University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Lowell, MA, USA

Reviews

University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Jessica from Bradford, MA

a current student here
11 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
UMass Lowell won't just teach you about writing, math, and science- it takes you beyond to learn about yourself. One must learn to manage time well with so many campus activities. The school also has a great amount of diversity, which helps students to learn about many other people and cultures. Learning in the classroom is great as well. The small class sizes are highly beneficial.
Am enjoying being here
Overall, the school has a very laid-back atmosphere. The professors all seek to keep student interaction up and there are a great number of student activities.
Bang for the buck
Don't let anyone say that state school is the cheap, easy version of college. UMass Lowell pushes students to their fullest abilities, just like any private college.
Tips for prospective students
All one must do is work hard to succeed. Manage your time well. Class time is limited, so be ready to do a good deal of work on your own. You will appreciate the independence.
Great for these types of students
Any student who enjoys a great deal of independence, a diverse group of peers, and a welcoming atmosphere will do well.

Jonathan from Topsfield, MA

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The Computer Science Department is the best I have seen. I could study robotics, gaming & programing- everything I am interested in. Then the school is connected to many businesses in the area & I can work or research with outside projects. They prepare you for the real world.
Am enjoying being here
The campus is near a city for many cultural & sports activities. I can also drive out to skiing, hiking and other rural activities. The academic attitude is strict & I have to study pretty hard but teams are set up for freshman to help with study groups and develop a community atmosphere. It works for me.
Bang for the buck
UML has a great reputation as a state school and the grads get good jobs! The professors are very connected to the working world and know how to direct the students towards job placement. That says it all to me!
Tips for prospective students
A state school with great rating!!! You really can't go wrong with this school. Make sure you get a tour of the dept. your interested in. If you go see Computer Science, you will be blown away!
Great for these types of students
Anyone interested in math or sciences.
Physical Therapy & music are great here too.

Surprisingly Happy Student

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
UMass Lowell is fabulous, I didn't expect to love it coming in. Now I wouldn't go anywhere else - great professors, great friends great time!!
Tips for prospective students
It is fabulous because of its small classes. My largest class has 42 students. My smallest has 16! The professors want you to succeed. They all offer convenient office hours and will do whatever is necessary to help you get a good grade.
Academic Rigor
The classes are much harder than I expected. My SAT score was 1500/1600. I came in with a bit of a superiority complex. I though classes would be a piece of cake. Boy was I wrong. I have to work hard to maintain good grades and my place in the honors college.
Dorm Life
I am currently dorming in Fox Hall. There are 3 of us crammed into a room built for 2. Luckily my roommates are great guys, otherwise it could get ugly! Fox Hall is in the middle of everything. The dining hall is in this building along with a Taco Bell and Rowdy's Pizza. The fitness center is right next door. So many honors student accepted their invitation to UML that they put the overflow on the 8th floor at Fox. At first I was upset not to be in Eames with other honors students but I found the best friends here and am now glad to be in Fox - in the middle of everything.
Food and Dining
The dining hall is good. It's not great but there is a variety of food so you won't starve. There is also numerous restaurants on campus so you can always get whatever you are in the mood for.
What to do for fun
They have something going on basically every night of the week. You can always find something to do. My new buddies and I formed a team to play broomball. We play 2 nights a week. I also recently joined a fraternity. I will still live in the dorms but have all my frat buddies to hang with. It is the best of both worlds.
Bang for the buck
I was accepted into UMass Amherst (too big), Northeastern (too expensive) and Clark (too odd/boring). I accepted the invitation to UMass Lowell with a great scholarship. I intend on going to grad school so spending $200,000 on an undergraduate degree was just stupid. I will now be able to attend grad school and not owe a fortune in school loans.
Great for these types of students
This school is great for kids who want to get ahead without racking up huge school loans. The students here work hard. I know they have a 6 year graduation rate around 60 percent but that's because they give students a chance. Some can't handle the hard work and drop out.
Greek Life
I recently joined a frat. I love it. It is a great bunch of guys who just want to have a good time while working hard on their degrees. The upperclassman are there to help you with anything that comes up. Whether it is studying or general life questions it is nice to have someone there for you.
Campus Safety
Campus is safe. Off campus is not. I have heard of people being held up but always off campus and late at night. If you use your smarts you will be just fine. There are campus police officers who are EVERYWHERE. If you need one you can use the blue emergency call boxes and they respond in under 3 minutes.

