Quinnipiac University
Hamden, CT, USA

Reviews

Quinnipiac University

Gray from Kinnelon, NJ

a current student here
40 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors at Quinnipiac University are extremely helpful. Sure, you'll find an exception to that rule, but I have found that the majority of teachers excel at aiding their students in their education, and personal growth. I dare say that in my freshman year at QU I learned more than I did through four years in high school. The classes are well directed and thorough.
Am enjoying being here
Everyone will tell you how amazing college is, and I never believed the hype. You hope for it, but rarely expect anything to be just THAT good. Quinnipiac exceeded my every hope. The school's reputation is a bunch of wealthy, preppy teens running around, however you'd be surprised at how many students who attend QU are genuinely friendly, helpful, and fun people. From move-in to summer you will constantly be meeting new people who truly enhance your time at college.
Bang for the buck
Quinnipiac has the potential to drain your bank account. The school has a very pricey tuition, one that can daunt even the wealthiest parents. We pay almost as much as many of the private ivy league schools - and it's completely worth it!! Nearly everyone at school will agree, they'd agree to have a ton of student loan debt once they graduate then ever transfer out. It's an amazing school, one that's worth every penny.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you fill out your FASFA, and check out all the prospective scholarship and loan opportunities! Go into school with an open mind, and try to befriend your roommates from the start- no one wants to live with someone they do not get along with. Manage your Qcard money well in the cafe - many freshman boys ran out of money too quickly. Bring a fan or two for your room, it can get pretty hot during the summer months.
Great for these types of students
People who don't want to walk twenty minutes for class - QU is for you. The campus is the perfect size - it'll take you 15 min to cross from one end to the other, even though it's rare to have to actually make that walk. We're a small school, 6,000 students right now, so you will consistently see people you know which is preferable for students who like knowing a lot of people. Also, our nursing program is one of the best.

Mark from Medford, MA

a current student here
19 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
All of my classes so far have challenged me. The professors are knowledgeable and more than willing to help you outside of class. I used to not like going to classes when i was in high school and before i transferred to QU, but now i look forward to it everyday.
Am enjoying being here
Being on campus is a blast and there is so much to do. Hike Sleeping Giant, hang out in the quad, go shopping in New Haven and Hamden, and of course the clubs on Thursdays and the weekends are a lot of fun. The rec center is pretty nice and intramural sports are a great way to get involved. There are a ton of clubs and organizations to get involved with. I transferred to QU in the spring semester and i had no problem making friends and getting involved. Everyone I've encountered has been extremely nice and genuine. The people here is what really makes this school so enjoyable.
Bang for the buck
It is VERY expensive to go here, but in my opinion it is worth the debt because I'm having the time of my life! The only bad thing is that the food in the Cafe and the Bobcat Den is way over priced and your meal plan will go quickly, so you have to ration it and sometimes mooch off of others with more on their meal plan :P
Tips for prospective students
Your college experience is what YOU want it to be, so get involved, do things outside of your norm, and discover the type of person you really are. I feel like Quinnipiac University can offer an unforgettable college experience.
Great for these types of students
This school is great for Health Science majors. Almost 30% of the students who graduate here are Health Science majors. The School of Business is also pretty good. QU has great Physical Therapy, Nursing, and Athletic Training/Sports Medicine programs.

