Champlain College
Burlington, VT, USA

Reviews

Champlain College

Amber from Warren, RI

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Champlain has a lot of great teachers that don't hesitate to take their personal time to make you the best you can be. Whenever people said that I'd always think they were being paid but honestly it's true. It's only been one year but I've improved a lot since I came here.
Am enjoying being here
There's an endless possibility of things to do here. From free movie nights to gingerbread house making right before Christmas plus an array of other activities suited for nearly every interest out there. If it doesn't exist, it's so easy to make it and find others interested as well! The dorms are cozy and it's not hard to find friends or something to do around town.
Bang for the buck
Despite this being a private college, it's a little pricey. If it wasn't one of the best for my major and didn't have so much to do I'd say it wasn't worth it but it's alright for what I'm learning.
Tips for prospective students
When you get there you'll find you have a heck of a lot of freedom, teachers won't care if you show up to class but they sure as heck won't care if you fall behind because of fooling around either. If you're not serious in what you're doing (and I'm not talking about the occasional mental health day) then you'll fall behind quick and it's hard to come back up. Don't make too many mistakes and you'll make it just fine.
Great for these types of students
Champlain is great for people who love the environment; they put a lot of emphasis on it. It's also good for people who like to put a heck of a lot of extra time into their in-class assignments. Most classes require it anyway but if you enjoy working on things at home or in your dorm until it's perfected then you'll excel here in no time.

Olivia from Burlington, NY

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
champlain college offers its students every opportunity during their time at the school. international studies, internship availability, real-world information and skills, among many more are included along with the curriculum of classes in each major. champlain aims to prepare its student population for a life outside of college; upon graduation, students are on the pathway to success.
Tips for prospective students
champlain college faculty and staff will work to ensure that you receive the best education possible. small class sizes help students to stand out so that they are not just a face in a lecture hall. integrated learning, career services and opportunities such as annual job and internship fairs allow students to experience the real world early on. take advantage of what the school has to offer and you will be pleasantly surprised!
Dorm Life
students love the victorian housing during their first year! for upperclassmen, the lakeview building on campus is equipped with spacious rooms and a great view of lake champlain! there are also off-campus housing options, quarry hill and spinner place, which are apartment-style living arrangements. shuttles run from campus to these buildings every 15 minutes during the week.
Food and Dining
our dining hall is run by chef sandy; whatever she says goes! we have a pizza station, salad bar, sandwich station, entre station, international options, and everybody's favorite ice cream corner! there is also a champlain dining hall facebook page which lists all meal options throughout the day for students to view ahead of time. students are able to communicate with sandy and the other chefs and give feedback about the food.
What to do for fun
burlington is the ultimate college town! church street is everyone's favorite downtown place to be, with various hole-in-the-wall eateries, the mall, street vendors and the park. the waterfront is gorgeous in both summer and winter, offering a spectacular view of lake champlain and plattsburgh, new york. for the skiers and snowboarders, champlain is within close range of mountains such as sugarbush, killington, jay peak and stowe. champlain also offers discounted season passes for its students; how does a $30 season pass to sugarbush sound?
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
the fireside lounge, housing the only working fireplace on campus, is a great place for students to relax in between classes and it is also the place for the grind on wednesday evenings. the grind is our open mic night! students can sing, dance, read poetry, whatever they would like for an audience of respectful and open-minded peers.

first-year residential housing is guaranteed; students will live in remodeled victorian homes. gorgeous brick buildings lining the residential area of champlain's campus serve as comfortable homes for new students.

free movie nights every other thursday of each month! students are shuttled by free taxi from campus to the local movie theatre where they are presented with a free movie pass to a film of their choice.

trips put together by the wilderness planning committee: ice climbing, bobsledding in lake placid on the olympic track, white water rafting in maine, a ropes course in new york, and many more.
Great for these types of students
skiers and snowboarders love the elongated winters and easy access to local mountains.

graphic designers have a menagerie of local landscape to serve as inspiration.

game design/cit curriculum consists of state-of-the-art equipment and hard-working professors. it is champlain's most popular major.

