Southern Virginia University
Buena Vista, VA, USA

Reviews

Southern Virginia University

Laura from Pasco, WA

a current student here
11 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The teachers here are amazing. They love working with students and love teaching. They are always willing to meet and give you the extra help you need. Teachers know what they are teaching and want you to succeed in their classroom and in life.
Am enjoying being here
Southern Virginia University is a great place to learn. There are plenty of school events to keep you busy. The nearest mall is about a hour away, but there are plenty of historical sites to see. The people on campus and in the community are nice and welcoming. Southern Virginia University is a nice, fun, safe place to gain a quality education.
Bang for the buck
Southern Virginia University is a private school and is worth the tuition. The school has great professors who will teach you what you need to know and you couldn't feel safer or be safer in the town. The campus isn't the newest thing on the block, but there are a few new buildings, such as the female dorms and cafe, and new facilities are being planned for around campus.
Tips for prospective students
You can pretty much walk to all your classes, they are not far from all the dorms and other housing. Check to see if Southern Virginia University has your desired major, and don't judge this school by its cover, come take a look, meet some people so you really get to know what the school is like.
Great for these types of students
Great for students that need or want small class sizes. This school is great for students who want to get to know your professor and be comfortable with them. Southern Virginia University is great for students that don't want to feel like sardines in their dorm rooms. This school is also great for students that don't mind having friends everywhere they go and making friends all over campus as well.

Clarissa from Lakewood, CO

accepted here and planning to attend soon
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
This school has every major and minor possible. There are so many things to do.
Will enjoy being here
The enviroment is amazing and there is a lot of US history to immerse youself in.
Great for these types of students
Those who are serious about learning will have a great time here.

Whitney from North Logan, UT

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Southern Virginia is an amazing experience. The teachers are all amazing. Because the school is small, you have very small class sizes, which is so nice. The teachers know you by name and are very willing to work with you.
Am enjoying being here
I love Virginia. Campus is beautiful, the state is beautiful, not to mention it's a quick trip to Washington D.C. and lots of other states. The people are great and friendly, Buena Vista is a great city and I enjoy being here.
Bang for the buck
Southern Virginia is a Liberal Arts school which is a total different approach to college. I absolutely love it. There is more class room discussion, more papers, and critical analyze. It's more expensive then State colleges, but it's totally worth it. Not to mention Southern Virginia is generous with scholarships.
Tips for prospective students
If you are considering Southern Virginia I highly suggest you go. The education, location, and people are amazing. Be prepared to study a lot. It's definitely hard work but pays off.
Great for these types of students
Southern Virginia has an honor code and enforces the values of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The honor code is strict, but it's not too strict. There is a dress code and no alcohol is allowed. If that is appealing to you, I highly suggest you attend. You'll grow spiritually and educationally.

Cristina from Buena Vista, VA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The classes are small, making it easy to get personal help and to understand things a little easier. The professors and other students are extremely kind. And the campus and the school itself are small and make life easier so you don't have to drive everywhere and you know almost everyone.
Tips for prospective students
Don't be afraid to leave home. I moved across the country to come to this school and I'm so glad I did. I always thought I wanted to go to a big school, but after starting here, I realized that the small classes are what I need.
Academic Rigor
Like most universities, academics always come first. There may be homework every night, but it's not enough to make you hate everything. It stays evened out throughout the semesters.
Dorm Life
There are no co-ed dorms, but you get to be pretty close to the people you room with and those that just live down the hall. My best friend here lives four doors down.
Food and Dining
The dining hall is open everyday for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They keep it open all day for random snaking. There is also a little cafe that you can eat at. It is also open 7 days a week.
What to do for fun
There is an event going on almost every weekend and periodically throughout the week. Most everything is put on by the school and they do everything they can to make it fun and worth while.
Great for these types of students
Those who like the small feel will enjoy it here.
Clubs and Activities
There are an abundance of clubs and activities starting anywhere from a stand up comedy group to an a capella singing group called Fading Point. Along with almost every sport you can think of.
Campus Safety
With the campus being so small, there's not much to worry about, and even if you still feel uncomfortable, there is a 24 hour campus police group that is right on campus. They will give you a ride to your dorm if you need, too.

