Holy Names University
Oakland, CA, USA

Reviews

Holy Names University

Janisa from Los Angeles, CA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
My professors know me by name and they make sure to be available when needed.
Am enjoying being here
The students and staff are very friendly and there is always something to do with all the activities offered.
Tips for prospective students
Get to know your teachers, you will have them again and they will help you a lot.
Great for these types of students
Students who would prefer smaller classes, to know their peers, and to have a relationship with their professors.

Rochelle Mae from San Francisco, CA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Holy Names University is very diverse. The faculty and staff are very friendly and helpful. Overall it is a wonderful school with great people and a great view of the Bay.
Tips for prospective students
Be open to knew people. At Holy Names everyone is different. Try to make new friends, you never know if that new friend could end up being in your life forever. Also, try to get as much of your GE's done as soon as possible. Some classes, such as Biology courses, do fill up quickly. Get as much done as quickly as possible. Talk to your counselors and teachers. Communicate with them so they know how they can help you.
Academic Rigor
College courses are very challenging, Don't come to class thinking its going to be just like it was in High School. Be prepared for a challenge and make sure to stay on track. Teachers want to help you so ask questions and don't be afraid.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is crazy. It might be weird at first but eventually you'll get used to it. Usually people leave their doors open to invite others to come hang out. Everyone is pretty nice. Make friends with your neighbors. Get to know them. As for your roommate, you don't necessarily have to be friends but you should get along, after all you are sharing a room. The dorms do have closets for each student, a microwave, refrigerator, sink and drawer space. Its nice to add your own personal touches to the room to make it feel more like home. Bring your own TV, trust me you'll need it.
Food and Dining
Buffet style. To me, breakfast is the best meal. There are so many options that you might catch yourself getting more than you can eat. You are only allowed to eat in the Public Market (cafeteria) but some students take their plates to their rooms. The kitchen staff is usually ok with his as long as you bring your plates back.
What to do for fun
The dorm rooms have pool tables and ping pong tables. Also students can go swimming or to the gym to get a good workout. There are a couple shopping places close by. There are the San Leandro Outlets which are about 30min away. Bayfair Mall is 20Min away and Walmart is also about 20min away. Usually students just hang out in each others rooms for fun.

Christi from Oakland, CA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Holy Names University is a great school! The campus is very community oriented, and it's small size allows for a student to know everyone. I enjoy everything down to the small class sizes.
Tips for prospective students
Students should develop relationships with their professors because it helps with getting help when tests and finals come around. I found it key this semester for all of my professors to know my name!
Academic Rigor
Students should come in with a strong work ethic. The work load is manageable but without determination it can be very overwhelming. There are many tutoring resources available to students when they need help.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is amazing! Living away from home is a great experience and is believed to help students prepare to eventually move away from home. Dorm life is very convenient due to the fact that evening resources are easier to access when you live right on campus.
Food and Dining
The food has it's good and bad days. When there is a holiday or big event the food is great as the chef's prepare exquisite meals. Having a lot of snacks available outside of the cafeteria food comes in handy because there are days where the food is gross!
What to do for fun
Students at Holy Names party a lot! But the safest way to have fun during the week is gathering with a group of friends in the Dorm common room and watching a scary movie!
Clubs and Activities
There are many clubs available to students at HNU, ones that give students the ability to make new friends and run many community events.
Greek Life
There unfortunately aren't any sororities at Holy Names.
Campus Safety
The school is barricaded by a gate with security guards. With a recent gun scare in the past two months the school has increased their security, which has made me feel safer.