Elon University
Elon, NC, USA

Reviews

Elon University

David from Hunt Valley, MD

a current student here
19 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I have loved my classes and teachers here at Elon. I transferred from a community college, so I dived right into some of the harder classes, but even the beginning ones I took taught me so much. My favorite class was Business Communications, our biggest project was researching and developing theories on different companies, and then we were taught how to write the report explaining our thoughts about whether or not a hypothetical company should invest in them.
Am enjoying being here
The dorms are great, the people are friendly, and there is so much you can do. Elon has over 150 different organizations and greek groups. I've been expanding my athletic experiences with the martial arts club, getting ready for my future career with Beta Alpha Psi (an accounting/financial fraternity), and learning to step on fewer toes with the Ballroom Dancing club. It also helps that Elon has one of the most beautiful campus grounds on the eastern seaboard
Bang for the buck
The only problem with Elon is it is Expensive. But the connections it enables you to make, and the excellence of the teachers are worth the money.
Tips for prospective students
Come do a campus visit during the spring, summer, or fall. The campus is stunning. Also check out the Open House events Elon does, it's a great opportunity to meet students and teachers who are willing to be more candid then your typical tour guide or representative.
Great for these types of students
Hard working, that also like to have some fun and be involved on campus.

Jacki from Asheboro, NC

a current student here
16 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
You can easily learn something new everyday at Elon if you try. Professors doors are always open, and they are all so willing to talk to you about anything. The campus is also building its diversity slowly but surely, so you will definitely be able to learn from other students as well.
Am enjoying being here
Elon is a smaller campus, so you get to know many people and will most likely see someone you know everywhere you go! Elon also has many organizations, so there is usually something going on everyday, you just have to look for it!
Bang for the buck
Cost is really the only downside to Elon, though with the connections you will make and Elon's growing name, it is worth it!
Tips for prospective students
I encourage you too definetely visit the campus, and when you do make an appointment with some professors in any areas that you are interested in, take a tour or two, and sit in on some classes. Don't be afraid to talk to some of the students about anything you want to know about Elon. The students are the insiders and will be more than willing to let you in on some secrets!
Great for these types of students
Elon is very good for hands-on students. While there are some professors that like to lecture, most professors enjoy teaching you some and then giving you the opportunity to test out what you have learned! Also, the professors WILL get to know your name, so if you don't want to be another face in the crowd or a number, Elon is perfect for you!

