Alvernia University
Reading, PA, USA

Reviews

Alvernia University

Mariah from Smyrna, DE

accepted here and planning to attend soon
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
I believe that by attending Alvernia University I will learn many things; about my major and about life itself.
Will enjoy being here
I am very excited for the fall and for all the things that Alvernia has to offer me!
Bang for the buck
Unfortunately, it is to soon for me to tell but I have high hopes for the school. So all I can do is go in with a open mind and hope for the best.
Tips for prospective students
My words of wisdom is apply in the beginning of your senior year, visit the campus, and apply for the merit scholarships the school offers!
Great for these types of students
From what I have seen and experienced Alvernia is for the laid back traditional type of person. Although, Alvernia has a lot of activities to offer the students it is not as hectic as some of the other colleges that are out there. Fortunately, Alvernia is not a party school; so if that is what you are going to school for Alvernia is not the choice for you. Alvernia is also not the type of school for the student that sports are very important too. There are sports available but the college is no where near a Penn State or a Duke when it comes to thier athletic programs.

Kelsey from Bensalem, PA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The teachers here are great. They help you reach your goals and they enjoy seeing that you care about your education. I have learned a lot from my teachers and have gained knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
Am enjoying being here
I love it here. The dorms are comfortable, the staff is wonderful, and because the campus is so small, you can get from one side of the campus to the other in five minutes. There is always something going on, be it a game, a comedian, or just a coffeehouse singer in the crusader cafe.
Bang for the buck
The tuition is a little high but it does have more of a private small school feel. It is a small campus so you get to know a lot of people and overall the people are friendly. Overall, it is a great school and you definitely will have a tough time finding another campus that is as laid back and comfortable as this one.
Tips for prospective students
Come visit the campus and check it out before you apply. I suggest checking out the campus schedule and coming on a day where there is either an activity or a game going on so you can get the true feel of what it is like here.
Great for these types of students
This school is great if you are serious about your education. If you do not care about your grades then you will not get good ones. The teachers are sympathetic and reasonable and will help you in any way that they can. This school also has great Occupational Therapy, Athletic Training, Criminal Justice, and Nursing programs.

Jocelyn from Catonsville, MD

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Alvernia University is helpful and positive. The staff really cares and wants you to become a better person. This college is going to be exciting and enriching.
Tips for prospective students
If something seems weird or mixed up, email people!! You really have to take responsibility for getting everything in to them and making sure they have it. Visit the campus and stay the night if possible and attend a class.
Academic Rigor
The professors seems very serious about teaching you and making sure you know what they're teaching you, yet they aren't so high strung or busy that they wouldn't talk to you or listen if you're having trouble.
Dorm Life
I'm going to have a triple in Veronica. I've seen pictures, and it seems alright so far.

But for the sophomores and up, there are these beautiful pods where around nine people have a pod, and there is a washer and dryer in the front, two hallways on the sides (one has double rooms one has singles) and then a double kitchen with two sinks, stove, stovetop, dishwasher, and a fridge, then there is a beautiful living room with couches and the giant window. So lovely. Then there are also townhouses and apartments.

I have a feeling that they're all quite expensive, but totally worth it.
Food and Dining
So much variety. If you go, try a little bit of everything. There is a pizza station, sandwich making station, salad bar, cereal dispensers, fruit, fries, burgers. There is so much to get! If you don't like one thing, try another! Oh and there's also an ice cream cart thingy.
What to do for fun
Lots of community service stuff. There's trips to Philly, New York, and a few other localish places. They have the Alvernia Olympics in the spring, and they quad is usually busy. They also have people come like comedians, and musicians to perform. If you want your favorite to come, all you have to do is ask someone and they'll try their best to make it happen.
Bang for the buck
It is pretty darn expensive for a kid who had neither parents graduate college and only one has a job, but if you're well off, then go for it!!

But the less fortunate, don't fear: I got lots of aid. And if you go crazy looking for scholarships, then you'll probably be fine!!

However, I do think that this school is going to be worth every penny because of all the events, trips, services, and everything pays off for the big tuition.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
You need 40 hours of community service to graduate.

