Augsburg University
Minneapolis, MN, USA

Reviews

Augsburg University

Nou from Coon Rapids, MN

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Academic Rigor
The professors are great! They go beyond what is taught in the textbook.
Am enjoying being here
It feels nice to be in Augsburg College. Everyone is very friendly and open-minded.
Bang for the buck
Augsburg is a private Lutheran college, so of course, it is expensive to attend. However, Augsburg also offers a lot of scholarships for their students.
Tips for prospective students
Step out of your comfort zone and get to know other people. You'll find something great in them.
Great for these types of students
People who are open-minded and willing to help others.

Em - Minneapolis, MN

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Small. Good food options on and off campus. Friendly people
Great for these types of students
Its honestly great for any students. If your the party type- youll find a party clique. If your the quiet type- youll find the quiet clique. Very friendly students and staff. Best of all- the dorms are pretty awesome. After your first hear they are apartment style
Dorm Life
Apartment style. RAs arent too invasive
Campus Safety
they can drop you off/pick you up to certain locations if you call them which is helpful, but sometimes they take a very long time to get there, even if its the middle of the night
Tips for prospective students
Get involved
Bang for the buck
expensive but nothing different than other liberal art schools
Academic Rigor
depends on the professor. sometimes the classes are very hard but other times easy. You never know
Greek Life
No greek life but UofM is near by so just mooch off theirs
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Case Day, the weekend before finals you drink throughout the day
What to do for fun
Anything you like. your right in the city
Food and Dining
good food on and off campus
Clubs and Activities
Lots of clubs and activities- if your not impressed with the selection, start your own!

Ijaaz from Stacy, MN

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Augsburg College is Amazing! Literally the minute I stepped on campus I was greeted by hellos and received help (both from staff and students going about their daily lives) finding every location that I asked for. I was staying overnight and was impressed at how safe and comfortable I felt as the campus was well lit and there were emergency phone booths everywhere, on top of campus security patrolling every hour.
Tips for prospective students
Don't be shy about asking too many questions. I had about 2 full pages of questions I wanted to ask and each one was answered to fullest, either by staff or students who were just eager to help. If the person I was speaking with didn't know the answer they put me in contact with someone who did. I left there with every piece of knowledge that I came there to get. It was very nice.
I truly feel that this school is determined to see each and every student graduate. You can sense the enormous pride they have in their work everywhere on campus. They want you to succeed and they are more than happy to assist you what with all the information they give you on all the different programs they offer to help students academically.

Also, on days like Destination Augsburg, be sure to wear comfy shoes and weather appropriate clothes, as you'll most likely be talking around campus and the Cedar-Riverside community for a good period of time.
And once you get a student email account, check it everyday, even mulitpule times at day. It is your link to everything Augsburg.
Academic Rigor
Augsburg College has a wide a range of majors and minors to choose from. They are a liberal arts school with teaching and learning as their top priority. Classes are medium sized and their subjects are very interesting, making you feel more engaged with your education. Learning isn't pounded into you, it flows naturally into your brain.

There is a plethora of learning resources located in Lindell Library. There you can get help for everything from tutoring (free of charge) to study tips and techniques. They have assistance for you if you have a physical or mental learning disability. They will work with you to find out why, if you are, struggling in class and help you building a learning plan that suits you perfectly.

Like I said, they are committed to helping you succeed.
Dorm Life
Augsburg has five residence halls: Anderson Hall, Luther Hall, Mortensen Hall, Oren Gateway Center, and Urness Hall

Urness Hall is usually where the first years are assigned to. Its rooms are big enough get a bunk bed into and came with two medium sized closets. There is no kitchen and each floor shares a community bathroom and lounge area. This building is the 2nd oldest of the dorms (the 1st having been turned into offices for faculty) and is in decent condition but there is room for work.

Second, third, and fourth year students have the option to live in Anderson, Luther, Mortensen, or Oren, which are more like apartments. They have kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and private bathrooms, as well as community lounges.

Oren Gateway is substance free, so if you are recovering from any kind of addiction you can live there and not have worry about alcohol etc.

Living on campus is pretty cool. There are very little complaints of partying and everybody is respectful of each other as sound travels easily through the walls and floors
Food and Dining
Augsburg offers 3 meal plans: 15-plus Meal Plan, 10-plus Meal Plan, and the 5-plus Meal Plan. First-year students are required to choose the 15-plus plan.

There is an Einstein's Bagels coffee store located on the first floor of The Christensen Center and a cafeteria called The Commons on the floor above, there is also a restaurant on the other side of campus called Nabu that you can exchange 1 meal per week with any meal at this restaurant. The food in The Commons is decent, but students will often go off campus to Hard Times Cafe, Jimmy Jones, or Afrodeli. All three are located within a five-minute walk from school. That or they opt for Nabu. Also, Augsburg gives students Flex points which they are equal to 1 dollar that they can spend at Einstein's, Nabu, or in the Commons if they want to bring a friend to eat.
What to do for fun
Augsburg College is located just a short bus ride away from downtown Minneapolis to the west and Dinkytown to the north. It is within walking distance of the Triple Rock Social Club and the Caboose, so there is never a dull moment around campus.