DIAMOND from Grosse Pointe Park, MI

a past student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Did learn a lot
Because of the small classes, I was able to work closely with my teachers. All of the teachers that I had were very knowledgeable about their subject area and were willing to spend out of class time helping their students. They recommended other teachers to take specific classes from.
Did enjoy being here
I gave it 4/5 stars because their is a Spirit like no other that I have known at this school. The teachers are wonderful. I loved that some of my teachers were also my bishops. I enjoyed meeting new students; however, there is not much culture here. It was difficult for me to deal with the lack of culture.
Bang for the buck
The education and small class sizes are worth the amount of money; however, the school is still growing and learning in noneducational matters.
Tips for prospective students
The teachers are wonderful. Do not be afraid to talk to your teacher after class, they are willing to help you. If you do not understand anything, please go to them. Get to know your classmates (you will see them all of the time). Bring a car or have means of transportation to make your own fun. Off campus housing is the best option.
Great for these types of students
This is a great place to increase/gain a testimony and also receive a quality education. There are great missionary opportunities here (not all students are members). Do not hesitate to talk to your teacher after class.

Lacy from Glenmont, OH

accepted here and planning to attend soon
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The place is beautiful, and very peaceful. The staff and teachers are super nice and helpful, and want you to do your best.
Academic Rigor
I hear that you learn a lot, and the teachers are always there for you.
Dorm Life
The dorms are nice and big, with lots of room to have fun.
Food and Dining
The food is so good, and everyone is so nice.

Haley from Richmond, KY

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Southern Virginia University is unlike any liberal arts university because it embraces Christian standards and promotes a LDS atmosphere. The campus is just the right size and more beautiful than I would have ever imagined. The professors know who you are and would do anything to help you in their classes.
Tips for prospective students
I would do anything you could to check out the awesome scholarships and grants Southern Virginia offers. There are talent grants, academic scholarships, extra-curricular scholarships, you name it! This school tries really hard to make sure you can afford it.
Academic Rigor
The classes make you work hard, but they are not impossible. The professors are understanding and are willing to help you, which makes the work a little less difficult. At Southern Virginia University, when you earn an A in a class, you REALLY do earn an A.
Dorm Life
The dorm I stay at is called The Lofts, which is a beautiful building. The room can fill up to four girls, but usually it has two to three. Each room has its own bathroom (including a shower!!) and a/c and heating unit (it may not seem like it would be particularly useful, but trust me, when it gets super hot or cold, it is VERY nice). There are three floors and each floor has a lobby with a nice tv, couches, chairs, and tables that you can use to lounge, do homework, or have birthday parties.
Food and Dining
Southern Virginia University offers a dining hall and a campus cafe called Jonzzey's. The dining hall is great because if you don't like the hot food they serve, there is a salad bar, a deli bar, and a grill to make eggs or a grilled cheese sandwich. Jonzzeys is a cafe that serves sandwiches, paninis, pretzals, and so much more. Both are ideal options for any meal on any day.
What to do for fun
Even though Southern Virginia University is in the small town of Buena Vista, there is a bunch to do. Buena Vista has a really cool downtown vibe that is really fun to walk in during the fall and spring. There's a karaoke night on weekends, which is always an experience. The campus also provides activities every weekend like movie nights, dances, or concerts. I honestly don't have a lot of time on weekends to think I have nothing to do!
Bang for the buck
Southern Virginia University is, indeed, a private school. That means that the school is a little bit more expensive than public, in-state schools. However, the school does all it can to make it affordable. The pay is totally worth it, too. I've talked to students and friends at other schools and let me just tell you, the more I hear about other schools, the more happy I feel that I chose this school! Every penny you spend is well worth it because the classes are amazing, the professors and extremely talented, and the atmosphere is unforgettable.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Our school hosts something called the Honor Ball. In the spring, after we all get back from winter break, we all dress up in floor length gowns and tuxes (or suits) and dance the night away in our own ballroom. This dance is not just any dance, though. It's equipped with a live jazz band, courtesy of Virginia Military Institute. The jazz music is upbeat and professional. It is always a blast to waltz, ballroom, or swing dance with your friends at the honor ball. It's one night away from the modern world that every college student with homework, stress, and a busy, busy, life.
Great for these types of students
Southern Virginia University is a great fit for these students:
-Students who want to get away from the partying schools
-Students who want to have a fun, clean college experience
-Students who want one-on-one time with their professors, if needed
-Students who want to go to a smaller university
-Students who want to leave the school better than when they entered
Clubs and Activities
It is really easy to start, join, and attend clubs here. We have so many clubs, ranging from a running club, an art club, and even a doctor who club! There's a club for just about everything here. As mentioned before, there are always university activities on weekends that the student body leaders plan for us, which are usually pretty fun and definitely worth going to.
Greek Life
We actually don't have sororities or fraternities at Southern Virginia University, and we don't really miss it, either! There are tons of other clubs you can join.
Campus Safety
Southern Virginia is located on a hill in the depths of the Shenandoah Mountains in a little town called Buena Vista. There is almost no crime here and we have a campus security office with people working around the clock to make sure we are safe.

