St Lawrence University
Canton, NY, USA

Reviews

St Lawrence University

Marilyn from Huntington Park, CA

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
There’s no doubt that St. Lawrence offers plenty of opportunities and experiences that get students learning, growing, and living to their best potential. The administration, advisors, and all professors are extremely accessible and willing to help in any way they can. They’re dedicated to making each student’s experience challenging and rewarding. With small classes, students have the wonderful opportunity to engage on a personal level with the professor during class time and you can bet the professor will know exactly who you are. Some classes have taken place outdoors, in the fields, nearby farms, in river streams, in the theater, and even in large professional meeting rooms. Learning at St. Lawrence also occurs outside the classroom with plenty of tutoring and career services, study conference rooms in both libraries, intellectual conversations over a delicious dinner in Dana Dining Hall, or during the various insightful yet fun events and activities available all week-long. Students also learn a lot from peers due to the fact that St. Lawrence is home to many international students from different continents and students all over the U.S., all from diverse backgrounds. For example, two of my closest friends are from Malawi, Africa, and Brazil, and my roommate is from New York City. Not only have I learned to be a better student, leader, and friend, but I’ve also learned plenty about other cultures and I’ve learned to appreciate my family and culture much more. St. Lawrence has 30 majors, an average class of 16, a great new science center, and a great study abroad program. As a small private liberal arts school with high academic ratings, St. Lawrence University is definitely a school prospective students shouldn’t easily dismiss.
Am enjoying being here
I absolutely love being a student here! Because St. Lawrence is located in a small town, there are always many activities and events on campus. Sporting, comedy, talent, and singing events usually take place every week. The Java Barn is a music venue located on campus that features popular live music every weekend and then you have the popular rope swing at the nearby Grasse River that’s just five minutes away from campus. Since St. Lawrence is located in the natural world, many people go on trips to the nearby Adirondack Mountains for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. During the winter, you have lots of students go up to Whiteface in Lake Placid for skiing and snowboarding, and others ride to Ottawa, Montreal, and Syracuse for more city fun. For those days when it gets a bit chilly, the gym is always available alongside with an indoor track, swimming pool, tennis courts, and a rock climbing wall. The student center is also another popular destination as it houses a café, ping pong and pool tables, comfortable couches, and the Winston Room, which is where the best parties on campus take place. I truly enjoy the student body because for the most part, they’re really nice, open minded and accepting of all people. They’re easy-going, approachable, and based on the students I’ve met they’re all here with the purpose to change the world for the better. Most students find an extracurricular activity to be a part of, whether it’s volunteer work, soccer intramurals, a fraternity, or a spiritual fellowship group on campus. I’ve found my own and I’m enjoying it as much as possible. Not only is the campus big and tremendously beautiful, it also has fantastic residential and academic facilities. You definitely feel safe and at home while being at St. Lawrence University.
Bang for the buck
For those who have already taken a look at the tuition, room, and board costs, I’m sure you were blown away by how costly St. Lawrence is. I too was astonished by the costs and I was close to not applying for that reason. However, each year, St. Lawrence awards tens of millions of dollars in financial aid. Some of this is based on your family's financial need, and the remainder is based on the strength of your application. All successful applicants to St. Lawrence are considered for merit scholarships (a total of 12 scholarships). St. Lawrence also offers other types of financial aid such as athletic scholarships, grants, student employment, Pell grants if applicable, and of course, educational loans. More in-depth information is offered on the school’s website page for Financial Aid. As long as the FAFSA is sent in on time and appropriately, paying for St. Lawrence isn’t an impossible thing. Furthermore, some of the things imbedded in the tuition include great online and technical services, professional research engines, major year round activities, and great dining services among many others. I received a great financial aid package for my first and second year, and I know I’ll keep receiving great financial packages for the next two years.
Tips for prospective students
As a current student, some tips for prospect students include being disciplined and organized with your college application, and, if accepted, with the follow-up college requirements. As you’re making a list for the colleges you’re thinking of applying to, divide it into three tiers. First tier should be for the colleges that will be the most difficult to get in (Dream Schools), second tier should be for colleges you think you have a fairly good chance of getting in based on your school research, and the third tier should be for colleges you know you’ll most likely be accepted to (back up schools). St. Lawrence University is a great school and there will be competition with other applicants, so therefore I recommend you strengthen your GPA, resume, essays, and your overall school record as much as possible. If you’re worried about your test scores, don’t stress too much over it because St. Lawrence is “test-optional”, which means you’re not required to submit test scores from the SAT or ACT. So with more reason I repeat that your transcripts, essay, and recommendations should be stellar. Also, know whether you work better in a sea of people or in small group settings. By knowing this, you’ll know whether a small college is fit for you or if a large college with thousands and thousands of students is better for you. Furthermore, make sure you do some soul-searching to understand exactly what passions drive you the most and make sure you search for various schools of all categories from privates, public, out-of-state and in-state. Also, try not to worry too much about tuition costs. I applied to St. Lawrence not expecting much financial aid, but in fact I received a scholarship and lots of unexpected financial aid. It was the most expensive school I applied to and yet it offered the greatest monetary aid. You just never know! Nonetheless, have fun with your college search!! Cappex makes that possible just for you.
Great for these types of students
St. Lawrence is great for students who like to be actively involved, open-minded, and interested in meeting new people with backgrounds different from their own; students who appreciate all that is available to them and are motivated to engage in and outside of class; students who aren’t afraid to take on a challenge, learn from mistakes, and take their victories beyond limit; students who dream big and are determined to achieve the American Dream; students who value having a voice in decisions that affect them and who value the importance and necessity of having a higher education; students who find joy in hard work and who want to enjoy their college experience to the maximum potential; and lastly but not least, St. Lawrence is perfect for students who want to be leaders today, professionals tomorrow, and world changers forever.

