The Memorial University of Newfoundland (Canada)

I've nearly completed two undergraduate programs at Memorial, and it has been a stuggle all the way. Not because of poor grades, but because of unclear requirements, unhelpful staff, and administrative errors, it has been an uphill battle. If you are going to be attending here, figure everything - and I mean everything out in advance, especially if you plan to go on and do graduate work. Most of the faculty don't know what your degree requirements even are! I was given a course plan by one faculty member that I had not reason not to trust. It ended up being grossly incorrect, and it cost me a lot of valuable time and money. While some of the staff are approachable, most have been in the facility for a very long time, and can certainly come off as intimidating, distracted, and often downright arrogant. Expect to wade through a lot of red tape if you want to get anything done, to say nothing of hidden deadlines. Anything more complicated than a course change form is probably going to run into snags and bureaucratic nonsense. Parking is a common problem, and the buildings could really use a lot of maintainance. Even the newer equipment in the classrooms is prone to breaking with startling regularity. Some new construction has gone on to fix these last two problems, but at the time of writing, they are still significant concerns.

On the plus side, the tuition fees are mercifully low. The campus is very beautiful on the outside (just don't go inside), and there have been some attempts to modernize the old buildings. The tunnel system and skywalks on campus helps to mitigate the unpredictable (though often cold and wet) Newfoundland weather, and are certainly welcome. There's a lot of clubs and societies to join (including a few very vocal religious groups, if that floats your boat). In fact, joining an academic society seems one of the few ways to get ahead in the University, as the faculty is often very involved with these societies, and extend opportunites to members that would be nearly impossible for other students (Job opportunites? Registration for a class in September that's starting in June? Bumping up a student to the honours program that didn't meet the requirements? I've heard of all of these.). Better hope that being social comes naturally to you.Also, the bar is amazing. So at least you'll have a place to drink.

5th Year Male -- Class 2014

Extracurricular Activities: A, Faculty Accessibility: F

University is not student focused to the extent they advertise. Staff is consistently unhelpful and professors are frequently unapproachable and difficult to determine expectations.

1st Year Female -- Class 2016

Campus Aesthetics: B, Education Quality: F