University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS, USA

Reviews

University of Kansas

Nik from Kansas City

a current student here
44 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
As with other colleges, freshman year generally means class sizes in the hundreds. However, the professors and teaching assistants do a relatively good job on relaying information to classes of these sizes. Most of my classes used PowerPoint slides which made it easy to follow along while the professor was lecturing.
Am enjoying being here
As with all colleges, the first couple of weeks can be quite nerve wracking. However, once you make a couple friends and get out of the dorms, The University of Kansas can be quite the place to learn as well as to spend time with friends. I actually wish I could head over to Lawrence to spend some time there!
Bang for the buck
The University of Kansas is pretty reasonable on their costs. As an added bonus, several times throughout the academic year they have special events that students can go to for free food, t-shirts etc.
Tips for prospective students
One real positive of the University of Kansas is that it has one main campus. This is effective in that it is not necessary to take a bus or train from campus to campus to go from class to class. The on-campus buses provide efficient transport to many students, or many times, with the campus being so active and lively, students simply walk from lecture hall to lecture hall.
Great for these types of students
If you want a pleasant learning atmosphere while at the same time live an active student life, the University of Kansas is perfect for you.

Even for those who are a little bit shy such as I was, the University of Kansas student staff has many activities and events to get rid of that shyness as you meet many people and make new and good friends very quickly.

If you are also looking for high-class facilities such as lecture halls, gyms, and pools, the University of Kansas is a perfect candidate. They have a three floor recreation center, including an extravagant rock-climbing wall where students can go to work out. They also have two pools in a different building along with a diving platform. Each dorm also has a lobby generally consisting of a pool table, piano and TV.

Phillip from Topeka, KS

a current student here
24 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
In your Freshman year you will be dealing with mainly Teacher Assistants or T.A.'s, now they know a great deal, but they still don't have all the knowledge of a Master or Ph.d Professor.
Am enjoying being here
The campus life is B-E-A-UTIFUL. The trees in Autumn are magnificent and Potters Lake is always a cool spot to hangout, and if you're into working out the Rec Center is above and beyond anything you could ever imagine...including the rock wall;-) The massive amount and backgrounds of students coming everywhere from Russia to Kenya and beyond in overwhelming in a good sense. You have such a vast melting pot of ideas and religions that all you have to do is be open and remember that everyone is connected through the same purpose of getting a better education and you'll make friends in no time...seriously I made like 15 REAL friends whom I still talk to today and half are across the world right now!!!
Bang for the buck
The amount of help offered at KU is nothing short of AMAZING!!! they offer outside learning sessions, discussion groups, learning labs, and even tutors for a more one-on-one approach. They even offer this thing called take a teacher to lunch and basically the school buys you and the Professor lunch at a restaurant downtown and you can talk to them and let them get to know you one on one or even with a friend....I haven't heard of any other University doing that!!!
Tips for prospective students
Keep an open mind and a friendly smile and you will go far. And don't bring your entire room from home with you on move in day:)
Great for these types of students
Achievers, Learners, Shy/Timid, Friendly, Open Minded, Excited about life Students

Hillary

accepted here and planning to attend soon
11 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
I am excited to begin my education in Political Science at what I understand to be an extremely well-balanced institution. While a common concern of Political Science classes is that a professors bias will directly influence what a student learns, it is my understanding that the University of Kansas' Political Science department prides itself on giving students the information they require for further education and careers in Law and Government rather than personal opinions.
Will enjoy being here
A beautiful campus with a bustling student life. The University of Kansas not only has one of the more solid academic programs in the state, but is settled in a town with an incredible downtown and numerous social opportunities, varying from a strong sports program (especially basketball) to an amazing variety of live music.
Bang for the buck
A little more expensive than Kansas State University, but exceptionally reasonable on the national level. Tuition (not including room and board) is right at the national average presented by the College Board's website. KU provides numerous student services for the tuition fees that make it well worth the cost, including a newly renovated Rec Center, free access to city-wide bus transportation, as well as on-campus transport, and many social opportunities, such as Hawk Week, which includes a free concert.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure to visit the campus. While beautiful, it does have numerous large hills that may make getting to class every day difficult for some.
Great for these types of students
The University of Kansas is great for Pre-Med students; their Medical school is one of the best in Kansas. It is also great for students interested in a variety of arts.

