University of Wisconsin-River Falls
River Falls, WI, USA

Reviews

University of Wisconsin-River Falls

Kelly from Brooklyn Park, MN

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Even in classes that I took similar ones in high school, there is always something new to learn. You get many different perspectives and are given the opportunity to explore them and choose for yourself. I've already gained more knowledge about myself and this glorious world in my first semester here than I remember gaining in high school, and I still find it exciting every day!
Am enjoying being here
For me, campus is a lot of fun. It is a balanced mix of academics and fun. There is always an option for an entertaining activity throughout the entire week, even between classes! It also like that I am only an hour from home so I am far enough away that I am on my own but I can also drop in on my parents anytime I need to also.
Bang for the buck
Definitely worth every penny of my tuition!! I also love that textbooks are rented to students as a part of tuition - it saves SO much time and money! I would say, though, that housing and meal plan are a little spendy for what you get for your money.
Tips for prospective students
Don't let college scare ya - you can do this!
Find an older student (maybe your welcome leader!) who can help you through the ropes of your first semester
Pay attention to announcements of events and other important things
GO TO CLASS!! The professors at UWRF want you in class and make sure to use your time as valuable - you sometimes even get a higher grade just for showing up every period!
Great for these types of students
People who appreciate having access to their friends and professors
First generation college students
Minority populations
Diverse backgrounds
People who like small towns with easy access to the big city

Maurisha from Elkhart Lake, WI

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
At River Falls you get a lot of hands on education, and they want you to succeed. They offer help rooms and free tutoring. The teachers are extremely friendly and are always willing to answer your questions. Many of the professors are still actively involved in their field of study. The Introduction courses are not extremely challenging, but you can test out to avoid this.
Am enjoying being here
At River Falls there is always something to do. There is a three dollar movie theater right in town, there is always some sort of sporting event going on, and there is usually a musical performance of some sort. There are also activities that your dorm will plan. In every dorm there is a blue ray lounge, a kitchen, a pool table, Foosball, and games. Your RA's work hard to keep you involved and to help you make friends on your floor.
Bang for the buck
At River Falls you will definitely get what you pay for. The nicest part is that you don't have to buy your textbooks, which will save you a ton of money. The teachers are very educated and have a lot of experience in their field.
Tips for prospective students
If you are looking to go to River Falls, Make sure you are actively involved in your community. River Falls isn't academically challenging to get into, but it will help if you have good grades and are involved in your community.
Great for these types of students
River Falls is a great school if you are looking to get into anything with Agriculture. They are also a great school for Art and Education majors.

Medford, WI

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The University of Wisconsin-River Falls is a great school where everyone can find a place to fit in. Here, the teachers care about your success and actually love to feed your passion of knowledge. An opportunity for growth in any area of expertise is available while you can have fun at the same time.
Tips for prospective students
Attend some of the events from Welcome Week. It may seem like they are a waste of time but you do get a chance to meet lots of people. There are plenty of things to do on campus all the time and there is a day where you can explore all the clubs on campus located in the center of campus for a day. Even then, you can find them all online and join then.
I would also recommend on trying new things. It is a cliche but you might find something new that you enjoy. Once again, it'll help you find friends.
Academic Rigor
This is a difficult category to accurately measure. The difficulty depends on the classes you are taking and your strengths. However, in case you hit a rut, there are many tutors available during many times of the day that have passed the classes with at least a B. Also, many of the teachers here take the time and effort to help whenever you have time. It is mandatory that these teachers have some office hours during the week specifically designed to help the students and even then, they are more than willing to setup an appointment in order to answer any of your questions. It's only hard if you make it hard for yourself. Do not be afraid to ask any questions.
Dorm Life
Like other colleges, a resident assistant (RA) is available on your floor to answer any questions or settle any arguments between you and your roommate. However, their main function is to inform you of any rules, upcoming events, and other information during certain times of the year (holidays, finals week, etc.). It is also safe to say that you may not like your hall/roommate. There is a chance factor where you might get a very quiet hall or very loud hall. Whether you like one more than the other, the chance of getting either is equal. As mentioned before, your RA is there to find a balance between these two different scenarios.
Food and Dining
There is always variety at UWRF. There are multiple locations where you can use dining dollars (depends on your meal plan) or meal transfers. They are all located in the center of campus in one building so you don't have to travel to the opposite of campus in order to eat a bagel that you want for breakfast. We have an Erberts and Gerberts, mexican, american, and plenty of other venues. In the main lunchroom, there's a sandwich section with deli meats, a pizza section, a gluten free section, and others as well. Keep in mind that you can eat in your own room if you don't choose any of these venues. However, don't be afraid to try something you've never eaten before.
What to do for fun
This also depends on the type of person you are. However, there are always things you can find that are exciting. There are drag shows, karaoke nights, movie nights, etc. If you are shyer, you can just hang out with the people you know in the movie rooms located in the halls. Or if you a nature person, you can visit the park nearby and visit the falls. There are plenty of opportunities to have fun.
Bang for the buck
Compared to other schools, you save an incredible amount of money. Cost for books are very cheap in total because they have their own textbook library where you can sign them out under your name. You only ever have to pay for the books if you damage them or return them late.

