Valparaiso University

Date: Aug 10 2004
Major: Political Science (This Major's Salary over time)
I've made a lot of incredible friends here, though I feel as if the student body leaves much to be desired. Racially, politically, economically, socially, and religiously, all the students here seem to be slightly differing versions of one another. They're friendly enough and really quite supportive, but too often I have encountered the stereotypical close-minded "country bumpkin" type.

As far as academic life is concerned, I expected classes to be more challenging than they were. I feel as if we're presented with enough "busy work" (writing papers, etc.) but discussion and presentation of new ideas is, in my opinion, either too tense, too short, or non-existent. However, the students are most likely accountable for this sorely lacking intellectual exchange; the professors push us to do so but we are just too unyielding.

Social life at Valpo is terrific… if you are fortunate enough to have fun and resourceful friends. There are clubs, but activities and meetings are few and far between. Often, there are interesting things to do that are not publicized nearly as much as they should be. In other words, you must seek your own fun. Weekends here are pretty dead unless you are involved in a frat/sorority, the Lutheran Church, or just plain like to drink a lot. I'm from Chicago and used to going downtown for concerts, and I honestly can't complain about the music scene here. There are some terrific bands here on campus and, though you often end up seeing the same bands over and over again at every event, most genres that show-going college kids like listening to are represented. There are good art exhibits in the museum and some interesting pieces upstairs in the VUCA, and VU musical groups always put on great concerts. Sports games here are pretty exciting even if you're not crazy about sports (as I am not, haha) and seeing as how they're almost always free, you really have nothing to lose.

I'd reccommend Valpo to those who are self-sufficient and easily entertained, but you'll never learn anything here if you don't take the initiative to instigate discussion and if you aren't willing to challenge the common mentality that's very, VERY easy to slip into here…