Nicholas from North Potomac, MD

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
St. Lawrence University has some great classes and the teachers are awesome. The science programs are awesome. In one of my classes, natural world biology, we went on a field trip every week. We did canoeing, kayaking, hiking, fishing and swimming. It was really awesome.
Am enjoying being here
The best thing about St. Lawrence is the student body. You can be who you want and find others like you and not be shunned for your own personality. Another good thing is that the food is really good.
Great for these types of students
Anyone who really wants to learn alot but also likes to party occassionally and have a good time.

Sophie from Chazy, NY

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
St. Lawrence is a great university for those who want strong academics as well as a connection with nature. SLU offers challenging courses, a huge variety of clubs and activities, and friendly professors who want to get involved with your education. We also pride ourselves on our tight-knit student and alumni communities.
Tips for prospective students
I would tour any colleges you are serious about, or even just possibly considering. You'll never know if St. Lawrence or any other school is right for you until you get on the campus and get a feel for it.
Academic Rigor
I am a chemistry major and I find the academics to be quite rigorous. While we are not always assigned specific homework, if you do not do your studying and reading outside of class you will definitely fall behind.
Dorm Life
Dorms can be pretty noisy Thursday-Saturday nights, which can be irritating for those with an early Friday class. However, the facilities are quite nice in my experience and as far as I know each dorm has a kitchenette, a nicely furnished lounge and the hallways are kept very clean by our friendly janitorial staff.
Food and Dining
Compared to what I've heard from people attending other universities, SLU has pretty great food for a college. Although you get a little tired of it by the end of the semester, the meals are diverse and we accommodate all types of food allergies, vegetarian/vegans, etc. There are 3 places to eat on campus, and each is a bit different and gives you a break from the same old fare.
What to do for fun
Unfortunately Canton is a small town so there's not a ton of stuff to do outside campus. We have our famous local club, the Tick Tock, for dancing on Thursdays and Saturdays, but aside from that and eating out at a local restaurant most activities are centralized on campus. The school provides showings of new release movies, our own rave called Club Win, a music venue known as Java, and a bunch of other activities that are usually on the weekends. It's not as exciting as a city, but I personally don't find it boring.
Bang for the buck
If you haven't earned a scholarship, SLU is pretty pricey for what it is. Although I have a great time and have learned a lot there, if I didn't have a scholarship, I would never have picked St. Lawrence. However, with a scholarship it's a good deal and definitely worth the price.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
We do a lot of activities in the Adirondacks, such as skiing and hiking trips. Another unique thing SLU offers is the opportunity to put one of your family recipes on the Dana Dining Hall menu. Everyone with a favorite family recipe can submit it and a few are chosen to be served over the next few semesters. We also have little yearly events, such as a fight in a giant pool of jello, the Club Win raves, and Easter egg hunts.
Great for these types of students
Anyone who loves the outdoors will have a great time at St. Lawrence. There are tons of opportunities for those who want to get out into nature. The campus is welcoming to all sorts of students, although I have noticed that those who want a real career in dance or theatre may not get the experience they need at SLU.
Clubs and Activities
We have a lot of clubs, from the usual intramural sports to some stranger ones, like the Cheese Club (where the members get together weekly to taste different cheeses). There are activities for all interests; for instance, I am a chem major but I participate in the Swing Dancing Club, which performs in a bi-yearly dance showcase.
Greek Life
Greek life isn't particularly strong on our campus but it's there for those who are interested. I believe we have 2 fraternities and 3 or 4 sororities. People who are and people who are not involved with greek life co-mingle, so there are no issues there.
Campus Safety
I feel very secure at pretty much any time of day on campus. We have the blue light system, as well as a safe walk which you can call from anywhere on campus or near the Tick Tock. A boy and a girl will come and walk you back to your dorm if you feel uneasy and call the safe walk, but so far I haven't needed it. I'd say the most dangerous place is in town by the Tick Tock, because campus security doesn't really patrol there and it can be deserted if everyone is in the Tick Tock instead of out on the street. You should always go with a friend or two instead of being out alone in Canton.

