Shawnee State University
Portsmouth, OH, USA

Reviews

Shawnee State University

Nicole from Hamilton, OH

a current student here
14 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Shawnee has taught me so much. Not only about my major and the classes I'm in, but about myself as a person. I'm constantly being pushed to my limit and my professors have guided me to succeed and didn't stop until I had. I feel as though they are really preparing me for the field of work I'm wanting to go into instead of throwing useless information at me.
Am enjoying being here
Shawnee State is an amazing school. The campus is absolutely beautiful and the people here are amazing. The professors and all of the people in charge of the school are all wonderful people who care about you succeeding. They are willing to work with you if you have a problem and guide you to the best solution. Not only that but the students as a whole are decent people with good hearts, and are willing to help one another.
Bang for the buck
Shawnee is one of the least expensive schools in Ohio. So not only am I getting a fantastic education, but I'm not breaking the bank to do so. For two semesters there I've only had to take out $2,500 in loans, plus they offer some amazing scholarships!
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you get to know your Academic advisor. They are a great tool to have and have helped me so much!
Great for these types of students
Anyone who is dedicated to getting a better education, enjoys being around good, decent people, and who is passionate about school.

Courtney from Portsmouth, OH

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The Nursing program for shawnee state is absoultely fantastic.
Am enjoying being here
It gives you the college life but not the huge college campus, you feel comfortable here.
Bang for the buck
With paying under 20,000 a year for shawnee it is amazing that you can go to school for less but still get the same quality.
Tips for prospective students
Get your GPA up as far as you can chase they have scholarships for students with ceertain GPA and Test scores on ACT and SAT.
Great for these types of students
Nursing, Gaming arts, shy, students who dont like big campuses, students with great financial need.

Charity from Williamsport, OH

a past student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Did learn a lot
I did learn many new thing's while attending Shawnee State University. This University has a wide variety of majors to choose from and also a wide variety of recreational activities.
Did enjoy being here
I enjoyed attending Shawnee State University very much. The campus is absolutely beautiful, and there are many activitities to keep yourself occupied.
Bang for the buck
Shawnee State University encourages students to use their financial aid office. They are open from 9:00 am-5:00 pm.
Tips for prospective students
The only thing I would like to tell students is that you really should stick to you classes. Try not to get caught up in partying and things like that, there are plenty of clubs and activities to keep yourself busy.
Great for these types of students
This is a great University for students that like to learn quickly but still have fun. Also, this is a great college for students that like small classes, with one-on-one opportunities with proffessors.

Stephanie from Akron, OH

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This is a great university for anyone who is interested in making video games. Shawnee State attracts many gaming enthusiasts and offers accredited degrees in both programming and design. The small school size means one-on-one learning and many fun campus-wide events.
Tips for prospective students
Shawnee State is a great school for game design and programming, but the small size means that the other programs in areas such as music are lacking. Live on campus if possible, as the school has great dorms and not a lot of parking space for commuters.
Academic Rigor
The courses are tough but the professors are fair. I've definitely been challenged this year, but the thrill of learning so many things makes the hard work worth it.
Dorm Life
The dorms at Shawnee State are great. Currently I live in a dorm with 4 other people. We're split into two fairly large bedrooms, two in one and three in the other. We also have two bathrooms, a living room, and a full kitchen with a stove/oven and full-sized fridge. The building has its own laundry facility, though it does cost a dollar to wash or dry. The size of the dorm is incredible and with all the included furniture, we hardly had to bring any furniture of our own.
Food and Dining
SSU has a cafeteria, and the full meal plan comes to 19 meals a week (breakfast lunch and dinner on weekdays and brunch and dinner on the weekends). The cafeteria has a decent variety of food and good staff. Every day pizza, burgers, wraps/subs, and a salad bar are available, while other entrees, soups, and desserts change daily. The eating area is large and never gets overcrowded. If you are in a hurry, you can use one meal to get a to-go bag, which included a drink, entree, and two sides or a side and dessert. There's also Jazzman's Cafe, where students can buy coffee and treats.
What to do for fun
SSU has many clubs, many of which are related to gaming. There's a gaming gladiators club which sometimes holds large competitions for Super Smash Bros. and other games. There's also the Dungeon Dwellers club which is dedicated to tabletop games, Dungeons and Dragons in particular. The most popular club is Zed, which is all about surviving a zombie apocalypse. Twice a year, the Zed club holds a Humans vs. Zombies game where everyone runs around campus and tries to survive as more and more students are turned into zombies. Other clubs include the Minecraft Club and Comic Book Club.

