The University of the Arts
Philadelphia, PA, USA

Reviews

The University of the Arts

Brittney from Warminster, PA

a current student here
16 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
My major is photography and in high school that was the only art class that I took with the exception of crafts. At University of the Arts I am learning all different forms of art that I wouldn't be able to learn anywhere else.
Am enjoying being here
I love University of the Arts. The teachers are incredibly helpful. I feel that U Arts is like a big extended family for me. It is also in Philadelphia which means that there is always something to do.
Bang for the buck
The tuition may be a bit steep but you learn so many things that you can't learn anywhere else.
Tips for prospective students
Don't be afraid of the price tag, apply and go for financial aid. It is a great school to attend. The programs are amazing and challenging.
Great for these types of students
Art, Music, and Theatre lovers. People who like cities. Anyone who is outgoing and up for a challenge.

Ixchel from Fredericksburg, VA

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am a dance major here and I am learning an exponential amount of information. For starters, we not only learn about dance but with the new curriculum this year, we are expanding our learning to contemporary artists in other media and exploring with other mediums ourselves. As for the dance academics it is very informative and helpful. I am learning so much about my body, ballet, jazz, improv, and the dance community. They also offer dance related electives such as Student Composition with allows student to choreograph. The guest speakers we have had are really engaging including the renowned choreographer/ director Jeffery Page! Uarts has a lot to offer for those willing to learn. They offer a BFA program which includes other liberal arts classes like writing or Certificates program which is only 2 years and focuses intensely on your chosen major.
Am enjoying being here
My experience here is like nothing I could have imagined. Being a dancer here is such a great privilege. All the teachers here are so helpful and resourceful. They are currently working in their field of art and this makes them a good tool for students. There is such a mix of students from all over America and the globe. The city is a great place for art students to live and be creative. Philadelphia offers a lot of opportunities for Uarts students to show their work.
Bang for the buck
Although the price may be steep, there are other art school with a much higher tuition. I'd say that that it is deffinately worth it to come here for the amount of tuition. The school's programs, the spacious dorms, the meal plan, and location of the school make it a great investment.
Tips for prospective students
My advice would be to really be dedicated to whatever you choose. There are those few students who show no care at all towards their education which they are paying money for. Uarts is such a great learning opportunity that should not be wasted. Also talk with your financial aid councilor if you need financial help. Mine helped me with getting through first semester, and they are all really helpful.
Great for these types of students
Uarts is great for any artist! Dancers, Musical Theater, Theater, Musicians, Vocal Performers, Illustrators, Animators, Painters, Sculptors, Photography, Graphic Design, Writers, to name a few. Anyone who wants to learn about their art in a creative environment with other students truly invested in their art form.

Alexa from Houston, TX

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
UArts allows every student to explore who they truly want to be once they receive their diploma. The School of Music has exposed me to so many different styles that inspire me everyday. It sincerely is an art school and gives you the freedom to become and artist in any field you choose.
Tips for prospective students
Come with an open mind and a great attitude. Prepare to learn how little you actually know and to be inspired by everyone from the drum majors to the photography majors.
Academic Rigor
You get to be thrown into a bunch of classes in your major of choice. The liberal arts classes are easy, you just have to show up and turn in your work on time.
Dorm Life
The dorms are awesome. They are a great way to make new friends and really feel like a big UArts community. School spirit is at its finest in this area.
Food and Dining
The dining halls make surprisingly good food. It has a wide range of choices because the university knowns that we have a lot of vegans and vegetarians within the art school.
What to do for fun
You live in center city Philadelphia. What isn't there to do for fun? You live in the heart of the city and it's very exciting.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Mamma Mia's and Paolo's Pizzaria are key UArts Students locations. Fox and Hound on Tuesday nights is also a hot spot for UArts kids to be.
Great for these types of students
UArts is best for out-going and risk taking people. Parties aren't always accessible, so they best way to have a good time is to meet people. It's also perfect for people who want something completely different than a typical high school experience.
Clubs and Activities
There are a ton of ensembles, groups and unions that a UArts Student can join.
Greek Life
There is one fraternity that is apart of the theater school.
Campus Safety
UArts has an alert system if anything is ever wrong. Dorms and buildings are guarded round the clock by campus security. They have a shuttle to take kids who live far away from campus home from school at night. UArts protects it's students to the best of their ability.

