Roanoke College
Salem, VA, USA

Reviews

Roanoke College

Dayla from Pomfret, MD

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The teachers on campus try and reach every student. You have to want to learn! The teachers aren't going to bother with someone who doesn't want to learn.
Am enjoying being here
There are many on-campus activities such as BINGO, The President's Ball (kinda like a Homecoming), Casino Night, Karaoke, and so much more and everyone knows each other. The students, teachers, and workers are very nice.
Bang for the buck
It is a little expensive but they offer a lot of scholarships. The 19 meal a week meal-plan is not ideal but they are revising it.
Tips for prospective students
Apply for the scholarships even if you do not think you fit into the requirements. Take the campus tours! They are great! The scenery is beautiful! Take the roommate questionnaire and don't judge your roommate before you spend at least a week with them.
Great for these types of students
The students that like to get involved on campus and those who want to learn.

Ryan from Roanoke, VA

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Roanoke College is a school where you feel a part of something bigger. It is a close knit community where you say hey to each person that walks past you. Roanoke College is preparing me now for the harshness of what the real world has in store.
Tips for prospective students
Be mentally prepared for what you are getting into. Roanoke College is not an easy school where you will make straight A's. You will be tested mentally all the time. Wether it is from the actual work problems or just from the stress of all the work, it can be very frustrating. Just keep your cool and realize that you got in for a reason, so show them why you deserve to be there.
Academic Rigor
Very hard classes but they will push you to maximum potential. The teachers are very nice and understanding. They are willing to help if you don't understand the problem. If you still don't understand it, the tutoring center is superb. They are very helpful and by the time you leave there, you will know the material.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is awesome. Unfortunately, being in the oldest dorm, its not the nicest. But it is still awesome the freedom of living on your own. Just don't abuse it. Campus security is watching...
Food and Dining
The food is excellent. There are so many different options. No matter what is the main course of the time, there is always a pizza bar, deli bar, pasta bar, fried rice bar and cereal bar open. It is hard to get tired of eating the same thing when you can eat differently everyday.
What to do for fun
The most fun thing to do is to get outside on a beautiful day and kick around a soccer ball or throw some frisbee with some friends. You can also join in on intramural sports and become a part of a team that bonds friendships.
Bang for the buck
It is a very pricy private institution but it is worth it.
Clubs and Activities
The school is always coming up with new clubs and activities for students. There is always something to participate in or be a part of. The school does very good in getting famous musicians to come play here. Just this year there have been two musicians that have both been at the top of the charts in the country and have come to play for Roanoke College.
Campus Safety
Campus safety is actually very helpful. My friend had his car die on him in the parking lot and Campus safety came to save the day with a jump start. They are intimidating looking but they are good hearted. They are there to protect and serve us, as well as be a friend and lend a hand.

Cara from Flemington, NJ

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Professors are easily accessible both during and outside of class and office hours. Small class sizes allow for personal connections and more in-depth learning.
Am enjoying being here
Roanoke is known for its small school, friendly atmosphere. There are plenty of great organizations to get involved in on campus to meet new people.
Bang for the buck
Roanoke's new Intellectual Inquiry curriculum allows students to take core classes that pertain to their areas of interest, making for a true liberal arts education.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved! There are so many things to do on campus that if your bored, it is truly no one's fault but your own.
Great for these types of students
Students who enjoy being challenged academically and getting to know their peers and professors on a personal level.

Felicity from Stafford, VA

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Roanoke College definitely has the friendly, small-school feel I was looking for; several people smile and wave at me whenever I walk anywhere on campus. Classes are small (my biggest classes had around 20 students) and I feel connected to other students as well as my professors. As a Spanish major, I am familiar with basically everybody in the Spanish Department and I know I can drop by or e-mail them with any questions I might have.
Tips for prospective students
If you know what major you want to pursue, sit in on a class or two! You can get a better feel for what it would be like to go to Roanoke and even get to know potential professors. I also recommend staying a night in the dorms; you can arrange to stay with a current student.
What to do for fun
Almost everything in Salem can be found on Main Street. There are a variety of restaurants, a health food store (great if you're a vegan like me), CVS, Wal-Mart, and Goodwill, to name a few. If you're looking for more nightlife or shopping, you can head over to downtown Roanoke or the Tanglewood mall. There's a Sheetz that's open 24/7 within walking distance, perfect for all-nighters.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Kicking post--every time you walk by it you are supposed to kick it for good luck.
Seal--you are not supposed to walk on it until after you've graduated
Rock--next to the Colket Center, is frequently painted by on-campus organizations to promote upcoming events
Great for these types of students
If you want smaller class sizes and you want to walk past someone you know on your way to each class, then this is the school for you. Academics are not easy, but overall my professors have been amazing; they are willing to work with you if you have any questions or didn't understand something or simply want them to check over your essay before you turn in your final copy.
Clubs and Activities
Wide variety of clubs and organizations, and you can found a new one if you don't find what you're looking for! Intramural sports as well.
Greek Life
I'm not involved in Greek life but there are sororities and fraternities. The frats throw parties every weekend, as you would expect at pretty much any college.
Campus Safety
Campus safety is available 24/7 and easily accessible. You see them around campus all the time even if you've never had to call them. They help out with random dorm problems like broken windows or flooded bathrooms too.