The campus also has a small game room with two pool tables, a swimming pool, and a few computer labs in which students can play games.

The university holds many fun events, which is good because Portsmouth is a small town and there's not a whole lot to do outside of campus. The local theater does, however, hold 4th Friday Movie nights, which allows anyone with a student ID to go to the theater at midnight and pay $3 for popcorn, a drink, and a movie.
Bang for the buck
Tuition at Shawnee State is relatively low, coming in at just over $10,000 for my first semester including housing, meal plans, and fees, so it's a great value.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Humans vs. Zombies is a big deal on campus, and it's common to see groups of Nerf-gun-wielding and zombified students prowling the campus past midnight.
Great for these types of students
Shawnee State definitely caters to gamers. With each 12-room dorm building getting their own wi-fi access point and plenty of game-friendly computer labs, including an Alienware lab, available on campus, Shawnee State seeks to meet gamers' needs. For people who may have found it hard to find other gamers in the past, fear no more. There are tons of people ready to start playing.
Clubs and Activities
The clubs are great but focused on gaming. Though programming is my passion, I also wanted to continue playing the trumpet while at school. SSU has a pep band and the city orchestra directed by one of the professors, but that's about it. Still, there are plenty of things to do on campus and I never find myself bored. Holidays are always fun because the university usually has a week of activities planned for them.
Greek Life
There are two sororities and a fraternity on campus, though a new fraternity chapter may be coming to SSU soon. I don't have much knowledge beyond that.
Campus Safety
Campus just feels like a safe place. Students are given emergency and non-emergency numbers for the security building and are encouraged to call for anything from emergencies to getting a ride to class at night. The campus also has the standard security speakers or phones on the main walk, in the parking lot, and in most of the buildings.

Bailee from Columbus, OH

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I have had many great experiences here at Shawnee State University. The people that resides in the Shawnee Campus quarters are out going, and Shawnee is a fun place to be. Shawnee State is the best place to be at if you want to go to a college that will help you with your finances.
Tips for prospective students
Any prospective students should always be prepared and organized for classes. They should always think of other people that they reside with while they are in Shawnee, becuse they will never know if the people that they meet will become their best friends. Any prospective students should also be consistant with time management when it comes to their studies an class work.
Academic Rigor
The teachers at Shawnee are always consistant with their students. They will always help you whenever you need it. They are also very informative on where to reach them whenever people need to ak them questions outside of class.
Dorm Life
The dorm life at Shawnee is fantastic. You will be able to meet new people. You will also be able to make lots of friends.
Food and Dining
The food and dining at Shawnee is delicious. Shawnee State food and dining will let you choose from a variety of foods that you would like to eat. The food and dining there is healthy and safe to eat.
What to do for fun
People who reside on the campus of Shawnee can join in on campus activities that goes on. Some campus activities include dances, charitable events, and club activities.

Erin from South Point, OH

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Shawnee State University is an amazing school. They have all kinds of different opportunities for everyone. Also if you ever need help there is always someone close by.
Tips for prospective students
Always be prepared. Go to class and have fun.
Academic Rigor
The academics are amazing and so are the professors. They are always making sure that you understand everything and help you when its needed.
Dorm Life
The dorm style is awesome. They are like apartments and they are huge. So everyone is able to have personal space.
Food and Dining
They always have amazing food.
What to do for fun
Going for walks is always fun and theres always some kind of activity going on around campus. It never gets boring here.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
I like to always touch the Lion Statue in front of Massie Hall for good luck before tests.
Great for these types of students
Any type of student can go here! It is amazing, everyone fits in.
Clubs and Activities
I love their selection of clubs, and it isn't hard at all to start up a new one if they don't already have it!
Greek Life
Their greek life is amazing, full of awesome and helpful people!
Campus Safety
Their security is amazing, if you are in trouble there is always someone close by to help