Alexis from Sanbornville, NH

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
SLU is a wonderfully supportive campus, fostering connections between students and professors alike. I have always found a helpful hand to turn to, whether it be for personal matters or issues regarding my major. The campus is one of the most beautiful, and opportunities to explore abound, as we live right in the heart of the Adirondack region.
Tips for prospective students
Spend a night on campus! A short tour simply isn't enough; you need a feel for what it would be like if you were truly going to attend the university, and it will give you a chance to meet some new people, take in a class among peers, and get an inside look on the ins and outs of the campus.
Academic Rigor
SLU expects the best from you! We are an upstanding school, and the professors truly have your interests at heart.They are there to challenge you, to get you think critically not only about your academic work but about yourself, your major, and your place at not only at the university but in the world. Professors are always available whether by e-mail or at their office, and are willing to grab a cup of coffee in order to discuss that upcoming paper.
Dorm Life
There is a place for everyone at SLU! What with theme houses, athletic team suites, and smaller, class-oriented freshmen dorms, it is so easy to fit in and find people just like you! The Residence Life is helpful and accomodating, willing to help should you ever run into a problem.
Food and Dining
There are a few options for food on campus, whether it be sit-down, mess hall style, or our student center, with a grocery store style set-up, which also serves as the hub of campus social life. Food services is very accommodating to the varying needs and interests of the student body, offering up vegetarian, vegan, and organic options.
What to do for fun
The campus is located in a small town, but there are many running trails, a river where students get together and canoe, and plenty of Adirondack chairs to take a seat, grab some coffee, and chat with pals! Even better, we live about an hour from Lake Placid, so if you're a skiier, you'll be in heaven! The Adirondacks offer 46 peaks for climbing, a focus of the students in the fall as we set off to accomplish Peak Weekend, getting a SLU student to each of the peaks in just three days!
Bang for the buck
Although the price tag on this school is a little pricey, I have never been happier. Already I can tell that some of my classmates, housemates, and peers will be lifelong friends. These experiences are unforgettable, and college is a primetime in life. The location, academic opportunities, small class sizes, professor availability, study abroad program options, among many other things, are hard to come by these days, but St. Lawrence University has it all, and I wouldn't trade my days at school for anything in the world.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There are a few orientation secrets that shouldn't be shared (hint: it may involve some nudity out on the quad) that all seniors participate in during freshmen orientation week, but it's all fun and games! The aforementioned Peak Weekend is a great way to stay active together and include the whole community, but the strangest is the Gallon Challenge. Held twice a year by the Outing Club, it involves anyone on campus brave enough to meet at the club's theme house and partake in chugging of a gallon of milk. If you can do it in under an hour, you win! Since it's a well-known fact that it's nearly humanly impossible, let's just say the sidewalk ends up very milky indeed.
Great for these types of students
Students who are willing to have some fun and push their own personal boundaries, to try new things. Confidence is key!
Clubs and Activities
We have every club you could imagine-- cultural, entertainment, academic, honor societies, anything! From Cheese Club, to Outing Club, to Beta Beta Beta biology honor society, to Java Barn music, there is something for everyone. And hey, if not, you can always create your own group!
Greek Life
At one time, Greek life was integral to campus atmosphere. Nowadays, it is present, but not a necessity! If you are interested in joining a fraternity of sorority, there are options out there for you, but certainly do not feel obligated. SLU is a welcoming community with many outlets.
Campus Safety
I have always felt safe on campus. If you are walking back from the library late at night, you simply have to give Safety and Security a call, and they will escort you if you would like. There are student drivers on call at night as well, should you need a ride to the hospital in case of sickness of injury.

