The University of the South
Sewanee, TN, USA

Reviews

The University of the South

Alisha from Knoxville, TN

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The classes here challenge me greatly. In high school I got A's with little to no studying, especially my freshman and sophomore years. This is only my first semester here and I only have one A the last time I checked (everything else is a B, though!). I've learned how to manage my time better and how to study better (still needs work, though). The classes themselves are fun and engaging, and I am learning about myself as well as about the course material.
Am enjoying being here
I love being here! The students I have met are all extremely friendly and welcoming. I have already met tons of students who share the same interests as I do. I never thought I'd find someone who I wanted to be roommates with for next year so quickly! She and I get along amazingly well, and we've only known each other for about a semester! The campus itself is beautiful and, though I have yet to actually get out and explore it, my friends all love the hikes.

Believe it or not, I love just sitting and talking with my teachers. I have always enjoyed talking with adults and my teachers from high school, so it naturally carried over into college. I am a terribly shy person at first, but with my teachers here, I've found I can be extremely relaxed and open with them. They listen and understand, and they are more than willing to help with problems unrelated to academics. Plus, they are just cool people to hang out with!
Bang for the buck
Yes, the tuition is extremely high, but I am certainly getting my money's worth. All of the teachers I have had so far have been extremely helpful both in and out of class, and they clearly have a passion for the subjects they teach, which definitely helps me learn.
Tips for prospective students
Keep up the grades, but also get involved a couple of activities. Those always look good on applications. Don't stress too much about finances because those tend to fall in line rather easily. I didn't think I'd ever be able to pay for this school, but I've found I only need to pay about $1200 total this year. Oh, and buy your books online if you can - especially people going into Humanities!! It is so much cheaper! Learn how to study and manage time beforehand. I say this from experience. Keep on top of homework, and make it your priority. There is so much reading that has to be done, and it takes longer than expected!
Great for these types of students
Students who:
* enjoy smaller classes
* like being outdoors and away from the city (we are so far away
from a mall!)
* enjoy a challenge

from Atlanta, GA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Tips for prospective students
Sewanee is a writing intensive school--most students decide on English or Psychology majors; its best to come in expecting a lot of reading and essay writing. In addition, don't be afraid to ask talk to teachers. Most teachers would be more than willing to just sit down with you whether at the on campus coffeeshop, in the dining hall, or in their office. These relationships are key to bright academic and career based futures.
Academic Rigor
Academics at Sewanee is no joke. Since all classes are worth 4 credits, you'll obviously be expected to do a lot of out of class work that is expected to be done by class time. And skipping classes is not a good idea; classes can cover a lot in 50 minutes to an hour and 15. You can quickly find yourself falling behind if you aren't careful.
Dorm Life
Dorm life will vary from dorm to dorm because all of the dorms on campus are very unique and vastly different.If you live in one of the newer ones, of course things will be much better than the older ones. As far as making friends within your dorm, its not as though there are mingling opportunities during the year, but freshman can make friends with people around them thanks to Assistant Proctor groups.
Food and Dining
There aren't many options for off campus dining, but food on main campus is good enough that you really won't need it. McClurg Dining Hall has many different options, including a vegan line, a wok, omelette bar, and salad bar in addition to the main dishes for the day, which vary from breakfast to lunch to dinner. In addition, student's get $150 Tiger Bucks that they can spend at the Tiger's Head Pub as well as the Globe Taqueria for specialty burgers, wings, burritos, and other foods. The food is generally good at all three places, but food choices other than that are pretty limited. There's an on campus coffee shop owned by the school and run by student's called Stirlings, which is very good, but the don't take Tiger bucks--only cash/credit.
What to do for fun
Although Sewanee is far away from the city, there's still plenty to do. There are many athletic events that students can attend in addition to panels, events, and festivals held my the many organizations the campus is home to. Nature is also a big part of the school's appeal, and as such there are many hiking trails and lakes that can be taken advantage of. The Sewanee Outing Program holds weekly outing events that include hikes, canoeing, rafting, swimming, and more. For those interested, Greek life also holds events open to the Sewanee community. If your idea of a good time is shopping, then unfortunately, thats a luxury that is easily done by computer unless you have a car and can drive the hour to Chatanooga to go to the mall.
Clubs and Activities
From special interest groups to club sports, student organizations at Sewanee are diverse and ever present on campus. Organizations are many and are constantly holding events that serve to educate, entertain, or bring the Sewanee community together as a whole. Whether you are interested in Model UN, Asian culture, Feminism, or Rugby, Sewanee has you covered.
Greek Life
Greek life is by no means exclusive to those who decide to rush. Parties are open to all members of the campus regardless of their Greek affiliation or lack thereof. Hazing, if it goes on, is at a minimum, and if any hazing comes to light, the school will crack down on the Greek Organization immediately. The sizes, missions, and types of people vary between each organization. One downside is the lack of national sororities--there is only one.

