Lesley University
Cambridge, MA, USA

Reviews

Lesley University

Riva from New Gloucester, ME

a current student here
12 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Within a semester, I was already prepared with a new arsenal of ideas and knowledge. Compared to what I've learned here, I learned nothing in high school. The staff, services, resources, and most of all other students are all there to help you learn and grow. It is still challenging, but you have the opportunity to grow, not just academically, but socially and globally. It takes ten minutes to Harvard Square which is full of opportunities and places to explore, and if that's not enough, it's less than a half an hour on the T to get to any type of place you can image. Lesley gives you the comforts of the small, yet urban environment, in a school that you know most people at minimum by face, while still having the city of Boston at your fingertips.
Am enjoying being here
Every vacation I counted down the days to go back. There is always something to do, the professors care, and even the food service staff give you a smile, talk with you, and make you feel like home. You have to get yourself involved however- there are flyers and emails, but sometimes word of mouth is the only way to find out what's really going on.
Bang for the buck
If your grades are good, you can get a pretty decent scholarship (up to $15,000), which helps tremendously, with additional grants depending on financial need. Work studies are often awarded, however they dry up fast. There is plenty of places to apply off campus less than 20 minutes of walking, but once October hits you will likely have to wait 'till spring unless you want to take the T to work.
Tips for prospective students
Visit, visit, visit! For any college, there is no way of knowing it is right for you unless you visit and see what it's really like. Student reviews and web sites and secondary information is great, but without seeing it for yourself there is really no way to know if its right for you. I have seen so many of my high school graduates transfer and be miserable because they did not visit first, and it was not like the pictures in brochures. Also, this school does play Humans V Zombies (it's a campus wide game of continuous tag) so bring your Nerf guns!
Great for these types of students
Lesley is not a party school, however those who do choose to party often visit Harvard next door and MIT about a half hour away. I recommend it for students who like the arts, or being around creative people, and those who are interested in a little bit of everything. Those who like a community environment will thrive here.

Sarah from Plainfield, NH

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am actually a student at the Art Institute of Boston, but since AIB doesn't have its own tab on Cappex I'm leaving a review under Lesley since we are affiliated with them. My schedule is often very busy. My Lesley classes, that is to say my general education credits, are about an hour each two times a week while my AIB classes, my art/main classes, are three hours a day usually two times a week. It's a long day, but you really do learn a lot once you get past your Freshman year. The staff at both Lesley and AIB are helpful and I've been told if you're having trouble learning the tutoring center is good as well.
Am enjoying being here
Boston is a great city, and Lesley has a great campus. Lesley is about ten minutes away from Harvard Square, which is fun to explore. Boston is also very walkable, and an interesting place to explore with friends. Some times my friends and I just wander along the Charles River when it's sunny out. If you want a good place to start exploring, I say follow the Freedom Trail. Another favorite place of mine is around Boston Harbor.
Bang for the buck
Expect to pay a LOT of money for AIB. I was fortunate enough to get a decent scholarship package, but I have a friend who was a senior last year who is over $100,000 in debt because of his loans--and he said this was common amongst all his friends! If you get a better scholarship package at a different school, take it. That said, you get what you pay for. AIB is up to date on its technology in the labs and the teachers know what they're talking about.
Tips for prospective students
*You receive as much as you give. If you slack off and don't try doing your work, it will show.

*Be open minded. The teachers might say things that will annoy you or otherwise rub you the wrong way, but you'd be surprised to know that even if you don't agree with them, their advice will still benefit you in the end.

*Be sure to check out the free activities that Lesley has, including the free movie showings Saturday night! They're a great way to relax after a stressful week at school and best of all, you don't have to pay.

*Beware of the shuttle that goes from Lesley to AIB and vice versa. It has not been unheard of for students to be late for their classes because of it.
Great for these types of students
I can only speak for AIB, but if you're truly passionate about becoming a better artist, AIB is the place for you. Ideally, an AIB student should love being in the city (or big town as my advisor calls it) and love working on their art.