On campus, The Department of Reslife plans events almost every weekend like Prom, Game Night, and Movie Night, not to mention student lead clubs that plan and host their own events. Floors in the residence hall often get together and have events which always have food and drinks. Nothing is exclusive and there is a huge calendar hanging the lobby of Urness Hall that lets the whole school know what is going and when, in addition to multiple posters around campus and newsletters that are sent to students' school email accounts.
Clubs and Activities
Augsburg has its own student-run radio station and newspaper. There is a long list of clubs to choose from but if none suit your fancy you can create your own very easily.

The lounges in the residence halls are equipped with video games, DVDs, and all kind of arcade game, also there is a Student Lounge in the Christensen Center. Plus Augsburg has a theater so there may be a student organized play every now and again.
Campus Safety
There are emergency phone booths no less than 50 feet from each other. The campus is well lit and there are camera on every corner. Campus police patrol very regularly, but if you don't feel safe they will give you a ride either to a location on campus or within a 30 minute radius of the school.

Natalya from Saint Paul, MN

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The classes are challenging and the professors are kind and help wherever they can. They really want you to understand the material and they make sure you are exposed to all of the resources on campus that can help you!
Am enjoying being here
I love this college! I feel so at home. The people are amazing, the classes are fun and stimulating, and the homework is....bearable.
Bang for the buck
It is expensive to go here but it is more than worth it!
Tips for prospective students
Take a tour of the campus. It will give you a sense of the size, and the feel of the college.
Great for these types of students
Students that love to be around a variety of people. Augsburg tends to the needs of every type of students; those that like to work in groups, those that need silence to do their homework, it's a great college.

Alyson A. from MN

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Great school that is small, but located in the heart of the city. There are a variety of options here and there is always something to do or explore. It is a safe campus with a great community located around it with a great educational opportunity.
Tips for prospective students
I recommend getting on top of your application and essay early to catch some early scholarships offered by the college. I also recommend asking as many questions as you can regarding majors or minors to see if it is truly your best fit.
Academic Rigor
I am in the honors program so the academic rigor is a happy medium because it is tough at time, but other times there are some fairly easy things to complete regarding homework and assessments. Overall the academic rigor of each course depends on the professor, but overall it is very decent.
Dorm Life
It depends on what dormitory a student is placed in, but a dorm is a dorm and no matter what each first year will have to go through it. The dorm atmosphere at Augsburg is decent because you are connected with students constantly. It is a great way to make new friends and explore the college experience.
Food and Dining
There are a variety of options in the Commons. There are vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and soy free options to choose from. There is a salad bar, pizza, and soups served all day. Also our other on campus dining Nabo has a great variety of choices to choose from and is great for campus food. Einsteins Bros. is also a great coffee shop on campus to hang out.
What to do for fun
There is a lot to do around here on campus. With the University of Minnesota across the street there is always a variety of events going on. You are also 5 minutes from downtown Minneapolis which is convenient if you would like to shop or hang out downtown. There are also a variety of events Augsburg hosts throughout the year which livens up campus. You will never be bored.
Bang for the buck
My experience so far has been pretty great and I believe for the price you pay you get a lot of opportunities that some colleges do not offer. You have the connections to the fortune 500 companies located in the twin cities and you also have the connections from the University of Minnesota let alone with our ACTC program with other private schools in the twin cities. There are also many programs that Augsburg offers to help its students through their academic experience.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There is a building that was the first dormitory on campus and now it is built to be professors offices, but there are walls where there shouldn't be and dead ends at random parts of the building.
Great for these types of students
Augsburg is great for students who are looking for a city atmosphere, smaller class sizes, and an atmosphere where you see familiar faces all the time. It is great for students who want to get to know their professors one on one.
Clubs and Activities
I wish Augsburg offered more clubs and activities. This part is growing fast at Augsburg, but we new ideas and students to come up with ideas to help develop more clubs and activities on campus. Overall currently there is a great deal of clubs and activities for students to participate in.
Greek Life
There is no greek life here.
Campus Safety
Campus is super safe as our Department of Public Safety is constantly patrolling campus. We have no issues here at Augsburg and most students I have talked to feel they are very safe with our campus patrol and the University of Minnesota patrol on the opposite side of the street.

