dining

    the food is absolutely fantastic. chartwells our dinning service offers two main cafeterias, on recently remodeled in 2009 on main campus, and the lourdes dinning hall on west campus. the variety of the food changes everyday, so there are always new options! on campus there is a large area in the commons building that sports a convince store, a burger joint, a sub shop, smoothies, and the smaug, that opens during lunch hours offering students, mexican, asian, italian, and soups for lunch.
    What to do for fun

    the college is constantly holding events like, concerts, comedians, informational speakers, ect. every week there is some college sponsored event going on. around the town, winona is right on the mississippi river, and surrounded by bluffs. iv spend many days exploring the surrounding environment and always finding something to, like swimming and hiking, during the summer months. each residence hall has a volleyball court that are open in fall and late spring. students are always having pick up games, and its a great way to meet people. in the winter when the small lakes freeze over they make for great skating rinks for out door activities. year round the wellness center has a indoor track, two basketball courts, and a whole level of weight lifting equipment to occupy your time no matter what time of the year it is. winona is very touristy and has tons of unique shops downtown and round the area that always have something interesting in them. there is just so many things i could list off, but ill let you discover the rest on your own.
    Bang for the buck

    the cost of state college now days is getting more expensive. between tuition, housing, school supplies, and food you end up spending a decent amount of money. winona offers students countless scholarships to students, and on campus jobs. probably the best part about wsu is that they give you a laptop, as part as there e warrior program. the laptop is used as a person laptop that the school leases to you, and every two year's gives you a new up dated laptop. the computers all come preloaded with the most up to date soft wear of every program you could use for school. they also give the students the option of a windows laptop, or a macintosh laptop.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    wsu has a huge basketball legacy, in the past 6 years the team has won two national division two championships, one in 2006 the other in 2008, and have been ranked in the top 25 since then. the campus also offers a wide variety of study areas and beautiful architecture, from a terrace over looking the campus, to quiet study room in the library. every student will find a comfortable study space in every building.
    Great for these types of students

    wsu is great for all kinds of students. its big enough that i always has something going on, but its small enough were the professors know your name. the student body has so much diversity, that its almost impossible to not meet a large variety of people, and make friends.
    Clubs and Activities

    wsu has over 100 clubs and is constantly offering students opportunities to get involved in community and campus activities.
    Greek Life

    even though wsu is a state college we still sport a greek counsel. fraternity and sororities at wsu are: delta phi epsilon, delta sigma pi, phi beta sigma fraternity, phi theta chi, pi lambda phi fraternity, pi sigma epsilon, sigma sigma sigma, and tau kappa epsilon.
    Campus Safety

    there is a 24 hour security service on campus that is constantly patrolling the campus. there are also emergency responder kiosks, that when activated dispatch local police to the location of the kiosk, and connect a direct line to an emergency responder while emulating a high pitched noise to draw attention to the area.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Samantha from Robbinsdale, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The best part about Winona State University is the small campus (and very beautiful) along with the small classroom sizes. As a Mass Communications major, the majority of my classes are discussion based. When the classes are smaller ranging from 10-25 students, it really gives everyone a great opportunity to get to know their peers and the other students who are interested in the same thing you are! It allows you to get outside of the box and meet some truly fascinating people! Plus, knowing your colleagues makes it so much easier to learn, participate and truly enjoy learning.
    The professors at Winona State have been truly incredible and some of the most helpful and dedicated people I've met. After building strong relationships with some professors, I've been able to learn so much more about the future and was able to get all of the help I needed without feeling embarrassed or uncomfortable. My advisor and professor has opened so many doors for me and not only encouraged me to do my best, but inspired me to do even better. They are one of the best characteristics of Winona State!
    Am enjoying being here

