University of Wyoming
Laramie, WY, USA

Reviews

University of Wyoming

Margaret from Lakewood, CO

a current student here
17 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am a sophomore level engineering student and have learned a great deal through my classes at the University. Professors go out of the way to make sure concepts are understood and are more than willing to put in time outside of class and office hours to clarify hazy points. Though not all of my instructors have been full professors, I have not run into an instructor incapable or unqualified to teach their given courses. Professors in addition to teaching courses have professional careers and are able to being real world practice into their courses. For those choosing to stay in the dorms, the freshmen interest groups and themed floors provide excellent opportunities to work with students in the same classes as yourself. Taking the opportunity to develop study groups in your major area from the start has helped greatly with understanding.
Am enjoying being here
Going to the University of Wyoming has to have been one of the better college decisions I have made. Laramie provides the feel of small college with the opportunities of any of the major state university. When I came up to school I knew no one. The student body develops tight knit groups that I have greatly enjoyed being a part of. The diversity of clubs and organizations available to students makes sure that there is something for most interests from professional societies to club sports and graphic design.
Bang for the buck
Classes in Wyoming are much cheaper than I could have found in Colorado. With fewer institutions to split federal money, UW has access to more money for scholarships and program development. Professors care about how the individual student is doing and work to provide opportunities outside of the range of general classes. Where as most universities restrict research to graduate students or seniors, UW encourages students at all levels to participate in works to further understanding and real world application of knowledge learned in class. I am have greatly enjoyed the opportunities I have been given to conduct research.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved. Find what you love and go for it.
Great for these types of students
Students that like individual attention and those motivated to take advantage of the great opportunities available

Alexis from Littleton, CO

a current student here
13 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot

I am a freshman at the University of Wyoming, so although I have not experiences finals or anything yet, I feel as if I am learning a lot. There is a good mix of professors and graduate students that teach the classes so experience different teaching styles and approaches to learning. There are quite a few large lecture classes but most do not reach over 200 students so there is still a good student to professor ratio. The teachers present well rounded, new information in every class and I find myself eager to attend class every day. The only place that I sometimes find that my learning is curbed is some of the classes with graduate students. They are learning new things parallel to their students so points they try to make are sometimes unclear. Otherwise, the professors are all very knowledgeable and have taught me a lot since the semester started a month ago. The 1000 level courses that most freshmen take are a good transition from high school to college and demand just enough attention from the students that if you work hard enough A's and B's are not unattainable.
Am enjoying being here
The University of Wyoming in located in Laramie, WY and has a population of 27,000 people. For those of you who are looking for a small to medium town, Laramie is the place to be. I love the people both on and off the campus: they are friendly, willing to help, and most of all share the small town, tight-knit feeling that you would not expect to find in a college town. The college itself has an endless amount of activities and ways to get involved so I am never bored. The weather can be a bit rough in the winter but the spring and summer are gorgeous- the only thing you have to get use to is the never ending wind. The area is fun to be in and the college life here is priceless: I love it here.
Bang for the buck
When I started looking for colleges my junior year of high school, I quickly found that if I wanted to go to a university (as opposed to a community college), it was going to cost me a pretty penny. However, the University of Wyoming lies in a decent price range of $11,000 annual tuition for nonresidents, which is lower than that of Colorado State University or Colorado University-Boulder, two of my other options. The education that you receive is well rounded and in my experience thus far unbiased. The teachers are all very friendly and give a strong feeling that they are there to help you succeed in whatever you want to do (as long as effort on your part meets them half way.) On the extra-curricular side of the school, hundreds of events, activities, and resources are included in your tuition so you end up with a very well rounded, high bang for your buck. The only issue that I have had with the cost at the school is the room and board when living in the dorms. It averages out to nearly $1,000/month that you are living there and I struggle with this because there are ways to live cheaper but you are required to live in the dorms as a freshmen.
Tips for prospective students
At the University of Wyoming-or any university for that matter- there are many scholarships that you can apply for but you have to look for them! Many scholarships through the school have deadline before the second semester of your senior year so be aware of this. Also, get involved: there is nothing worse that sitting alone in your dorm room on a Friday night. Meet new people, get involved in your school, and have fun (and this doesn't always mean drinking). If it came down to it, the 3 peices of adviced that i would give would be 1)be aware of deadlines 2) get involved and 3) make a good variety of friends. You don't want just partiers or just study buddies: have a few of both. Most of all, you get out what you put into the college experience. If you aren't enjoying yourself then you aren't trying hard enough.
Great for these types of students
The University of Wyoming is great for any student but the following attributes may be a better fit than others:
1. Not adverse to cold or rapidly changing weather, especially wind
2. Does not mind driving significant distances to get the next town (the closest towns are about 40 miles away in any direction).
3. Likes small towns- the population is only 27,000 so its small enough that people are not in much of a hurry but big enough that there is always something to do.
4. Those who are willing to work hard: the course work challenges you are requires about 20 hours a week OUTSIDE of class for studying
5. Have interests in history: Wyoming is the least populated state in the country but has deep roots in the history of the country and more specifically the development of the west. There are hundreds of historical sites and cool things to see.
6. Students who have a passion for horses: Laramie and the surrounding area is a great place to keep a horse and is decently priced
7. Students who like quiet: the only frequent loud noise you hear in Laramie is someone's truck revving down Grand Avenue. Police sirens and honking horns are a rarity.
8. Students who are looking for degree opportunities in natural resources or engineering: UW is emerging as a leader in both of these areas and is a great place to do both undergraduate and graduate work.
9. Students who don’t want a far walk from the dorms to class. Not including the dorms, the campus is only about 6 blocks wide so the walk to class is short.
10. Students looking to get out of their comfort zone, meet cool people, and earn a good degree at a good price.