Samantha from Villa Park, IL

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
the university of kansas offers a quality education while also teaching it's students important life skills. it is a place where one truly has the freedom to explore their interests, and it has all the tools they could possibly need to do so. the university of kansas is a place for growth, community, and spirit.
Tips for prospective students
new students to the university of kansas should utilize all the tools the college has to offer. there is always someone who's job is to make sure you fully understand your schooling, inside and out. attend extra help lectures for classes, go above and beyond a professors expectations. college is four years of your life, that could make up what happens with the rest of them. study as much as possible, get ahead. it pays off to put all you've got into your work.
Academic Rigor
at the university of kansas, due dates, for assignments or exams, are set. for some courses they vary, but for large ones, missing a due date almost always means zero credit. professors expect that as adults in college, you should be able to handle your own schedule, and plan accordingly.
Dorm Life
dorm life is great at this university. it is close to campus, and in a convenient location to the libraries and recreational center. they are clean, safe, and allow you to meet many new people, especially within your first year. the dorms are all very close together, which makes it easy to gain new friends from all over.
Food and Dining
there is a large variety of types of food that this university offers it's students. there's healthy food and junk food, vegetarian options and a wide array of snacks. you can always find a new meal to try at one of the universities many food courts and restaurants. many food places are open twenty-four hours a day, which is great for our late-night studiers.
What to do for fun
besides the hundreds of organizations and clubs the university has to offer, there is also other recreational activities students can get involved in. there is a bowling alley in the student union, and a rec center for maintaining physical fitness, and participating in things from rock climbing and fitness classes, to intramural sports and renting camping gear. getting a all football/basketball sports pass is a must, the basketball games especially are a ton of fun, and can get very expensive otherwise.
Bang for the buck
the university of kansas is everything a person could want in a college. it is truly the full package, with the courses, schooling, opportunities and amazing atmosphere at top notch. every penny spent on attending this amazing university is a penny well spent (and the financial aid office will make sure you fully understand exactly what your spending those pennies on).
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
an unusual tradition the university of kansas has is waving the wheat. at football games, when our team scores a touchdown, the entire crowd of fans raise their arms into the air, and wave them to the left and right. when a field goal is scored, the fans do the same thing again, only faster. this is supposed to represent what wheat would look like blowing in the wind, and since every single fan does it, it truly looks amazing.
Great for these types of students
the university of kansas is great for the type of student that wants an amazing, life changing education, and all the college spirit and community to go with it. it is for the type of student that drools over the idea of the college experience rather than just getting it over with. the university of kansas is a place for a student that truly wants to be there, and will immerse him or herself in the culture it comes with.
Clubs and Activities
there is a club for practically everything at the university of kansas. there are hundreds to choose from, and definitely one for every type of student. clubs that have to do with a students intended major are very exciting, because they get you out into your desired field before graduation.
Campus Safety
campus safety is extremely important, and this university makes sure of it. there are emergency phones all over the campus, lit up by a blue light, and every student at orientation is given two numbers to contact a safe ride home should they need it. one is literally called safe-ride. safe-ride is comparative to a free taxi service, but their only duty is to take students home. should a student feel uncomfortable or unfamiliar with the area they are in, safe-ride will pick them up and take them home. there is also safe-bus. this is also a free service provided by the university. there are many bus routes that constantly run in and out of the campus area. they, just like safe-ride, are no questions asked, and will safely drop students off at their desired location.

Julia from Wichita, KS

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
There are so many varieties here at KU! There are around 50 languages, and the variety of majors is astounding! This is a great school if you're not sure what you want to do because you can learn so many different things!
Am enjoying being here
KU is known for having a great social scene, and its absolutely true! On any given night there is some event going on whether its a club, sport, or going out with your friends!
Bang for the buck
KU has one of the prettiest campuses out there and the level of academic standards makes it one of the top public colleges in the nation. Kids from out of state come to Kansas because it's cheaper out of state than their own in state schools!
Tips for prospective students
Apply! Lawrence Kansas is a microcosm from the rest of the state. If when you think of Kansas you think farms, cows, and the bible belt you're wrong! Lawrence is incredibly diverse. Live on campus your first year and make the most out of all the incredible opportunities KU provides!
Great for these types of students
Students who aren't sure about their major- KU has such a wide variety to choose from and change to
Students who want to get a top education
Students who want to get the full college experience!
So much fun!

Jordan from Littleton, CO

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Great school, good campus, good night life, good education. Big classes at first, but they slim down as you progress. You will fall in love with this school.
Tips for prospective students
Come visit the campus, but also visit Lawrence as a city. Tour with a student if possible to get the full experience. Its a great place.
Academic Rigor
This part is totally up to you. If you challenge yourself and make the best of this educational experience, you will come out with 5 star education, but that is really on you. Nobody is going to make you work hard, and they shouldn't have to.
Dorm Life
I lived in Oswald, and it was really fun. If you can find the right balance between working and hanging out with people or going out and partying the dorms can be great opportunities to meet new people and experience KU in a very unique way.
Food and Dining
The food in Lawrence is great, but the food in the Dining Halls gets really old. THis is to be expected, however. There's only so many meals they can cook and they start to get monotonous after months.
What to do for fun
Go out to clubs! Go to Mass St., where they have every shop and restaurant you can imagine. There is always fun to be had on campus as well. Don't be shy -- put yourself out there and there are many adventures to be had in Lawrence.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The Hawk

adrienne from dodge city, ks

accepted here and planning to attend soon
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
i attended girl's state at ku this summer. ku has an absolutely gorgeous campus, a friendly environment, and so many great programs to choose from. i cannot wait to attend ku in the fall of 2017.
Tips for prospective students
you will definitely get your exercise on the hill, so bring some comfortable walking shoes.
Academic Rigor
for as much financial aid that is available, ku is definitely top notch in academics.
Dorm Life
i stayed in the dorms for a week and became quite comfortable. the dorms are pretty great, and easy to make your own.
Food and Dining
there was only one case of food poisoning, the entire week that i was there; whereas at my high school, food poisoning was just a daily deal. i was impressed with the different food choices.
What to do for fun
go for a run, or read a book around campus. i will never get over the breathtaking and simple beauty the university of kansas.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
i am in love with the theatre!

