Southern Oregon University
Ashland, OR, USA

Reviews

Southern Oregon University

Brooke from South Lake Tahoe, CA

a current student here
23 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The teachers are really helpful and most are really good about getting papers or tests backs quickly. I feel pretty challenged, but never really overloaded. Most professors are really good about dealing with special circumatances.
Am enjoying being here
The residential life is amazing. There are frequent and a variety of programs. For example, on St. Patrick's day there was a non-alcoholic pub crawl between the buildings and once there was a program where each building represented a different era of time. The RAs are really nice and helpful, but it is really easy to get caught doing anything because the dorms are compact. Also, I like the size since i recognize people in my classes, but at the same time there are always new people to meet.
Bang for the buck
Though the meal plan and housing seems really expensive, I feel like I am getting a quality education.
Tips for prospective students
Classes are challenging, but some are really easy so decide what you want to feel like during the school year
Great for these types of students
Hard working yet relaxed, fairly academic

The Runner From Umatilla

a current student here
15 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
My Professors are really experienced and actually know what they're talking about. They are goofy and fun and not strict and grumpy like most colleges. I've learned more here in one semester than in my senior year of high school!
Am enjoying being here
There are so many clubs and fun organizations to join! Plus, the sports teams are really welcoming and fun. There is something to do for everyone here.
Bang for the buck
At first glance, the costs might seem a bit too heavy. But the school is so helpful when it comes to applying for aid and scholarships. Not only do they help you figure out how to get money, they show you how to use it and pay it back.
Tips for prospective students
Apply and take a few trips down to Ashland. You'll fall in love not only with the campus, but with the whole town. There's so many exciting things in Ashland. The food is great too!
Great for these types of students
Everyone! Whether you're a sports nut, brainiac, theater kid, band president or just the average Joe, you'll find something to love at SOU.

Joseph from Ashland, OR

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Southern Oregon University is a small school with good academics and good opportunities

Southern Oregon University is a good place to go if you want peace and quiet to explore your inner world while making new friends in an open college environment

Southern Oregon University is a combination of a commuter college and a campus community. With recent successes in the schools athletic departments, popularity of the school will be on the rise
Tips for prospective students
Be prepared to interact with your professors. Understand that some people are at the college only to party and that there will be people like that where ever you go. Find your friends and inner circle, work hard, and the possibilities are endless.
Academic Rigor
The academics vary from department to department, but all in all the academics are very high par. Again, it's really dependent on the amount of work that you put into the classes and the type of questions that you ask your professors/ your own willingness to ask questions and speak up.
Dorm Life
New dorms have recently been put in at the college. It's pretty fancy from what I've heard
Food and Dining
The food on this campus is really. good. I highly recommend going to the red plate food station in the hawk dining facility on campus.
What to do for fun
Tons of outdoors activities, wilderness, lakes, reserviors, trails, hikes, the ocean is an hour away, coast life, scenery, stand up paddle boarding, portland is a car ride away,
Bang for the buck
Martolli's pizza is really good pizza downtown. Check out the plaza on weekends and on First Fridays - the monthly art walk on the first friday of each month for eight months of the year starting in early spring. There is a lot of interesting culture in the town. It would make for a good anthropological case study.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The old dorms up by cascade are pretty random. Very retro feel with the old construction juxtaposed next to the buildings of a semi-growing city.
Great for these types of students
Gay Lesbian LGBTQ Trans, Pan students. People who love or need a calm setting to produce work output in
Clubs and Activities
A lot of clubs and activities on campus ranging from outdoors adventures, to cooking, to robotics. Something certain for everyone.
Campus Safety
Campus safety is rigorous. It definitely provides safety for the campus but as long as you are respectful and not breaking any laws outright, then you should be okay.