Jordan from Littleton, CO

a current student here
10 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I have yet to have a professor from whom I don't feel I learned enough. They are all extremely well-qualified to teach their subject and passionate about it as well. If a student is willing to learn the material, any professor is more than willing to help make that happen. Beyond that, fellow students help each other to succeed. For example, there are tables in the dining halls that are merely for students in Foreign Language classes to get together and converse in the language for practice. There are student-created study sessions for just about anything. It is really easy to succeed and learn a lot at UW.
Am enjoying being here
I LOVE being here! UW is such an excellent community to be a part of. There really is something for everyone here. The campus environment is a really special one--I don't think anyone could feel out of place at UW.
Bang for the buck
Wyoming is an excellent school with an incredible sense of community. I could not ask for more from my classes, professors, advisors, extracurriculars, or peers. I give this category only four stars, though, because some departments are slightly less than they seem from the outside. For example, students wishing to study abroad should definitely do their research before coming to UW--the study abroad department is composed of just two people! Exchange programs are limited and it is hard to get the proper assistance from the department. However, UW has a gorgeous campus with countless benefits for students that I would strongly encourage taking UW into consideration.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved! Even if you are in a freshman dorm that has no common element among each resident (which is rare at UW), there are so many mini-communities within the University for each and every student to find a niche. Greek life is a strong, well-organized program at UW, and there are hundreds of other clubs and activities with which to involve yourself!
Great for these types of students
The most wonderful thing about the University of Wyoming is that it is the only University in the state of Wyoming. This means that the state governments put a lot of money into making it an excellent school. UW has extremely strong programs in Engineering and Applied Sciences, Education, Business, Arts and Sciences, and many more. Because it is a school that caters to ALL of Wyoming, every department and field of study is very good and extremely well-qualified to help any student achieve a career in his or her field of interest.