jeremy from san jose, ca

a past student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
slu is a place to explore your inner self, the beautiful nature that around you, and provides comfort and a sense of security because of the culture and the growing diversity on campus. slu provides students opportunities to be extremely selfless and competitive, while maintaining one's humility. slu gave me the chance to find my gift and it can do the same for you.
Tips for prospective students
be ready for college...
be ready for the amount of work you'll receive...
be ready to become organized and prepared...
be ready for a change in your life...
be ready to feel home sick, be ready to make tons of friends, be ready to try new things, be ready to get accustomed to the "slu bubble"

definitely, do not feel shy about reaching out to staff, tutors, or friends for help... dare to be adventurous and fun. experience all that slu has to offer and you should have a great academic career.
Academic Rigor
it's as challenging as you make it but worth the studying and commitment.
Dorm Life
strict rules but needed to ensure safety.
Food and Dining
theme dinners are the best, which happen on occasion, and night snacks at the student center are expensive but have a lot of options
What to do for fun
work out, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, skiing and snowboarding at white face mountain, play ultimate freebees, soccer, football, indoor basketball, softball, tennis, etc...
Bang for the buck
you get exactly what you pay for. top notch school for sure.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
the first day of school... you'll see what i mean.
Clubs and Activities
definitely participate in intramurals!!
Campus Safety
visible for sure.

Taylor from Gouverneur, NY

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
St. Lawrence University is school for the serious student. It has a 12:1 Faculty to Student Ratio, which insures each student receives personal attention. At SLU, we value nature, academics, and diplomacy as a university that is in the heart of the Adirondacks, a top ranked Liberal Arts School, and the closest University to the Canadian Border.
Tips for prospective students
Never be afraid to approach a professor, they are always helpful. Go to the Word Studio, and your GPA will thank you kindly. Last but not least, the pub is not Pub 56...it is the Northstar Cafe.
Academic Rigor
We have anything and everything you could want to study, and various levels to meet how in depth you wish to go.
Dorm Life
Being a first year student, living with your FYP has its ups and downs. Its good to get to know your fellow classmates, but don't forget to introduce yourself to others!!!!! Community charges are a major bummer though.
Food and Dining
We have awesome food choices, including many vegetarian and vegan options.
What to do for fun
We always have events on campus. Either Club Win, Movies, or various comedians at the Sullivan Student Center; plays, music ensemble concerts, or various artists in the Chapel or the three different theaters; or some reggae, pop, or rock at the Java Barn.
Bang for the buck
Over 90% of all SLU students receive Financial Aid. We have so much to do on campus, which being in an area with not much to do, is crucial. There is never a boring night at St. Lawrence. And the academics are top notch.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The quad experience for freshmen is quite an adventure. Also every new student receives a cowbell. Watch out for the full moons past the windows of the 24 hour room in the library. When Dana Dining Hall has a theme dinner-GO!
Great for these types of students
Outgoing, spirited, accepting students.
Clubs and Activities
Many club and division sports, as well as many music and theater opportunity, and an extremely involved student government, activities committee, and a club for about anything you care about.
Greek Life
We have several sororities, fraternities, and honorary societies.
Campus Safety
Open 24/7 and always happy to assist. Safety and Security constantly patrol campus and go on rounds to insure good behavior. In addition, we have a blue light service, as well as the option of a safety walk from both on and off campus locations to your dorm building.

