Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA, USA

Reviews

Lehigh University

Stacy from Hope Valley, RI

a current student here
11 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Even though I'm taking mostly prerequisite classes right now, they are more advanced than anything I'd taken in high school and the teaching styles of the professors are conducive to learning. The learning that occurs on campus isn't limited to strictly subject matter, and many classes bring in outside knowledge that is applicable in any situation and create well-rounded students, not just ones able to recite formulas and equations.
Am enjoying being here
The atmosphere on campus is great from the people I've met to the activities offered. I know so many people who have found their niches in completely different areas from theater to sports to engineering clubs and that's what makes the campus so complete. And who doesn't want to be on a campus reminiscent of Hogwarts?
Bang for the buck
The professors are extremely knowledgeable in their fields and bring a great deal of experience to their classes. For instance, my international relations professor has published books, written for the Los Angeles Times, and been on NPR. The exposure that Lehigh grants is well worth it.
Tips for prospective students
-Visit campus-much of my decision to come was based on the great atmosphere I was exposed to on my tour.
-Examine all of the unique options for degrees that Lehigh offers-IDEAS, IBE, and IRE@L are all integrated degrees not offered by any other school that provide excellent educations.
-Check out the spiral staircase in Linderman Library and picture yourself studying there...that image should be enough to make you want to come.
Great for these types of students
-Students who go to school because they want to learn.
-Students who are organized and disciplined enough to go out and party on the weekends but still do all of their work.
-Students who have school spirit-the Lehigh-Lafayette rivalry is the oldest rivalry in the nation (search The Rivalry on Wikipedia if you're not sure).
-Students who look good in earth tones-Go Brown and White!

Tyler from Red Lion, PA

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Lehigh University is a high functioning and hard playing college. Work hard, play hard should be written on every building. If you're not a fan of the nightlife there, as I am not, it's not too difficult to find something else to do, as long as you have like-minded friends. It can be easy to feel like the only person with these ideals, but persevere and you will find some others. Lehigh gives a phenomenal education, has some really great professors (be sure to use ratemyprofessors.com to check who to take), but you must be aggressive and committed to your own agenda. They have structure to follow and if you need or want to break it, you must be well prepared to deal with backlash. Ask about financial aid early and ask as many questions as you can think of.
Tips for prospective students
Be proactive about financial aid and in general, know your stuff. Have as much information as possible and show professionalism and preparedness. Be assertive. Do all these things and you have a much higher chance of achieving your goals. Everything is set up to accommodate the average student. If you are coming in with AP or transfer credit, you must be aware of everything related to it. Do your research and be prepared to persevere toward the goal of taking the classes you need and want to take when you need and want to take them.
Academic Rigor
Very high. That's part of what makes the school's graduates so marketable and sought after.
Dorm Life
Pretty great. Though I'm not familiar with any other school's system, I have no complaints about ours and it works well. Just find a roommate beforehand and request each other if you're afraid of random.
Food and Dining
It can be really good sometimes and if it's not, there are always staples that taste decent that you can get anytime. Cereal, fruit, burgers, fries, deli sandwiches, salads are all available all the time.
What to do for fun
Meet people. Lehigh has incredible diversity. I hang out mostly with Turkish guys and I'm from PA. Talk to people, be open, be loosely scheduled and flexible. Take your time finding a niche. Get involved in what you love. It's almost guaranteed that you can find other people who love what you love. There might even be a club for it. If there isn't, find 5 people who are interested in the same thing, find a staff adviser and apply for club status. You can even get funding if the university deems it necessary and possible.
Bang for the buck
While I don't know how my occupational opportunities will be yet, I do know that their records for having a set plan after graduation are very high (close to 100%). People in engineering know the name and reputation and have a lot to say about it. While all of this is 5-star worthy, it costs near $60,000 per year. Since they are a private school, financial aid is highly attainable, but for those who cannot get any, it is a lofty cost.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
You have to come to find out about these! Bed races are a huge deal on campus!
Great for these types of students
Engineers, hard workers, perseverant people, passionate people, open and diversified people, or those who want to become diversified and meet new people.
Clubs and Activities
Fantastic. Tons of clubs and an easy new club application process.
Greek Life
Not involved and not really interested. The engineering fraternity sounds okay, but the others are similar to the fraternities on other campuses. Lots of parties and drinking.
Campus Safety
Lehigh is one of the only campuses on the east coast with its own full-fledged police station branch. The Lehigh University Police Department is its own, fully independent and operational police force. Great security on campus.