Brian from Burlington, NC

a current student here
10 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
overall, elon university is a great school in which you will obtain all the resources you need to succeed. from the impeccable environment, rigorous classes, clubs/organizations and people on campus, elon always exemplifies excellence and the belief of success. everywhere you go faculty, staff, and students will help you out every step of the way, make you feel like family and guide you along the way to achieve your goals and aspirations.
Tips for prospective students
please remember to stay organized. it's very important to make a schedule of all of your classes, study times, meetings, and other activities. this is the best way to be successful in college because you will have everything balanced and stress free. this means better grades, you get everything done and you stay on top of everything. most importantly, use all of the resources on campus from academic advising to the writing center. you're paying a lot of money to go to college so please use every resource as much as possible and you'll see that your goals will be achieved. also be yourself, college can be intimidating, but take the time to try things outside of your comfort zone, make new friends, enjoy all the benefits of college life and make the next four years the very best.
Academic Rigor
elon university stresses the importance of their academics. depending of your major a lot of classes are discussion based which means participation is a huge part of your grade. you'll have classes where the teacher will ask you to write papers every week, as well as have tests every week. also teachers expect the best quality of work from their students and no less. most importantly writing notes and listening to the teacher is key because he or she expects you to know the material not by memorizing it, but by being able to comprehend and explain what you've learned.
Dorm Life
at elon university, dorm life is amazing because there are many different types such as, learning communities (international pavilion, la casa de español and honors pavilion). in addition, you'll meet many great people within the dorm. as you share backgrounds, cultures, beliefs and ideas, you'll learn so many perspectives that will make you become closer to them like a family. you'll have a dorm advisor which is in charge of making sure everything is order, someone you can trust to talk about anything and sets up activities that as a whole can do together. no matter where you end up in a dorm. you'll enjoy many activities with your hall and roommates as well as grow as a loving and respecting family.
Food and Dining
elon university has three dinning halls which are, harden, mcewen, and colonades. there are also retail locations such as boars head, pan geos, varsity sports and grill, and 1889. there are a great selection of choices from salads, pastas, chicken, burgers and soups. there's many gluten free and healthier options for those who cannot eat gluten. the only concern would be that the if you go to lets say mcewen everyday, then you'll get bored of the same food. try to variate between the other dinning halls because eventually you'll get tired of eating the same thing.
What to do for fun
there are many things to do for fun. elon has their chorale groups sing every friday and the weekend, there are movie runs on friday which are called movie on the lawn, bingo night, parties sponsored by faternities/sororities, and clubs/organizations. also you can go to the sports games with your friends and have a great time cheering on the elon phoenix teams.
Bang for the buck
as an institution elon will make sure that you receive all the tools, resources, support, and guidance you'll need to succeed. you can't forget the beauty of the campus and the willingness that everyone has to make sure that you feel at home. i can say that elon university is one of the few universities that dedicates themselves to the diversity, growth and success of every individual. it's the perfect example of what a university should be and that is inspiration, respect, generosity, and initiative.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
at elon university, there has been the tradition of the polar bear plunge in which all elon students during their winter term classes dive into the university's lake mary neil's cold waters and retrieve a gift card. also there's an event called turkey trot every november in which elon students are able to run or walk a few miles in honor of the thanksgiving holidays.
Great for these types of students
elon university is great for the students who are highly motivated, who want to see diversity expand larger every year, who are leaders and want to achieve, as well as learn everything possible to help give back to the communities and abroad.
Clubs and Activities
there are over 1,000 clubs and organizations from the latino student organization to the soccer club. if you're a sports fan there are tons of sports clubs that will suit your interests. if you're more into academics, there are many academic clubs to choose from and if your more into service, there are plenty of clubs and activities to do so. the best part is if they don't have the club you want you can start it yourself, get approval and see it grow.
Greek Life
greek life is a vital part of elon university. there are hundreds of organizations to choose from. be careful though, not every greek organization is for everyone and it's very time consuming, so pick one that suits your interests and that the people have the same goals as you.
Campus Safety
the campus as a whole is very safe. there are emergency poles in every corner of the streets in the event that you feel insecure while walking late at night, you press the button and campus police will escort you to your dorm. also there's a program called safe rides which picks up many students who are out partying or roaming the campus. although it's an open campus, it's very safe because you can always contact campus police and safe rides to make sure you get to your dorm or destination safe and sound.

Xadiex from Knightdale, NC

a current student here
10 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Elon is one of the few colleges that present an environment that makes it easier to learn new, interesting things. Just being on campus and walking around provokes your brain to analyze situations and acquire information automatically but there are a variety of programs available that can broaden your horizons in the academic and experiential sense (like studying abroad, which Elon pushes greatly). Even students that aren't doing so well academically feel empowered by their ability to retain some of the information taught and applying to their campus life. However, if you do have any sort of difficulty understanding what’s being taught during lectures, professors are always willing to help no matter what and do not hesitate providing another perspective to help you understand more easily.
Am enjoying being here
Elon University is always very lively. The students and faculty are terribly friendly and you'll almost always see a group of smiling faces willing to greet you on your way to class or to the various dinning halls. The dorms (especially Danieley and the Colonnades) are fantastic and you can find yourself satisfied no matter where you're located. If you're a quiet person, you can find a variety of facilities open on the campus that have a sincerely dedicated aura of solitude like the Belk Library. If you're a more lively, out-going person, there are numerous opportunities to hang out in groups, chat at any of the areas on campus (the Danieley Center Commons, Octagon Cafe and McEwen theater seem to be popular), and even go about playing video games in each others dorms (with permission of course).
Bang for the buck
The campus of Elon does not go without compliments towards its breath-taking environment. Besides the fact that the brick faeries (people that seem to have pleasure in stealing the bricks from the campus walkways) tend to make a visit every now and then, the campus is beautiful. In the morning, you're graced by the welcoming organized, sturdy structures of the campus. At night, you're swept away by the cleverly placed water fountains in front of the Colonnades, Moseley Center and Alamance building. Also, the dining halls are absolutely luxurious. It gives a sense of a restaurant more than a standard cafeteria because there is always a unique choice of food. Most of the food can be customized and there are satisfying options for those who are vegetarians. The college is quite expensive, but it's well worth it.
Tips for prospective students
It is recommended that all of those who are considered prospective students should not hesitate to talk to the faculty at Elon. Never be afraid to engage in conversation about your future. There are numerous opportunities available at Elon, but it's better to converse with the faculty to get a better idea of what you're getting into. Also, visit the campus anytime you can. You should take the opportunity to go the the various orientations set and take mental notes on what the campus expects and what you have to do to maintain and uphold standards acceptable by Elon University. Feel free to go to the gatherings hosted by the Elon community and don't focus on partying. This is a private college and they expect great things from you so messing around is not an efficient option. However, out of everything, don't be stressed and take things one step at a time.
Great for these types of students
Elon is particularly excellent for those that are quiet, reserved, and who don't like big crowds. Not quiet as in anti-social, but quiet as in those who have a higher understanding of their set priorities in life. There is a place on campus for those who are more outgoing and who like groups, but the college seems to revolve around those who are more focused on being or becoming well-accomplished students. The college's population helps this out a bit, but also its strategic placement within this part of the state of North Carolina give it a more serene, quiescent environment that make those who are the peaceful type feel at home.