Brittany from Silverdale, WA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Academic Rigor
I am in my third year at Southern Oregon University and have yet to feel stagnate in my studies. Each year I continue to grow in my academics and sometimes even surprise myself. Being in school for four years is a long time but constantly learning new and exciting things at SOU makes the time fly by.
Am enjoying being here
I am a transfer student at Southern Oregon University and there is two big reasons why: their business department is amazing and the people are honestly happy to meet you. The teachers know what they are talking about because they are currently working (or have worked for many years) in the filed they are teaching. The teachers love what they do and it is a contagious feeling. The environment is an amazing one to say the least. The multicultural center is such an interesting and diverse place to learn about other people and yourself.
Bang for the buck
When I transferred to Southern Oregon University it was not the only school I looked at by far. I am paying my own way through college and because of that I had to find the school that would be the most bang for my buck. Honestly, Southern Oregon University is a good price for a great education.
Tips for prospective students
At any college hard work and dedication are going to be a must. At Southern Oregon University you have people ready and willing to help you reach your goals. Be it teachers, counselors, or students there are people wanting to help you succeed. Accept the help and truly get involved with the people who are apart of your college life. You won't regret it.
Great for these types of students
If you are looking for a college that celebrates differences and diversity then Southern Oregon University is the place for you. It is a chill environment with great people that are ready to work alongside you in order to help you achieve your goals.

Beatriz from Yreka, CA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This campus is perfect for those who love to be close to nature and enjoy living in smaller towns. The location is absolutely beautiful with a variety of places to go to such as going hiking or going downtown to get Italian food. Teachers know the students by their name and face which creates that good teacher and student bond.
Tips for prospective students
Definitely join clubs and try to be active in sports/clubs/activities, especially if you're extremely home sick. Do not procrastinate, it will make things harder for you.

Don't be afraid to ask for help from the faculty/staff or other students. They will more than likely help you out.
Academic Rigor
Some courses are easier than others, but they all require at LEAST 8 hours of time spent on doing homework outside of class.
Dorm Life
Depending on which dorm you live in of course, but all dorms are furnished adequately and can, of course, be decorated to your liking.

Greensprings- the older dorms- are often recommended if you'd like to have the classic college experience. Built in the 70s, Greensprings' dorms typically have two beds that can be turned into bunks in one room and a community bathroom on each floor.

Shasta- Newer dorms- most often picked out because of the comfort and "new-ness" each room is a suite and can be a single or double. Single suite is one bed in the room and sharing the bathroom with the neighbor who is also in a single. Double is when there's two beds in the room and a shared bathroom with the neighbors who are also a double.

Fun events are often taken place in the dorms to keep students entertained. Each dorm building has study rooms and lounges.
Food and Dining
Wide variety of food. There's the dining commons which is near the Greensprings, Shasta, and Mcloughlin buildings that has 6 different food stations to eat from. In the Hawk (dining commons) there is a little food store called the landing with quite a variety of foods.

In the Stevenson Union there is also another area to eat which sells coffee and bagels and so does the Hannon Library.

Don't feel like eating on campus? Don't worry! Ashland is filled with different types of restaurants, ranging from typical fast food like Taco Bell or Wendy's to formal restaurants like Pie + Vine downtown.
What to do for fun
There's different events on campus almost everyday. The Oregon Center for the Arts almost constantly has different events like plays or orchestral events. Southern Oregon University also has an art museum that is free for students.

If you're not looking for on campus activities, Ashland and Rogue Valley community tend to be incredibly active in every season. There's the farmer's market in various locations, cheese festivals, the Shakespeare festival where his plays are presented in an open theater.

In the winter, Ashland has an ice rink and when it snows just right, Mt. Ashland is open and available for skiing.
Bang for the buck
For the most part the price is ok, but the price is a bit expensive even through state tuition because the university isn't fully up to date in some things.
Great for these types of students
This University is great for students who are into the Arts or the Medical career. This location is also great because of the green valley with beautiful rivers cradled by the Cascade Range.

Perfect place for nature lovers.
Campus Safety
Campus Public Safety offers security 24/7.