Ashley from Roanoke, VA

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Roanoke College has a large mount of differnt classes and small class sizes so you get a really personal connection with your teachers. This provides a good environment to learn and grow in.
Am enjoying being here
I really enjoy the sense of community at Roanoke College. The professors are really kind and willing ot help you with you work whenever needed.
Bang for the buck
Roanoke College was recently ranked in the Princeton Review as one of the top libral Colleges. With Roanoke gaining new recognition all the time the value of you degree from here become more substantial.
Tips for prospective students
Apply here you will love it, not only is this a great acedemic school but the campus is gorgeous and the town is very close to it.
Great for these types of students
It is great for anyone looking for a small town vibe but still close to a big city. Anyone looking to live in an area that explodes with color in the fall and spring!!

Rachel from Salem, VA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Roanoke College is comprised of a small, fun-loving community welcoming to all students. A friendly atmosphere pervades the atmosphere, creating a united student body. A unique trait in colleges, Roanoke College's faculty and staff genuinely care about students' success while attending the institution and after graduation.
Tips for prospective students
To get the most out of Roanoke College, get involved with different clubs or organizations. The college really is a social atmosphere. Get involved with sports, Greek life, or academic and social clubs, and you'll get to know the best part of Roanoke College: the people.
Academic Rigor
Depending on you departmental major, academics can be very challenging. The most challenging academics are in the science department, just because of the required labs, and in the honors program, because of the many requirements. Many of the other majors, such as the fine arts and liberal arts, aren't as challenging because they don't have as many requirements. All classwork is doable as long as you create the time to succeed.
Dorm Life
Although not all the dorms are new and sleek, the dorms are all relatively close to each other and foster really warm communities. If you haven't spent time in all the dorms by the end of your first year, you are a rare case.
Food and Dining
Chef Bob and the rest of the Commons crew create awesome meals three times a day. The staff is very friendly, creating themed meals throughout the year that cause long lines. There are always Gluten-free and vegetarian options, although these are not always the most appetizing choices.
What to do for fun
If there's not a planned event on campus, Downtown Salem, in RC's front yard, has something going on. Many of the social events come through RC's Greek Life, though.
Bang for the buck
RC is what you make of it. It has a huge price tag, but if you take the time to apply for scholarships, the price tag will be greatly reduced. All of the faculty want you to succeed and go out of their way to help you, one of the great things about this small school. If you work hard in class, RC will give you a community to play hard in, as well.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The President of the College throws a Black and White Ball every year for all of the students, which is actually really fun. If you step on the seal in front of the Administration Building, you will be cursed to not graduate in four years. Kicking the kicking post in between Trout Hall and the Administration Building is supposed to bring good luck.
Great for these types of students
Roanoke College is best for social students who are interested in a well-rounded college experience.
Clubs and Activities
There are many different clubs for many different interests. You can join these clubs whenever, and the whole campus is open to their events. However, this is a small school so not all interests will be guaranteed to be encompassed.
Greek Life
Greek Life is a big part of RC's social scene. There are five fraternities and four sororities. Most of the Greek events are open to the entire campus. However, because there are only 9 Greek organizations, not everyone will find a group in which they belong.
Campus Safety
Campus Safety officers are very friendly and can be seen riding around campus all the time. While no very dangerous events have happened on campus, some shenanigans do occur.

