Lehigh University | Student Reviews | Best College

Student Profile

Julie

Class: Sophomore
Major: Government
Gender: F

High School: Arkport Central School
Transfer Student: N

Big Picture

Lehigh is great- I feel like I have met people with many differing opinions and likes and it has really expanded my views and my likes as well. The size is pretty perfect, small enough that you know lots of people, feel comfortable, and class sizes are small. Big enough that there are lots of opportunities. The town of South Bethlehem is definitly underrated. Alot of students are afraid to venture off campus because of the not-so-hot reputation but it is an awesome place! There are lots of cool shops, galleries, and ethnic eateries within a few blocks of campus. It is also a really great place to volunteer. I started working with local kids twice a week and it is one of the best experiences I've had at college. Lehigh is also in a great location- 45 min. to Philly and an hour and 1/2 to New York City! I love being able to take a bus or quick drive to these amazing places. The freshmen dorms are tiny but upperclass living is awesome! In both situations I have made amazing friends and experienced a real sense of community and family. People stay on campus for the weekends, so it's a good place to be if home is far away or not too exciting. There are definitly lots of things to do- Greek life is big but there are concerts, performances, and excursions happening that are sponsored by student organizations or the Universtiy. I was terrified to come to college but Lehigh made the transition very easy and you couldn't pay me to go anywhere else!

Academic Life

My classes have been overall pretty great. Two things are important: First, study something you like, not something your parents want, or your roommate does, or that has an easy reputation. If you are learning about something interesting it makes life 150% better. Secondly: check out who your professor is. While I have had some amazing professors at Lehigh, a few do suck. Generally the student population knows who they are and you can avoid them. Classes are alot of work but very managable and profs and T.A.'s are always willing to help you out. There are also free tutoring services offered. Some entry level classes are big, but as an Arts and Sciences student, I've had most classes with less than 30 people: some have had around 10! Students study alot and the libraries are packed during midterms and finals but school work does not dominate your life. You have time to pursue other interests too. One of my favorite parts about college is that I'm in an intellectual atmosphere all the time. My friends and I have very different interests and study different things but like to talk about current issues or have theoretical debates. It's so exciting! Alot of extracurricular organizations are academically based as well: the Society of Women Engineers, the club that builds race cars, the language clubs. Political Science and history departments are underrated but awesome! I love the profs, they get to know you and are providing me with an excellent education.

Student Body

Lehigh has a rep. for being not so racially diverse. It's true, but the administration is working on it. Alot of people are from NY, PA, NY, CT, MA, but I have friends from California, Kansas, Florida, Idaho, Alaska, etc. People stick around school on weekends, so it's ok to be from far away. I only go home on scheduled breaks. Lehigh is not politically active, which can be frustrating for a poly sci major, but that doesn't mean they are not interested in what is happening. They will have smart converstations with you, it's pulling people away from their schoolwork and friends to do something in the larger community that is the tough part. There really is no norm as far as financial stuff goes. There are rich people, there are people who are on full ride, need-based scholarships. There are lots in between. Some are in school to get an education that will get them a job that will make them money. For others, it is the furthest from their mind.