Madison from Ringgold, GA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
southern virginia university has helped to inspire me to reach my goals. the small school atmosphere allows me a closer relationship with my professors who are willing to work with students and help them in any way that they can. the students are friendly, have a natural glow about them, and are all here for the same reason: to succeed.
Tips for prospective students
i would encourage any prospective student to visit the campus first. smaller schools are not for everyone but if you visit and love what you see then it's most likely you will truly enjoy attending this university.
Academic Rigor
the classes are all informative and the required general education classes allow well rounded access to all of the different majors so students can figure out what interests them. the professors are helpful and all very skilled in their own teaching degrees.
Dorm Life
most of the dorms are all up to date and renovated and those that are not, will be in the near future. the dorms are a great way to make new friends and, once friends are made, easy to sign up and room together.
Food and Dining
the dining hall is small and has specific dining hours which can sometimes be hard to fit into certain schedules. luckily there is jonzzey's, a small cafe, that is always open for meals and snacks between classes. the dining hall provides different food for each meal but other choices such as cereal, salad, and sandwiches are always available.
What to do for fun
at southern virginia university, there is always an activity going on. inter-mural sports, late night movies, jumping off of a bridge, the activities are wide ranging. located in a small town, it can be hard to find things to do if the university is not hosting anything, but once you tap into your creative mind, anything and everything suddenly becomes an option.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
traditions that are kept on campus include dances usually hosted every other month that have their own individual themes, honor week that celebrates the honor code, svu idol and battle of the bands which always students to display their musical talents, and forums every friday that each feature a different speaker.
Great for these types of students
i would recommend southern virginia university to students who like a smaller school atmosphere, students who want to play a sport but may not be good enough for more competitive colleges, and students who are interested in the fine arts.
Clubs and Activities
the clubs at this university are very diverse and the university encourages students to come up with new clubs that allow them to share their talents and bring students closer together.

Mikelle from Las Vegas, NV

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Because I am a freshman in college, I have to take a lot of classes I just took in high school, but the teachers do their job very well in explaining everything. In some of my classes, I don't feel like I'm learning, so when I go to take tests, I don't feel prepared until I actually take the test and realize that the professor did their job extremely well.
Am enjoying being here
I came here knowing no one. Once I got here, everyone was super friendly because most of them were in my shoes. And it's still like this now that we're almost done with the first semester; everyone's still super friendly. And all the professors care about their students.
Bang for the buck
Because it is a private, small college, it is expensive to go to, but completely worth it. Most classes have less than 20 students, which means that the professors get to know their students very well. There are also no T.A.s. Every class is taught by a qualified professor. Which is what I feel is the most important. I came here to learn from the best, and that is what I'm given.
Tips for prospective students
Don't be intimidated by coming here. We often joke that this is the BYU of the east, except it's much smaller. Just be prepared to have someone there for you.
Great for these types of students
LDS students that want to be around a lot of other LDS students. Also, students that like service and small class sizes. But most of all, students that want a good education, because this is going to be the most unique learning experience of your life.

Kaia from Herriman, UT

a past student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Did learn a lot
SVU is a liberal arts university and as such the education here is astounding. The liberal approach to education allows students to have a well-rounded learning experience in every sense of the word.
Did enjoy being here
The people are what make SVU such a great institution. I came nearly 2,000 miles from home to start college, but the friends I made at SVU made it feel like home. We became a family.
Bang for the buck
As a private liberal arts institution on the east coast, SVU's tuition is superb. It is not cheap by any means, but it is a lot cheaper than other schools of the same caliber. All of the things that I learned were well worth the cost of attending this school.
Tips for prospective students
If you are considering SVU, be prepared to participate in class. The small class sizes means that your professors will actually care if you come to class regularly. Become involved with the community. Buena Vista is a small town but it's people have a lot to offer. Find opportunities to be a leader-servant. That is what SVU is all about.
Great for these types of students
The Latter-day Saint environment of the university promotes wholesome learning and activities. If you are a hard-working student with high values, SVU is a great place for you to study.