Jamila from Minneapolis, MN

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
augsburg college is extremely welcoming and friendly. we are a part of the super competitive minnesota intercollegiate athletic conference and do well in the majority of our sports (go auggies!). we are dedicated to community service, shown through our winning the 2010 presidential award for community service.
Tips for prospective students
one of the greatest tips for students who are considering augsburg would be to take a tour of the city. even if you have lived here your entire life (like me), you are guaranteed to find someone or something new. in addition, you will get a better feel of what it will be like to further your education in a city full of diversity, fun night-life, and many other colleges.
for students who have made the decision to attend augsburg, i would offer these two tips: 1. utilize the resources here at augsburg; and 2. get involved in as much as you can. augsburg has fantastic resources, academically, in the community, and globally. everyone is here to help you grow so use them to learn as much as you can. also, there is so much to offer; from sports to music to employment to community service. there literally is something for everyone. not only will you enjoy what you are doing, you will get to meet new people, make new connections, and attend fun events!
Academic Rigor
augsburg is like many other colleges in that there are more difficult courses and easier courses; there are some more difficult professors and more laid-back professors. overall, what is being taught, how it is being taught, and how it is being assessed is what makes augsburg college full of rigorous courses.
Dorm Life
living on campus in the dorms is both a challenge and a reward. since you are constantly here, it is easier to attend shows, open mic nights, concerts, and sporting events. with that being said, it may also be easier to put off important work in order to attend such events.
there are a variety of housing options on campus, including single rooms and the choice of having 2, 3, or even 7 roommates.
Food and Dining
a'viands is the food service used at augsburg. over the years, the food and dining experiences have improved. there is a wide variety of options in order to suit everyone's needs. einstein bros bagels is located in our main building. it is new and has been a huge hit with faculty, staff, and students. if nothing is appealing on campus, we are neighbors to jimmy johns, subway, vietnamese cuisine, and afro deli; as well as a plethora of other options right across the bridge on the university of minnesota campus.
What to do for fun
on campus, there is hardly a day where there is not an event happening. since there are so many on campus groups and committees, each one is often putting on a show, or having a campus dinner, or sponsoring another groups efforts. off campus, we are in a booming city. minneapolis is home to some of the greatest theaters, dining experiences, sporting teams, and night-life in the country. across one bridge you can go to the university of minnesota, which always has an event. across another bridge in the other direction, st. paul has cool spots and some of the best restaurants on grand ave. living in the cities offers countless options of what to do for fun.
Bang for the buck
augsburg college is an expensive school. however they are pretty dedicated to offering the best education they can. the resources here, the sports, and the facilities are all phenomenal. food is expensive as well, but overall, the student will get a bang for their buck.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
velkommen jul, a scandinavian welcome to the holiday season, is one of augsburg’s most popular traditions. alumni and friends look forward each year to the splendid banquet of sweets and treats provided by the augsburg associates.
another tradition would be advent vespers, which celebrates the beginning of the christmas season with traditional and contemporary hymns, anthems, and carols. the augsburg college advent vespers celebration is one of the largest holiday music events in the twin cities with over 10,000 worshipers participating annually. held in the beautifully renovated central lutheran church in downtown minneapolis, this celebration combines more than 300 participants including choirs, instrumentalists, readers, and a full liturgical party.
Great for these types of students
augsburg is great for students who want to be in the center of the action. it is also great for those students who are solely here to further their education. it is also a great option for those who want to try something new, or live in a vibrant city while still having the option to participate in all the city has to offer.
Clubs and Activities
there is something for everyone, and if there isn't, you can make your own club! we are extremely aware of the types of things that interest and motivate students and are willing to help get or keep those things on campus. clubs and activities are not only fun but a great way to meet new people and network.
Greek Life
although we do not offer fraternities and sororities through augsburg college, it is possible to pledge at another college, and still attend augsburg. it is a great alternative. we are looking to start greek life on campus within the next few years.
Campus Safety
augsburg college is located in the heart of minneapolis. downtown, the light rail, uptown, st. paul, the university of minnesota as well as other colleges are all 5 minutes away from our small campus. with so much happening and so much to do, there is a constant concern of safety (as there should be). the safety that augsburg offers on campus is good. they provide escorts, address any issues of non-student visitors, and any illegal activities. overall, they are dedicated to their job of making students, staff, faculty, and family and friends of students, staff, and faculty feel safe.

Jacob from Sauk Rapids, MN

a current student here
0 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Here at Augsburg the professors are well rounded in what they teach and really care about their students. With class sizes of 20 kids I get the attention I need to understand the material and am able to meet with professor after class to have a follow up if needed.
Am enjoying being here
This college may be small, but it is in a huge city. With Augsburg being in the heart of Minneapolis there are so many things things to do I am never bored. The college is a little community that helps many events and there are always things to do.
Bang for the buck
The college is on the expensive side, but with the amount of diversity and student to teacher ratio. It is still a good deal when considering a college. It has my major and the college is helping me along the way to completing my degree. It's surprising how helpful the college has been and how much I enjoy it here.
Tips for prospective students
When looking at Augsburg make sure you plan your visit soon, because once you get here you might not need to look no further. It is a small school, but it has huge oppurtinites. The school is affiliated with the ACTC program which allows you to take one class a semester at any other of the ACTC private schools. It provides the transportation and everything. It is also located right next the the University of Minnesota, which allows one to utilize there resources as well. Overall Augsburg is great school with amazing professors who actually help to along with you classes.
Great for these types of students
Students looking for a diverse college. Over 40% of Augsburg of a different decent. Students that want to be a name not a number, who want to be know at the college for who they are. Athletes that want to play in a competitive conference.