Kean University
Union, NJ, USA

Reviews

Kean University

Brianna from Piscataway, NJ

a current student here
11 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Kean University is a great school to attend if you like diversity, a beautiful campus, and a great education.
Tips for prospective students
Get to know your professors as if you are networking with them. Make sure they know your name and know your face.
Academic Rigor
The class sizes can be really small or just the right amount of students so you will not get lost in a sea of students like other colleges do. The benefits of having smaller classes is that you can be in contact with the professor more than you would in a class with 50 students in it.
Dorm Life
Staying in New Freshman Residence Hall is great. You get to meet new people from different backgrounds and learn about their culture. Living on campus is like living on your own so you do not have to answer to anyone but yourself. YOU make your OWN decisions on how you live in the dorms.
Food and Dining
Unfortunately, the food has its highs and lows. The cafeteria that every freshman has to get swipes for is the cafeteria that sometimes has good food. Most people go to the University Center cafeteria which has the best food. We also have a Starbucks on campus so that is always a plus.
What to do for fun
There's night clubs surrounding us, yes you will have to call a taxi or have a car but it is worth it. We also have an Applebees up the street and if you travel a little bit further we have a plethora of restaurants. We also have Jersey Gardens which we have a shuttle that takes us there and back. We have a pool, tennis court, basketball court, football field, gymnastics rooms and dance rooms.
Campus Safety
We have our own police station on campus and they are always roaming around to make sure that the campus is safe.

Rodriguez

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Kean University is a beautiful diverse university. The campus is very big on going green, because of that our campus is always clean. The people are friendly and everyone likes to have fun, but takes their studies seriously.
Tips for prospective students
College is a big step to take after high school, but the community at Kean makes that transition easier. Being undecided is also normal, Kean offers many different classes that people in all different majors have to take, so you get a sense of all different subjects.
Academic Rigor
The academic level is difficult. However tutoring is available on a very flexible schedule.
Dorm Life
Living on campus is great. You meet a lot of people and are on your own. Every building has heating, and clean running water. The rooms are spacious enough to feel like you have privacy and there are quiet hours at night so you can get the sleep you need.
Food and Dining
Freshmen have unlimited swipes in the cafeteria, as you move up in years you receive less swipes but receive more cougar dollars to spend at Starbucks or the Cougars Den.
What to do for fun
On campus we have a basketball court, a tennis court, and a volleyball court near the dorms. There are often cookouts and parties and many sporting events to attend. There's cooking competitions and game rooms in two of the resident halls.
Clubs and Activities
There are clubs for all different kinds of people and their interest's.
Campus Safety
The campus has it's own police staff who keep the campus safe for everyone.

Melissa from Linden, NJ

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Kean University is an institution with endless of opportunities. It is vibrant and a diverse school , interacting with people from all parts of the world. It has a strong academic base preparing our students for the workforce.
Tips for prospective students
The tips that I have for future students is:focus on your career, interact with people , get involved (join extracurricular activities, community service, clubs or sororities), build a relationship with your professors and advisors, make wise decisions, and lastly have fun with a limit.
Academic Rigor
The several of academic programs.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is great.
Food and Dining
The food and dining is good, variety of foods.
What to do for fun
Go partying at the dorms, basketball games, football games, concerts, musicals, and much more !
Great for these types of students
shy, outgoing, confident, easy-going, ambitous
Clubs and Activities
Biology Club, Pre-Med/Pre-Dental Club, Photography Club, African Studies, West-Indian Club, Haitian Association, JumpStart Organization, Smile Organization, Theatre/ Media Club, Accounting Club, International Business Club, LGBT Club, Women of Circle and much more !
Campus Safety
There is police and security patroling the campuses 24/7.