Clubs and Activities
there is something for everyone!

champ - champlain's student-run planning committee (snowball, spring meltdown, spirit week, comedian/mind reader/psychic visitors)

saps (student activity planners) - fondue/movie nights, twister tournaments, be a kid night, tarot card reader/astrologer visits, henna night

wilderness planning committee - ice climbing, white water rafting, snow shoeing, ropes course, bobsledding

intramural sports - basketball, volleyball, dodgeball, ultimate frisbee, soccer, lacrosse, rugby (division iii, our only divisional sport)

active minds - starting the conversation about mental health in college students

sga (student government association) - funding for student clubs, the voice of the student population

Campus Safety
campus public safety is located right down the street from campus and are always just a phone call away. our blue light system on campus is connected to both cps and the burlington police department. there has never been a safety situation in which it has been used.

Alexander from Wells, ME

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I'm learning things that actually apply to ME and the things I want to do when I graduate. The professors are actually interested in teaching you the skills you'll need to get a job once you're in the real world.
Am enjoying being here
I LOVE CHAMPLAIN
Great for these types of students
Champlain is great for anyone who enjoys small colleges and a close community of great people.

Melissa from South Chesterfield, VA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The faculty at Champlain embodies an innovative and culturally rich mind focused on social and global welfare. The student body represents the hope for the future that all people share. The location of Burlington offers the greatest diversity you will ever experience.
Tips for prospective students
Always work hard. Become close with your professors. Be prepared to do your part in the community.
Academic Rigor
You will work hard in your courses, but you will take away so much more than you ever expected. Your professors will not let you slip thru the cracks, and you will learn more about yourself and the world around you in even the most academic of classes.
Dorm Life
You have the choice between living in restored Victorian mansions, modern suite-style dorms, or apartment-style housing. All housing options are within a short walking distance of downtown Burlington and Lake Champlain, which has the best nightlife and culture around!
Food and Dining
Sodexo, which runs the dining hall, offers numerous options for students of all diets. Vegetarian and vegan meals are never hard to find, and choices range from Asian cuisine to pizza to sandwiches and much more! Late-night dining is offered Tuesday thru Friday and features student favourites to fuel late-night study sessions.
What to do for fun
Downtown Burlington is THE place to go for all things cool. Art exhibits, live music, numerous bars, fine dining, unique shops and much more are featured on the beloved cobblestone Church Street, which serves as the centerpiece to downtown Burlington. Not to mention that downtown is lined by the gorgeous Lake Champlain, the largest non-Great Lakes lake in the U.S.
Bang for the buck
While the cost of attendance is a little high, this ever-growing private school has everything a student could ever want: dedicated, approachable and available faculty; endless course offerings to expand the mind and one's understanding of the world around them; the opportunity to study abroad at many of Champlain's international campuses and third party affiliates (which extend to countries such as Ireland, Australia and China, to name a few); a priceless location that has something for everybody; and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet crowds of people who are just as unique, intelligent and driven as you!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Graduates are given a telescope when they walk across the stage that mimics the telescope of Samuel de Champlain, whom the lake and college are named after. Other than our official mascot Chauncy Beaver, Linus the Cat (a lovable little furball who lives two blocks from the school and constantly roams our campus) is our honorary campus mascot. Humans vs. Zombies is a campus-wide competition played for one week, twice a year. IT GETS INTENSE.
Great for these types of students
Outgoing
Globally minded
Socially minded
World travelers
SnoBros
Skateboarders/Longboarders
Entrepreneurs
Innovators
Fun-lovers!
Clubs and Activities
Ski and Ride
Center for Service and Civic Engagement
Writers' Club
Forensic Club
Champlain Auto Enthusiast
Rugby Team
Tennis Team
FIREHOSE
LEAD
BYOBiz
Greek Life
While Champlain does not host any sororities or fraternities, our neighbour, the University of Vermont, is always welcoming of Champlain students into their Greek life.
Campus Safety
PubSafe is always on the prowl, and always there to help if you get locked out of your room!