Zach from Overland Park, KS

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The University of Kansas has great professional schools with devoted professors who take education beyond the classroom. The campus environment is beautiful and the students population is very active in organizations. The University of Kansas houses one of the best basketball teams in the nation and is a nationally renowned international research school.
Tips for prospective students
If you are an incoming student to the University of Kansas, do not let the low acceptance standard and low cost fool you. KU has one of the most rigorous programs out of Kansas schools, and it is important for incoming students to be motivated, be a self-starter, and learn from their mistakes.
Academic Rigor
At the University of Kansas, the academic rigor is not proportional to the standards for admittance. Classes are challenging and GPA requirements for professional schools are not for slackers. The University of Kansas has one of the best Journalism, Engineering, and Med schools in the nation, and the academic rigor is higher than some public schools because of that.
Dorm Life
The dorm life at KU is very exciting and offers both social environments and quiet academic study environments. KU offers both public and private dorms, and Daisy Hill is both safe and inviting to live in.
Food and Dining
Dining opportunities are plenty at KU and because the campus is so close to Massachusetts St., a popular dining and shopping locale, their are many choices for students to find nourishment.
What to do for fun
If your looking for fun at the University of Kansas, there are many options to suit everyone's taste. From the Rec center, Mass St., the Kansas Union activities, and watching KU sports, there is never a dull moment.
Bang for the buck
The University of Kansas offers student a top-notch public education at a four year school while at one of the lowest costs in the country for 4-year public undergraduate educations.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
A tradition at the University of Kansas is that you are not supposed to walk under the Campanile (a campus monument) until graduation time. If you do, your academic life is supposedly doomed.
Great for these types of students
The University of Kansas is great for students that plan to work hard, are self-motivated, and are self-starters. It is a place to flourish and to find your personal identity.
Clubs and Activities
Extra-curricular activities at KU are plentiful and it has both great student leadership opportunities as well as a top-notch Greek life program.
Greek Life
There are many different fraternity and sorority houses on campus that provide a connection for students of many different identities. Greek Life at KU provides students with scholarship, leadership, community service, philanthropy, and social opportunities and provides students with a network of what will most likely be lifetime friends.
Campus Safety
The University of Kansas campus is very safe and is continously well-monitored by campus police. There are emergency phones located throughout the campus, and there are many safety services offered by the university that are completely funded by school tution and fees.

Kyle from Lone Tree, CO

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Being from out of state really makes you learn things you probably never knew before hand, and of course if you go to class you are bound to expand your mind.
Am enjoying being here
KU may have the most beautiful campus. My beliefs of Kansas before going to school here was that there was corn as far as the eye can see, but actually the campus sits on a set of winding hills that make for a great sunset. The nightlife is great there is literally always something for every type of person in Lawrence.
Bang for the buck
I think it is a little expensive I mean for being out of state you are looking at paying about $27,000.00, which is really only ten grand short of an IVY league school haha
Tips for prospective students
Go through rush. You meet great people who will share some of your goals. Just get involved and I will guarantee that you will have a good time and learn all kinds of new things.
Great for these types of students
People who enjoy being around other people

Nick

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The campus is very beautiful, and well maintained. Basketball seems to be in the blood of every student at KU, everyone seems to enjoy it. It is a great school to attend, and be part of the Jayhawk culture.
Tips for prospective students
#1 - Plan your academics accordingly, do not skip classes that may seem pointless too you. Every class is a piece to the puzzle, they will all come together and fit in the end.
#2 - Activities are important; not so much in your college career, but finding and interacting with other new people.
#3 - Find Scholarships any way possible, luckily KU tuition is very low compared to other schools. It is always nice to not have a massive debt when you graduate.
Academic Rigor
Being a engineering major, my class are pretty tough. Although, that can be said for any major at respectable levels. Compared to community colleges, KU is a little more work. KU has top notch teachers in many departments that have been doing their work for a long time.
Dorm Life
Daisy Hill is where most of the dorms are, although there are many other halls across campus. It is a great place to find and interact with other people with similar interest as yourself.
Food and Dining
There is many places to eat at on Mass Street, and there is many fast places to eat also. Pizza Shuttle has good pizza. 3 Spoons good frozen yogurt. Tryyaki has good Asian food. Chipotle always seems to be the cheapest and best Mexican food.
What to do for fun
Kansas City is only 30 minutes away, there are endless possibilities in that city. Clinton Lake is only a couple minutes away from the KU campus. Mass Street has many things to eat at and have a good time at.
Bang for the buck
Rent Your Books!
Pizza Shuttle is very cheap
Campus Safety
KU has there own police department, and call boxes located all around the campus if you are in trouble.