Catherine from Spencer, MA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I love my classes. I have taken classes in psychology, philosophy, dance, history, and sociology all in my first year. There is a good selection of very interesting classes, thought it is obviously not at expansive as you would get a larger school. If you like humanities, social sciences, or teaching , this is a very good choice. our science and math programs are starting to develop and there are some great opportunities in those areas as well.
Am enjoying being here
We are literally surrounded by Harvard, so it is a very beutiful place to be. Boston and Cambridge have a lot to offer and there is always a new place to explore. the campus quad is very beautiful, many people sit out on the grass when the weather is nice. Dorms are quite nice if you're not a freshman, since a lot of the housing is Victorian houses. Freshman dorms are typical style dorms. It is a small school, which I love because I can always find a friend to sit with in the dining hall at any given time.
Bang for the buck
It is on the expensive side, but I find it to be totally worth it, because I absolutely love it here.
Tips for prospective students
It is a small school and there are a lot more females than males at the school, but keep in mind that there is always the rest of Boston to explore.
Great for these types of students
Students looking for:
A smaller school feel
The expansiveness of a city to explore
A good education in the social sciences or teaching
a small teacher to student ration and small classes (I had 30 at the most in my classes, and that is as a freshman!)
looking for a strong community
looking for an artsier, different student population

Rachel from Cambridge, MA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Lesley University is my home away from home. I am able to be creative, be excited about learning and completing my work assignments, and stepping outside of my comfort zone. I couldn't have picked a better school.
Tips for prospective students
If you're looking for a small school, but not too small where everyone knows everybody's business, this is the school for you. The education program is beyond excellent and the students are just as great.
Academic Rigor
Academics are very important here. Lesley recognizes the hard work students put in everyday, which is one of the best features of the school.
Dorm Life
Lesley supplies students with the typical dorm life. There is what can be considered the crappy dorms and the awesome dorms. I personally don't think it matters where you live on this campus as long as you are living with and are surrounded by people you love, which is easy to come by here. Lesley also offers housing suited to a student's needs. For example, if a student is really big on holistic lifestyles, there is a house just for you. All buildings are handicap accessible as well.
Food and Dining
Lesley is not particularly known for it's gourmet food, however, the food is edible and there is a very wide variety especially for any vegans and vegetarians.
What to do for fun
City life! Boston is a T ride away! Harvard square is also a ten minute walk away from campus where you can find anything you need or want. You could even walk through the beautiful Harvard Law campus on your way into the square.
Bang for the buck
As expensive as the tuition is, I don't think I would learn as much as I already have at any other school. The field experience is phenomenal! Students are able to learn in a classroom with peers but are also able to experience the material firsthand in the real world.
Great for these types of students
Anyone interested in holistic psychology, education, and art therapy!
Clubs and Activities
Everyone participating in any club is extremely passionate and dedicated. The people you meet in any of the clubs on campus will become your lifelong friends, that's pretty much guaranteed.
Greek Life
No greek life.
Campus Safety
Security is available at all three campuses. They are extremely friendly and helpful at all hours of the day.

davina from taunton, ma

accepted here and planning to attend soon
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
the campus is huge, the food is delicious and there are a variety of students that you get to meet. current students make you feel welcomed and are extremely friendly. the teachers are kind as well and i was told that they are great with accommodating you if you have an illness of some kind.
Tips for prospective students
make sure you keep up with your messes, the rooms are very small. also, get used to using public transportation. try not to use the school's medical resources, they will send you a big bill for it.
Academic Rigor
i only give this an average rating because the one class i went to during my visit was boring for the most part, but the teacher was very welcoming considering i asked to go to her class last minute.
Dorm Life
he dorms are small, but comfortable. make sure to pack lightly. just bring clothes, a television, a dvd player (if you want), and a gaming system, but don't bring things that you absolutely don't need.
Food and Dining
they have a variety of different foods. they accommodate for vegans and vegetarians too. the food is very delicious. i'm pretty sure you can recommend meals that you would like them to make.
What to do for fun
you can either go to harvard square and make your own fun or you can keep yourself busy with extra curricular activities.
Clubs and Activities
they have a disney club... need i say more?
Campus Safety
they actually have these phone stations that are signaled with a blue light where you can request campus security to walk with you to your dorm if it's late and you don't feel comfortable walking alone.

Rachel from Boston, MA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Provides a great environment for the pursuit of writing, education, and expressive therapies. Small-school feel with big-city surroundings. Engaged professors and small class sizes.
Tips for prospective students
Great for adult learners!
Academic Rigor
Good quality teaching / learning, but the intensity varies
Dorm Life
I live off campus, so I'm just guessing
Food and Dining
Since I live off campus I'm guessing
Great for these types of students
Adult learners, education, writing, expressive therapy majors

