Woodbury University
Burbank, CA, USA

Reviews

Woodbury University

Haley from Burbank, CA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
i could not be happier coming here; i have never learned more in such a short period of time. the people who come here are amazing, the teachers are even better, and the work i'm producing is so different than my stuff i was working on a year ago. everything here has been a blessing and there's so many resources available.
Tips for prospective students
make sure that your major is something you want to go to. this place is fast-paced but so rewarding. if you're coming here soon, try looking up and learning a bit about what classes you'll be taking or try learning a new software that will be used in class. prepping beforehand is one of the best benefits to help you stand out and you can use the teachers more to learn different things you wouldn't have had time for.
Academic Rigor
course load varies depending on your majors. it's mostly agreed upon if you're looking to go in to graphic design, interior architecture, or most heavily architecture expect to not have sleep or a social life if you want to do well in your classes. majors like business or politics and history aren't as rigorous. design majors end up being busier than anything, but we wouldn't have it any other way.
Dorm Life
i am a commuter student, so i'm less familiar with the dorm life. rooms are small but we have a pretty good balance of other places to spend time if you need it. it's a little quiet, but there are a lot of people who love exploring la so you can usually hitch a ride with another dormer and get a lot out of dorming that way.
Food and Dining
woody's makes a good effort of providing both an always-available grill menu and a rotating menu of meals. most of their food they use is from local farmers and is often organic. more than once i've eaten a vegan meal there and it's tasted pretty good. always get the chinese if they are cooking it that day, that's their highlight, strangely enough!! food can get a little boring though if you eat there regularly, so try and cook what you can or bring a lunch (which is what i do most days).
What to do for fun
so much to do in burbank and the surrounding cities! as a burbank local i know all the trick spots to hang out with friends and find good deals. some places to check out would be downtown burbank, there's a mall, 3 movie theatres (go to the amc 16 though, by far the best), fantastic eats, and fun boutiques. another fun place to go shopping or hang out is magnolia park, a street lined with old antique shops, small cafes, and other fun things. please don't leave burbank without trying porto's! it's a cuban bakery with the most delicious things you'll ever eat. potato balls are their highlight.
Bang for the buck
it's pricey as it is a private college, but the class sizes are so small (my largest class to date has been 26 people, smallest was 9) and the teachers are incredibly helpful and knowledgable. i've had many who have worked in prestigious jobs (honda advertisements, disney animator, warner brothers movies) and come here to teach, so they're very knowledgable about the field. many of them will meet with you if you need extra help with anything, even an out-of-class question.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
there's a lot of wildlife. it's common to, if you're there at night, see deer, coyotes (but they really don't care about you, no one's ever had a problem), rabbits, and a host of other creatures going about campus. we have a family of owls living in one of the palm trees, you can hear them hooting at night some time. there are some great quiet spots to study like the loft in the library. so many fun little spots once you start exploring!
Great for these types of students
you have to really know what you're doing. teachers help you in any areas you are lacking and are very supportive, but if you are unsure of major choice then this might not be the school to choose. you start in classes that will apply to your major the very first semester. fantastic if you've always felt artistically inclined or never quite fit in with the social hierarchy of the high school world, this place is perfect. everyone here fits together like a little family and there's very little drama. this isn't a party school, which i like. we do have our fair share of
Clubs and Activities
there's a good host of clubs and activities; even major-specific clubs are available. for a smaller school, it's a great balance of things to choose from if you want to get involved in that way. and if there's not something you see that you like, make a club! they really encourage us to do so if nothing fits our interests.
Greek Life
we have one fraternity and two sororities. they're both very involved in the community and offer a good balance of social interaction as well as volunteer opportunities.
Campus Safety
it's gated and secluded, there have been no problems in the past with people coming on campus that shouldn't be or such. there is an abundance of very friendly security guards who are nice to talk to and make you feel safe.

accepted here and planning to attend soon
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
I will be attending this school in the Fall 2011. I think you can learn alot of information from this school, because they have many resources that can assist you in your field of study.
Will enjoy being here
This school is very diverse and has very friendly students and faulty throughout the campus. The campus itself is a beautifully lanscaped area that has many inspirational pieces that are created by the students.
Tips for prospective students
Contact your admissions advisior a year before you plan to attend so that you can discuss any questions and prepartions that need to take place for a better chance at getting accepted
Great for these types of students
This school is exceptioally great for Architechure, Business, Fashion, Graphic Design, and many more exciting majors