Nancy from Elizabeth, NJ

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Kean University is exciting everyday due to the activities that go on. I love that there are people form different cultures, traditions and races who are very friendly and kind. Conclusively, I love how I felt welcomed at Kean thanks to the staff and student body.
Tips for prospective students
Whether you are dorming or commuting, it is very important that you focus on your schoolwork before partying because you will regret not doing so later on. In my Transition to Kean class there is this student who is older than me and only cares about partying. He has a very low GPA and has not decided on a major yet. Please do not be like this, choose your major early so you can take only the classes you need and get out as quickly as you can!
Academic Rigor
The professors at Kean love to challenge their students and personally, I was not given such work in high school. I get homework every night and I love it because it helps me to remember things and reduce cramming. I was astonished by the price of the textbooks and had to use two weeks paycheck on buying them. It was a little difficult getting accustomed to this grand change in my life but, it is all starting to fall into place.
Dorm Life
I am a commuter but, I got the chance to visit the dorms and they were very neat and well kept. The students who lived there also respect each other and love to live together. They are also like a second family to each other away from home.
Food and Dining
I absolutely love the food. From the tacos, to the burritos, to the pizza and mozzarella sticks... I love it all! I was informed that the meat and chicken cooked in the kitchen is imported fresh daily. The cafeteria is always clean and comfortable to eat at. I literally go everyday and eat there. I also love how there is a section for grease lovers as me and vegetarians as well.
What to do for fun
Waiting for your next class can be exhausting and boring at times. I myself love to go to the game room and spend time with my close friends. It is a great way to relax before your next class. Also, I love to go to starbucks and catch up on homework that has to be done. It is also very enjoyable to take walks around the beautiful campus.
Great for these types of students
Kean is great for you if you like to meet people, want a campus of suitable size and do not like being alone. The mall is near by and everyone is treated equally. Each professor cares about their students and are not intimidating at all.
Clubs and Activities
There are many clubs on campus and all the open-house events provides us with the chance to meet all kinds of people. They are very welcoming and encourage everyone to participate and get involved.
Greek Life
The Greeks are very careful when they have mixers. They make sure to have sober sisters and brothers drive everyone to the mixer and back to campus. They make sure you get home safe and enjoyed yourself while at their mixer.
Campus Safety
What I enjoyed the most is that there is a police station on campus and there are no fights. People are very mature at Kean and everyone gets along with each other. The police do strolls around campus but ultimately, everyone gets along and coincide with each other.

Alex from Morris County, NJ

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Kean University is a beautiful, uplifting school that is full of diversity and activities that will always keep you busy. Kean is a great place for education and great place to start a lifetime with friends. It's a place you'll be happy with for sure.
Tips for prospective students
It's not a big campus, but it's big enough where you will be able to have a chance to start over your life. The teachers do try and get to know you personally and safety is number one here at Kean. If you're a commuter, don't even sweat, you'll be making friends faster than you know it. Also the Starbucks here on campus is pretty amazing.
Academic Rigor
Kean University is a University. For a 4 years university it is acreddited to be one of the best teaching schools in the state. Same goes as well for all majors.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is great at Kean University. They hold a dry campus, but don't let deter you from having a little fun. Your roommates and suitemates become your greatest friends and new freshman is a great place to live. In my opinion though, Whiteman is better, as long as you're ok with no air conditioning.
Food and Dining
The Dining Center located at the dorms is a NO GO. I mean you can go and its its edible, but not as amazing as the UC dining hall. That food is just plain out amazing.
What to do for fun
There's always plenty of stuff to do at Kean. Whether it be a play at Wilkins, Keanfit at Downs Hall, working out at Harwood , Club meetings at the UC, game nights at UC and much more. You should never get bored at Kean, just leave your room or come on on campus and have a great time!
Bang for the buck
Kean is a great place for education, but $4400 is a big number to live on campus for 4 months. The facilities are great, but that number is a bit of a stretch.
Clubs and Activities
There are so many clubs and activities on campus to join. Go on cougarlink and there are legitimately more than 50. Don't be shy and definitely join as many clubs as your heart desires.
Greek Life
Greek Life at Kean University is alot of fun. Expect to get a brother or sister who actually cares about you and make a friendships to last a lifetime.

Kathryn from Parlin, NJ

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Tips for prospective students
It is a great idea to explore various majors and advisors for potential education plans. There are many classes that fit into other degrees whether it be by elective or not and taking courses that fit, as well as those of interest will help you get the best out of your experience. There are also many groups or clubs that you can be a part of which is good for on-campus scholarships and your resume.
Academic Rigor
I think many of the classes that I've taken are great and although tests and papers vary by professor, I learned a lot whether it was in lecture or discussion-based courses.
Dorm Life
I am a student that does not dorm; I travel so I do not know anything about dorm life here.
Food and Dining
There is the cafeteria which has many choices from breakfast, to pasta, sandwiches, burgers, etc. for lunch and dinner; there is also the Couger den which has less options but better quality of food (healthy also) and more of a restaurant style seating and serving but no tipping. Lastly there is the Ursino restaurant by the STEM building which is organic and uses the farm nearby for its dishes. I have heard great things but have not been there yet.
Bang for the buck
I think the tuition is a good price for the quality of education as well as what is available to its students. I think it is definitley a great place to continue education for transfering students or those returning as non-traditional students.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
We have shuttles that drive around, at no cost, from the main campus to the other buildings for students who park further from their destination. They come every 5-10 mins which is very convenient.
Clubs and Activities
There are so many, pages and pages, in the Cougar website with a description of the club and its activities and events, members and it is also quick and easy to sign up right away if you are interested or you can just send those in charge an email about an questions beforehand.
Campus Safety
Campus police are always around and are there 24hr for any student to be walked to there vehicle or class. They drive around the lots and are quick to arive if any issues occur.