Sound like a lot? No way. By doing ONE day of community service, your WHOLE college career, you're done. Seriously. That is what they told us. So don't fear.
Great for these types of students
Students who want to learn, have small classes with good teachers, meet caring and decent people, and do community service and such. If you really like baseball and basketball.
Clubs and Activities
They seems to have tons of clubs and everyone there is crazy friendly, so even if you want to try something new like theatre or knitting, people will welcome you and help you out.
Greek Life
No frats or sororities
Campus Safety
They seem to be very safe. No worries about walking at night, just don't go alone.

Patricia from Reading, PA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I think Alvernia is one of the top colleges in PA. It has excellent instructors who are great role models and has a high set of morals.
I have gone to Alvernia for my bachelor's degree and I not only obtained an excellent education but I learned much about life's values.
Tips for prospective students
Be open minded and stick to your educational goals. Since Alvernia is not known as a party school that is actually a benefit to the students attending the college.
Academic Rigor
Academically it has much to offer. I think it carries a lot of weight
when going for a job.
Dorm Life
I was a commuter then & I will be a commuter now. I am basing my rating on what others who are in the dorms have told me.
Food and Dining
When I went there in the 90's, it was good in the area of food & dining.
I have just started back there for my masters degree and have not eaten there as of yet.
What to do for fun
I am a retired female returning to Alvernia for my masters degree, so I don't do anything there as far as my social life.
I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, gardening and learning as I am obviously a life long learner!
I do plan on getting involved on some groups that will help the community since I did this in the past and it was very rewarding to me.
Bang for the buck
I think the money that I spent to go to Alvernia for my bachelors degree was worth every last penny. I got more than an education at Alvernia, I learned what the most important values in life are and right living.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
When I went to Alvernia in the past, you were required to do community service of some kind which I found unusual but a great idea and I am so glad that I did it. I continued doing it once that I got my
bachelors degree as well.
Great for these types of students
All types of students can benefit from what is offered at Alvernia.
Clubs and Activities
I remember being in the club for drug & alcohol which helped others in the community. There are many clubs and activities for the students available on campus and in the surrounding area.
Greek Life
I have no comments here.
Campus Safety
From going there in the past as well as currently just starting back, I
think the safety on campus appears to be of high priority.

Ana from Gettysburg, PA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Alvernia University is a great small school. The professors are always willing to help you in whatever you need. There are bunch of ways to get involved and meet others.
Dorm Life
The dorm life is very good. In clare hall you have your own bathroom with your roommates which I really liked. You make new friends on different floors.
Food and Dining
The food is good. There are different types of food you can choose. The people in the dining are always helpful.

Sarah from Reading, PA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
After I transferred to Alvernia from reading area community college, I saw a huge difference. The campus is much quieter and the teachers really get to know you. There are so many great majors, and with the help of the great faculty, I am sure I will succeed.
Tips for prospective students
Alvernia is a great school and has so many majors to choose from. Even if you are unsure of your major, faculty will assist you in this important decision. You will feel welcomed and comfortable at Alvernia no matter what.
Academic Rigor
I am in the occupational therapy program, and it is certainly challenging. This is expected due to it being a masters program, but teachers will do anything to help you. Alvernia is a an accredited school that has a high placement rate, so the faculty is carrying out their duties as educators.
Dorm Life
I am a commuter, but every apartment or room I have been in has seemed very nice. All of my friends that live on campus have no complaints and appear to be content with their surroundings.
Food and Dining
Alvernia has dining areas in almost every building. This is useful for when classes are close together, and there is no time to go to the opposite side of campus. There is also a variety of choices, including healthy choices.
What to do for fun
Alvernia is a catholic university and campus ministry does an awesome job. Campus ministry keeps everyone involved through emails and flyers all around the school. They do everything from having fascinating guest speakers to school dances.
Bang for the buck
Alvernia is definitely not a cheap school, but after taking everything into account it is worth it. I am certain that I will have a job right after college. I am also certain that I am receiving the proper education to fulfill by future role of being an occupational therapist.
Campus Safety
Campus safety is everywhere, and it is really comforting. Reading is not the safest place to be at, but you can always count on campus safety to be around.