Jackie from CO

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The classes I have taken have overall been intellectually challenging. The 1000 level courses are definitely easy to do well in, but I still seem to learn a lot from them. As the class levels have increased, so has my work load--but also my intellect. I definitely feel like I am getting a solid education. Regarding the classes in my major, I feel I am being adequately prepared for a career--the assignments and knowledge base have all been directed towards what will help us in the pursuing a career and what will help us in the workplace. This has proven to be very beneficial thus far. In general, my professors have been very good--extremely knowledgeable in their respective subjects and very willing to help the students succeed.
Am enjoying being here
I truly am enjoying being here. I love the atmosphere of the town--it is totally a college town. Everything in Laramie is centered toward UW--people love interacting with the students, cheering on the sports teams, and just supporting the college. I have found a great friendship base at a local church which has definitely played a major part in my happiness at this university. Even the church's main focus is creating a welcoming and fun environment for the college students--and they definitely do that. The size of the school is just right for me personally. It does not drown you in thousands of strange faces--there are generally familiar faces everywhere you go--but it is not so small that you are constantly surrounded by the same people. The town seems small at times--I admit it often seems like there is nothing good to do, but the University provides lots of good events such as Friday Night Fever and intramural sports that keep me entertained.
Bang for the buck
The University of Wyoming has provided me a good education for cheaper than I would have paid going in-state. With a low tuition to start with and many scholarships provided, it has been very inexpensive for me. For residents of Wyoming, it is next to nothing. In my college search, I couldn't find a school cheaper than UW (besides community colleges). The only complaint I have about payment is that the dorms and cafeteria is expensive--but with so much other help, still manageable.
Tips for prospective students
I would recommend visiting UW. If you know someone who goes here, spend a weekend with them. I visited my older brother when I was a senior in high school and it opened my eyes to what really going to school here was like. I even went to a couple classes with him. It was definitely beneficial to see things from the inside.
Great for these types of students
UW is great for in-state students because of tuition and Wyoming pride, but it also is relatively inexpensive for out-of-state students as well. It is great for students who like the small, college town feel and for those who like to get involved--with both the school and community. It's a great engineering school and has a good pharmacy program as well. I would recommend it for students who are ready to embrace school pride and also for those who don't mind freezing temperatures!

Raegan from Evanston, WY

a past student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Low tuition price, world renowned student pride, and an extraordinary amount of diversity make the University of Wyoming the place to be. This winsome, charming and entertaining school has a way of making anyone from anywhere feel like they have a place. This school is full of life and surprises. and is for just about anybody.
Tips for prospective students
Do NOT underestimate this school.
Take advantage of Washakie.
Join one of the 300+ clubs!
Use you professors' office hours!
Academic Rigor
What I like about the academics in particular, is that the class can be very challenging, but professors are easy to get a hold of. There are plenty of opportunities to get help on academics so classes can be passed.
Dorm Life
The dorms are small and very pricey. The small rooms you share with someone can get very hot and the communal bathrooms aren't very up to date. Although pricey and small, the social aspect of the dorms is the best part. There are so many people to meet on every floor in every hall.
Food and Dining
THIS IS THE BEST PART. Aside from the schooling of course. The food is so diverse and there are options for people with any sort of special diet. There are so many different stations that it's difficult to get sick of the food. Washakie knows how to do it.
What to do for fun
Clubs, sport, campus parties, concerts. There are so many fun events that the place hosts.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There is a dinosaur statue near the museum. It's an old tradition that is you throw a rock into the dinosaurs mouth, you'll pass all of your exams.
Great for these types of students
UW is great for students of all types. The kind that want to get a degree done, but also have fun while doing. It is also a great place for international students as well.
Clubs and Activities
There are 300+ clubs and it is so easy to make your own club if you can't find what you're looking for. (Which is difficult)
Campus Safety
UW Police monitor the campus very well. There are also emergency stations placed all over campus.