Calli from Osceola, WI

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The University of Wisconsin-River Falls is a beautiful campus. This campus is filled with great professors who know your name and help you with anything that comes your way. This campus is also filled with free tutoring for any help you may need and also filled with very welcoming people.
Tips for prospective students
This campus has so many great things like sports, intramural sports, there are a great amount of clubs and activities as well. There are a great amount of choices here on campus for food, and if your not feeling the campus food one day there are also a great amount of restaurants right in town. The class sizes are just the right size where you can get to know people and professors and vice versa.
Academic Rigor
I am a business major so I can't tell you how the teaching is for every class but so far all the professors I have had are great at teaching me an helping me understand what I need to know. If you don't understand things you can either ask the professors or there are tutoring centers throughout the campus. The other students here are also very helpful if you're nervous about tutoring.
Dorm Life
The dorm life here at UWRF is a great experience here. I have made friends and have leaned to be independent without having my parents around all the time. You learn how to do your own laundry if you don't already know how. There are quiet hours here where you do have to respect other people who are trying to get some sleep because they may have an 8am class the next morning. The dorm experience is very fun and I enjoy it a lot.
Food and Dining
Here on campus we ave quite a lot of choices for food and dining. We have eight different food options all varying in different things. We have a coffee and bagels place, we have a c-store where its like a little gas station minus the gas of course, there is a buffet type option, there is latin and asian, burgers and fries, chicken and fries and of course Erbert and Gerberts.
What to do for fun
There are a ton of activities to do on campus. Whether it is a sport to go and watch or even play , plays, musicals, intramurals, and all of this continues on the weekends. There are basketball and volleyball courts here on campus. In the basement of the halls there is air hockey, foosball, ping pong, there are also blue ray rooms you can rent out to watch a movie and hang out with friends.

Whitney from Phillips, WI

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
River Falls is the perfect combination of rural and urban living. It is a college that caters to all different types of people from all different walks of life. It could be a home for any type of incoming student.
Tips for prospective students
Get to know your professors, the people you live with in the dorms, and the people you attend class with. They become the people you rely on most to get you through the first years.
Academic Rigor
If you really try in all of your classes, they aren't hard at all. Slacking isn't suggested.
Dorm Life
Depending on the dorm, they're pretty nice. Many of the dorms have newer furniture, along with a well sized mini-fridge.
Food and Dining
The campus dining has many different options and they rotate their food choices every few weeks.
What to do for fun
Go to Campus Bingo, Student Performances in the Arts building, spend time outside during the day.
Bang for the buck
River Falls tuition is well priced, and you get what you paid for in triple fold.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
It's illegal to chase squirrels on campus due to a taxidermy class that took place when the school was first established.
Great for these types of students
Students that like having the option of both Urban and Rural living. River Falls in itself is small town, but it's surrounded by urban cities.
Clubs and Activities
There are many different activities and clubs for all sorts of different interests.
Greek Life
There are four fraternities and five sororities to choose from. There are two off campus fraternities, but none of the sororities have off campus housing.
Campus Safety
I have never once felt threatened while on campus.