Daniel from Cowan, TN

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The University of the South is essentially a big community. You will make lots of friends, you will have a lot of fun at frat parties, there is plenty of opportunity for community service and leadership positions in various clubs. Also, the Sewanee Domain is 13,000 acres big and contains over 50 miles of trails, and the Sewanee Outing Program takes groups hiking, canoeing, and caving regularly.
Tips for prospective students
If you want to be an engineer like myself, I recommend coming to Sewanee despite it being a liberal arts college because of the broad spectrum of skills and perspectives this kind of education will give you. It will definitely differentiate you from all the other engineers.
Bring a bike to campus unless you want to walk everywhere (walking isn't that bad; it is a small campus)
The PRE program is a good choice if you can do it (costs $250 extra)

Academic Rigor
The writing intensive classes are difficult for me because I have never been that good at communicating through writing. (Part of the reason I went to Sewanee is to get better at writing) The math and science classes are easy in my opinion, but that is at least partially because the professors are awesome teachers. Professors usually have regular office hours and love to help students. Classes are small (usually around 20 people)
Dorm Life
Students who come to Sewanee in my experience usually have something special or interesting about them. Also, everyone here loves to have fun and hang out. Essentially, everyone leaves there door unlocked because everyone in the Sewanee community lives under the Honor Code. However, freshman do not get to pick their roommates, but subsequent years can.

Some of the dorms do not have air conditioning, but that problem fades quickly with the coming of fall and winter. The water pressure of the showers sucks in general. The common rooms are fun to hang out in and study as well.
Food and Dining
Everyone eats at McClurg Dining Hall, which is on central campus. You have quite a few options in the beginning, but as with most cafeteria food, it will eventually get old. The breakfasts are really good, though. Other dining options include The Globe Cafe, Fiesta Grill in Cowan (15 min drive), Stirlings Coffee House, and The Pub, all of which are on campus except Fiesta Grill. The Pub serves snacks such as mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers, and some breakfast food. The Pub is where everyone goes after an awesome party. The Coffee House is great for all your coffee needs as the name implies (it also serves food). However, I cannot comment on the food at the Globe Cafe.
What to do for fun
To continue what I said earlier, the Sewanee Outing Program takes groups hiking, swimming, caving, and canoeing. There are a lot of club sports that anyone can participate in. The most fun you will have is probably on the dance floor at one of the many parties that happen during the year, and all parties are open door.. Unfortunately, Sewanee mountain is not a city, and therefore Sewanee will be a completely different experience than you would get at most other colleges.
Bang for the buck
The school and all the amenities costs about $50,000 a year. Is it worth it? In my opinion yes because the various shortcomings of Sewanee is overshadowed by everything I have said above about Sewanee.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Everyone time a Sewanee student leaves the mountain, you are supposed to tap the roof of your car as you pass the gates. This will call a Sewanee Angel to watch over you while you are away from the mountain. When you get back, you tap the roof of your car to release the angel
Most everyone greets each other with a hello as they pass each other even if they are complete strangers. Also, formal class dress is a pretty strong tradition at Sewanee.
Great for these types of students
Sewanee is great for any type of student. Sewanee provides many resources to allow students to do their very best in class, and the Sewanee's social life is unparalleled. Even the shyest of people can find a place at Sewanee.
Clubs and Activities
Find one, join one. They are all awesome for someone.
Greek Life
They're is no pressure to join Greek life because most students are in Greek life. I recommend Fiji if you plan on coming to Sewanee, but I'm not actually in that fraternity.
Campus Safety
Sewanee Police are wonderful at keeping crime off the campus. The University also provides a bus called Bauccus that will drive you home from parties if need be.

David from Little Rock, AR

accepted here and planning to attend soon
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The community based approach that the University of the South makes, is fantastic. 13,000 acres of open opportunities. The fun awaits your arrival.
Tips for prospective students
Prepare yourselves for your senior year. Take tough classes and mature quickly. Sewanee can eat you alive if you are not prepared.
Academic Rigor
Classes are a step above AP and IB classes. If you do well in those classes and have a good study habit, you'll do fine.
Dorm Life
Some of the best, if not the best, dorms in the liberal arts college circuit. They are building a new dorm for freshman as we speak. Some dorms could improve, but they all are a work in progress.
Food and Dining
It good and bad. Average but its unlimited so it is what it is. Plus, you receive Tiger Bucks for other locations on the campus.
What to do for fun
Parties, Frats, Sorors, all that jazz ; but can be boring all at the same time. Whatever floats your boat.
Bang for the buck
Its quite expensive, so keep them grades up and turn in fafsa and parent information in early.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Green's View is interesting in many ways. Just be careful on the edge.
Great for these types of students
Students who live in Tennessee; Who love to do OUTING events; Who love a tight-knit community; Diversity; Freedom; Nature; Photographers
Clubs and Activities
With over 100 student organizations, 20+ Greek organizations, 700 leadership opportunities, a variety of club sports and over 20 varsity sports programs in addition to PE courses and an intramural program. Students have many opportunities to engage, to learn and to lead.