Samantha from East Northport, NY

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The variety of classes offered here, along with the hard-working professors, will allow you to learn more than you ever have in high school.
Am enjoying being here
I have never been happier. The campus, social life, and academic program I am in all make me feel that I am taking advantage of everything Lehigh has to offer me.
Bang for the buck
Lehigh is very expensive, but I realize I'm getting a great education, as well as the best four years of my life. Also, I believe the opportunities for my future after Lehigh will outweigh the costs to be here.
Tips for prospective students
SAT scores and GPA play a decent part in being accepted, but more importantly participate in volunteer programs and be active in your high school and community.
Great for these types of students
I think anyone that values a good education, but also is looking for an active social life and activities on campus would love Lehigh.

Christy

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Lehigh University is strong in engineering and business. Due to this reason, many people are expected to major in engineering and it has become a norm. However, you do have the option to major in the arts and science.
Tips for prospective students
Lehigh University has a beautiful campus and it is always worth the visit. However, Lehigh has three campuses that are separated from each other. It can be difficult to travel from one campus to another, but usually undergraduates will stay in the Asa Packer Campus where all the academic classes are held. If you want to attend a school where all campuses are close, Lehigh has a disadvantage. Also, Lehigh is built on a mountain, so be prepared to do some exercise when you get here.
Academic Rigor
I am a first year student, thus I do not have a rigorous schedule for the first semester. Lehigh is a liberal art school so there are requirements that you have to fulfill depending on the college of your choice. Based on number of credits you have, you will have different amount of assignments. You should expect readings from most of your classes in weekly bases. And if you are taking a math course or science course with lab, it is expected you will spend more time on those assignments.
Dorm Life
Most first year students reside in one of the three traditional dorms, M&M, Richards and Dravo. Dravo is the house for Live Lehigh program this year and it has the most beautiful view, but you also have to hike a bit for the view. Other first year students live in other smaller dorms in the upper and lower Centennial complexes or the Umojo House. Like many other colleges, Lehigh has resident assistance, or Gryphon as we call it, to help you if you have questions about the school or have conflicts with your roommate. Lehigh does offer tutoring in the dorms on core courses such as calculus or physics. You are always welcome to watch a movie with your friend in the lounges when they are free and the dorm council will regularly plan events.
Food and Dining
There are two main dining halls in the Asa Packer campus, Rathbone and Lower Cort. The food there is sometimes good and sometimes not so great depending on the day. You also have the option of dining in the Upper Cort where the food court is located. There are various cafes and food trucks located around the campus. You can get tried eating at the same place, so tried to switch it up when you can.
What to do for fun
Many students in Lehigh go out during the weekend for parties. If you do not want to go to those parties, Lehigh's After the Dark program offers activities during Friday night and during the weekend. There are also other activities during the weekday such as Make and Take, which you make something, depends on the theme of the week and take it with you after you are done. One of the biggest events in Lehigh is the Lehigh-Lafayette football game taken place in the Yankee Stadium in November of each year. It is a tradition for the two schools and many students will stay in New York during the weekend of the game.
Clubs and Activities
There is a club fair in the beginning of the semester where most clubs have a table set up for the students to sign up.
Campus Safety
Lehigh University has its own police force, LUPD. If you have an emergency, try to call the LUPD instead of 911 because the Bethlehem police will refer the case to the LUPD, which will takes more time.