Chelsea from Wallingford, CT

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
While at Quinnipiac University the students realize that the professors are passionate about what they are teaching. While exuding their passion of the subject they are teaching, the professors make it easier for the students to learn the material, as well as facilitate the learning process. Quinnipiac aims to help students learn subject matter, but also to aid them in their own discovery of themselves as an individual. In doing so, Quinnipiac has a structured enough curriculum to keep the students focused within their majors, but also lenient enough to allow the students to identify their own beliefs and principles.
Am enjoying being here
Quinnipiac University provides the perfect college atmosphere. From a social aspect, all the dorms are close enough together to walk to. The farthest walk from dorm to dorm at most is about 10 minutes on campus. The newer dorms at York Hill called New Village have shuttles that run to and from the main campus. Therefore every student on campus has means of easy transportation all over campus and even to the extended campus. In addition, Quinnipiac provides a great shuttle service that brings students to and from Hamden and New Haven, nearby cities. In Hamden there are many clothing stores and food markets that make it easier for students living far away from home. In new haven there are the same commodities as in Hamden however there are also more clubs and restaurants, as well as a movie theater, all for entertainment. The students have great access to entertainment and social time with their peers. From a more academic aspect the school has an incredible library that provides sufficient means for the students to study and excel in their subjects. It is quiet and peaceful with amply amounts of resources and therefore the perfect place for students to get work done.
Bang for the buck
Although Quinnipiac University is seen as very expensive, attending here is worth every penny! The quality of the classes at Quinnipiac and the opportunities provided by the school are worth the entirety of the tuition. The classes are rigorous enough to provide substantial education. Also the scholarship, internship, and career opportunities aided by the school are all worth the money spent for attending.
Tips for prospective students
If you are considering Quinnipiac University first consider the location. It is close enough to a city, New Haven, while being located in its own scenic sect of Hamden. Consider also the professors and classes; the professors care about their students learning, and the classes are interesting enough to keep you intrigued in the class. Also, the school does offer great scholarships. Quinnipiac offers many different academic scholarships. Also Quinnipiac accepts scholarships from many outside sources making it easy for students to find money for school. My biggest tip to prospective students is to apply for scholarships because they make it much easier to pay for the school.
Great for these types of students
Quinnipiac University is a great school for those who want to be challenged. It is great for those who want a fun, social college experience, but also for those who want the chance to take rigorous classes that will prepare them for their majors and, more importantly, for their later careers.

Lindsay from Southbury, CT

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Honestly you really do learn so much here! The education QU provides is really excellent. I am a Health Science major and I can really say that I know so much more than I did before coming here. The teachers go into greater depth with details than teachers in high school do (and I went to a really good high school).
Am enjoying being here
I love QU! At first it's really difficult to adjust and find where you fit in but if you get involved with events and groups on campus you will meet so many people and feel very welcome after sometime. After talking to some freshman this year (my sophomore year) I find that they feel just like I did when I first came- scared and as though they didn't belong. But it really does change, I've found my place here and yes it took some searching but it's going to be that way at any school and now I feel at home!
Bang for the buck
It's pretty pricey here but for the most part it really is worth it. Somethings could be enhanced such as the options for food but that shouldn't make up your mind about a school anyways. I really love it here, I feel so at home. I have made so many close friends and I learn so much everyday! You will really have a great experience here and the price will be worth it when you graduate with a great degree from a highly accredited school such as this one.
Tips for prospective students
If you are planning on coming here that is great! You will know when you visit if this school is for you! It is a smaller school which is good for shyer people because you will feel more comfortable seeing more familiar faces while walking down dorm road. Just be yourself and try and get to know everyone in the hallway of your dorm the first week because after a week or more it's going to seem even more awkward to introduce yourself.
Great for these types of students
Anyone really! If you're looking for a smaller school but not too small this is it! If you're looking to be challenged, you will be! It's a beautiful campus, there is a night club life, there are many activities to get involved with on campus, it's division 1 for any sports players, and the school is really expanding so there is more diversity!

Lyndsey from Enfield, NH

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Classes at Quinnipiac are unlike any I have ever seen. The professors are excited about what they teach, they are actively seeking out the newest information in their field, and they are readily available for anything you need and know you by a name and a face not a number. I have honestly learned more in my freshman year here than my four years in high school. Not only do I learn a lot in the classroom, but just the atmosphere of the students here will tell you that you can learn a lot outside the classroom as well. Students here want to know more and many push themselves to go above and beyond the call of their academic courses.
Am enjoying being here
I am absolutely having the time of my life here at Quinnipiac. You don't have to get involved in a million things in order to enjoy it here, but you will find that it is hard not to stay away from all of the activities that QU has to offer. From Greek life, to intramurals, choir and acapella groups, theater, student government, sports, radio/tv station, snow club, the student programming board and so many more you have to find at least one club or activity you like. Plus there is always some kind of activity of the opportunity to go into Hamden or New Haven on a shuttle if you have nothing to do. I wouldn't trade my experience here at QU for the world and I am going to hate leaving.
Bang for the buck
Yes, Quinnipiac is on the expensive side but I think it will be one the most worthwhile expenses I will ever make. You may hear that QU is a bunch of rich, preppy students but honestly if you walk around campus you will see that there are some, yes, but a lot of the students very friendly and welcoming and give this campus a great community feel. I come from a small school in NH and we aren't the wealthiest family and yet I get the opportunity of a big school with the same close knit feeling that I had in high school.
Tips for prospective students
I recommend applying early so you can get the best financial aid award, though this goes for most any school. Make the most of the involvement fair they put on in the first week because you get to see every organization we have and are given the opportunity to get more info or sign up. Have at least some Q-cash in your account for the most part because you never know when you will need to print or do laundry or grab a snack from the vending machine. Definitely track your meal plan money because you don't want to be stuck with no money before the semester ends. (There are handy signs to help in the cafeteria!)