Student @ CC

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Good small school, for anyone who loves a class not more than 24 students. Great reputation and still growing, and above all good school especially for business majors. I would recommend anyone to come and check out Champlain College in VT.
Academic Rigor
Great professor and very nice teaching environment to be part of.
Food and Dining
Great food and very nice and friendly place to go to eat after a long hard studying.
What to do for fun
Sports, and many more great stuff that it offers.
Campus Safety
Campus safety patrolling 24/7 for keeping safe college and students.

Jacob from Wood River, IL

researching this school
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Despite living 1,000 miles I way, I feel that Champlain is the best option for me as a prospective Game Design student. This is highlighted by their focus on your major and the studying abroad possibilities in Montreal. Also, after visiting, I truly like the feel of the campus.
Tips for prospective students
Attending Champlain costs A LOT of money. This may be ca problem for many people. If it wasn't for my expectation of scholarships (from several different sources), Champlain probably would not be on my radar because of this.
Academic Rigor
The academic systems at Champlain are different than what one would expect from college. In Game Design especially, the majority of the assessments are project based, instead of a quiz, test or other written assignment. I believe this is a good change, since you are actually able to show your abilities.
Dorm Life
The dorm life at Champlain seems to be quite reasonable, with several options. They offer room sizes between 1 and 4 people, if I remember correctly. Each floor seems to well knit, having the bedrooms and a center area for intermingling between students. There seems to be more than enough space for a student, compared to other schools I have visited.
Food and Dining
It's difficult for me to answer this, only visiting. However, there seems to be a nice range of options for dining. Also, off-campus, Church Street offers many nice restaurants with a fun feel.
What to do for fun
Burlington certainly isn't the most exciting area. However, Lake Champlain is a lovely visit and Church Street offers a plethora of opportunities for fun.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
During my visit, the describe a winter sports event they do in the middle of the Upperclassmen dorms. This sounded like a very enjoyable and special experience.
Great for these types of students
I think Champlain is a great fit for other potential Game Design students. Compared to other programs I've seen, you go much deeper into the technology and industry. This puts you in a much better place after graduation. Spending a semester in Montreal is also a tremendous opportunity to work in one of the world's biggest game design areas.

Pamela from Dallas, GA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Champlain College provides an online opportunity for students to complete their health-care related degree. The administration is available to you through the continuous process and provides instruction on the Angel Learning dashboard, registration, financial aide and is available for questions. Champlain also has an online bookstore to purchase or rent the textbooks required for courses.
Tips for prospective students
Some tips for prospective students are; if you are self-disciplined and enjoy online education the instructors provide quality learning and challenging class opportunities. Champlain requires an on-site internship during the middle of the degree program. They also offer a graduate certificate in Health-care Quality Improvement.
Academic Rigor
The academic rigor is comparable to other colleges. The professors provide adequate lessons that requires interaction with classmates, and provides research opportunities with real-life scenarios. Some of the professors require an agenda that is filled with daily lessons and at least one major paper per week and one team project due by the end of the eight week period.
Dorm Life
I am an online student, so I cannot speak to the dorm life at Champlain. I can only imagine being in the Vermont mountainous region and waking up to that view everyday would be awesome!
Food and Dining
I am an online student and once again cannot speak to the food and dining.
What to do for fun
I started taking violin lessons in the spring, write short stories, sing and write songs. Enjoy time with my family and friends.
Great for these types of students
I am an online student and feel this is an excellent online educational experience if you are an online learner. If you are self-disciplined this course will provide a great experience for you.