Kirby from Doylestown, PA

accepted here and planning to attend soon
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Elon University is the most amazing environment for learning and growing as a person. Not only is the campus gorgeous, but the programs offered at Elon are outstanding. Their emphasis on being an upstanding citizen through the Elon Experiences is fantastic, and sets Elon apart as one of the best schools for a well-rounded education.
Tips for prospective students
You have to see the campus and go on a tour! Once you see and hear all that Elon has to offer, you will not want to or need to look anywhere else. You would be hard-pressed to find a school with better opportunities or a more well-rounded education.
Academic Rigor
Elon's programs challenge the student to perform at the best of their ability. They expect nothing less than each student's best effort, and inspire everyone to reach their full potential. Also, class sizes at Elon are small, so teachers get to know you and will then come to expect more from you, unlike at bigger schools where you may be referred to as 378 in a 450 person class.
Dorm Life
The dorms are amazing! Even the smallest ones are spacious, and there are many different styles offered to suit any preference. There are also many services offered for the dorms: they will cut and install any carpet of your choice before you arrive for a nominal fee, if they can access your bathroom from the hallway they will clean it for you, there is free Wi-Fi throughout the entire campus, and if you don't want to use the free laundry machines they will wash and fold your laundry for a nominal fee. You also have the opportunity to switch roommates up to four times a year just in case something goes wrong. The dorm life is really amazing!
Bang for the buck
The programs at Elon are definitely worth the money! They have an amazing study abroad program, and even offer to send you to any Spanish-speaking country for free if you take 140 hours of any Spanish related class!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There is a ceremony to welcome freshmen called Under the Oaks in which all freshmen will receive an acorn. When those freshmen go on to graduate, they will receive an insured oak tree!
Great for these types of students
Many programs at Elon are very strong, but they are known for their outstanding Communications department. Also, in the past 20 years, they have had a 100% placement for music education majors, which is not very common these days.
Campus Safety
All the lampposts at Elon have little blue buttons on them so that if you are ever feeling unsafe or are just chilly or too tired to walk back to your dorm, campus security will pick you up at the lamppost and drive you wherever on campus you need to go.

Jane from NH

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Elon provides so many wonderful opportunities from bringing world-renowned speakers to campus to providing alternative break service trips across the globe. Elon's emphasis on engaged learning and providing students with hands-on experience through research, internships and study abroad are the avenues where there is the most to be learned and gained. This approach reduces the artificial classroom and busy-work environment instead opting for experiences that will make Elon graduates more desirable and marketable in the real world.
Am enjoying being here
This is the most beautiful campus and it is remarkable how every building looks brand-new. The climate is great- not too cold and not to hot but definitely not predictable! Students come from all over the country yet a large majority are from North Carolina. Coming from the Northeast, the southern setting makes for wonderful hospitality and a slower, more relaxed pace of life. Students are friendly and out-going, professors are knowledgeable and caring and there is always something going on if you are willing to look around.
Bang for the buck
Elon is very affordable for all that it offers. As an up and coming school that gains more popularity and recognition every year, receiving a diploma from Elon will mean a great deal. The facilities are state of the art, the academic offerings are broad and the experiential learning opportunities make Elon a definite standout.
Tips for prospective students
Apply Early-Action- it is non-binding and you hear of your acceptance sooner. If you are not accepted Early Action, you may still apply regular decision. Also, make sure to come visit the school. It is definitely worth touring and the fact that you took the time and made the effort to come visit stands out when admission counselors are choosing between accepting two otherwise equal students.
Great for these types of students
Those interested in out-of-the-classroom learning experiences, those interested in joining Greek Life (dominates social scene on campus) and those seeking a beautiful campus in a more secluded setting.