Laura from Wilsonville, OR

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The campus is gorgeous; the people are amazing and I don't even have to try to make friends; all of the professors I've met really trust their students and talk to us like equals; I'm never bored because there's always something going on around campus; and I've had more freedom with choosing cases than I have anywhere else! I was nervous about starting college just like everyone else. But by the end of the first week, I decided that I couldn't imagine myself being anywhere else!
Tips for prospective students
Applying any AP or college credits you have can really help you get around some general education requirements. Having a laptop or some other personal access to the internet can be very helpful because some classes assign homework or post notes online. Shasta and McLaughlin are the names of the new dorm buildings and I recommend trying to get a room there because the rooms are bigger than Greensprings and the bathrooms aren't communal. And though a car is nice to have, it's not vital that you have one because downtown Ashland and other shopping areas are within walking distance of the campus.
Academic Rigor
I'm challenged in every class but at the same time, I know I'm right at the level I need to be. All of the professors I have are really good at getting students involved in class and helping them out. You have to pay attention to do well in class but you can still have a life outside of the classes.
Dorm Life
I haven't one person I haven't liked! It's so easy to meet people here and everyone is really friendly! I live in Shasta which is a newer dorm building and I couldn't have asked for a better room or roommate! There are always a ton of campus wide events going on and most of them are free for students to attend. Since arriving here four weeks ago, I've been to a comedian's routine, a mentalist act, a poetry reading, several receptions for guest speakers, a casino night, a movie night showing The Great Gatsby, entered a pumpkin carving contest, and signed up for a week long game of humans vs. zombies.
Food and Dining
New dining halls were just put in this year and all o the food is great! It's cooked right there in the dining hall fresh every day and there's several different options to choose from. In one room, you have a burger place, stir-fry, pizza and pasta, salad, sandwiches, dessert, and several different shops around campus where you can buy food as well. I've taken to having breakfast at the library coffee shop.
What to do for fun
There's always something going on around campus so if you wanted, you would never have to leave campus. But if you want to see a movie, there are two in town and one of them is only a few minutes walk from campus. Downtown Ashland is home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival with plays (both Shakespeare and others) showing most of the year. Downtown is also a great place for shopping and everything can be found there from clothes, to books, to vinyl records, to all things nerdy. Ashland also has several nearby hiking trails and has a wide variety of outdoor activities available.
Bang for the buck
You get everything and more. In addition to a top notch academic experience, you get an unparalleled campus experience and Ashland is one of the greatest towns in the world to live in! P.S. if you're in to photography, bring a camera. The campus turns into a kaleidoscope during the fall.
Great for these types of students
If you're in to art, English, drama, or are generally an artsy kind of person, come here. When people ask me to describe Ashland, I always say, Picture every drama and literary geek in Oregon. Now shove them all in to one town and tell them to make the town as artsy as they are.
Clubs and Activities
To list just a few: Bowling club, Cosplay club, Paranormal club, Ballroom Dancing club.
Campus Safety
There is a blue light system throughout campus. And the campus security is always on call for emergencies or simply escorting students from the library to their dorms late at night.

Gabrielle from Tigard, OR

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am learning TONS! Of course, it depends on your professor and if you're actually interested in the class, but for the most part I've had wonderful classes. But, you learn so much more than the topic of the class. You learn about what's happening in the world, what's happening locally, and you learn so much more about yourself.
Am enjoying being here
SOU is now my second home. When I left I missed it immediately. There are so many clubs and activities that there is never a dull moment. My professors have been very helpful and some quite entertaining!
Bang for the buck
Southern Oregon University is a fairly small school and because of this, the teacher to student ratio allows for smaller classes and more one on one time. My average class was about 21 students and I never struggled to get help from a professor, if needed. Unlike larger schools with classes of 250-350 students, you are not just a number at SOU. I am using every ounce of my tuition dollars to participate in the numerous events, social and academic, as well as utilizing the many resources on campus.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved! Find something you've never tried and do it. Join a club and go to school events! You don't need Greek Life at a university to have a great time.
This isn't high school anymore! You are paying for your classes and you should utilize every moment you're in them. Take notes, read the books/textbooks, use the library, and ask your professors questions!
Great for these types of students
Any type of student will fit into the SOU lifestyle. It's a friendly and welcoming environment, as well as being in the breathtaking hills of the Rogue Valley.