Samantha

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Lehigh is considered a hidden ivy league. It is one of the best known research universities in the nation. Lehigh is primarily known for its engineering and business colleges, however many of the other disciplines are also well known.
Tips for prospective students
Come visit the school in the fall. At this time, it is most active and beautiful as the leaves are turning colors. Lehigh also offers programs that brings out high school seniors out to tour the campus. There are also opportunities for students to stay in a dorm, with a Lehigh student, for a night or two and experience how it's like to be a Lehigh student.
Academic Rigor
Lehigh takes it's academics seriously. All classes are rigorous. However, there are many opportunities for students here, especially first year students (freshmen) to receive tutoring or other academic support.
Dorm Life
Some of the buildings are somewhat dilapidated. This of course depends where you end up living. Recently, Lehigh has been spending a lot of money renovating many residence halls to make it better for students.
Food and Dining
There are different places and options to eat, both on and off campus. There are two main cafeterias on campus and there are places where you can use dining dollars to pay for meals or snacks. When it comes to food there are many different options. However, food in which you have to use dining dollars is somewhat expensive. If you ever come to campus be sure to try the milkshakes at Hawk's Nest. There's a lot of different milkshake options and they are the best tasting milkshakes I've ever had!
What to do for fun
While Lehigh is considered a party school, I feel the administration does a good job keeping students who may not be into the party scene entertained on the weekends. One of the main events Lehigh has is Lehigh after dark. During this time, students gather to play trivia or do other safe, fun activities together.
Bang for the buck
In my experience with financial aid, Lehigh was one of the more generous private schools. However, their aid was not close to my EFC, which is somewhat disappointed me. But usually, Lehigh does a good job giving good financial aid packages. Despite not receiving what I expected, I got a generous grant from the school that covered more than half of my tuition. When it comes to financial aid appeals, Lehigh will not do a good job of giving out extra financial aid. They will most likely try to have you take out additional loans (Perkins and institutional).
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Lehigh has some odd traditions. There are bed races, yes a bed race. In addition to that, Lehigh is big on football, they have one of the longest football rivalries against another local college, Lafayette College. In the early 19th century, the university's mascot was the engineers, which was later changed to the current mascot, the Mountain Hawks. Notable alumni from Lehigh supplied steel to make the Golden Gate Bridge and the Panama Canal.
Great for these types of students
Lehigh is great for students who want personalized attention from professors, access to research opportunities, and get highly involved on campus.
Clubs and Activities
Lehigh has an endless amount of clubs and organizations students can join. Seriously, you will find new passions. If not you can also create and start your own club or organization on campus.
Greek Life
About a third of the student body is involved in Greek life. While there is a large presence of Greek life on campus, I feel that students are not necessarily excluded if they choose to not join a sorority or fraternity.
Campus Safety
In my experience at Lehigh, I have never felt unsafe, however, there have been reported incidents of students off campus getting burglarized. The university has its own police and security guards and in addition to that the university police has a partnership with the city's police. There are some parts of campus that are isolated, especially at night. It is prudent for students to walk in group and not alone at night. If you use common sense, you'll be fine. There are also emergency call boxes throughout campus so police can easily be reached.

Kaitlyn from Chambersburg, PA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The most striking thing about Lehigh University is it's beautiful sloping campus that is in between the downtown Bethlehem area and South Mountain. Furthermore, the academics at Lehigh are challenging but refreshing for any motivated student looking for a challenge. At Lehigh you can always find something to do, be it see a free movie on campus, enjoy the food downtown, or enjoying the benefits of a club or organization you joined.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved, try new things, have an open mind, get into a routine, get plenty of sleep, vary your diet, and balance your time between studying and socializing.
Academic Rigor
The courses are challenging, but if you devote enough time to the classes you can excell. Also, if you connect with the professors they are always willing to help you.
Dorm Life
The people I met in the dorm became my closest friends. We all would go to dinner together, or go out together on weekends. These people were always there for me whether it was just to have a good time or comfort me in times of stress. It was always reassuring to know I had a great friend a couple doors down. Also the dorms were clean and roomy.
Food and Dining
It obviously isn't gourmet, but there are plenty of choices and I never got sick of the food.
What to do for fun
Go downtown, see a movie, go ice skating, spend time with friends, take busses into Philly and New York. LEHIGH/LAF WEEK
Bang for the buck
Honestly, Lehigh is very expensive, but the value of your degree and education there is well worth it. Also, students are spoiled and treated well as we are given many opportunities and free material items. The living situations are well taken care of and I never felt dirty on campus.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Lehigh/ Laf week is our spirit week filled with great traditions like Lehigh Lafapalooza and the Turkey trot and the football game which is the longest rivalry in history. We also have 4 o clock exams which are midterms twice in a semester.
Great for these types of students
motivated, athletic, driven, energetic
Clubs and Activities
There is a great variety of clubs to become involved in. It ranges anywhere from choir and band, to athletic support groups, to art clubs, to language clubs, to nerf gun club!
Greek Life
If you're into that type of thing, there is plenty of it here, and everyone seems to fit in fine. If you're not into it, there are also plenty of people who avoid it.
Campus Safety
Downtown Bethlehem is a little scary and sometimes it seems the police are more concerned with busting parties than busting off campus crime.

Haley from Northampton, PA

accepted here and planning to attend soon
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
Lehigh's curriculum is challenging America's brightest minds and I consider myself proud and lucky to soon be apart of a student body that will achieving great things.
Will enjoy being here
Lehigh puts a lot of effort into having a lot to do around campus so having 4 years on the same campus is not wasted. I am very excited to have so many options open to me once the school year starts.
Bang for the buck
I received a $32,000 scholarship a year, Lehigh is $52,000 a year, so for the quality education it is, Lehigh did not give me one reason not to attend.
Tips for prospective students
Apply Early Decision. Your chance for acceptance increases so much, it is worth your effort to apply early.
Great for these types of students
Fun, outgoing, strong-willed, high achievers, explorers, go-getters!

