University of Hawaii at Hilo
Hilo, HI, USA

Reviews

University of Hawaii at Hilo

lindsay from Great Falls, MT

a current student here
20 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I have learned so much at UH Hilo, not only in my classes, but also about different cultures and lifestyles. I have many friends that are exchange students from other countries who have taught me so much about the world outside of what I had known.
Am enjoying being here
It is my favorite place
Bang for the buck
I am happy with the fact that my entire tuition cost for my undergrad education equals what some of my peers on the mainland pay each year.
Tips for prospective students
Be prepared for a different lifestyle than you may be used to. Before I could afford my first car, I walked everywhere.

Chandi

a current student here
15 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I love all of the information and the wide variety of classes that they offer here. I have gained knowledge and truly appreciate the information that my professors have passed on to me. I will take this wisdom and pass it on to every person that I meet along the way. I will share what I have learned and continue expanding my capability.
Am enjoying being here
Not only do I enjoy the beautiful campus but I also love the friendly environment that I am constantly surrounded by every day. I must say I live in the most extraordinary place in the world. Hawaii has it all. From luxurious beaches to snow at the top of the mountains, you can take with you everything that constantly surrounds you. It is a life changing experience that will change your view of life forever. This university is valuable because of its diverse surroundings, landscape, people, class availability, friendliness, cultures, and freedom. I wouldn't be the person that I am today If I had not been able to experience such an amazing University!
Bang for the buck
This university is worth every penny. You will have an experince of a lifetime!
Tips for prospective students
Enjoy life-simple as that! Stress free is the way to be. Try your best not to procrastinate because procrastination is the thief of time. Live your life to the fullest and do everything you have always wanted to do. Be outgoing and live a lifestyle that will benefit you in the future! Show your appreciation for others. Be genuine and friendly and everything you work on do it to the best of your ability. Keep a smile on your face and be who you are.
Great for these types of students
I have had the chance to meet many unique individuals from all around the world and have been able to learn their cultures. I have had an experience of a lifetime. This college is great for ALL types of people. This is a college with one of the most diverse amount of ethnicities in the world. I have met people from Europe, Asia, Australia, South America, the United States, and will continue meeting more people every semester. With such a unique environment and a vast amount of climates on this island it is great for so many people that want to experience the beauty and aloha that this island has to offer.

Devin from Palmer, AK

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am a kinesiology and exercise major and the program her is good and getting better every semester. The Profs are good and challenging but they are always there for you if you need some extra help.
Am enjoying being here
What's a better place to go to school then Hawaii?? i don't know because it is amazing here. The Big Island has so much to offer during your free time you'll never run out of things to do.
Bang for the buck
I'm not sure on all the majors but i know my major is Bang for the buck!
Tips for prospective students
Come to UH Hilo!
Great for these types of students
out going loud fun all kine people !

CONNOR from SAN MATEO, CA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
UH Hilo made me feel welcome from the very moment I landed via airplane in Hilo.
The orientation made me (and my mom) feel safe and welcome, and we both KNEW I was at the perfect college for me.
The students and faculty are all wonderful... in the true spirit of 'Ohana'.
Tips for prospective students
Don't think it's all fun and games... just because you're coming to Hawaii.
BUT -- if you do choose UH Hilo , you won't be disappointed.
It's a very small school... less than 5,000 Undergraduate students.
You can't 'hide' in a small school...everybody knows everybody...
this is an awesome home away from home.
Academic Rigor
It's not Harvard or Stanford, but they still expect you to give 100%,
You learn a lot in the small classes. You will study hard, but you will also
have great leisure opportunities as well.
Dorm Life
Fun... not a country club atmosphere, but all of the necessary amenities.
Everyone makes you feel welcome.
Food and Dining
Outstanding ! Lots of healthy options around campus.
What to do for fun
You're in Hawaii... there are lots of organized activities on weekends!
Bang for the buck
The biggest expense is travelling home and back. But if you plan well ahead, and you watch your 'pennies' , you will be ok. There are no prima donnas here, and everyone is very kind.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The late night munchies are awesome.
Great for these types of students
Those who can manage their academic schedules and be proactive about assignments being due, studying without procrastinating, etc.

