Houghton University
Houghton, NY, USA

Reviews

Houghton University

Joel from Flanders, NY

a current student here
10 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Academics are rigorous and challenging to me. The courses are thought-provoking and insightful.
Am enjoying being here
The student body is close-knit and academically focused. My fellow students are a great help in my success in college. Activities are fun on campus, and I am getting to know many new people.
Bang for the buck
Houghton College is worth every dollar spent. The professors are concerned about my academic success. The class sizes are small and beneficial to learning. The food and dorm life are good.
Tips for prospective students
Visit Houghton College at least once to see what the community is like. The campus is beautiful and the students are welcoming.
Great for these types of students
Houghton College is great for academically focused students. Students ready for a challenge will succeed here. It is a Christian school, so students open to Christian teachings will benefit. It is great for students of all social backgrounds - quiet or outgoing.

Hannah from Grand Junction, CO

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Warning: do not come to this school if you are not prepared to be challenged.

Houghton College will stretch you academically and spiritually in ways you may not have expected� if you are willing.

Are you willing?
Tips for prospective students
Come with an open heart and an open mind. Embrace Houghton's unique style of community life. Small school? Yes. Small town? Yes again. This is not the college experience that you see on TV. This is something better. This is life-changing. Come prepared to give: the more you are willing to give, the more you will get back. The people you meet here, the classes you take� they can change your life.
Academic Rigor
If you are a conscientious, motivated student, look no farther. Houghton is an academically challenging, intellectually stimulating environment. Although schedules and workloads are often demanding, reasonable class sizes and an ideal student - faculty ratio virtually guarantee an excellent academic experience.
Dorm Life
As anywhere, dorm life is what you make it. One thing is for sure, though: lasting friendships are formed daily in the Houghton dorms. The biggest downside: Houghton's open hours policy (see website). On the other hand, the dorms are safe, fun-filled places, and frequent dorm activities are organized by student associations.
Food and Dining
Everyone complains about cafeteria food. You probably won't find it rated at more than four stars anywhere. But as far as cafeteria food goes, Houghton has nothing to be ashamed of. Fresh fruits and vegetables are to be found daily, and several stations in the dining hall will cook your meal for you right in front of your eyes. There is always a choice of food, and whether you want something deep-fried or vegetarian, you will be able to find something (at least enough to keep you from starving until you can get back to the ramen in your dorm room).
What to do for fun
Be creative. To be frank, Houghton doesn't have all of the options that many larger schools do. The town is small, and even shopping possibilities are limited. However, this situation's major upside means that friendships are easy to build fast and strong. Another positive point for Houghton: students can access the library's extensive DVD collection for free.
Bang for the buck
Please understand: college is so expensive that the figures start to sound like monopoly money. But you are not going to find a better deal on a private, liberal arts school. The opportunities that you will find at Houghton are astonishing considering the size and location of the school. And check out some of the figures: Houghton students nearly all move on to grad school or find a job within a very short time after graduation.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
If you live in Roth dorm and you get a girlfriend, beware. You will be kidnapped and� well, you'll find out.

While you're at Houghton, visit the ski hill and the lookout! It's worth the hike�

Our boulder is just waiting for you to paint it! Be creative: once you've left your mark, no one can touch your artwork for at least 48 hours.
Campus Safety
One could not imagine a safer campus than Houghton. Students frequently leave stuff lying around in the lounge while they run up to grab a meal, yet theft is not an issue. If you are not looking for trouble, the odds of your having a security incident while you are at school are incredibly low.

David from Houghton, NY

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I went to a Christian High School in the Philippines and when I started looking for colleges I wanted to go to a Christian College, but I also wanted a college that would fully prepare me for my career. When I applied to Houghton I heard that it was difficult. However, when I actually got here it was really challenging. The professors teach alot of information but since they enjoy teaching it, the classes are not boring and learning results in being fun. Houghton is a tough academic environment, however, if you work hard you will succeed.
Am enjoying being here
The atmosphere here is awesome. Coming from the Philippines, I thought that the transtition would be difficult. I was dreading coming to college because I did not know anybody. However, when I got here I was surprised by how nice the people treat you. They were really open and made my transition easy. Also the teacher's take time to take interest in your life
Bang for the buck
Even though Houghton is expensive. The price you pay for the education is worth it.
Tips for prospective students
Apply early. Also because of the price look for scholarships. If you email the financial workers they will be more than willing to help you find scholarships that apply directly to you.