Greek Life
over 70% of the students pledge for Greek Letters
Campus Safety
The safest. Campus Police at night are roaming and you should never feel at harm's way

Chelsea from Columbus, GA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
sewanee is a beautiful place that becomes a home away from home for every student that attends. we are a family, and we pride ourselves on academic rigor, active students and campus life, and plenty of opportunities to make your mark on the world. we thrive on the best and the brightest, and if you give us your all, we will give it right back and then some. this place will make you who you were meant to be.
Tips for prospective students
come visit campus, and you'll feel whether or not you belong here. i can't stress enough how important a campus visit is - it's the only way to really get to know the school.
Academic Rigor
a difficult course load that requires self-discipline and time management. we work very hard, but we play just as hard, and if you can make yourself get what you need to do done, you'll have a great time.
Dorm Life
all of the dorms are very nice, divided into living-learning communities where you're living with like-minded students and networking with professors who teach in your expressed areas of interest. because it is such a small school, you form very close bonds with nearly everyone you meet. we are very much a family.
Food and Dining
mcclurg has good food that is available to students for up to 8 meals a day. the many restaurants in sewanee and monteagle are all very good. meal plan's inclusivity is a major plus.
What to do for fun
we live on 13,000 acres, so if you like being outdoors, this is the place to visit. also, nashville is 2 hours away, chattanooga is 45 minutes, atlanta is 2 hours, murfreesboro is 3. there's plenty of stuff to do on campus and off.

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The classes are all very challenging, and you must set aside large amounts of time to thoroughly learn all of the concepts presented in class. Compared to high school, for me, the workload is comparable, but I am only taking the usual four classes a semester, so I must go more in-depth into each. The professors always have office hours, or are happy to schedule an appointment to talk about schoolwork, and there are tutoring sessions offered for some of the common subjects, so the work is hard, but it's not impossible to have good grades.
Am enjoying being here
Nearly everyone is friendly, and there are many different activities to become involved in. Every week, there are free classic movies, sober activities, and clubs to participate in. A large amount of students are involved in Greek life, and there are a myriad of parties throughout the week to attend, if that is the kind of thing you enjoy. In all, the food is very good compared to other college food I have had, the people are willing to chat, the professors can help you outside of class, and the location is beautiful (although the weather is completely spastic. If you come here, you will learn the meaning of the mythic Sewanee fog).
Bang for the buck
It's hard to comment on this. It just depends on what kind of scholarship or loan you receive. At face value, Sewanee is very expensive, but it is also generous with its academic scholarships, which is what I received. For me, I am receiving my money's worth.
Tips for prospective students
Come for an overnight visit. It is crucial to spend the night to get the true feeling of Sewanee. Also, don't discount the price until you apply, because you will most likely get financial aid of some sort.
Great for these types of students
Anyone who fits in the phrase work hard, play hard
Outdoorsy types
People who enjoy being away from the city, but within an hour of it (Chattanooga and Murfreesboro are both an hour away in either direction)
Those interesting in English/Language and science programs

Alexandra from Brentwood, TN

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
It's hard to say if I'm learning a lot here because of the differences between high school and college academics, but I can say that I enjoy learning a lot more here, and feel much more motivated learning here than I did in high school.
Am enjoying being here
I love Sewanee, to the point where I can't imagine myself at any other school. I have a great group of friends and a lot of really great opportunities available here, not to mention access to nature that most schools that I visited were really lacking.
Bang for the buck
I have to say, Sewanee is VERY expensive. It's not the most expensive school out there, but the tuition is pretty high. I love everything about Sewanee, from the classes available to the professors that teach them. I love the campus as well, and I like almost every student I've met here. Although paying the tuition is stressful, I really do think that it's worth it to be here.
Tips for prospective students
Don't be turned off of Sewanee if you're not into partying- all of my friends save one don't party, and if you don't want to party, you won't be alienated for it. Also be aware that Sewanee is very academically oriented- you will have to put time into your classes, and because it's not a huge school, you can't just skip classes whenever you want to. Also be prepared to do a lot of walking =).
Great for these types of students
If you want to be a part of an excellent academic community, Sewanee will be good for you. If you want to be in small classes where your professor knows you by name, Sewanee will be good for you. If you love nature, Sewanee will be good for you.