University of Redlands (UOR)

A small institution in Redlands, California, offering both liberal arts and professional studies, the University of Redlands is passionate about "helping students find what they are interested in," and about "allowing them to pursue avenues that will make them successful throughout life." Boasting a small student-to-faculty ratio, and more than 40 programs of study, this stunning West Coast university provides a "warm, friendly, and inspirational environment inside and outside classes." Most seniors complete a research capstone, and because Redlands is a liberal arts college, students "get a well-rounded education and can easily befriend students in other disciplines." Students love that Redlands is "not a super competitive nor a high-stress environment," and "the size of our classrooms (approximately 18 students) ensures that we reach our full potential." The administration and professors "really care about the success students acquire," and the system is structured in a way that "caters to students off all mindsets." No matter how you learn, the University of Redlands "will cultivate and inspire you to be the better version of yourself."

Professors are "thoughtful, engaging, enthusiastic," "very personable," and "love [us] to use their first name and get to know each student individually." Instructors are "extremely knowledgeable in their field of study" and make an effort "to engage their students in discussions during class time rather than lecture." Almost all the professors are easily accessible either after class or during their office hours. This "intimate learning environment" caters to each person differently, and faculty remain "very attentive to [students'] needs." Although certain courses aren't offered every semester, they happen "often enough for students to take them," and some classes are split into two, allowing for "more variety."

This is a "truly inclusive," "ecologically-minded," student body, with the majority being "open-minded with liberal inclinations." Since this is a small campus, everyone is "really close," and "there is a niche for all types of people." "You can't go anywhere on campus without running into someone you know," says a student. It is easy to get involved on campus, and "there is a good dynamic between students and professors." There tends to be a bit of a divide between the 200 or so students living and studying in the Johnston Center for Integrative Studies (who are more on the "creative" side) and the College of Arts and Sciences: "a weird dynamic, not a bad or troubling one."

The University of Redlands "absolutely gorgeous" campus has "the classic feel of a small liberal arts university with the California vibe," with outdoor programs that give students "the opportunity to experience California." Academics fill the weekdays, but many people also find time to "work out, go sit outside on the Quad, go hiking, study in the library, or grab food with friends." Students also find it fun to go downtown, "especially on Thursdays for Market Night," and on weekends they can often be found nearby at the "beach, the mountains, Disneyland, or Los Angeles." ("Everything is about an hour away" from campus). Though there is a shuttle downtown, "one needs a car here to go do fun things," but "thankfully, parking is free." There are also "on-campus parties, outdoor program trips, and activities" provided through the school. Greek life and sports are big here, and "attendance at sports events is pretty impressive." Even during the week, "the student body tends to fill a majority of the student section at basketball games."