Most of all, no matter what college you pick, make sure you go there and really picture yourself there. If you aren't just dying to call that place your home (because face it you are at college more than your old home) for the next four years, it might not be the place for you. My freshman year I only came home for 3 breaks when I had to, otherwise I never wanted to leave. Its summer right now and all I see on facebook is how everyone (including myself) wants to go back to QU!!
Great for these types of students
We have some of the best health sciences in addition to fantastic communications, business, and liberal arts studies. The clinical locations in the surrounding area consistently choose QU students first over any other students.

QU is perfect for students who went to a smaller high school and still want that close knit feeling with the academic opportunities and equipment that a large school would offer. Or if you came from a large school and want something smaller.

gabrielle from danbury, ct

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
as i reflect on my first year at quinnipiac, my main thoughts are about the careers in the health field that i have been exposed to. this university is highly ranked for their health sciences programs and i understand why; faculty work strongly with students to enhance their knowledge making, and i have appreciated all the help. all it takes from a student is to reach out to faculty, who are eager to aid in his/hers process of career development. although the student body is not large and is majority females, i've created strong bonds with both faculty and students. for my particular career in the health sciences, i am very passionate about my school.
Tips for prospective students
don't apply to quinnipiac because you think the campus is pretty. find your connection with what the university offers like i did when applying.
Academic Rigor
my health science courses require me to be organized and diligent with my work; i spend at least two hours a day reviewing material to keep my mind on track. there are many places on campus to study and several resources to help students study. my best advice is to plan accordingly.
Dorm Life
lived in a suite with eight girls and a bathroom that would be cleaned weekly.
Food and Dining
fair dining food. small campus, so everything is close. however, some food did not go well with my stomach.
What to do for fun
right across the street is a great hiking trail, and there are also many places to visit in hamden and new haven. many students go to the night club "toads" in new haven on the weekends, but there is also events happening daily on campus. once students put themselves out there whether it be in a club or greek life, activities will fill they schedule.

