University of Vermont
Burlington, VT, USA

Reviews

University of Vermont

Marc from Bethlehem, CT

a past student here
21 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Did learn a lot
The sciences and mathematics at UVM are challenging and I learned a lot from the professors. Overall, the other classes were moderately challenging and the professors were knowledgeable.
Did enjoy being here
Burlington is an awesome city/town and the people are very welcoming. Partying is big at UVM, but even if you don't party there is something for everyone every night of the week!
Bang for the buck
UVM is expensive for out-of-state students, but the facilities, faculty, and food are worth the high cost.
Tips for prospective students
Get a tour of the school and spend a night if you can. Talk to a department head in the field of study you're interested in. Also, introduce yourself to an admissions officer; they're very nice and it will help you along the way.
Great for these types of students
Laid back, academically focused, athletic

Sarah from Merrick, NY

accepted here and planning to attend soon
11 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
This school is amazing, and not only for the great classes and professors they have- they are one of the most green campuses in the country. You don't only learn in your classes, you learn life skills like recycling. Also, UVM is not the kind of school that teaches to the tests- it's not what you think, it's HOW you think. Here you learn critical thinking skills. to help you in whatever career you choose.
Will enjoy being here
People at UVM are so friendly. Plus, the area is great- Church Street has the best shops and there's always something to do. Also, UVM is not the only college in the area- Champlain College is right next door and St. Michael's college is nearby so you can make friends not only within the school but with the other people in the area.
Bang for the buck
Personally UVM has been very generous with scholarships and loans. I had been fearful that I wouldn't be able to go to UVM because of the high expense and, from what I'd heard about the school, they tend to prefer people in state. Fortunately this wasn't the case and most of the tuition will be paid for and the rest in loans.
Tips for prospective students
You will never be able to understand the full potential of this school unless you come up to visit, so definitely do so.
Great for these types of students
UVM is great for someone who wants to be active. By active, I mean active in anything- if you are serious about LGBT rights, they have many groups which fight for rights. If you want to learn about recycling, there is so much to do there to learn how you can help. And if there's something you want to do that hasn't been started yet it's so easy to start your own movement.

Hannah from Danville, PA

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I love going here, everyone is really friendly and accepting of who you are. The university itself has a big focus on you having meaningful experiences both in and out of the classroom. The area is beautiful and if you're tired of the city, it's not hard to get out for a little and take in the wilder side of Vermont.
Tips for prospective students
If you decide to come here, make sure you're satisfied with your schedule. Sometimes there are classes that go on really late at night which can make having a job, social life or homework difficult.
Academic Rigor
Like a lot of universities, UVM has a big focus on it's academics. Something that a lot of classes do is that they drop your lowest test or quiz grade which is really helpful if you slipped up on an assignment.
Dorm Life
None of the dorms are really horrible, most are relatively spacious unless you have the luck of being in a forced triple. This is when the room is meant for two people and there are three living there. Also, most dorms are really close to dining halls or other places you can get food if you aren't feeling dining-hall food.
Food and Dining
Depending on where you go, the food quality can be really good. By far, Cook Dining is one of the best but sadly it typically closes around 3 in the afternoon. There are also plenty on places that don't serve typical cafeteria style food. There is The Skinny Pancake which is amazing, it has all kinds of crepes. There is also the Marche, which is sort of like a quick mart that has a fro-yo type place as well as a Wao Bao. Finally Brenan's is in the Davis Center. It has amazing milkshakes and if you're visiting, I highly suggest you go there.
What to do for fun
On campus, there is typically always something going on. UVM has many division 1 athletic teams (though no football) so you can go to a game. If there isn't anything happening on campus that interests you, in town there is ECHO (the Lake Champlain lake center that has multiple exhibits about the lake and the wildlife), Church Street, and Nectar's to name a few. If you want to get away there is the beach as well as the many ski resorts that are close by.
Bang for the buck
It's similar to the price you get from a lot of other colleges if you're from out of state and UVM awards scholarships to many students.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Everyone rubs the Catamount statue's nose for good luck. He was very shiny during finals.
The naked bike ride happens at midnight the last day of classes before finals.
It's also not uncommon to see Bernie Sanders around town.
Great for these types of students
If you're outdoorsy, you'll fit right in. Many students are somewhat involved in Outing Club which takes trips to many places all over New England for many different activities.
You might also like that the many of the students here are very liberal, most are democrats or independents.
Even with so many of the students seeming so similar, it's not uncommon for someone to not involve themselves in activities like these (though if you say you don't ski or snowboard, you will get some weird looks).
Clubs and Activities
UVM has a wide range of club sports and activities. It has its own Quidditch team as well as multiple martial arts clubs, media publications, a beekeeping club, and horticulture club.
Campus Safety
There are blue lights all over campus and most students have the number for police services. There is also an alert system (called Cat Alert) that sends messages to your phone or email if there is an emergency on campus.