lilrocker392, NY

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The classes are definitely challenging and great. You learn alot and you find out that the classes are interwtined to each other. You don't realize it but you do because you are getting an liberal arts education. The professors are always willing to help you and they have great support services to help those who need it.
Am enjoying being here
There are many options for clubs/ organization. They have many options for housing except things are very limited for freshmen. It has quite the drinking culture, there are people who don't drink but they are hard to find. There is also alot of damages on campus.
Bang for the buck
The study abroad, academics, and career services are great. But for everything else, it is not that great.
Tips for prospective students
Look at the opportunites on campus academically and socially. It will all balance out. Try and ask about the party scene if you are not into it because of how much you are paying you deserve not to be miserable.
Great for these types of students
Great for the non- serious student who likes to drink. The school has high academic standards but everything else is terrible.

Noelle from Williamson, NY

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
St. Lawrence definitely provides many unique learning opportunities, starting from freshman year with the FYP program. With this program you live with people you have a class with, so it provides a unique opportunity to make especially close friends and you get to help each other throughout the semester. All the class sizes are small, so students get to know their professors very well and professors know all of their students too. Classes can be difficult, but teachers are very willing to spend time outside of class to help students thoroughly understand any material.
Am enjoying being here
I am so grateful that I chose to come to SLU. Since the campus is in a remote location there are plenty of on campus events for students including movies, comedians, concerts, games, and student run activities. I love being in the North country with Canada and Lake Placid so close by! The scenery is amazing and the campus is simply beautiful. One of my favorite activities in the country is peak weekend, in which the school tries to get a St. Lawrence student on the top of each peak in the Adirondacks in one weekend! This is a favorite events among the students and the campus body is so small that everyone gets to know each other, making social life simple and fun!
Bang for the buck
Although tuition at St. Lawrence is a steep price, the school is very good about finding aid and scholarships for students. I also believe that St. Lawrence has offered me an unparalleled education, providing challenging courses, classes I am interested in, providing unique research opportunities, and has plenty of extracurriculars so everyone can find something to get involved in. There are so many opportunities to excel at SLU and create an excellent base for the future.
Tips for prospective students
Prospective students should most definitely come for a campus tour and consider doing an overnight visit with a SLU student to really get a feel for the school, including how the classes operate and the types of students that St. Lawrence has to know whether it will be a good match for you!

Stephanie from Freeport, NY

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
There is always something new to learn as well as debates on various topics. The school provides different way for you to find the information you need to complete and learn anything that is needed of you. No matter what class you are in there will always be something interesting to find out whether its about the class or about some debate off topic everything is interesting.
Am enjoying being here
the people, activities and things that are available on the weekend are always interesting. I've done a lot from going to parties in peoples rooms to just staying in and watching Disney movies. No matter what you want to do there is always someone willing to do it with you even if you think its stupid. Trust me its not.
Bang for the buck
The school is a lot of money but for the most part the money covers a lot. It pays for the counselors, tutors, different websites needed for research. Although it seems like the money isn't worth it it really is.
Tips for prospective students
These are just tips in general from what I have learned. Procrastination is not good. No matter how you look at it if you have something due, do it as soon as possible so you have less work to do later in the end. The second thing is to do the best you can. Professors always tell me that sometimes you will try the best you can and you won't always get the grade you want. It may stink but just keep trying and you'll get there. The third is always have fun and don't regret a thing you do.
Great for these types of students
This school is great for people who want a liberal arts education and for those who like the outdoors.

Kayla

researching this school
0 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
They have excellent science programs and study abroad programs. The teachers are amazing in what they teach.
Will enjoy being here
The people are enjoyable and dorming life is fun with them. They have great food.
Bang for the buck
St. Lawrence gives a lot of financial aid and overall gives you the best bang for the buck!!