Chelsea from Bryan, TX

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Personally I enjoy having the variety of both doctored professors, instructors and graduate students as my teachers. Those with doctorates may be extremely qualified and experienced in their field, but many of them are also older and more aloof from students such as I. Grad students on the other hand are going through the same issues of balancing classes, work and a social life just like me. Experience versus connection is something that is fully available here at UW. Also, whether my teacher has been a Dr., Prof. or Grad student I have learned a lot from them all.
Am enjoying being here
I am from Texas, so the weather has been a large adjustment, the shopping for winter clothing was fun. But the howling winds and slippery ice-covered sidewalks are not. However, I have joined a few organizations such as RHA, the Swim Club and the Wyoming Honors Organization. The trick to enjoying your time in the small town of Laramie is to find your niche, make friends and spend time together. Since I am taking classes in the Honors Program I have a set group of study partners and living in the halls afford opportunities to meet people withOUT having to brave the weather. City life isn't too far away: Cheyenne, Loveland, Fort Collins and Denver are anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours away.
Bang for the buck
The student population size, the beautiful landscape and the many opportunities for extracurricular envolvement have made my time at UW very enjoyable. UW also does many things differently, my Intro to Theater class is taught by a Dr. of Theater, and he's still producing plays! The outdoor programs are also very developed with the Medicine Bow National Park so close as well as the Vedauwoo rock formations. Since UW is Wyoming's only university, the state provides many scholarships and support in different areas. I got lucky in the tuition department because my mom lives in Wyoming, I got instate tuition. Very rare though.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you know what you're getting in to, visit Wyoming during the winter for the worst of the weather. If you can handle that, you'll do just fine. The halls are small yes, but if you tough it out now whatever you move to after college will seem just that much better.
Great for these types of students
Those who don't mind having to come up with their own entertainment. Laramie is great for outdoors activities, and small town shopping but not much else. Students need to be able to have fun with a small group of people and be flexible with weather conditions.

Cody from Gillette, WY

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
the university is good; it has a beautiful campus, nice friendly people, good teachers and a great surrounding community. the weather is a bit of a downside, and the surrounding community however is small if that is a concern.
Tips for prospective students
get involved as much as possible, and bring some warm clothes, the winters are rough. attending class is another big part.
Academic Rigor
teachers are surprising thorough in their lectures, and they expect you to know your stuff come exam time. however the exams are also fair, so if you do study hard you will be fine.
Dorm Life
dorms are fairly plain, but the people and ras are great. many fun times to be had, not to mention the food at washakie is not bad either.
Food and Dining
all you can eat, always bound to have something you want. the food towards the end of the year starts to get slightly boring, after eating similar or the same thing for months, but you can always get creative by combining things. some things could use a little seasoning (salt and pepper can generally cure), and the vegetables could to be cooks more.
What to do for fun
laramie is situated in a beautiful area for camping, rock climbing, skiing, hunting, and pretty much whatever other outdoor activities takes your fancy. the university tries to get concerts and other shows in fairly often, although not as much as in bigger cities. however denver, just to the south, has shows and many activities if your willing to road trip. the parties in laramie are extremely fun, and inter-mural sports and athletics are pretty big.
Bang for the buck
laramie is extremely cheap for a university, its out of state tuition is lower than many instates for many people, all the while offering just about everything you would expect from a institution.
Great for these types of students
great for anybody that can handle the cold winters, people with a love for the great outdoors will find so much to do, and even you like to stay inside there are things for you too.
Campus Safety
its situated in laramie, wy so there is not the big citie crime you find elsewhere, despite that the campus has panic buttons every 100 yards or so just in case. also things like saferide make sure you can always get home safe no matter the problem.

hayden from grand island, ne

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
the best education you will get for the price. very affordable and provides an exceptional education. good community and lots of financial assistance.
Tips for prospective students
apply for all the scholarships you are eligible for. work hard your first year so you don't lose any of your scholarships.
Academic Rigor
definitely challenging at times, but do-able.
Dorm Life
it depends on how you make it. if you put yourself out there and try to meet people you can make friends, but if you prefer solitude then you can attain that too.
Food and Dining
washakie is great. i thought i would get tired of it but i never did. plenty of other restaurants around campus as well.
What to do for fun
laramie doesn't have much entertainment, but the university does a good job of funding activities.
Bang for the buck
incredible value, one of the best schools in the country and at a fraction of the cost of other schools. the out of state tuition is lower than most in-state tuition's.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
there's a dinosaur statue near the geology museum. if you throw a pinecone into the dinosaur's mouth you're supposed to get a's on all your finals.
Clubs and Activities
there's something for pretty much everybody.
Greek Life
greek life isn't as big here as most other schools, which i personally don't mind.
Campus Safety
there were a few incidents the last year but overall it's pretty good compared to most other schools.