First Year at Groovy UV

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The classes are generally engaging, but I would recommend investigating your professors before signing up for their class. They can make the class and seem to be hits or misses. You WILL learn something IF you actually apply yourself, otherwise you could probably get by without doing so.
Am enjoying being here
The academics are good and the general population is accepting and friendly. The living situation varies by dorm and your personal environment, and it can get a little grungy. Overall, it can be an enjoyable place if you want it to be.
Bang for the buck
It's a state school which means cheaper tuition. Cheaper tuition is good. The overall quality of the school does not really show its price tag. Everything else (i.e. books, food, fun) is just as expensive as anywhere else.
Tips for prospective students
UVM is a good school in an adorable town with a wonderful landscape. Your experience will be what you make of it, so have fun but study hard and try to learn something.
(If you are concerned with housing [i.e. you want to have the option to study in your dorms and have your own sanitary bathroom], try to get into U. Heights via acceptance into the Honors College or Green Housing.)
Great for these types of students
Hippies, party-ers, and the environmentally-conscious are especially prevalent, but there really is a variety of people here, and most are accepting of divergent others.

Charlotte from Dedham, MA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
My classes not only provide me with a lot of knowledge, but my professors are enthusiastic about teaching as well. The learning environment is wonderful and I have learned so much in a short time.
Am enjoying being here
It is a friendly and interactive environment; everyone is nice to you and there's always something going on here. You can always either find something exciting to do or you can always find a place to relax and have quiet.
Bang for the buck
No college is perfect. I'm an out-of-state student, so my rating's a little harsher. I feel I am pretty much getting my money's worth in education, but the food is a bit overpriced. If you get the points meal plan, get the more points one.
Tips for prospective students
Don't be intimidated by the size of the campus and student body; this is a large college with a small feel. (Just think: you can meet one new person every day until you graduate!) Also there's ALWAYS something going on and a TON of clubs and activities for every type of person. I've actually found that I want to join TOO many clubs :)
Great for these types of students
This college is great for students who like to be alone; it's not a small college where everybody knows each others business. BUT you can join a program in which you live and go to class with the same people. It's a just a great place to be for almost every type of person.

Julia

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Tips for prospective students
Love this school. I feel like they actually care about you here and want you to succeed. Sure the academics may not be as rigorous as some other schools, but with the courses required and resources and encouragement at Uvm, I am more prepared for a job already than some people I know in the same major at other schools.
Food and Dining
Super accommodating in comparison to other schools. Unlimited is the basic plan- which is expensive. However, I never went hungry. I’m vegetarian and could always find something.