Sidney from Henderson, NC

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Elon University is a school that offers a range of opportunities. If you love being engaged, and getting hands on access then this is the school for you. They do everything they can to help you succeed and follow your dreams.
Tips for prospective students
Maintain a high G.P.A. in high school, but also try be involved. They love seeing when someone is involved in their community. Get all that they asked for turned in on time and make sure that it is neat and organized.
Academic Rigor
They take it very seriously. If you fall below a 2.0, you're on probation and they work with you to bring it up. They expect you to do as well if not better. While some people get by easy, the professors do give a lot of work and sometimes not that much, but still, do your best regardless.
Dorm Life
Vast dorms to choose from and each is just as beautiful as the first. Always making changes and improving the dorms for the safety of the students.
Food and Dining
Wide selection of food everyday. The menu changes everyday, and they also have a few hot spots on campus such as Chick Fil A, Freshii, Buscuitville, and a restaurant that acts like a substitute for Chipotle.
What to do for fun
Bingo nights, trivia nights, movie nights, Coffee every Tuesday morning where students and teachers get together. If you're majoring in the media, we have TV shows and programs operated by students and creating your own website.
Great for these types of students
For students to want to work and be engaged; however, if you want diversity then this not the school for you. It is PWI, which stands for a Predominately White Institution. But not all hope is lost, you do get to meet amazing individuals every now and then, and it's funny meeting people with different cultures and backgrounds.
Greek Life
Very strong here; however, you don't have to be in it to have fun and make friends.

Vicky from Wilmington, NC

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Elon is an amazing school. The academic environment is great, encouraging, and inspiring. The social environment is welcoming, everyone is nice and helpful.
Tips for prospective students
Prospective students should be prepared to engage in conversations held within their classes, talk to professors, and meet as many students/faculty/staff on campus as possible. Elon is a community, be ready to participate in it!
Academic Rigor
The classes at Elon will push you to think differently and respectfully about so many things. The classes are pretty academically rigorous. Elon students have to do their reading and homework to pass, to succeed they should go to office hours, and meet with other students in their classes. How hard a class is really depends on the professor, but Elon has high standards for its academic experiences.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is so much fun at Elon. There are many different residence options on campus and off campus such as apartments, flats, and different style dorm rooms. Elon has single rooms, double rooms, suite style rooms, double and four room pods. Resident Assistants are helpful and will help make dorm life comfortable and enjoyable.
Food and Dining
Dining halls on campus are okay. They sometimes repeat meals every other week, but the food they serve is good and staff members are very nice. There are many other food options on campus aside from dining halls that are open later than the dining halls.
What to do for fun
Fun things to do on Elon's campus are swimming, golfing, volunteering, and going to downtown Elon to name a few. Elon sports events are a lot of fun for soccer, basketball, and football. Elon hosts different events all around the year such as Elonthon, a lights ceremony, dance lessons and yoga.
Bang for the buck
Elon is an amazing community. Elon's campus is beautiful.
Great for these types of students
Elon is great for most students. If I could describe the average Elon student they would be philanthropic, outgoing, and driven. Elon is a place full of opportunities. Elon is for students who want to travel and who want to make a difference in the world. Elon offers so many awesome study abroad programs and encourages experiential learning.
Clubs and Activities
There is a plethora of clubs and activities students can participate in. Elon Volunteers has so many opportunities for students every month. There are so many student run organizations and clubs on campus that students can join. There are always activities going on for students such as College Coffee which occurs every Tuesday.
Greek Life
Greek Life is really popular and important at Elon. Greek organizations on campus are dedicated to their cause and to creating an exciting and fun environment for their members and non-members.
Campus Safety
Elon is a safe university. Elon is also very vigilant and active in informing students of concerns via different forms of social media or email.