Maiquel from Lancaster, CA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Dear prospective student, If you plan to attend Woodbury University I would suggest that you come prepared to learn, attentive to what your professors and peers are trying to teach you, as well as being prepared to be committed to your work. When students come to college with an open mind ready to learn from their mistakes and ready to be aware of what is being taught it is much easier for a student to be committed to their work. Pain and frustration will be your number one teacher's here, nevertheless if you preserver, at the end of your four years attending Woodbury, you will be able to see the results.
Tips for prospective students
If you have the opportunity to attend, DEFINITELY ATTEND THE SOAR PROGRAM. A month before school starts, students are invited to take a tour of the campus as well as having the opportunity to interact with other students within their major. At first the program may seem a bit childish; a few of the topics discussed by professors include team work or being responsible; however, the college professors help prospective students understand the difference between high school and college responsibility.
Academic Rigor
Depending on the major being studied at Woodbury, the amount of homework issued can either be a light or a heavy load. For example, students who plan to study in the fields of architecture, graphic design or fashion, students may be assigned 15 to 18 hours of homework based off of the major alone (if not more). Many students who study in these areas usually do not sleep for many nights in a row, especially during midterms and finals. Now, students who would like to study in the area of fashion marketing, accounting, or business management will be assigned a lot less homework (I can not give exact hours for I do not know them). As for the general education classes, in my opinion, the amount of homework given depends on the professor.
Food and Dining
I must say that the food served at Woody's is ABSOLUTELY THE BEST FOOD I HAVE EVER TASTED! Whether you are on a special 600 calorie diet, vegan, or a meat lover, Woody's always has something ready for you. Everything that is served is in the cafeteria is fresh and made right before your very eyes. I can't complain about Woody's.
What to do for fun
I believe the better question to ask is this: WHAT ISN'T THERE TO DO FOR FUN? There are so many activities happening in Woodbury that it is kind of difficult to be board here. As other people have mentioned above, there are many Greek clubs as well as regular clubs. But, what I like most about the clubs at Woodbury is that they ALL give out free food and they ALL worry about the student's social life on campus!
Bang for the buck
Yes its true, Woodbury University is more expensive than a UC. But do not worry, since Woodbury IS a private school, they give out a lot of scholarships. My first year at Woodbury, more than 80% of my tuition was covered by the school. So, If you apply to this college, make sure you also ask about their scholarships.
Great for these types of students
If you are the type of person who loves to study outside, than this is the school for you. The school is so quiet that you can hear birds sing, and even write and essay while watching a deer take a nap out side your class room! No I am not lying, there are deers that like to pass by Woodbury University.

Anonymous Graphic Design Major

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
My teachers are all incredible. They work in the industry as well as teach classes at Woodbury. They really know the material being covered and offer their own critiques and ideas to help improve your projects.
Am enjoying being here
I am currently living on campus and it's very nice. The Residential Advisors put on numerous events to allow students to socialize and meet others who live on campus as well. It's also nice for design and architect majors to take a break from the strenuous studio hours.
The campus is small but very welcoming. Everyone is friendly and it feels more like a community because you get to know the familiar faces fairly quickly.
Bang for the buck
Tuition can be quite expensive, that's for sure. And as an art school, it's usually a tad more expensive than a UC. Although, I appreciate how small the classes are. Speaking as a Graphic Design major, I really enjoy my studio classes because I am learning quite a lot about my major.
I would definitely say you are getting the bang for your buck despite the cost.
Tips for prospective students
Design Majors: Be prepared to devote a lot of free time to studio to work on projects. Teachers like detailed and clean work. You can't speed through the projects and call it done if you expect a good grade. Teachers look carefully at your projects, and will point out any misspellings, marks, or cuts.
If you will be living on campus, the dorm rooms are a little small so only bring what you need to bring. There are kitchens, so if you do want to bring your own cookware or plates and utensils, it might come in handy. I found myself cooking quite a bit. But do note, there are no ovens, only stove toppers, in North Hall.
Great for these types of students
You should definitely look into this school if you have a definite idea on what you want to do. The classes are geared towards your major starting from the first semester. The classes themselves offer an in-depth focus into your major and offer a variety of projects to stretch your creative minds.
If you have a set mind on a major, and you are positive that is what you want to do, then I'd set up a tour to check out the school. The classes are small and hands-on, allowing the teachers to meet with each student individually for assignments/projects.
If you are looking for a school that allows students to really get to know their teachers and have creative freedom over projects with a lot of feedback and constructive criticism, then definitely think about applying.