Azaria from Rochester, NH

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I really enjoyed my first year at UVM and eagerly await to begin my second year. The campus seems big at first but once you find your place it feels very home-like and easy to navigate. I have met some of the best people, students and professors, here at UVM.
Tips for prospective students
Just talk to people, everyone is so friendly and the more you put yourself out there the easier it will be. If you have questions, ask.
Academic Rigor
The academics can be challenging at times but as long as you stay on top of it, it's nothing you can't handle.
Dorm Life
Believe it or not out of the two closest friends I made here in my first year one way my roommate and the other lived in the same dorm complex as me. Dorm life can be quite fun and it great for bonding.
Food and Dining
The dining halls are great places to meet people, do work, and socialize. The food was not terrible either.
What to do for fun
Burlington is an amazing place with so much do to whether it is going to Church St for dinner, to shop, or just hang around. Lake Champlain is a wonderful place to watch the sunset and North Beach when the weather is nice is a great place to relax.
Bang for the buck
Personally, I feel it is all worth it. For out of state students it is a very expensive school, but it is a good school and worth the time and money you will be putting into it. You will be getting a lot more in return.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Everyone says the Dana Medical library is a great place to study on campus.
The Flying Diaper (a structure on the way to redstone campus) is a great place to just hangout and talk with friends on a nice night.
Great for these types of students
I find UVM to be very accepting, and that it is a great school for all types of students.
Clubs and Activities
There are SO many clubs and activities on campus I have no doubt you'd find one for you.
Greek Life
Greek life is a part of campus but it is in no way overwhelming. If you're a part of it great, if not, great. It's more a personal decision.
Campus Safety
Campus Safety is always there, I never feel unsafe on campus.

Kierstin from Guilford, CT

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors have amazing backgrounds and are enthusiastic and eager to teach.
Am enjoying being here
UVM is a great community, you're in the heart of Burlington, one of this country's greatest small cities. Yet you are surrounded by rural Vermont. There is an unending list of extracurriculars in addition to everything there is to do in the city.
Bang for the buck
One of the more expensive schools, yet definitely worth it, there are a lot of great financial aid opportunities.
Tips for prospective students
Visit, take the tours, then spend some time on your own looking around. Ask questions, if you can't see yourself at a school, move on to the next one.
Great for these types of students
A UVMer enjoys life. Students here participate in school events, they hang out with their friends, and they want to learn. You must like snow! People who come to this school get a great education and have a good time and a great college experience.

Megan from Charlotte, VT

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
There is an extremely wide variety of courses offered at UVM. Many are strenuous, but the professors are always willing to help and make an effort to be available in and outside of class. On the other hand, there are a variety of very entertaining and rewarding courses. For example, I took a SCUBA course last semester and am now certified for life!!
Am enjoying being here
On top of the great courses offered at UVM, the people and environment create a wonderful atmosphere. When you first arrive you will be warmly welcomed by a diverse community, and soon find your own niche. There is also plenty to keep you entertained on campus and in the town of Burlington. Whether partying on the weekend or just looking for a quite week-night activity UVM is the perfect place!
Bang for the buck
I am an in state student, but most of my friends are from around the country. Although they have all fully enjoyed their time at UVM, it has been somewhat of a financial struggle.
Tips for prospective students
If you have any choice in where you live first semester I would recommend the Red Stone campus; It is a very social area and there are beautiful lawns/greens to play games or just spend time with friends. All of the housing at UVM has similar opportunities, but I really enjoyed my time on red stone and think it is worth looking into. Also, look into a variety of majors and don't be afraid of starting as an undeclared student.
Great for these types of students
Outdoor-lovers, environmentalists, animal science majors (there are many well-recognized opportunities for large animals), snowboarders/skiers

Brandy

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am a French major and I find myself excited about my course load. I learn something new every day. I leave my french classes exhilarated and often enjoy study for my classes. I can't express enough how much I love the french department at UVM!
Am enjoying being here
UVM has an amazing campus with a million and one things to do. If you ever find yourself bored all you have to do is send an email or attend a meeting and poof you've joined a club. UVM is also nestled in one of the most amazing towns I've ever been to. I love Burlington! The people, the shops, the waterfront, the laid back atmosphere...it's just wonderful.
Bang for the buck
I can't really say yet as I am still attending UVM. I do know that if you are and out of state student, like myself, expect hefty loans and debt. In the end, my advice is to look up lots of scholarships because you can't pass up the chance to attend UVM.
Tips for prospective students
Scholarships, Scholarships, Scholarships! I would also advise prospective students to come prepared for harsh winters. It can get frigid. The winters are, however, magical at times and the beautiful Burlington Spring and fall more than make up for the harsh winters.
Great for these types of students
Great for outdoorsy, compassionate, friendly, dedicated, hardworking, fun-loving, open-minded students.