Kaitlin from Commack, NY

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Quinnipiac University is the best decision I have ever made. The physical therapy program is one of the best in the country. The campus thrives from all the energy of intelligent students.
Tips for prospective students
Prospective students should try to do the best they can on SAT/ACT scores because it really is important when applying to selective health science or business programs. Housing for freshmen is random selection. Quinnipiac students are also very actively involved in organizations so prospective students should think about what they want to get involved in such as greek life or student government.
Academic Rigor
Depends on the field of study. Health science majors get the most work due to rigorous course work and exceeding credit hours. 3+1 Business students also have rigorous course work as well. The University Honors Program exists for students of all majors that wish to challenge themselves, but is NOT recommended for health science majors.
Dorm Life
You are given the option to live in a quad (4 people per room), double (2 people per room) or a suite (6-8 people per suite, double rooms connecting to a main common room). All freshmen housing is random selection. 3+1 Business students live in the doubles and honors students live in quads. All dorms are large in size and very well kept. Doubles and Quads are co-ed by floor and suites are single sexed suites.
Food and Dining
Food is like most college selections. Nothing tastes bad but is not the healthiest. A lot of the food is expensive. The meal plan is run as a pay-per-item system so you are never limited to a specific amount of meals per day. There is an Au bon pain chain located on campus.
What to do for fun
There is a lot to do on campus during the day and night. Many of our students are involved in a variety of clubs and organizations. The Student Programming Board and QUAD (QU after dark) are two clubs that organize special events such as concerts, dinners, and carnivals to the school on weekend nights. They are actually a lot of fun to go to! Many of our students are also involved in greek life. Greek life is not what you expect though. There are no fraternity or sorority housing and there is a very strong anti-hazing program. All of them are very service based and hold different events in order to raise money for their philanthropies. For students who want to explore more of a social atmosphere, the QU shuttles run hourly to Hamden and New Haven to take students to restaurants, nightclubs and stores.
Bang for the buck
If you're either a health science, business or communications student, the price of the school is definitely worth it. PT, OT, PA and nursing students are automatically accepted into the graduate programs they applied for as incoming freshmen so there is no re-applying process unless you are transferring into one. Business and communications students use state of the art equipment to prepare them for real world work. Internship opportunities and career fairs are always run on campus and many of our alumni now work for world recognized companies and networks. The campus is beautiful and everything is well kept.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
We are located across the street from sleeping giant state park. Many of our students can walk across the street to get into the park. It contains trails that lead to waterfalls, a castle site and a view of the entire campus.
Great for these types of students
The majority of the students who attend are usually from either New Jersey, Long Island, Massachusetts or Connecticut. There is a growing population of international students and students from other states though. The student body is 60 girls to 40 boys. The common stereotype of students here are Caucasian, upper middle class and very into sports. But many of the students here are very compassionate and down to earth.
Clubs and Activities
The school has over 100 different clubs and organizations. They hold many events such as concerts, dinners, carnivals, etc. Despite what many people think about typical school run events, they are actually a lot of fun to go to. Sporting events are also very popular to students. Basketball and Ice Hockey are the most popular sports since there is no football team. The Men's Ice Hockey team was ranked #1 in 2013 and went all the way to the Frozen Four. The biggest game of the year is the Quinnipiac-Yale game.
Greek Life
Greek life is unlike what you tend to think of greek life. There are no assigned greek housing. The head of campus greek life is actively looking over the different chapters on campus. There are very prominent anti-hazing programs and I have not met one person in greek life that was hazed in any way, shape or form. There are a growing number of chapters on campus for both men and women. All of them hold special events on campus in order to raise money for their national philanthropies. Many of our greek chapters have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Campus Safety
Public safety officers are always around campus. I feel that the school is safe to walk around no matter what hour of the day. If you do for some reason ever feel unsafe you can just call public safety to escort you anywhere on campus. The surrounding area of the school is fair. But all there really is to know is typical common sense, like in any city.

Valerie - PA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Class sizes are relatively small, which creates a great environment to develop relationships with professors. They get to know students personally, and will do the best they can to help you succeed. Professors also bring experience and knowledge from their fields into the classroom, which makes for a great learning environment.
Am enjoying being here
There is no denying the campus is beautiful, which is a great benefit when you wake up early and look out your window to a view of Sleeping Giant, the mountain located across from campus. If you take advantage of all the activities, organizations, and what the surrounding area of New England has to offer, you can't help but not love it here.
Bang for the buck
Tuition is fairly expensive, but there are great benefits for students because of it. Quinnipiac offers a free shuttle service running from all campus locations into New Haven, a city close by with a great night life, and into the towns of Hamden and North Haven for all your shopping and dining needs. The school also puts on weekly programming events, most of which are free. This includes events with comedians, movies, food, and novelties. There is also housing available from freshman year to senior year, which is rare at many other schools. We have a state-of-the-art athletic facility, and all ice-hockey and basketball games are free to students.
Tips for prospective students
College is expensive, no matter where you go, so take advantage of any and all scholarship options the school and other organizations have to offer. There are great opportunities at Quinnipiac, socially and academically, for students looking to get a lot out of their college career.
Great for these types of students
Prospective students looking for a smaller-sized school to give a more personal learning experience. The student population is relatively homogeneous, upper-middle class students from the tri-state area. Faculty, staff, and students are very friendly and do welcome diversity.