Matthew from Georgetown, DE

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
While the classes are getting quite difficult, that only shows that the quality of the material is effective. My freshman year, similar to most schools, was very basic and more of an introduction, while my sophomore year is full of new information more specific to my career. I am becoming familiar with more processes and the mindset of a mechanical engineer, and only look forward to learning more.
Am enjoying being here
The feeling of attending Lehigh is a unique one, for whenever I leave the campus, I feel as if a part of me is missing. There are a ton of opportunities to get involved around campus and many different groups of people to get friendly with. It is truly an experience unlike any other, and it definitely helps that the campus looks amazing.
Bang for the buck
There are a couple minor things that I wish students were more able to do, but overall, you are definitely paying for quality. Lehigh's tuition and other costs are not cheap by any account, but having all assets of an adult life covered within a college campus makes the daily routine much easier to handle.
Tips for prospective students
If you are interested in Lehigh, first of all, don't stop working hard. The college curriculum is difficult to say the least, but learning time-management strategies early greatly aids in doing well. In addition, keep your mind open. There are some college experiences and groups that you, as a high school student, may never consider being a part of, but those are precisely the things that will make college so much fun.
Great for these types of students
-Hard working students
-Those that want to learn a lot of information
-Individuals who enjoy extra-curricular opportunities
-Students who would like their college campus to be a world of its own

Era from Philadelphia, PA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Lehigh is a beautiful campus with welcoming people but more importantly, a great academic climate. Classes are challanging and exams are difficult but we always have the greatest support from every staf member and faculty. The rigorous classes result in deep learning of the material.
Tips for prospective students
Lear how to manage you time, and do not be afraid to ask for help! Everyone is very supportive and wants you too succed. Take advantage of the many tutoring resouces, your teaching assistant and more importantly your proffesor in order to have the best experience.
Academic Rigor
Classes are quite challanging but they are managable when putting a lot of work.
Dorm Life
I live on the First-Generation themed housing and it has made my first semester so much better. Themed housing allows you to live around people with the same interests or backgrounds and makes it easier for students to find a support group on campus early on.
Food and Dining
the are a few options for food on campus but I like to compare the food as the food in your dinner table at home: sometimes you have your favourite for dinner and other times you would rather prefer a sandwitch. The menu and main dishes change everyday, but there are also pernament stations like the one of hamburgers, sandwitches, omlets and eggs for breakfast.
What to do for fun
Lehihg has a lot of fun activities for students that are called "Lehigh after dark". These events usually consist of concerts( Halsey came to campus on Nov. 2018), carnivals, celebration of our rivalry games, movie nights etc. Moreover, the Bethlehem area is a lively city with a lot of great people. food and culture. Every dorm also has their own unique activities that are sponsored every month from the university. Some of the activities include: ice scating, movie night, cupcake decoration, crafts and diy-s, bbqs with fun outdoor activities(ikeboouncy houses) and enjoying time with therapy dogs etc.
Bang for the buck
The dining halls only cost one swipe and are have great food for low price. There are also a ton of free events that give out free food and T-shirts every week that make like on campus that much more affortable. Moreover, the financial aid office is really close to students in working with them to reduce tuition cost as much as possible.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Even though the library sounds like the best time to be during miderms and finals week, it usually gets really crouded. The best spots are on the academic buldings and classrooms. You can have a whole building to yourself to study!
Great for these types of students
Lehigh is a great place for everyone as everyone can find their own community within it.
Campus Safety
The campus is really safe and our police is a cerified police station form the state of Pennsylvania. They patrol the campus every hour of the day, and are very friendly to the students. Moreover, we have a security app that allows you to not only track bus schedule, but also call the police to your location on the spot. Other features include allowing people to track you back home etc.

Jeanine from Forest, VA

researching this school
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The campus is amazing and Lehigh has everything I am looking for. I want to be very active in clubs and in the community and I get the impression Lehigh would be able to fulfill that. I did not know about Lehigh until I researched it for softball, and I visited and thought it was amazing.
Academic Rigor
Lehigh is a very strong school for academics and research.
Dorm Life
Seems like the dorms are very nice and it is easy to make friends.
Food and Dining
There are quite a few choices on campus as well as the surrounding area.