Kristin from Titusville, NJ

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This is a small school. This school has a growing incoming freshmen rate. This school has a variety of students.
Tips for prospective students
My tips are to get in contact with your future roommates, get out and do things offered on campus, and do not be afraid to ask questions to any mentor around you.
What to do for fun
I am always attending campus activities on campus. The movies, trips, and sporting events.
Great for these types of students
Who love a small campus, with a large amount of kids.
Campus Safety
Super safe!

Carissa from Gibbstown, NJ

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I have learned so much being at Alvernia University. Here i have not only learned a lot about the classes that I have taken my first semester, I have also learned how to fend for myself and be responsible. Although this college is a Catholic University, they do not enforce being catholic on the people that attend here. Every student gets a fair chance at succeeding and are also given a good environment to learn at the same time.
Am enjoying being here
There are always fun and discounted activities to do here and if the activity you want is not here you can add it by getting a group of friends together with he same interest as you to make the club. One activity that I enjoyed at a discounted price was the trip to Times Square New York City. It only coasted twenty dollars being a student to attend the New York City trip. The best part was, since we are adults we did not need to be chaperoned, we were just required to meet up at the dedicated bus boarding place so the bus would not leave us.
Bang for the buck
Although Alvernia is a costly school, it has great teachers and small class sizes so each student is known by his or her own name and not a number in the class. also if any student is having a problem in with their dorm mates then you can easily switch at the office of Residence life who will let you search for an open place that would be more suitable for you. Do not worry about the hallways being loud, in every dorm building there is a room dedicated to studying and the library is open until midnight every night and the walk is very short. Alvernia is a very safe campus and I have never felt uneasy walking the campus alone, although you should always go in pairs.
Tips for prospective students
Great tips for new students would be: do not procrastinate on any assignment. In college teachers are different then in high school they will not cut you slack if you are late on a paper you will pay the price, take advantage of the library and the free paper because you are paying for them to keep supplied and you might as well take advantage of it, also keep an open mind and always try new things because without experience you may never know what could have happened.
Great for these types of students
If you want a small campus that is walkable in 10 minutes then this campus is for you. Also many students that come to alvernia go home on weekends or commute so the campus is usually pretty empty on weekends. It is in a good area and about 10 minutes form the mall and about an hour and a half away from Philly and New York. This school has great views and you will always feel safe, and its defiantly not a party school. People here are way more dedicated to their studies then anything else. And the class sizes are small and the teachers are always willing to help a student that needs it.

Chynelle from Philadelphia, PA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Teachers are very caring. I went to Connection Day a few weeks ago and the teachers are very enthusiastic about teaching. The school shows that they strive for excellence and will help you be the best you can be.
Am enjoying being here
Dorms are very roomy compared to other dorms. Freshmans have 3 options to choose from housing options. One is even a suite, which I will have in the fall of 2010. People are very friendly. I made 5 friends on Connection Day just from the group activity thatwe all did. Also, they help keep you on campus to make feel more homey there. They have so much activities to do.
Bang for the buck
Although the price is typical for any private college/university, they offer so much. They do so many things there and are always traveling to different countries. The campus is very pretty and well kept. Laundry is free and free IT support for your computer. They are always expanding the campus to make it better. If you want something done, all you have to do is suggest it, and most likely it will be done. There are so many class to choose from too. I'm taking a class where you can learn how to play the guitar and earning credits for it.
Tips for prospective students
-You will have no problem fitting in. There is so much stuff to do, you will find a place
-Although there are no frats and sors, they do have academic clubs where it's almost the same thing, but you don't have to pay fees like frars and sor.
-Don't let the religion part of the college keep you from applying or visiting the campus. They are open to all religions and don't force you to practice one type of religion.
-Eat at the caf. The food is actually pretty good.
-Students at the school is pretty big on drinking and drugs too.
Great for these types of students
-Students interested in the arts. They are building a new theater.
-Looking for a good education
-Expand on their learning and have good options for the schedule
-Looking for a safe and beautiful campus
-Like baseball and basketball