Christine from Raleigh, NC

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This school is everything. I'm an actor and I couldn't ask for better training, more talented peers, or more knowledgable professors. Plus, the campus is all sorts of gorgeous.
Tips for prospective students
To be fair, the prep culture is pretty prevalent here. If you've never heard of Vineyard Vines or Lilly Pulitzer, you're in for a little bit of a culture shock. Elon isn't too small but it's not exactly large, either- you'll see friendly faces everywhere you go, but you definitely won't get to know every person on campus.
Academic Rigor
Hoo ha. Elon does not mess around when it comes to challenging students. You better study.
Dorm Life
How your dorm life experience goes really does depend on where you live. I live in the Historic neighborhood in a co-ed hall style dorm and it is so much fun. There are four people to a bathroom (SO NICE) and the rooms are a lot bigger than what you'd imagine for a typical dorm room.
Food and Dining
Here's the downfall. The dining halls aren't open 24/7, and with a performer's crazy schedule, that's a little inconvenient. The meal plans are kinda dumb and I feel like I'm throwing money out the window by being forced to have a certain one. The food itself isn't exactly great, either.
What to do for fun
There are so many clubs and organizations here. GET INVOLVED! There's a club that goes down to the animal shelter to play with puppies. Seriously.
There are always concerts, seminars, guest speakers, neighborhood dinners, going on- there's always something. You just gotta look (:
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
My favorite place is the new coffee shop called Oak House. It's cozy and my go-to for studying and catching up with people.

Erin from Holliston, MA

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Elon is a beautiful campus with greta academics. It is growing in prestige everyday, and as so much to offer. The students that leave Elon are well rounded, hard workers who also know how to enjoy life.
Tips for prospective students
GPA and SAT/ACT scores aren't the only things that Elon looks at. Even if your GPA or SAT/ACT score doesn't meet the requirements, if you are a well-rounded student, Elon appreciates that. So stay active in your community.
Academic Rigor
Class are hard, but fair. You will be challenged, but you won't die. You need to work for your grades, but it really does prepare you.
Dorm Life
Depending on where you live on campus and your personality will decide if you are happy where you life. Danieley is for partiers, Colonnades is for people who like to study in their dorms and still building a community. Global is for people who like to work else where on campus, and HPB is for those that party, and like the stereotypical college dorm look.
Colonnades and Global are the nicest buildings. Colonnades is like a hotel.
Food and Dining
Great food most of the time in the dining halls, but sometimes a little repetitive. However, there are on campus restaurants like Qdoba, Boars Head, Topios, and Chick-fil a to name a few that can help change things around.
What to do for fun
Movie nights, football games, parties, traveling to Burlington or Greensboro, and also getting involved in clubs and any school hosted events are always fun. There are cultural events to go to almost every night if there isn't a party to go to.
Bang for the buck
Elon is an expensive school, but the connections you make and the quality of the help and the education are worth the money.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
It is a tradition to steal a brick from the walkways somewhere on the campus and decorate it before you finish your freshman year. You also try your best to jump in one of the fountains before you graduate.
Great for these types of students
It is great for students who live by the motto: work hard, play hard. Most of the Elon population are driven, good hearted and want to do well in the world. However they also know how to enjoy college: work hard during the week and have fun on weekends. Even if you don't drink - there are also dry parties on campus for people who just want to have a good time with friends.
Clubs and Activities
There is a club fair every semester. There are hundreds of clubs to join from sports, to art to service. There are also always activities going on like outdoor trips like whitewater rafting, and the theater group always puts on great shows.
Greek Life
Greek Life is big on Elon. If you are a boy who wants to get into Frat parties, you need to join a Frat, however for girls thats not the case. Boys can still go to presumes though, just not Frat parties. Most girls join sororities, however it is not necessary in order to meet people and do things at Elon. Greek Life is also very expensive to be a part of.
Campus Safety
Feeling safe on campus is easy, it is easy to contact campus security and there are blue lights all over campus. However, the school can take a while to act upon a concern of a student if the other students parents cause an issue.