Malorie from Aurora, CO

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
University of Wyoming was the perfect fit for me. UW is extremely helpful, the professors are exceptional, and all faculty does whatever they can to help students succeed. Laramie is a wonderful college town, and it and the University life is great.
Tips for prospective students
The best tip I have for prospective students is don't let the location turn you down. Yes, Laramie, Wyoming isn't the most attractive place to live, especially as a college student, but it really isn't as bad as it seems. There are lots of things to do in and around Laramie, you just need to get out and find things! Downtown is a fun place to walk around with great restaurants and shops. The hiking, skiing, camping, etc., is top notch (coming from someone who lives in Colorado). As far as the weather is concerned, it's really not terrible. Yes, it's cold. Yes, it snows. Yes, it's windy. But that doesn't make living there awful. Dress for the weather, and remember that you're in college to get an education, not to live in perfect climate. The people are nice, the school is fun, and there's lots to do, so don't let the location decide against you!
Academic Rigor
I give UW a 4 out of 5 stars for academic rigor. UW is a good sized university, which has requirements and standards that students must live up to in order to attend, and stay. There is a high acceptance rate, but that doesn't mean that they don't take academics seriously. The professors have high expectations of their students, and grades and GPA matter for various opportunities. University of Wyoming makes it very possible for all students to succeed, but with that comes hard work, and of course, good grades. No matter where you go to college, it's going to be tough, but one of the best things about UW is countless opportunities to get help, and have the most success in all classes.
Dorm Life
I would also give the dorm life at UW a 4 out of 5 stars. The dorms are very convenient and provides a good sense of community. Janitor staff does a great job keeping floors clean and tidy, and RA's do a great job keeping everybody happy. The best thing about the dorms are the underground tunnels that lead to Washakie Dining Hall, which has a decent selection of good food, daily. The rooms are pretty small, but the longer you live there the more you get used to it and realize that it isn't so bad. ASUW, student government, does a great job at putting on various fun activities throughout the year, and overall the dorms have just been a bunch of fun!
Food and Dining
Washakie Dining Center at UW is pretty good considering it's dorm food. No matter where you go there's going to be not-so-wonderful food, which Washakie does have sometimes, but for the most part it is actually very good! There is a wide selection of food you can get at each meal, and there are so many ways you can personalize what you get. There's a make your own sandwich station, Mongolian grille, pizza, salad bar, and 2 stations that are different each night. The best thing about Washakie is by far the desserts. Everything is homemade and there is even an ice cream machine! Late night meals are great to go to for late night meals and the endless supply of cereal and hot chocolate are by far my favorite things.
What to do for fun
There's lots to do for fun at UW! On campus there are a lot of activities throughout the week that are available for students, like my favorite, Thursday night swing dancing. Half Acre gym just got re-modeled and it is amazing! There they offer intramural sports teams, rock climbing, fitness classes, and the full size indoor track and pool just opened. There's great restaurants around town, and the outdoor actives like hiking, camping, and skiing are very close-by and fun. The campus student government always has fun activities going on nearly every night, and the various clubs and sports teams are also very laid back and popular. It's also fun to hang out in the dorms. There are community areas called fishbowls on every floor with couches and a TV, so my floor always has movie nights and game nights.
Bang for the buck
University of Wyoming is one of the most affordable D1 universities in the nation. Wyoming takes pride in the education it provides at it's only university for the cost of attending there. It's very common to hear people say that the reason they picked UW was because it's cheap, and what makes that even better is that you get the big (but not too big) university feel with it. The level of academics that UW provides is top of the line, and the various other activities and opportunities they provide are well worth every penny. If you're looking for a school to get the most bang for your buck, you have come to the absolute right place! Also, UW gives out thousands in scholarship money every year...they absolutely want to help make college affordable for everyone.