Allison from Franklin, MA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
UMass Lowell has everything a student will need to succeed, and even have a little fun. They want you to excel and will provide any and all assistance necessary to help you when you need it. It is a well rounded campus and student body among all elements: social life, academics, and athletics.
Tips for prospective students
Always take the class you find interesting, because when you like a class, it makes it that much easier to do well.
Try not to choose classes based on the professor, because many times, classes move around and the professors can change. When that happens, you may be out of luck.
Make sure you leave time for fun and for yourself. Take the classes you need to take, maybe even one extra if you want to, but don't overload yourself.
Academic Rigor
Depending on the major you choose, the coursework can be more or less difficult. I am a health major, so there are a lot of science classes and a lot of information to take in, but the professors make it easy to understand, and when it isn't, they will take extra time to explain it from a different angle so that it can finally click for you.
Dorm Life
The dorms are pretty nice, and the ones that aren't as nice are currently in the process of being renovated. There is always so much to do and so many people to talk to. Activities and socials are put on almost every night, so there is rarely ever a dull moment. Dorm life may arguably be one of my favorite parts of Umass Lowell, and having an awesome roommate definitely makes it so much better.
Food and Dining
The food is awesome. There are different specials every night, my favorite being the burrito bar and stir fry stations, and there are so many options at all times that you never have that I'm hungry but theres nothing to eat feeling like when you open the fridge to see that it is basically empty.
What to do for fun
There is so much to do for fun. Off campus there are also a ton of fun things to do, but if you don't want to leave campus, don't worry you will never be bored. The school itself puts on so many activities and socials that there is always something going on. In fact, we had karaoke night last night.
Campus Safety
Campus safety is great! There are blue call boxes all over campus if you need to get in touch with them. They have a 30 second-3 minute response rate, so almost as soon as you call them, they will be there. Once, I was walking home from the library on North Campus at night. I didn't really feel comfortable walking alone, so I pressed one of the call boxes, and they sent an officer to me within a minute. He drove me back to my dorm building and made sure that I got in safely. They genuinely care about the well being of the students. They don't aim to get you in trouble for anything. They just want to make sure that you are okay at all times.

Jordyn from Salem, NH

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The University of Massachusetts Lowell provides an outstanding atmosphere for students to excel. The community is very welcoming and the teachers are above adequate. The University has a great recreational center that allows students to separate from their studies and enjoy themselves with a sports team or a recreational class.
Tips for prospective students
Commuting may be easier for some students, but I would absolutely recommend living on campus. Allowing yourself to be surrounded by other students who have the same major as you or have similarities with you is much less stressful. I would recommend getting involved with any extra-curricular activities you can. Being involved in the school community helps establish a sense of belonging and importance in your lives.
Academic Rigor
The teachers at the University of Massachusetts Lowell vary in difficulty. Academic rigor ultimately depends on your selected major, but the classes are absolutely do-able.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is absolutely fantastic. Being surrounded by people who understand what it's like to have tough classes is a plus. Living in dorms allows you to create new friendships.
Food and Dining
Food is bearable. It's not a five star restaurant, but it keeps you alive. Occasionally Aramark will offer specials which are definitely delicious.
What to do for fun
UMass Lowell has an outstanding recreation center. The Rec center offers a variety of aerobic classes to keep you busy and the workout facilities are pristine. Many intermural and club sports teams are also offered. UMass Lowell is very close to the historic part of Lowell. Many walking history tours of Lowell are available. The Tsongas arena is in walking distance of the UMass Lowell east campus. Anything from hockey games to concerts are offered at the Tsongas.
Bang for the buck
Tuition is affordable and financial aid is generous.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Suppas Pizza and the Egg Roll Cafe' are particular favorites of the students at UMass Lowell. Dunkin Donuts, Subway, and Starbucks are also located on Campus. Last academic year (2011-2012) UMass Lowell successfully hosted their first Relay for Life.
Great for these types of students
Students who don't mind being in the city or walking from place to place would greatly enjoy UMass Lowell. Even for those who do not enjoy city life that much, there is a river walk located on the Merrimack River that provides separation from busy city life.
Clubs and Activities
Many many clubs and activities are offered. Anything from Zumba and Ballroom dancing, to Hockey and Soccer.
Greek Life
Frats and Sororities do exist at UMass Lowell, but only Fraternities are allowed to have houses.
Campus Safety
Campus Police are extremely friendly and always do their best to put the safety of the students first. There is always a way to get in contact with the University police if necessary.

Isabella from Milford, MA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Dorm Life
I don't live on campus but I have seen the dorms and they seem great and modern.
What to do for fun
Use the facilities and hang out with your fellow students.
Great for these types of students
Focused and hard-working students that are looking to graduate with good grades and do great things.
Food and Dining
Great food with lots of options.
Bang for the buck
Price is excellent for the education we are getting. Labs and classrooms are modern and professors are very helpful.
In three sentences
It's a great school with many opportunities to do research and get involved in projects of your interest. Faculty is helpful and a variety of majors is offered. I'm very satisfied with my choice.
Clubs and Activities
All clubs and activities are great. Events happen weekly and we are always being notified of projects and meetings. There is something for everyone.
Greek Life
Not familiar with Greek life.
Tips for prospective students
Get to know your professors and take adavsntage of the libraries and other resources. Study hard.
Academic Rigor
Material is tough but manageable. Professors will expect you to show up to class and pay attention.
Campus Safety
Even though we are located in an urban area, I feel very safe. Parking lots are well lit and there are security guards around.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Nothing unusual that I know of. The only unusual but cool thing is an underground tunnel on north campus that takes you from one of the buildings to the Starbucks across the street. That's neat and you don't need to get exposed to the cold in order to get a cup of coffee before class.