Elena

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The teachers are fantastic and love to teach. They push you to be the best that you can and to make sure that you are prepared for the real world and life after college. The teachers are very helpful and are willing to meet outside of class time to help you go over material and study for upcoming tests or quizzes.
Am enjoying being here
The University has a variety of opportunity to get involved with the school and meet new people. From a variety of D-1 varsity sports to rec leagues and clubs, you can always find something you are interested in. The Sleeping Giant is located right next to the school so occasional hiking trips are always a blast!
Bang for the buck
Though it is quite expensive, the people you meet, the education you get, and the things you learn with all make up for it. The price is nothing compared to the experiences you will have there.
Tips for prospective students
Don't judge a school before you even check it out. I did that and almost didn't even bother checking out Quinnipiac, but at the last second I changed my mind and haven't regretted it since. I knew from the minute I stepped on the campus that this is where I was meant to be and could see myself for the next 4 years. So when I comes down to it, give ever college a chances because you have nothing to lose by just checking it out, and who knows, the school might just surprise you.
Great for these types of students
The school has a great health science program that is constantly growing. Communications, business, and liberal arts programs are also on their way up. The school is for anyone the wants a small, well-rounded school. The university has pretty much everything you need right on campus, but if you need to get something off campus, the school has a shuttle system to take you downtown. The campus is small and there are only about 5,000- 6,000 undergrad students so it makes for a small tight knit community where you get to know a lot of people because you see them more often then you might at a bigger school. Quinnipiac University is for anyone that wants to get the most out of their college experience.

Hannah

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I could not ask for a school where I feel most at home. The students are so caring and full of life, the classes are challenging and educational, and the views are absolutely beautiful. I would rate Quinnipiac University as an A+.
Tips for prospective students
Students looking to come here should know that it is better than they would expect! Students are friendly and always looking for more people to associate with, the community is healthy and outgoing, and there is a group and opportunities for everyone. It is an expensive school, so look into scholarship opportunities, financial aid, etc., but the quality of education is prime. A huge tip would be to take a tour of the school when classes are in session! It is a great way to see how the life at Quinnipiac works, what students do, where to go, and what everything looks like. It is a great way to get a feel for what your prospective life could be at QU!
Academic Rigor
As a science major, the classes are very rigorous. QU has intense science programs, but that is because they are highly educational and in-depth. The class work, although nothing like high school with someone checking how you are doing, is expected to be done. It is not checked daily, but is extremely beneficial. Professors only give work if they believe it to be helpful to the students. Don't let this fool you though! The work is extremely worth it, and the want-to-succeed and intellectual atmosphere surround the campus and its students is not only motivational but very helpful to doing your best.
Dorm Life
The dorm life is exceptional. The dorms itself, no matter if you are in a double, quad, etc., are huge!! There is an RA on every floor that keeps order. The RA's are very personal and do their best to keep their floor at their happiest. There are common rooms where people are allowed to come together and work or just hangout. If there is a problem in a dorm, numbers are available to which you can call. They are clean and have great storage.
Food and Dining
The dining at QU is very good for school food. it is made fresh daily and there are many different options and spots to purchase food. They have different menus every day, although they do not have many different options. The food budget is absolutely terrible though. Even with all of the food QU has, they give you an insufficient budget. You are only allowed 1000$ per semester that people usually run out with by mid-semester. It is impossible to stay on budget when you are eating three meals a day. For instance, one cup size of milk is 3.50$. For a budget of about 13$ a day, these prices are insufficient. Students are always running to the grocery store to stock up on food.
What to do for fun
There are many different things to do at QU so you are never bored. We have many clubs and organizations and intramural teams. The only thing we don't have is club sports which is extremely discouraging. Other than that there is even groups that plan school wide functions for every weekend. There is a shuttle service that runs every day to the town of Hamden and New Haven where there are shops and restaurants. There is even a movie cinema. There is always something going on at QU that everyone can be a part of.
Greek Life
There is a lot of Greek life at Quinnipiac University, but it is unnecessary. For those involved is a great opportunity to do different things and have the option to meet many different people, but the prices are outrageous, and the requirements are unreasonable. It is unnecessary with everything going on that students can be involved in and the friendliness of the community. There is no need to spend countless hours with your Greek family and extremely high prices, also required days and meetings with which you have to purchase specific clothes or outfits. The positive is that everyone in a Greek family personally enjoys themselves, but at the same time they can get a little frustrated with all of the mandatory meetings and requirements.