I93

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Champlain College is the perfect for everyone seeking a degree in business or technology. With a beautiful campus and incredible teachers Champlain College is a top choice. Champlain's campus is worth a visit, check it out for yourself.
Tips for prospective students
Relax, and prepare for an awesome first year where you are going to meet a bunch of friends and teachers. Be sure to keep an open mind.
Academic Rigor
Generally, class are excellent and the teachers are incredibly helpful. Tips for success are write it down, and be sure to be on time.
Dorm Life
Surrounded by beautiful downtown, Lake Champlain, and living in actual house are a huge plus for the dorm life at Champlain College.
Food and Dining
The Cafeteria has great hours and great food and for any late night snacking you can head downtown.
What to do for fun
Explore the beautiful campus and visit downtown and the Lake are just a few activities to sustain your active life at Champlain.

Tiphanie from Mansfield, MA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I am so glad I chose to attend this school. The core curriculum helps you plan your education so that you are able to make the most of it. I have found nothing bad to say about this school whatsoever.
Tips for prospective students
Take a tour of the school and talk with the staff and have your questions answered.
Academic Rigor
I find the classes keep me challenged but not to the point where it is overly stressful. The professors are also always available whenever support is needed.
Dorm Life
I love the dorm life. I have lived in both on and off campus housing and think either one is a great choice. I like the off campus housing primarily because its similar to an apartment and you have your own kitchen so you can eat or cook on your own schedule.
Food and Dining
I am a fuusy eater so I prefer to make my own meals, but the ones I have gotten there were very good.
What to do for fun
There are so many things to do for fun. The malls are just minutes away and there is entertainment, movies, dining and just a brief travel to Lake Champlain. There are also places to see such as the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory, Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream.
Great for these types of students
Anyone who knows what they want to specialize in, because the core curriculum is geared toward you major. You don't have to do those classes that one might have to take at a traditional college, which I feel gives you more time to study in your area of academic study.

Brittany from Oregon

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
A small, beautiful campus overlooking Lake Champlain. Easy walk down to downtown Burlington and the waterfront. Programs tailored for career opportunities after graduation.
Tips for prospective students
Visit the campus before making a decision. The dorms are Victorian era mansions and may not be for everyone. Really do your research and apply early, some programs require a portfolio submission to get in. Apply with plenty of time to complete that. Be aware of deadlines.
Academic Rigor
The programs are quite rigorous but the workload is very doable so long as you know how to manage your time.
Dorm Life
Dorms are Victorian era mansions for the most part. Some do not have air conditioning though all have cable, wi-fi, and heating. All dorms are smoke and substance free - this is a dry campus. RAs and PAs are real friendly and so are the other students. Some dorms don't have common rooms so it is a bit difficult to get to know your housemates, especially if there isn't a social person on your floor. A great experience to have.
Food and Dining
The dining hall can get a little crowded at times but they do have great food options. There are gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian options always. Cooks are friendly and tend to know you as an individual - even after only a couple of visits. Dining hall is opened just about all day during the week and even reopens for late night later in the evening but has limited hours during the weekend so it is easy to miss dinner. Always plenty of dessert options as well.
What to do for fun
The RAs plan at least one event each month for the dorm and there are usually social events on campus every weekend. There are plenty of clubs to join as well. You can also walk right down to Church Street for food, shopping, or just hanging out. There is a movie theater within walking distance. Champlain students also get free rides on the public transportation.
Bang for the buck
Champlain does accept transfer credits which can potentially allow a would be freshman to transfer in as a sophomore and spend three years in college instead of four.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Humans vs Zombies is an event that happens every year that I was particularly struck by as being unusual. That's all I'll say about it.
Great for these types of students
Writing majors, game programming or design majors, business majors, career and future oriented students.
Clubs and Activities
There are plenty of clubs and new ones are starting all the time. There's everything from a car club to a paddle board club to an improv group to an equestrian club. Definitely something for everyone.
Greek Life
Champlain does not have Greek houses, fraternities, or sororities.
Campus Safety
Campus Public Safety is available 24/7 and can always be reached when called and seen driving around campus. There is also the blue emergency light system all throughout campus.