The University of Hawaii - Hilo

Date: Feb 17 2009
Major: Communications (This Major's Salary over time)
I transferred to UH-Hilo wanting a smaller atmosphere, and a better teacher/student ratio when I left University of Oregon. The one on one attention you get from a professor, and actually gettign to know them is FABULOUS. In the long run, I think this can pay off, because when i start to apply for grad schools, I know ALL of my professors on a very personal level to get letters of recommendation.

UH-Hilo is known for their marine biology program, and they have more of their emphasis of notoriety with science. I am a COM major, and since I went to a way bigger school before coming here, I was accustomed to having an array of programs. So, with a smaller school, you won't have the emphasis - but you will most likely get the same professors from one semester to the next, which is really nice, because you learn their styles, and get to know them on a personal level. I have been somewhat dissapointed with the COM department, but like I said, only because at Oregon I was spoiled with everything we could pick from. I love that i have gotten to know my professors and that I am not just another number here. You feel like you can make a difference in classes, and class size won't exceed 25 people, which is nice to have that close-knitnesss.

The Big Island is absolutley beautiful, my favorite behind Kauai … and if you are an active/outdoors person, this is def a wonderful, lovely place to be. However, if you don't like the beach … don't even look to go to any Hawaii University!

I will say this, It's not an ugly campus, but its def not the most beautiful campus. It's small, easy to navigate - and I would say for the most part pretty well kept and clean.

We just got a new Student Life Center, and it is BEAUTIFUL, and wonderful. People really gravitate towards this, and it's nice because it is run by students and only students can use it.

When one first comes to Hilo, you are taken away by the beauty, by the greeness, lushness, etc…but keep in mind it is a very wet place, and we get alot of rain here!

Although, given the fact it rains, we do get PLENTY Of beautiful amazing warm, what you would think of Hawaii, days. And when the sun is out, there is no better place to be.

Hilo is not a college town - however, it is not a tourist town either - like Waikiki. Things for fun here are going to the farmers markets, bbq's with friends, going to the beach, taking trips to Kona, or kick back/cruise with friends.

If you are looking for a great, laid back place, this is where you belong. Things close really early here, which can be frustrating, there are no jobs here (but i guess that is everwhere!) but culturally, it is a lovely, lovely place.

LIVING here and VISITING here are two complete different things.

The wonderful thing about being at a small school is that you get to know alot of people in your classes, or the athletes if you do athletics (I do) and everyone is really laid back out here. I Love living in Hawaii, and have thoroughly enjoyed my time here on Big Island.

I graduate this spring, and I know once I move back to the mainland, i will greatly miss Hilo. It is truly a wonderful place, and I think every person who does come here for school, knows they are getting different experience than your average college student.