    The town is wonderful and although there isn't much to do, simply being outside is plentiful. The beautiful bluffs give a breath of fresh air every day I look outside my window, and biking around the lakes will always remain one of my favorite pass times here. If you're not one for nature, going to WalMart in the middle of the night is always interesting and fun! There aren't too many distractions around so it's great to be able to focus on what's really important, and frankly the whole reason you're here--school! I have met some incredible people and made some amazing friends, and the best part is that I continue to do so as I grow! Everyone is really friendly and it's not a rare occurrence to walk by a stranger and hear a friendly greeting.
    Bang for the buck

    Winona State can be very affordable if you live off of campus. While I wouldn't change my freshman year for the world, I spent a lot of money living on west campus in a single dorm paying for a daily meal plan. Watch where you stay and make your own food as much as possible! I know campus food is convenient, but it certainly adds up!
    As a junior, I now live in my very own house with four other girls and pay my own rent, heat, electricity and cable. While this may seem like a lot, but sharing these expenses with roommates and paying as you go is certainly cheaper in the long run! If you stick to this strategy and simply pay for classes, Winona State University is definitely worth your buck!
    Tips for prospective students

    Be yourself! Everyone else will be shy upon moving in, but everything will work itself out. As long as you're open, outgoing and most importantly willing to get to know people that are different from you, you will undoubtably meet some of the most incredible people.
    You don't need a roommate! I didn't have one and still met some great friends. I never had a problem meeting people and in fact, loved my space and time to myself. If you'd rather have one, go for it! In most cases it works out just fine, and if you find that you and your roommate clash-that's perfectly fine! This will be a growing experience and you won't regret it.
    Go to class! I know that it seems pretty awesome that you can skip whenever you want, but trust me, more professors want you in class than not. If you skip, you may be setting yourself up for failure by missing notes, assignments and participation. As most of my classes are discussion based, the professor notice if you're there or not and take this into account when grading. Go to class and get noticed! Talk and interact and participate. This will do you much more good than harm.
    Be safe! This will be the first time for many (including myself) to go off to parties and experiment with drinking and drugs. While this is inevitable and whether or not you participate, you need to watch your back! You will be considered guilty by association even if you stay sober. So be safe! If you choose to drink and party (and there's nothing wrong with this), use your head! Stay with a loyal friend who will watch your back. Watch the time and make sure your priorities are straight. Don't overdo it and learn your limits. If you do this, you'll make some incredible memories.
    Great for these types of students

    If you're someone who loves nature, learning, being outside, meeting great people and wanting to be your best, Winona State University is the right school for you. If you get distracted easily, it's great to not have all of those fast food places and stores were you can easily waste your time and money (I know I would!). If you love small classroom sizes and an easy campus to navigate around with some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet, you are sure to love Winona State and be happy as a clam here. Schedule a tour today!

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Chelsea from Watertown, WI

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Did learn a lot

    All of my classes at Winona were fantastic. The majority of my professors were easy to get along with and willing to help me out in whatever way possible. And the ones who weren't willing to reach out and get to know the class were still very knowledgeable. The class sizes were small and great for personalized learning. The largest class I took had about 70 people in it, but it still felt small and intimate. I personally didn't feel very challenged by course curriculum, even with a 15 credit course load, but that's most likely due to the fact that they were all freshman, entry level classes.
    Did enjoy being here

    Winona is a beautiful town with lots of things to do if you go out looking for them. There's a great movie theater, a club, an aquatic center, the lake, hiking the bluffs, and many other places to explore in town. The only downside, I felt, was that there's no transportation - so you either have to know someone with a car, or get ready to hike around town. I fell into the second category. The school also is great at organizing events and providing things to do.
    Bang for the buck

    Overall, Winona provides a fantastic education for it's cost. Most universities either cost thousands more per semester, or they cost just as much as Winona, but don't offer nearly as many diverse classes as Winona does.
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure that you want a small-town college. When I toured Winona, I loved the campus itself, but after moving there, I realized the overall town was too small and claustrophobic for me. I needed a bigger city.