Kaycie from Oak Hill, OH

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Shawnee's campus offers a lot of different opportunities to become involved. The campus also offers plenty of extra help for student's struggling in classes. Tutoring at Shawnee has really helped me in class.
Tips for prospective students
If you need a tutor, get one!
Become involved, but don't take on more than you can handle!
Meet with your teachers during their office hours, you will get the help you need!
Academic Rigor
The professors are amazing! They are there for you to help you in anyway they can!
Dorm Life
The dorm life is awesome, as long as you dont get stuck with someone you don't get along with. Luckily I didn't have that problem!
Food and Dining
The food in the den can sometimes get boring, for they tend to have a lot of the same things often. But the taste and service are good!
What to do for fun
I have joined ZED club, book club, and a sorority. I am very active with them and spend most my spare time having fun with them!
Great for these types of students
Shy student's that want to go to a smaller school, and looking for the chance to become involved and fit in!
Clubs and Activities
Zombie club was a huge deal to me at the club fair in the UC! I was beyond excited to join! When I did I was even more excited! I love the club, the people, and the discussions we have! And even more important I cannot wait for HVZ! It's human vs. Zombies! Who wouldn't love that! It's an epic nerf gun war! This year is going to be awesome!
Greek Life
DPhiE is the sorority I belong to and I love it! Become Greek has been the best decision I have made this year! I love all my sisters and love the opportunities Greek life offers students to become involved! I highly recommend others to rush!
Campus Safety
The campus police are always around! You're always safe! Every time I see a problem, not long after it is taken care of by one of the amazing policemen on duty! As for other safety concerns, the fire alarms may be aggravating some times, but the minute they go off the Portsmouth fire department is here! There will be NO chance of a fire!

Sara from Hillsboro, OH

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I like it here at Shawnee State University. It has very helpful resources, and the people here are very nice. If you need anything they will help you with anything or find anything.
Tips for prospective students
I recommend this college if you have problems with anything. The school has anything you can possibly need. It has writing facilities, tutoring in anything you need, and advisers that will help you if you need it with your classes. The teachers are very understandable on just about everything! Just do not come here and except not to come to class and not do your work. You will not pass your classes. You have to go to your classes and do your work or else you will not pass. Just be ready to come and have fun.
Academic Rigor
The classes are small just like a high school. Most classes do not have more than thirty students in them. The teachers can work one on one with students that do not understand things. You get to pick your own classes at the time you want them, so you can pick the best time that suits you.
Dorm Life
The dorms are great. If you are not the type of person that likes people you can get your own room, but there will be three others in the same dorm with you. There are many types of dorms. There are the campus view dorms. They consist of two rooms with up to three people in each room with two bathrooms or there is the one dorms with four separate rooms. There is Bridge View, Tanner, and two other dorms. They all have a kitchens, living areas, and bathrooms with showers.
Food and Dining
The food is good on certain days. They have pizza, burgers, salads, subs, and soup every day. They have a main course at lunch and dinner every day that is different. For breakfast they have different things every day. They do have eggs and cereal for sure. If you do not want to go to any of the meals you can get a simply to go meal.
What to do for fun
There are many activities that you can do for fun. There are many clubs that you can join. If you do not want to join a club then you can just get to know some people that live in your dorms. You can play ball on the grass in the front yard, go play on the turf when the soccer players are not playing there, you can go running on the wall, go to the gym and work out, or even go fish on the river. There are many more things to do.
Bang for the buck
The coffee shop is amazing. They have amazing coffee and smoothies! They have little treats you can buy and I hear that they are really good. The book store has very good deals. You can buy hoodies, shirts, and pants. There are very many more things that you can buy in there and for really good deals.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
To be truly honest I have not heard of many unusual traditions or locations. In the UC there are gamers that like to sit in there and play games all the time when they do not have class. If they do not play in the UC they play in someones dorm.
Great for these types of students
If you are into clubs and very active then this school is really good for you. I have not heard of another school to be this active. I have many friends at other schools and I do not here as much about the clubs as I do here. I know we might not have all the sports like other schools but we sure do have the clubs. We do not have a football team, lacrosse team, or a track team that has sprinter. The track team is working on the sprinters though. We welcome students of all types. We have a great gaming program.
Clubs and Activities
About two weeks into school we have many tables set up for clubs. We have over thirty clubs at our school. Many people sign up to be in the clubs. If you want to make up a club or a activity of any type you have to get it to go through the school. The kids have a great time in the clubs. Depending on the clubs they will meet up to two times a week.
Greek Life
There are two sororities and two fraternities right now. We are working on getting another fraternity. The fraternity that we are working on getting is going to be a clean one. It is were they will not drink or do anything bad. You have to pay dues to be in the Greek Life. Some the people that I know that is in it like it. To be in it is easy, it is not like what you see on TV. You do not get messed with. You are welcomed in with arms opened, and you have fun with your brothers or sisters.
Campus Safety
The security goes around in there cars, looking at vehicles, and watching out for people. There are poles out around the campus that have a blue light on it. If you feel threatened, just go to it and press the button or call security and they will walk you back to your dorm or where ever you would like to go. They are very nice, sweet, and will do anything for you if you ask them too.