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There are a few unusual traditions and locations on campus that are fun for everyone. There's a lot of sculptures in and around campus, one being the dinosaur in front of the education building. Legend says that if you throw a pinecone into the dinosaurs area, you will have good luck on your finals. There's also a university tradition that says that if there is ever a live horse on Prexy's Pasture (big grassy area in the center of campus) that the president of the University must come and take care of that horse(s) for a certain amount of time. The best part about living on campus are the underground tunnels that lead from all dorms to Washakie Dining Hall. There's also another secret tunnel going from one building to a library that hardly anyone knows about.
Great for these types of students
University of Wyoming is a great for students who are looking for a bigger university feel, but for a fraction of the cost. It is also great for students like me who are from Colorado and wanted to get away from home, but not too far. If you are an engineering or agriculture student, this is definitely the best place to be as well, as UW specializes in engineering and agriculture degrees. If you want to live in a smaller, more mountain college town, Laramie is also the place to be.
Clubs and Activities
My favorite thing about University of Wyoming are the clubs and activities. There are so many opportunities for students to get involved in anything they are interested in, and it is very easy to find something new that sparks your interest! I am on the Equestrian Team, and being apart of that has been the best part of attending school here. All clubs and actives are fun and affordable, and everyone is sure to find something they like! Intramural sports are also a great way to get involved and meet new people. It is so true what people say about how important it is to get involved in something in college, and clubs and activities are one of the best chances to do just that.
Greek Life
I've heard nothing but great things about Greek Life at UW. Though I am not apart of it, it is a great opportunity for those who are interested. The cool thing about Greek Life at UW is that all of the houses do a great job at keeping students involved with them. They put on things such as haunted houses, pancake breakfasts, and other various activities. Everyone I have talked to who are apart of Greek Life, really do love it. Keep in mind though, that it is not free. It does cost a good amount of money to be apart of, but just like the University as a whole, it is significantly cheaper than any other big university you'll find.
Campus Safety
University of Wyoming does a wonderful job at keeping campus safe. There are emergency phones located throughout campus, and UW PD is a group of wonderful people who take pride in keeping the university safe for everyone. If there is ever an incident, the university informs all students right away. One of the best things that they offer is UW SafeRide. SafeRide is a free public transportation system that works as a taxi for students around town. It is a great resource to use as a DD after a party, or just a way to get home if you don't feel safe walking in the dark.

Susan from Laramie, WY

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This is a small, well-funded university with professors that will know you by name. There are many opportunities to work with world renown professors on research projects. University of Wyoming is a treasure trove of surprises for a small community.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved with the various activities, groups and ongoing research to help augment your education. Have fun and enjoy the many activities, games and events.
Academic Rigor
It depends on your major and how involved you become within the department. There are also honor courses for those who qualify.
Dorm Life
I have not lived in the dorms, however I have heard of the many activities each dorm participates in.
Food and Dining
There is a wide variety of cuisines within the heart of the University, the Union. You can choose from fast food to more formal cuisine.
What to do for fun
There are activities every Friday night which include concerts, movies, comedy nights, and contests. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, this is the place for you. There are three mountain ranges within a 30 minute drive!
Bang for the buck
You cannot beat the quality of the education here for the amount of money you spend. There are many scholarships offered that help with tuition. This university is a great deal!
Great for these types of students
This is a research school so individuals looking to go into research would love this school. Even undergraduates are involved in major research.
Campus Safety
This is a small town, with a low crime rate in the first place and there are many emergency phones throughout the entire campus if help is needed.