Roanoke 2015

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
It's a lot of fun with great people! I've met some of my best friends here already! Plus, the professors are great, and very understanding, but still make class challenging.
Tips for prospective students
Once you make one friend, you'll make three more, because it is such a small school, a lot of people know each other, so it's easy to become close to a lot of people. Be open to making new friends and be friendly and you'll have a great time!
Academic Rigor
Classes are challenging, but teachers make it easy to catch up. They want you to pass, however you definitely have to try.
Dorm Life
Rooms are fairly nice, and it's easy to become friends with your neighbor. Don't worry if you're not bffs with everyone on your hall, but everyone is friendly with one another.
Food and Dining
The foods really good! The specialty nights are great! King Crab Leg Night is amazing, as well as the Christmas and Valentine's Day dinners!
What to do for fun
Don't plan, just go out and have fun! Going on late night Sheetz runs are some of the most fun things you can do. Bowling is fun too, go on a week night and no one else will be there! Going to Roanoke to the mall and the movie theater is great, or to the star for a great view!
Bang for the buck
It's expensive, but financial aid is great! My classes were good, and all my professors helped a lot, and were very open to talking about any projects and were very personal with all my classes!

Ebony

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Academic Rigor
I am learning so much from Roanoke. The teachers are amazing and are very interested in what they teach, which in turn makes the students more interested in learning. I feel that I am really getting a top-notch education that is going to help further my education and career.
Am enjoying being here
I love the people that I've met at Roanoke. All of the people are so welcoming and friendly. The campus itself is completely gorgeous and surrounded by mountains. Salem and Roanoke College are just really great places to be.
Bang for the buck
While Roanoke College is a very expensive school I do think it's worth it. You really get the whole package with Roanoke. The campus is gorgeous, the classes and professors are great, and all of the people working for the school are fantastic.
Tips for prospective students
The greatest tip I could give is to get involved. There are so many activities at RC that anyone can find something to join. Joining a club can really make your college experience great. I'd also suggest really getting to know you're professors. It's really easy with the small class sizes, and they are some of the most awesome people you'll meet on campus.
Great for these types of students
Roanoke is a great place for students who like small class sizes and the opportunity to interact with their professors. Roanoke is also a great place for students who want to be near big cities, but don't necessarily want to live there. Salem is a small suburban town but it's only 20 minutes from the city of Roanoke. RC is also a great school for prospective psychology majors to apply to; our psychology programs is one of the best.

Maria from Salem, VA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I've loved Roanoke College. The opportunities on campus are numerous. The only thing is, you have to put yourself out there to find them.
Tips for prospective students
I've loved Roanoke College. The opportunities on campus are numerous. The only thing is, you have to put yourself out there to find them. I have a job on campus that relates to what I want to do in life. I've joined a Greek organization that I've met some of my life long friends from. As for academics, you better come prepared to go to class and study hard. The classes and professors aren't easy but it makes you for the better. They encourage you to work hard because that's what you have to do in real life.
Academic Rigor
It's hard but really prepares you for life
Dorm Life
Go for the newer dorms such as, market street and new hall
Food and Dining
YUMMM
What to do for fun
So many activities! Go to the activities fair to sign up for what you're interested in.
Bang for the buck
Pricey but worth it
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
the kicking post for good luck before tests
Great for these types of students
Outdoors! So many fun outdoor adventures!
Clubs and Activities
Over 200 clubs that will for sure find your interest
Greek Life
GO GREEK! Three sororities and five fraternities.
Campus Safety
Very friendly, will jump your car for free if you need!

Renee from Roanoke, VA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Roanoke College has a beautiful campus. The teachers and advisors are great and know how to answer questions. The staff is great and very nice.
Academic Rigor
You will have a good amount of homework depending on the classes you take but not to the point where your weekends are going to be taken up by you doing homework
Dorm Life
I love living on campus. The girls on my floor are some of my really close friends and we try to have at least one meal together each week.
Food and Dining
The food is really good! If you don't like what they are serving in Commons you can always go to The Cavern
What to do for fun
The Campus Activities Board always has some sort of activity going on. So far this semester, there has been a concert, tie dying, license plate making, carving pumpkins, bingo, and R Glow which was like a rave.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There is Founder's Day and there is a small parade and karaoke for Baxter Bash who was one of the presidents of the school
Clubs and Activities
There are a lot of clubs to join. I am in the Harry Potter club which I love. It's what I look forward to every week
Campus Safety
Campus Safety is great! There are multiple officers on duty during the day but also at night. The office isn't very far from campus and I feel very safe on campus