Savel from Talent, OR

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Warm, personable environment. Great teachers. Great school for non-traditional students.
Tips for prospective students
Enrollment services and advising often make mistakes. Be on top of your own track to graduate, and if you don't hear back on something (like financial aid) go back and ask about it. They often miss things.
Academic Rigor
I feel challenged in my classes, but it is a bit of a mixed bag. It of course depends on what teacher you have. You get out what you put in.
Dorm Life
I did not live in the dorms so cannot comment. It seems like people have fun there though. They are making me write another sentence.
Food and Dining
The food is quite decent! And cheap. The student union has many options. I often eat there for lunch for under $5.
What to do for fun
Ashland is situated in the Rogue Valley, which is surrounded by the beautiful Siskiyou mountains. Right from campus you can go hiking, mountain-biking, snowboarding and more. There are a lot of clubs on campus that are very active so it is easy to find people that want to do the same things as you.
Great for these types of students
Southern Oregon University is rated one of the best schools for queer identified students. LGBTQ students enjoy a vibrant community center with many events throughout the year.
Campus Safety
Ashland is a small town with little crime. The campus feels very safe. In addition, campus security is really friendly and willing to come walk you to your car or dorm if you feel nervous. They come very quickly when called.

Kaylie from Long Beach, CA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
SOU has a beautiful campus, great academics, and the student who go there are very nice and unique individuals.
Tips for prospective students
Visit the campus during a preview weekend. They are a lot of fun and you meet so many amazing people.
Academic Rigor
Great teachers, hard but friendly
Dorm Life
Shasta is the best
Food and Dining
The food is great!
What to do for fun
Ashland is a cute, artsy little college town. Tons to do. If your into a more city vibe, there are bigger cities a short drive away.

Susan from Medford, OR

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
SOU is a beautiful college with great people. The students are all really nice and helpful. The instructors are knowledgeable and eager to help each student succeed.
Tips for prospective students
Attend the Preview and orientation. It is great fun and very informative. You get a tour of the campus structured towards your degree. You also get some one on one time with other students and a great lunch.
Academic Rigor
The classes are structured in a way to help the student achieve success. There is homework but you're not smothered in it. Even with taking 16 credits one term i was still able to complete my assignments and still have some free time. all of the homework is directly related to what is being studied and not a lot of fluff.
Dorm Life
I am a non-traditional student and live off campus. I have not been inside any of the dorms. Other students seem to really enjoy the dorms and tell of a great camaraderie that develops over the term. The new dorms should be done being built this fall, 2013. They look wonderful.
Food and Dining
The barista's and food joints are great. There are lot's of options; burgers, pizza, calzones, sushi, salads, sandwiches, stir fry, low cal and vegetarian. Students serve in the food court and they are fun and easy going. the food is fresh and tastes delicious!
What to do for fun
SOU has on campus museums and clubs. The city of Ashland has a huge art community that includes friday art walks where you can enjoy the galleries of the city free of charge. There is also The Science Works that teaches children about science but is also great fun for adults. There is also camping, swimming, picnicing, horseback riding and lots of other fun activities. If a student has a car there are lots of great places to see and explore not far from campus. If a student doesn't have a car there are student bikes available and lots to do in town.
Great for these types of students
SOU is a great school for students that like the country style of living. It's a beautiful campus nestled in the mountains. The students and instructors are friendly and helpful. The classes are small and structured for lots of attention to the student. Life here is at a relaxed pace but structured for success.
Clubs and Activities
There are lots of clubs here and opportunities for new ones. We love thinking outside the box.
Campus Safety
There is on-campus security that are there when you need them but not in your face all the time. They can be called any time, day or night. The students themselves are always there to help and protect each other. In my year here I have not seen any problems or heard of any instances of disturbance.