Kaitlyn from Martin, SD

researching this school
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The University of Massachusetts-Lowell has a very lovely campus. I visited during a conference at the Tsongas center and had a wonderful time on campus and in the dorms. The campus was beautiful, the food was good, and the supervisors were awesome!
Academic Rigor
I have not actually taken any classes here, but I imagine they are great based on everything I saw.
Dorm Life
The dorms were roomy, simple, and exactly what a student would need with a decent sized closet, drawers, desk, and bed. There were nice windows, vending machines, and the bathroom was roomy and well-suited to the student's needs.
Food and Dining
The food was easy to obtain and very high-quality. Dining space was large and homey, and the surrounding restaurants were all very nice.

Justin from Arlington, MA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Everything is in the process of being upgraded. Most of the teachers are amazing. Attending Umass Lowell has opened up so many possibilities.
Tips for prospective students
Work hard and you will be rewarded. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Choose a program that will help you get a job.
Academic Rigor
Some classes/ assignments are tough but, I have been able to manage.
Dorm Life
I'm a commuter so my dorm experience is limited to staying with friends some nights.
Food and Dining
Food and Dining on north campus was just renovated. There is now a Farmer's Market section with food from local farms.
What to do for fun
So many events planned by the school, just keep your eyes and ears open. There are several things to do in the area.
Bang for the buck
A really good value for a Business Administration Baccalaureate.
Great for these types of students
ALL STUDENTS
Clubs and Activities
I am in several clubs and partake in many activities.
Campus Safety
Umass Police are prominent on campus. My experience with other colleges located in Worcester, Boston, and Amherst lead me to conclude that Lowell is a lot safer

Kyle from Marlborough, MA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
When I was first looking at schools to go to, UMASS Lowell was my safety net, in case I didn't get into any other college. I was looking at these schools that were 40,000 dollars a year and I had got accepted to most of them. But when it came down to making my decision, I choose UMASS Lowell, and I couldn't be happier. The professors are amazing. They really helped me learn a lot right from the beginning; and if you don't know the answer to a question, just ask. They are more than willing to help you with a problem. They are always offering to help you, whether its during their office hours or at lunch, a simple e-mail will set up a time for help. As for class sizes they are relatively small. When you think about a University, you think large lectures right? Wrong. Here at UMASS Lowell we have recitations, meaning that there are 20 to 30 students in your class at a time. This makes learning so much easier because the professor has a lot more time for individual questions. All in all, I couldn't be happier with the school I picked.
Am enjoying being here
I have a great group of friends. Within a week or so my floor had become really good friends and I had a blast with everyone. As for everyone on campus, they are friendly. Its not like high school at all. There are no clicks here, just friendly people.
Bang for the buck
UMASS Lowell is one of the top engineering schools around. And its inexpensive. I couldn't be happier with the choice I made going here. It is worth every penny.
Tips for prospective students
I highly recommend this school. If you are serious about getting a good education, a good college experience and not come out hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt, then this is the school for you.
Great for these types of students
Athletes, Musicians, everyday normal people, people who like to have fun.

Ross from Merrimack, NH

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The Mechanical Engineering courses are tough! There is so much information and much of it has applied to my internships and even hobby level projects
Am enjoying being here
It's close to home, and the student community is pretty good. You can almost always find other people working on similar course work, so impromptu study groups are very common.
Bang for the buck
I came from Embry-Riddle in Daytona Beach Florida to UMass Lowell, due mainly to the significantly lower cost. But what I found was, not only is UMass Lowell cheaper, but I was getting a much better education! Embry-Riddle was 60 grand a year, UMass Lowell is around 16 Grand a year. I will get my entire degree in little over the cost of one year at a private institution!
Tips for prospective students
This goes for any college, but the best piece of advice is, you get out what you put in, and there are no diminishing returns. Also, if you're an engineering major, don't go to the library to print stuff, they charge you like 10 cents a copy. Go to the engineering computer Labs where its free.

When the time comes to take Tech Electives, talk to your advisers and take graduate level classes as tech electives. It will count for both your undergraduate, and graduate degrees, saving you time and money.
Great for these types of students
I'm speaking for myself here, but this is a fantastic school for engineering students. There are so many opportunities for hands on learning that really make the connection between homework, and real work.