Lots of clubs to pique your interest...
Clubs and Activities
Lots of clubs to pique your interest
Greek Life
None, but that's OK. The students are here to study hard but also have fun ,even without greek life!

Ruby from Crescent City, CA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The campus is large and growing. It has a diverse campus life and offers many pathways of study. It has a PharmD program that is amazing.
Tips for prospective students
If you are from the mainland, make sure this is where you really want to go. I have seen students get what I call isolation fever. This campus is located on the Big Island and it is very big, but you have to forget you are on an island. Housing off campus is affordable, but staple food is not. Yes, milk and bread are very expensive, so you have to shop around. Be careful buying local produce that is not thoroughly washed. If in doubt, stick to the national chains (Target, Walmart, and Safeway). Tuition is affordable and the most of the 99% of the professors are pro student success.
Academic Rigor
The graduate classes are extremely hard (PharmD), but go to the professors early and don't let yourself get behind.
Dorm Life
Not an expert on dorm life, but my classmates that do live in the dorms have mixed feelings. So, it is like most colleges.
Food and Dining
Remember you are on an island. There are sushi restaurants on just about every block. Staple food (milk, bread, OJ, etc.) can be expensive. You have to shop around. Take-out food is pretty cheap. It can average about $10; depending on where and what you are buying. I love oriental food and my average bill is about $12, but the servings are large and I can make it last a couple of days.
What to do for fun
Lets see, what to do for fun. It's Hawaii... Many of my classmates go swimming in the lagoons or in the ocean. You have to travel to find sandy beaches though; 10 miles or more. There is fishing, surfing, swimming, hiking, biking, the volcano (not too far), eating, and don't forget about the ice kones. That last one is my favorite. Bring your appetite, because they are HUGE.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There are Hawaiian ceremonies that take place on campus and most of the time you will get an email a few days before the event. Sometimes you will drive up and see one happening. Most people stop and watch. These type of events happen rain or shine.
Great for these types of students
If you don't mind the rain, then this is your campus. It rains most days (sometimes only at night). It is hot most days; until December. The average temperature in the winter is about 70 degrees. The summer can heat up to about 100 degrees, but with the humidity it feels like 120 degrees. Most housing have ceiling fans, but no air conditioning (including the dorms). So, make sure you ask about that when looking for off campus housing.
Clubs and Activities
There are many clubs and activities. I am a grad student, so I am not part of any at this time.
Greek Life
Still new at this campus
Campus Safety
This campus has the blue light security. It is even active at the graduate campus now. I feel safe walking on this campus after dark. The community walks on this campus with their dogs, so I feel even more safe. This is an amazing family-like campus.

Aiko from Hilo, HI

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
university of hawaii at hilo has variety range of ethnic groups. its campus allows a hawaiian language program. is a highly-accredited nursing program
Tips for prospective students
meet new people and join clubs.
expand your mind thinking because uh-hilo had alot to offer.
hilo itself has alot to offer too; beaches, visiting active lava, etc.
Academic Rigor
finding the right teacher who makes the class interesting.
Dorm Life
great friends, like family.
build relationships.
able to find more information about clubs
Food and Dining
awesome.
variety.
great employees
What to do for fun
beach.
swim at the rivers.
church.