Victoria from Boston, MA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Academic Rigor
The professors are wonderful to work with and strive to do all they can to help you succeed. They make sure to map out the grading policy during the first few days of class so there are no misunderstandings when it comes to final grades. Even in my most difficult classes, letting the professor know my weak areas in the class allowed them to help me improved them by the last class.
Food and Dining
The food is good. There are five different dining areas you can choose from. One located at the Art Institute of Boston. One located on Lesley's Brattle Campus. One located in Porter where the majority of classes are held and two located on Lesley's Doble campus.
What to do for fun
Campus Activities Board also known as CAB always has a ton of things going on each week. Whether it is a themed bingo or a band coming to entertain the student body, CAB makes sure to conjure up fun activities for the students to take advantage of. Other than on campus activities many students find it fun to explore the city of Boston taking advantage of all that the city offers them.
Bang for the buck
It is a bit costly. If you choose to take advantage of all it's resources than you definitely get your money's worth but if you don't it will seem like your spending a lot for a little.
Great for these types of students
Those who are willing to take advantage of the opportunities set forth in front of them, those who like to sit back relax and allow their creative juices to begin to flow as well as those who just like to lend a helping hand from time to time but prefer not to be the center of attention.
Clubs and Activities
Lesley has over fourty different clubs students can choose from. If there is not a club that suites you, you are allowed to create your own club.
Greek Life
None.
Campus Safety
Public Safety is open twenty four hours a day. The Harvard police, Somerville Police, and the Cambridge Police are also close by patrolling the area.

Margaret from North Kingstown, RI

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Lesley is a small enough school to feel at home, but has a large enough reach to feel like apart of a larger world. This very environmentally conscious school helps each student grow exponentially as a student through a huge variety of opportunities and self-designed programs
Tips for prospective students
The administration for the college has many issues, but the overall Lesley community is really great if you can get involved. Some of the professors are incredible. Take a class with Cristin Ashmankas if possible!
Academic Rigor
Just enough of a challenge.
Dorm Life
Dorms are beautiful. Most are great houses turned into quarters for students. Great special housing options. There can be a party scene but if your not interested, there are many alternative options.
Food and Dining
Food is incredible compared to many colleges. The desserts are to die for and everything is home cooked and local.
What to do for fun
HUGE variety of clubs and other groups. On the weekends there are always events and if not, the whole city of Boston is at your fingertips. A lot of places let you in for free with a student I.D.
Bang for the buck
Some of the fees seem unnecessary, especially when you don't know where they are going to. But overall, Lesley is pretty great compared to other schools.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The quad is small and personal, like a home and most of the buildings around it are connected through underground tunnels.
Great for these types of students
Artsy, alternative, environmentally friendly,
Greek Life
None
Campus Safety
In Cambridge but definitely safe enough to be out alone at night. I never lock my dorm room.

Samantha from Cambridge, MA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
this is an awesome school. since my first day i have felt welcomed, excited and challenged. it is a great place to be for so many different types of people.
Tips for prospective students
be open to getting involved on campus. there is so much to do here, so be sure not to miss out on anything.
Academic Rigor
its about the classes you take. if you don't feel challenged enough, take harder classes. there are a variety of levels of classes, and the rigor of the classes varies as well.
Dorm Life
i love my dorm situation. all of the dorms are pretty nice, and there are plenty of different options of housing.
Food and Dining
it tends to be a hit or miss. personally, i enjoy all of the dining options on campus (there are 5), but some people tend to get tired of them.
What to do for fun
clubs, activities, travel the 10 minute walk to harvard square, or the 2 train stop ride to boston (maybe 15 minutes).
Bang for the buck
while i love it here, it can be a little costy, and people tend to cap they're aid and might still need a little more.
Clubs and Activities
there are tons! for everyone person, and interest.
Greek Life
none
Campus Safety
public safety is awesome! they are open 24/7, and always willing to help.

A.E from Acton, MA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
This past semester I have enjoyed my studies of psychology and counseling. I learned more than I did in high school and I cannot wait to take my knowledge to the next level of my education.
Am enjoying being here
The sense of community and guidance is uplifting
Bang for the buck
Lesley University is quite expensive and I really did not know that until I actually got there. My parents are currently struggling to pay my tuition of 15k a semester but I believe with the help of financial aid and a possible scholarship, my education can be fulfilled.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure while you are looking at this school to keep in mind that it is not like a ordinary college. It is small with around 1800 undergraduates. If you like a sense of community and diversity then Lesley is the perfect school for you. It also offers great programs for secondary education, expressive arts therapy, psychology and counseling. There is a small group of people I know studying business management and science but those aren't the biggest majors on campus. Unfortunately, the food here isn't THAT good, but what can you expect from a college that is more focused on your journey of education?
Great for these types of students
Open minded, artistic, encouraging