Aaron from Houghton, NY

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Houghton College is a small-town, Christian college, surrounded by an outstanding community. I felt the warmth of people's hearts the first time I set foot on campus. The experience thus far is truly unremarkable and well worth it!
Tips for prospective students
The whole cost of college factor did play a major part of my decision in coming here. Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. God will always provide for you regardless of the circumstances and situation.
Academic Rigor
I didn't think that it would be that hard coming into college. I found out soon that I was wrong. Houghton College has excellent academic programs that force the student into a learning mode to gain the most they possibly can out of their education.
Dorm Life
I know every person in my dorm they are all friendly and I know most of them very well after just meeting them this year. Did I mention that we have floor devotions?
Food and Dining
Sodexo is in control this year and they do a great job. There are some days where it's hard to find something you want, but there always is something.
What to do for fun
Sports, many clubs one of them being my favorite Nerf Club, hunting, singing, prayer, and so much more!
Bang for the buck
It is a hefty debt that I will be going into, but this is the last step before graduate school prior to entering the workforce. I have no fear that I will be able to repay that debt soon after I get out of college.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Shen bloc is when the entire guys dorm dresses up in the wackiest outfits and find somthing that will make noise and head down to the athletic field. There we cheer our hearts and lungs out supporting our soccer teams.
Campus Safety
You can hunt on campus and every time I check in with them to take my bow out of the safe.

Lara from Franklinville, NY

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Houghton is place where you will be challenged spiritually, academically, and in your world view. You will grow relationships with students and faculty in a way that will encourage you in your academic endeavors and your spiritual journey. Expect to be changed here and to experience a beautiful community where you can find your calling and be prepared to chase after it full speed!
Tips for prospective students
Visit the college! It truly makes a difference when you can talk to professors and students and experience the campus for yourself.
Academic Rigor
You will get your butt kicked. I graduated Valedictorian of my high school class, and I am proud of my (Harvard Grading Scale) GPA of 3.5.
Dorm Life
DORM LIFE IS THE BEST! :)
Food and Dining
Houghton dining services include a cafeteria, a burger place (Big Al's), and a coffee shop. Off campus you can find a Subway and Chinese restaurant. Still looking for more? Ask an international professor or staff member to teach you a new recipe from their home country!
What to do for fun
http://www.houghton.edu/campus-life/101-things-to-do/

CAB: Campus Activities Boards plan events such as glow-in-the-dark rollerskating, movie nights (recent release; VERY recent), Midnight breakfast!, Midnight murder mystery, Theatre on Campus, Musical Theatre Club, FILA (Foam in the Liberal Arts) Nerf Club and MUCH MORE!!!
Great for these types of students
Homeschoolers, International Students, and students looking for a Christian Community Campus.

Charis from Fredonia, NY

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
houghton is an extremely welcoming campus. the staff and professors are really there to help students and get to know them. i'm friends with many of my professors and that makes classes so much better.
Tips for prospective students
come ready to learn, grow, and be challenged. try new things. reach out to people.
Academic Rigor
there is a lot of work to do, but it is definitely reasonable. i'm learning a lot and have found that professors are happy to work with me as much as needed.
Dorm Life
amazing! residence life staff is amazing and committed to creating a safe, fun, and welcoming environment. so many wonderful people to meet!
Food and Dining
i never go hungry. it is a small campus and so there aren't a ton of options, but i can always find something to eat and it is usually delicious :)
What to do for fun
there isn't a lot around houghton so people tend to stay on campus. that being said, there are always fun activities going on.
Bang for the buck
college is expensive, but i feel like houghton does a pretty good job keeping the cost down. i feel like i am offered a lot of opportunities!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
houghton=middle of nowhere. there are tons of trails and places to explore. takes about 30-45 minutes to get to the nearest walmart.
there are tons of quirky traditions. we have a huge rock on campus that gets decorated for any upcoming events, and a tree covered in chewing gum. there are also a lot of meaningful traditions. houghton has a very rich history and god has really worked there. every year we have class events that tell a little story about houghton's history.
Great for these types of students
you have to be okay being in the middle of nowhere.
great if you want to build really meaningful friendships, have lots of creative fun, and learn a little more what it means to live as a community.
Clubs and Activities
lots of fun things to do. always. i signed up for a million clubs freshman year and have found a couple favorites: student alumni association, ultimate frisbee, rock climbing, and swing dancing :)
Greek Life
nonexistent
Campus Safety
couldn't ask for anything better. i never lock my dorm room. i have no problem leaving my laptop in the middle of the campus center and know that no one will steal anything. everyone is really trustworthy :)