    If possible, come with a car. It makes traveling around the city much more enjoyable.

    Try to live on West Campus if that feels like the right place for you - it's slightly more expensive, and it can sometimes be a nightmare waiting for the bus, but it was a fantastic experience for me. West Campus goes above and beyond to create special events just for its tenants - there are study areas, tennis courts, a fitness center, pool, cafeteria, and anything you'd desperately need right there. Not to mention, Dominos is only a few blocks away.

    Make sure to get in touch with your roommate before move in day - that way no one's bringing two of everything and it's less stressful trying to figure out how to fit everything into your room.

    Get invovled. I personally suffered from terrible homesickness and just felt like staying in my room, skyping my friends, but you really need to put yourself out there. The first week is full of activities like comedians and movies, and it's a great way to connect with everyone. Keep your dorm door open and feel free to introduce yourself to anyone who walks past. Take time to hang out in floor lounges to get to get to meet people. Also, take the time to venture out around town and see what there all is to offer right away.
    Great for these types of students

    Students looking for a small town feel/who are intimidated by bigger-city schools. It almost has a high school vibe to it, where you can get to know and recognized the majority of the people on campus.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Casi from Eagan, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    Watch out for professors who don't care at all. Some blab on about nothing at all, but sneak in information.
    Great for these types of students

    Those who like smaller towns, a school that is the size of a larger high school.

  • 2 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Kelsey from Nerstrand, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • Samantha from Zumbrota, MN

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

    Categories Rating Comments
    Dorm Life

    The dorms are really nice and you get to meet many new people in them! I reccomend you stay on campus to get the feel of them!
    Food and Dining

    The food is great at Winona State University. So much variety that you will always get what you want!
    What to do for fun

    There is always something to do at Winona, a game or a concert or just go out and hang with friends!

  • Carissa from Eagan, MN

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

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Location
    What to do for fun

    Located in a great area. There are many things to do such as hiking or going for a walk and looking at the beautiful scenery.
    Great for these types of students

    People from the cities looking to still be around things and semi close to the twin cities.

  • Elizabeth from Moorpark, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    this school has an amazing academic program which is both rigorous and challenging. it provides a community experience and makes sure students stay involved in campus events. the fact that winona is a technology school makes it very appealing as well as the fairly low cost of tuition.
    Tips for prospective students

    keep organized
    don't get caught up too much in outside activities. know your limits
    Academic Rigor

    very challenging, but not too challenging to the point of being impossible. the staff is more than willing to help, so students simply need to ask.
    Dorm Life

    i very much enjoy my experience with dorm life and i will be working as a resident assistant this upcoming year.
    Food and Dining

    there is a large variety of food choices available, and chartwells works collaboratively with our residence hall association to meet the needs and wants of students on campus.
    What to do for fun

    i love to do everything outdoors, and there are many fun outdoor activities in winona. downtown is a beautiful place to walk and there are plenty of good resturaunts, and there are also many museums available to explore.
    Bang for the buck

    tuition is very low compared to in california and it is easy for me to get into the classes i want in order to graduate on time.
    Great for these types of students

    outdoorsy and active
    Clubs and Activities

    i am involved in 5 clubs on campus and attend extra-curricular activites on a regular basis, and i enjoy this very much!
    Greek Life

    there is some, but i am not involved.
    Campus Safety

    there are security guards on the bottom floor of my dorm, we can call security at any time if we think we are in trouble, and there are security posts around campus which you can press if you are in need of help. i feel very safe when i am on campus.

