University of Kansas | Student Reviews | Best College

Student Profile

Amanda

Class: Sophomore
Major: Education
Gender: F

High School: Lawrence Free State High School
Transfer Student: N

Big Picture

KU has a beautiful campus. The architecture is amazing--the red roofs make for a wonderful view from the top of the hill. The landscaping is lovely--the trees in the fall turn vibrant colors. The steep hills and tall trees often surprise students from the "flat" areas of Kansas. KU has many renowned programs and students excel academically. KU can be a great choice for people who like large classes and for people who prefer smaller classes; both large lectures and small honors sections, large dorms and small scholarship halls are available. Lawrence is a fabulous college town. It's an amazing community; it offers many opportunities for attending concerts (both classical and rock), volunteering, and expanding one's interests artistically and academically; it has an awesome downtown scene--you can shop to support local businesses or just have fun on Mass Street. KU has many excellent staff members and professors famous for their work in their fields. There is a LOT of school pride, demonstrated after we became basketball champions! The only big complaints I hear are about the ridiculously strict parking rules and the difficulty of working with the bureaucracy.

Academic Life

I take mostly small classes, honors sections or courses specific to my major. Professors in these classes are always well prepared, knowledgeable, and personable. A few of my gen ed classes were larger lectures, but those were the only instances where instructors didn't know me by name. My favorite class so far was probably my Freshman Honors English course; it was a small class, the professor was the best I have ever had, we read outstanding literature and covered what we read with engaging discussions and fun projects. That was definitely the most unique course I've taken. I don't have a specific "least favorite" class--I didn't really hate any of my classes, but I did find some of my big, required lectures kind of boring. How often a student studies or prepares depends on the student; some people come to class only on test days and never open their textbook, while others never miss a day and do additional outside reading. KU students frequently have intellectual discussions outside of class; in addition to participating in some of these conversations myself, I have often overheard others. I don't spend a lot of time with most of my professors outside of class, but I do visit my favorite professor in her office to chat and get advice. As someone who studies quite a lot, I don't usually need outside help, but I know all of my instructors have office hours and are willing to work with anyone who needs their assistance. I think the education at KU is balanced--if you're passionate about a subject, KU helps you learn, and KU also helps you figure out how to find a job doing what you love. As an education major, I can say that KU's education department is outstanding. Getting into the education program is competitive, the instructors and classes are top-notch, and everyone who works in JRP, the education building, is professional and helpful.

Student Body

KU has been accused of being a liberal cesspool; while I'd hardly define us as a hippie haven, we are a very diverse, accepting university. There are many multicultural groups on campus as well as groups for all kinds of religious and political beliefs. During Gay Pride Week, rainbow flags fly. KU has many international students. All of these different groups intermingle and interact. Only a very closed-minded student would feel out of place here. Most students wear comfortable clothes to class--this can vary from trendy outfits to Crocs and sweatpants. Everyone wears comfortable shoes; it would be impossible and insane to wear heels on the hills here! Most KU students are from the midwest, but, as indicated earlier, we have many international students and students from all over the country. KU has a lot of politically active students who spread awareness and help register others to vote. Most KU students are moderate or left of center.