A freshmen from Hilo, HI

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The University of Hawai'i at Hilo is very diverse, there are so many people from so many different places. The class sizes are not too large. There are also many different student services around campus.
Tips for prospective students
Get educated about campus and about the different major and minor degrees that this school has to offer. Get educated about the dorms and about the meal plan. Also get educated about Hilo town because you will need a car to go places, the bus doesn't go everywhere.
Academic Rigor
This school is very good about education. The teachers will not hand hold you. Some teachers are hard to understand while others are great teachers. You have to know your learning style and you must not be afraid to talk to your teachers when you are struggling.
Dorm Life
The dorm life is decent. Students can be very loud at night at times and the dorms can get very hot, I recommend bringing a fan with you to college. The dorms are not that cleans so I also recommend bringing cleaning supplies, a small vacuums and a broom with you.
Food and Dining
The food is of good quality. There is a dinning hall and a cafe on campus. The cafe is not apart of the meal plan, so you will have to pay with money but the food is very good.
What to do for fun
There is a student life center, they have a pool, a sand volleyball court, a basketball court, a gym that have fitness classes and punching bags. The student life center also takes students out on trips around this beautiful island. They take students to the many different beaches and even to the volcano (which is safe because the volcano is not active).
Bang for the buck
I'm guessing this section is about on campus jobs, there are many con campus jobs and you can go to the campus career center is ask for help when applying for these jobs or to just find out more information.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There is a small botanical garden on campus that you can walk through whenever you want, it is very pretty. There are lounges for each dorm that anyone can go into to watch tv, play some pool or some ping pong, to just hang out or just to grab a quick snack from the vending machines.
Great for these types of students
There are so many different student serves and clubs and activities to do on campus. There are even health services on campus.
Clubs and Activities
There are many clubs and activities that everyone can take part in. School spirit and including everyone is a big thing on this campus. All staff members are very nice and helpful.
Campus Safety
Campus is very safe, there are many security officers on campus and they patrol all day and all night long. You can even call them to escort you to your dorm if you do not feel safe walking around at night by yourself or if you are drunk.

Desiree from Hilo, HI

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
University of Hawaii at Hilo is a very interesting school with many diversity of people. I chose University of Hawaii at Hilo because of the tuition rate and the weather here. I enjoy being in Hilo and hope to graduate soon and go on to a graduate school.
Tips for prospective students
It is good to have friends and family out here because there are not much to activities to do. The good thing is that you can focus more on your studies.
Academic Rigor
The classes here are very accurate and helpful. There are activities that students join in to earn credits for class and learn something new about Hilo. There is a good chances of student passing due to one-on-one interaction with students and professors.
Dorm Life
Dormitory life is fun and very interesting. Diverse people living in the same area. Different things to do with different people. It is very interesting how total different culture come across each other and mingle as if they were relatives.
Food and Dining
The food is very awesome. The servers are customer friendly and they always show the aloha love. The schools serves a variety of food at good price and outside food are somethings that you;ll always crave for.
What to do for fun
There is not much to do for fun, just going to the beach, going shopping in various places including the mall, and going to the movies. It will only be fun if you have a lot of friends and family here at Hilo.

Shantel from Hilo, HI

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
UH Hilo is a very fast paced, education oriented, welcoming institution.
Tips for prospective students
Don't fall behind in class work. And always study for the next test.
Academic Rigor
A Lot of hard work, but it all pays off in the end.
Dorm Life
I did not dorm, but the town has some nice places to stay.
Food and Dining
Food is batter then the last time I went to redlobster
What to do for fun
You go to the pool, the student life center has field trips every week, and you could join a large variety of sports.
Bang for the buck
If you are a Hawaii resident and enrolled full time prices are relatively low.
Great for these types of students
People who like to stay at home.
Clubs and Activities
Almost any sport you can think of except football. Wide range of clubs anyone could join.
Campus Safety
Security is always there when you need them. There are always. Caring people around if you need help.

Cristina from Woodland, CA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
It is a place where everyone is friendly. Professors are always willing to help their students. The athletic programs however, lack support in general.
Tips for prospective students
Send all paperwork as soon as possible because the processing of it tends to take longer than necessary.
Academic Rigor
Everyone is pretty much laid back, so as long as close contact is kept with professors, things can generally be worked out. If the expected work is done when required, academics here are smooth sailing.
Dorm Life
Everyone is super nice. The only thing that can become difficult is getting around town for groceries if students don't have a car. There is however public transportation, but an additional charge would be applied per extra bag being carried.
Food and Dining
The cafeteria is actually really good. There is quite a variety. This is where most students eat during lunch.
What to do for fun
This is an out door place. The life center offers a trip every weekend that includes transportation. It takes us to beaches, hikes, the astronomy center, and just about every nature spot available to the island. Beaches are non-the-less available within bike riding distance (10 minute bike ride).
Great for these types of students
It's great for students who enjoy the outdoors and don't mind or love the rain.
Clubs and Activities
There's a lot of heritage clubs.
Exm: Hawaiian and Samoan
Campus Safety
Nothing has ever happened to me, but there have been a couple cases of theft.