Darlene from Atlantic City , NJ

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Kean University is a great and affordable university. It is very diverse and i love the people that attend. The school has a beautiful campus and everyone works hard to keep the school clean and safe.
Tips for prospective students
You will meet a lot of great people here like i said it is very diverse so you will meet people from all over. Everyone from the staff to the students are very helpful so dont worry about getting lost. Everything is pretty much easy to locate.
Academic Rigor
The academics are awesome. Kean is one of the few affordable schools in new jersey that have a great education program so if you plan on being a teacher kean is the ideal school for you. The professors are great .
Dorm Life
Unlike most colleges Kean's dorm or should i say residence halls are very up to date. Most colleges dorms especially for freshmans dont look that great but kean has nice dorms.
Food and Dining
Kean has about 4 different dining areas some are better than other but overall i cant complain about the food.
What to do for fun
theres always something going on at the campus the RAs are always trying to something together for the students to do.

Tina from Colonia, NJ

researching this school
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Kean seems like a very nice affordable University. It's close to home and meets all of my criteria. I'm very excited to apply.
Tips for prospective students
Don't worry about the cost considering there's a lot of financial aid and Kean helps you out quite a bit.
Academic Rigor
I hear that their Occupational Therapy program is AMAZING.
Dorm Life
I will most likely be dorming. The rooms aren't overly tiny but they are not necessarily the cleanest either (which is expected considering a whole bunch of college student live there)
Food and Dining
I have actually not eaten here so I wouldn't know much. My cousin whom attends the school says it isn't half bad.

Tumey

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Kean is very cheap for low income students. The campus is very relaxing and gorgeous. It's very convenient.
Tips for prospective students
Be open-minded and friendly
Academic Rigor
Academics are great! There's nothing bad I can say.
Dorm Life
The dorming at kean is okay. There's always activities going on you just have to look for them.
Food and Dining
The flood is not all that. It's okay. Sometimes it's great other times it's not.
What to do for fun
You have to make a lot f friends and go out with a lot of people. Attend the parties, games, and plays!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
I don't really have any.
Clubs and Activities
There's lots of clubs and activities. Most of them are boring.
Greek Life
Greek life sucks!!
Campus Safety
Campus safety is okay. The Neighborhood outside of campus is a littler dangerous.

Freshman Student from Bergen County, NJ

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
KU is a visually appealing campus due to the hard work of the friendly maintenance crew to plant, grow, fertilize, and care for the grounds. Though it is sometimes difficult to get in contact with some offices, people (students, athletes, commuters, staff, faculty, and coaches included) are very friendly and welcoming. There isn't a lot of night life on or very near campus, but find the right group of people you belong to and there won't be a problem finding fun things to do.
Tips for prospective students
As far as getting things situated like contacting certain offices for housing information, tuition payments, questions for certain people, etc be persistent or maybe even come in and do it in person because the offices don't always answer their phones which can be annoying but be proactive and it will get done. Put yourself out there and join a club, activity, go to a game or two and you'll find friends. Don't indulge in food because there isn't anything better to do or you're bored or because it is convenient, eat right and stay active so you don't get the freshman fifteen, or even more likely, the freshman thirty.
Academic Rigor
I came from a very challenging high school that was known as the college-high school of the county so when I came to college, it was incredibly similar to my last four years of high school. I haven't had a hard time adjusting to work because that is all I have known my academic career, also because of my studying habits (for example, I will go to the library to do homework due next week instead of taking a nap between class). But I do know a few friends that didn't take advantage of resources and had some trouble adjusting to college life.
Dorm Life
The new residence dorms are really nice (they are kind of like hotels). The RAs are strict about the dry-campus rule and if things get too rowdy and loud too late at night, they will say something and have no problem writing you up. But if you are respectful and get to know them, your RAs can definitely become friends of yours, like mine have.
Food and Dining
There are three major places to eat ON campus. The New Residence Halls Cafeteria is a buffet-style set up where you can swipe once and get as much food as many times as you want in one sitting. The University Center Cafeteria is bigger and has better (possibly even fresher) food than does the other cafeteria. There are hot foods like wraps, soups, grilled food, salad bar, Tex Mex station, pizza, hot subs, sushi, paninis, etc. which is also a little more expensive but delicious. The Cougar's Den is more a small restaurant that serves healthy, organic, and fresh hot and cold foods. It's a little more costly like the UC Cafeteria. Delicious though.
What to do for fun
There are a bunch of weekly activities RAs organize for the dorms. There are frat and sport-houses around campus for parties on the weekend, Hoboken has some bars and more night life about 20-30 minutes away. Weekly Shuttles provided for free by the university can take students to Target or the nearby mall. Or simply, it's college: get a group of people together to hang out in a dorm or the University Center game room.