RACHEL from Newark Valley, NY

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Im an animation Student! an all of my teacher have experience working in the field! so most of your teachers know what they are talking about! but remember there will always be ne you disagree with but dont let it get you down!
Am enjoying being here
its an easy atmosphere to work in, its usually easy to get along well with your classmates! i transferred in from another school and didnt know anyone, but it was easy to make friends in my major and other majors too! and your free to take classes that arent your major, for example if you draw you can take a yoga or karate class!
Bang for the buck
its still cheaper than going to MICA or PRATT... and the facilites are good. we have a full cintiq lab for animators!
Tips for prospective students
be prepared for a lot of homework depending on your major... if your a CAD or a Music Student expect a lot of homework, if your a dancer expect a lot of practice sessions.
Great for these types of students
anyone who wants to work in fine arts painting, illustration, graphic design, photography, film, radio, communications, dancing ( ballet, modern, tap, jazz, african, ect), musicians, composers, crafts majors, art history majors, art education majors, theater and acting majors. just about every art form is covered, but our fashion design is most likely lacking..

Rachel from Trenton, NJ

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The University of the Arts is a place where unique students come together to create a diverse and fun place to grow in your artistic field of study. Visual artists and performing artists collaborate and interact on a daily basis which creates a thriving environment for the arts. UArts is an awesome school where talented individuals expand in the great center city of Philadelphia.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved, get out and meet everyone. Connections are important. Go to class, that's where you learn and grow. And most importantly, be yourself! Your art is unique so don't give up.
Academic Rigor
They keep you on your toes! Most projects you have a range of flexibility where you can determine how complex it will be... whether you like a challenge or keep it easy is up to you.
Dorm Life
Apartment-style dorm life. Spacious and nice!
Food and Dining
Not the best, but tolerable. But you're surrounded by endless food options in the city!
What to do for fun
Go to parks, go to the river, go to First Friday art exhibits, go to the museum, explore the city with friends, make art with friends.

Trevor from Bethlehem, PA

accepted here and planning to attend soon
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The University of the Arts is a wonderful institution for those reaching a higher education in the performing and visual arts, etc. As a top choice school, UArts has a very happening jazz department and is full of high-caliber musicians to challenge any musician. The surrounding areas of UArts also provide a very rich and unique learning environment for any artist looking to express their art.
Tips for prospective students
Apply and audition early.
Expect a challenge as well as a unique learning and performing environment.
Academic Rigor
UArts provides academic and intense performance standards to challenge the student and put them into real world situations.
Dorm Life
Have not yet lived it, therefor, I have no idea.
Food and Dining
Outside of the university itself, the wonderful city of Philadelphia provides many options for dining and exploring unique and diverse cultures.
What to do for fun
Explore the city of Philadelphia.
Perform and showcase your art in the real world.
See shows, concerts, ensembles and performances from other majors.
Great for these types of students
Musicians with an intense hunger to explore and expand musical horizons as well as improve greatly as a musician.
Any prospective artist looking to share their expressions with the rest of the world.
The artist with a vision or idea with the potential to have an impact on the majority of the world.

Khrista from Fairless Hills, PA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This school is a school of business. Every faculty member wants you to succeed and grow in music. When you step in there as a student you leave each class everyday a better musician.
Tips for prospective students
Great school for becoming a better person and Musician.
Academic Rigor
You should always want and need to study. People think that going to school in the Performance Arts is easy. It's not easy, everyday you will be taught something new and interesting! It is up to you to want to go even further to become an excellent musician.
Dorm Life
Dorms are awesome. You meet people from all over the country and world.
Food and Dining
We just built a new dinning facility and I must say it is Excellent!
Bang for the buck
The school is a little expensive but if you workd hard they will make sure that you will be rewarded
Clubs and Activities
There is plenty to do around the city, but the student activities committee makes sure that every student is at least involved in one club or at least introduced to all activities that go on year round
Campus Safety
Security is very serious about their job! They check ID in every building and they are very nice people.

Masad from Philadelphia, PA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I love My school! and I love Philly.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved, there is so much to do so you'll never get board.
Academic Rigor
The University of the Arts Has teachers Who Have A Lot of knowledge about the Field that there in and because of this you know that your getting a great education.
Dorm Life
The campus is beautiful and the student are very diverse so you are bound to have a very well rounded experience.
Food and Dining
We have three dining halls and really convent hours so you can miss one meal time and still not miss a meal and the Food is really Good.
What to do for fun
the school is located in center city which is downtown Philly so there is so many things to do and history to see and so you always have a story to tell.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
At the end of every year the dance majors have a farewell bash to say goodbye to the seniors who are graduating and at the beginning we have one to welcome new students so they can get to know the department and the dancers its allot of fun.
Clubs and Activities
you have allot of clubs and organizations to choose from depending on your major. During Orientation is when you'll get to meet all of the club presidents and ask questions.
Greek Life
there are a few but they just started so its to soon to say anything.
Campus Safety
the security on campus is really tight so you better have your id or you screwed lol.

researching this school
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
I attended the Summer Institute at UArts and loved it. I can only imagine that the BFA Musical Theatre will just as great. I know that the school has a top-ranked reputation.
Will enjoy being here
You definitely have to like living in an urban environment if you attend UArts. It's in the middle of Philly without a typical college campus.