Aspen from Woodville, WI

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
UW-River Falls is a great close knit campus. There are tons of organizations on campus for every individual.
Tips for prospective students
Do not stress out over college. Just try your hardess and get involved. Try something new and do not be afraid to talk to your professors or go to any of the tutoring centers on campus for help.
Academic Rigor
Almost everyone on campus try to get good grades.
Dorm Life
I did not live in dorms but out of my friends that do say they love it and you make lots of fantastic friends.
Food and Dining
There is great food on campus but the food company we are paying is not the greatest all the time BUT our contract with them is almost up so hopefully we go with someone new :)
What to do for fun
There are tons of events held on campus. You cannot not miss the drag show! BEST THING EVER! There are little concerts, dancers, charity events, parties, etc. there is something for everyone. Just don't be afraid to try something new.
Bang for the buck
River falls is completely worth the money. The professors are amazing! They are extremely helpful and again the organizations are amazing. It is a great small campus.
Great for these types of students
It is great for every type of student.
Clubs and Activities
The Greek life on campus is amazing. It is big but not so big that we do not all mingle and know each other well. There is a club/org for every interest possible. And if there isn't you can make your own.
Greek Life
There are two fraternities and we have a couple more looking to open a chapter on our campus. There are three sororities. There was four but Sigma Sigma Sigma had to close for a little bit but we are all excited to see them come back. We all hang out together and there is hardly any drama. The drama that does happen is like family drama between siblings. We are all very close and try and help each other out. One of my best friends is an Alpha Sigma Alpha, while I am an Alpha Omicron Pi. Our chapters are just the right size that you can get to know everyone of your sisters or brothers extremely close and still be able to know everyone else with in the other chapters. We are close knit.
Campus Safety
Our campus is extremely safe. We are small enough that all the buildings are with in a five minute walk at the most and all the walk ways are well lit. Plus we have police call polls all over campus. Campus police are located in the middle of campus and the local police patrol as well.

Aj

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors are all really good, just make sure to talk to them even if you're not having trouble so if you start to, it's easier to approach them, and they can help you find the assistance you need.
Am enjoying being here
There's always something to do outside of class that you can keep busy with and make friends, it may be a quaint small school, but there's a lot of big personalities.
Bang for the buck
If you really want to keep a textbook for the background that is in it, you can usually buy one at the end of the semesters, especially when textbook services switches to a newer edition.
Tips for prospective students
Visit the Career Services department, the staff is wonderful and especially helpful, it's never too early to start your professional development
Great for these types of students
Hidden gem: science programs

Ana from Oakdale, MN

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Great professors, Fun classes, not so much for socializing. Very quiet and peaceful. If you're a social person, maybe not the best choice.
Academic Rigor
Great professors and many opportunities. If you study and give it all you got, this is the school for you.
Dorm Life
I live in the all- girls dorm, and its a blast!
Food and Dining
Good food. But hey, its college.
What to do for fun
…..Study...
Campus Safety
Very safe environment.

Krysta from River Falls, WI

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
i have really enjoyed me educational experience at uwrf. i am a social work major, and am really enjoying the close, family like atmosphere we have developed within our major, but appreciate that it is easy to get to know anyone on campus. the staff are friendly and helpful, overall.
Tips for prospective students
don't get too overwhelmed. any college campus is going to be a change to you, so just dig in and get to it! you can do it! don't be afraid to approach staff with questions. also, if you have any learning disabilities that you may need accomodations for, this school has a great program that i am currently taking advantage of. you can do it!
Academic Rigor
overall, i think this is a great school. i have run into staff that are very encouraging. they are willing to put in some extra time for each of their students if needed. i am a social work major, and i am very impressed with the acagemic structure of the program. you better be ready to work hard!
Dorm Life
i don't like in the dorms, but form what i hear, people love it!
Food and Dining
i don't really partake in any meals on campus because i live off campus. but i hear good things. there is a coffee shop and a little stopre where you can purchase items that is nice to have access to.
What to do for fun
i am a single mother of a toddler, and a full time student, so i don't have a whole lot of time for fun. however, there are always a lot of activities that i am hearing about, so i know there would be things to do if i have time.
Bang for the buck
there is a lot of extra activities to choose from at this school. there are events and activities all the time, and they spread the worb about them pretty efficiently.
Clubs and Activities
tons and tons!! i am not involved because i don't have time, but i hear about them all the time, and people love them

amarea from saint paul, mn

accepted here and planning to attend soon
0 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
after visiting the campus, enjoying the food, and speaking to students currently enrolled there, i knew this was my dream school.
Tips for prospective students
just because i feel it is a good fit for me, doesn't mean it will automatically be a good fit for you. go where you are comfortable. you have to pic a school that fits you academically, geographically, and even sometimes financially.
Academic Rigor
i know being here won't be too hard of a challenge, but it will push me to be academically better.
Dorm Life
really roomy. i plan on staying on campus.
Food and Dining
did you say you were hungry? eat here. the food is nice. realllllly nice.
What to do for fun
they have football games to attend, join a club, do a sport, watch a movie at the movie theater. hey even get a job.
Great for these types of students
this school is great for students who live in minnesota that might feel they want to get away, but not to far away.