Amanda from South Shore, KY

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Shawnee State University has a small, hometown appeal full of students and staff that pride themselves on delivering a big-city educational experience. SSU is a small campus situated on the Ohio River that offers exceptional courses, dedicated staff, and plenty of extracurricular activities to satisfy any student's appetite for adventure and excellence. A safe and welcoming environment, Shawnee State University fits the educational and enjoyable criteria of both students and parents alike.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you come equipped with an open-mind and a taste for adventure because Shawnee State University has something for each brand of student. Whether it be Fine Arts, Nursing and Medicine, Education, or Business Management, SSU has a club and a purpose for each of you.
Academic Rigor
The coursework can be fast-paced at times, but it's rarely overwhelming. Both professors and student tutors are always on hand and more than willing to help educate and improve your academic studies.
Dorm Life
Dorm life can feel confining and claustrophobic, but at Shawnee State University they take pride in making sure the students have exceptional living space and adequate privacy.
Food and Dining
Check out the Bear's Den for all the delicious cooking you can expect from home. From cheeseburgers to chicken and dumplings, SSU offers a variety of delightful goodies for even the pickiest of students. If you find yourself craving something a little more refined, head down to Market Street Cafe and sip one of their freshly made Strawberry-Banana Smoothies or gorge yourself on a healthy cafe sandwich.
What to do for fun
Port City Pub is a favorite among students and locals alike. Whether you're in the mood for a bowl of hot, homemade Irish Potato Soup or a night spent karaoking with friends to some of the greatest hits, this Irish pub is the best dig in town. It offers a fantastic menu of Irish classics as well as Poetry Open Mic Night for the soulful writers, Tuesday Night Quiz Bowl for the academics, and Third Thursday for the musicians that just want to pour their heart out on stage.
Bang for the buck
Shawnee State University has low tuition rates and an outstanding academic program. Hands down, SSU is the most inexpensive four-year accredited university I've had the pleasure of attending.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
For those of you with a broader sense of imagination and creativity, Shawnee State University welcomes students on campus to explore the fun and excitement of group activities and games such as LARP (live action role-play), midnight hide and seek marathons, and more. For the students that are more involved in charity and community awareness, SSU hosts campus Help for the Homeless camp-outs. Students from every section of life band together in ragtag, self-constructed shelters to bring awareness to homelessness and hunger in Southern Ohio, as well as around the globe.
Great for these types of students
As stated above, Shawnee State University is tailor-made for every type of student, be it the academic, the artist, the teacher, or the student that isn't quite sure what direction he/she is headed. There's something here for each of you.
Clubs and Activities
Shawnee State University offers a wide variety of academic and extracurricular clubs and activities. From basketball to ballet, theater to environmental science, SSU has something of interest for everyone.
Campus Safety
Shawnee State University takes campus safety very seriously. Security calmly and quietly patrol the area 24 hours a day to ensure the safety of it's students and it's campus.

Makhi - Chillicothe, OH

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
What to do for fun
The school offers multiple school wide activities. Such as humans vs zombies, ultimate frizby, and dodgeball.
Bang for the buck
I'm getting every pennies worth every single day. So worth it.
Greek Life
I can't really say much about greek life because I am not apart of green life. Or at least not yet.
Dorm Life
The dorms here are apartment style and fantastic. Although, the wifi is an issue at times. Other than that, it's great.
Tips for prospective students
Get your work done as fast as you can. Seriously. Don't let drama and fun stuff block you from your goals.
Food and Dining
The food is ok, it's not 5 star quality, but it's still food. It's better than eating nothing.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
An unusual tradition is shooting sorority members with paint.
Campus Safety
We have great campus security that respond within minutes, sometimes even seconds of a situation breaking out.
In three sentences
This campus is fantastic. With its friendly staff and faculty. Great experience here at Shawnee State, GO BEARS!
Clubs and Activities
Here at Shawnee State we have AMAZING clubs such as 3D printing club (which I am the esteemed leader of). And fantastic activities such as sports and cookouts
Great for these types of students
Technological, the intelligent, and creative.
Academic Rigor
The academic rigor is great but not impossible which makes it challenging but not too difficult to pass.