  • Elizabeth from Eden Prairie, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Winona State, the first school for education west of the Mississippi, has a lot of history. It is a school that is always changing. The university can feel separate from the city even though it is right in the middle of town.
    Tips for prospective students

    Become involved, don't limit your social circle, and know that the reason you are there is for an education.
    Academic Rigor

    A couple years ago when I was a freshman it was easy for me to fall behind in my schoolwork. My classes have always been laid back and less competitive. I have been able to find a way to push myself to succeed and achieve my own academic expectations.
    Dorm Life

    I lived in a single dorm away from the main campus for my freshman year and did not have a significantly enjoyable experience. Since then I have lived off campus and consider it to be much worse. I would go back to the dorms if living with my cat was not a priority!
    Food and Dining

    Chartwells is always trying to improve. I appreciate them trying to accomodate my vegan diet, but overall the food is not the healthiest. The salad bar is the best on days that they have spinach available!
    What to do for fun

    Ultimate frisbee with friends has always been the fun thing to do. I like to get a disc out between classes in the courtyard and see who is around to throw a little.
    Bang for the buck

    Compared to other schools this has a great bang for its buck. I still think the price of tuition is high but then I remember what students are paying at other schools for the same degree and education. There are great professors here, but it is ALWAYS good to know what the professor is like before you take up their course!
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    The ultimate frisbee club has a tradition of playing the campus golf course. This is similar to frisbee golf, but the target for each hole is something on campus and you use beat up ultimate discs. This has been around for something like twenty years and has been able to stay relatively the same until a new building was added last year. It is great fun!
    Great for these types of students

    Winona State is great for students who like the outdoors. Recreation Tourism and Therapeutic Recreation has a lot to offer. This is not my major but these students have always been really interesting to me. They're energetic, fun, yet relaxed and always living in the moment.
    Clubs and Activities

    I don't have time to do all the clubs I wish I could. I have spent most of my time involved with ultimate frisbee and was captain for the women's team for a while. This is so much fun and a great way to meet students and blow off some steam. I'm recently involved in Environmental club.. awesome for those who like to surround themselves by others that share a desire to protect the environment!
    Greek Life

    My best friend from grade school is involved in Winona State's greek life but I am honestly not a fan. There's not much to it but it is all annoying to me!
    Campus Safety

    Campus is very safe! Sometimes I want to say too safe, but it's better to be safe than sorry! There are Blue Lights located allover campus, where you can press an emergency button for campus security to come find you.

  • Jake from Winona, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • Michael from Altoona, WI

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

    Categories Rating Comments
    Great for these types of students

    I have visited the campus and it is beautiful , the Mississippi is right in it's backyard with plenty of trails, not to mention the bluffs for the adventurous types. The registration experience was painless as well the faculty genuinely want to help each student get the most from their experience. Not to mention the small class sizes will be a big benefit in being able to have one on one time with professors.

  • N

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Did learn a lot

    The class sizes are small compared to many other colleges and so there is a lot of interaction between peers and the professors. All the professors I had were very helpful though office hours and emails. But I definitely had to put in some hours of study to learn all the material on my own.
    Did enjoy being here

    The town and campus are beautiful! Since it is in a small town, there isn't a ton of things going on. There are lots of school sponsored activities that you could be involved in.
    Bang for the buck

    Winona is pretty cheap compared to other schools I looked at and since it is a good school I would say yes!
    Tips for prospective students

    -apply early
    -email professors if you are lost in class
    - join study groups early. this will help you meet people and study together
    -join other extra curricular activities.
    -go to the games- football, bball, etc
    -don't party too much!
    Great for these types of students

    Students who would like to live in a smaller, more laid back town with out a ton of disturbances. The people are really friendly! It is cold, so be prepared with lots of warm clothes!

  • Deanna from Minneapolis, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Winona State is a great school, they have some good programs and they really try to help you succeed and get good grades.They have very good teachers who are willing to help and have very convenient office hours.
    Am enjoying being here

    Winona State is a great place, there are lots of nice people, who are friendly and love to have fun. You are sure to make lots of friends here. They have lots of clubs and organizations to join to help you make friends. They also have lots of sports too.
    Bang for the buck

    Winona State is a very cheap school with good classes and learning programs. You get a lot for your money at Winona State. It's a great school and yet still affordable for everyone.