StudentsReview :: The University of Rhode Island - Extra Detail about the Comment
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The University of Rhode Island

How this student rated the school
Educational QualityB- Faculty AccessibilityB-
Useful SchoolworkC+ Excess CompetitionF
Academic SuccessF Creativity/ InnovationF
Individual ValueC+ University Resource UseB-
Campus Aesthetics/ BeautyA FriendlinessB-
Campus MaintenanceB- Social LifeB+
Surrounding CityB- Extra CurricularsB+
SafetyA+
Describes the student body as:
Arrogant, Closeminded

Describes the faculty as:
Friendly, Unhelpful

Female
SAT1800
Bright
Lowest Rating
Excess Competition
F
Highest Rating
Safety
A+
She cares more about Excess Competition than the average student.
Date: Jul 06 2011
Major: Engineering Department (This Major's Salary over time)
URI is not the greatest school. You can succeed here, as there are numerous opportunities that students can take. That being said it doesn't override the fact that most of faculty is mediocre. URI is a huge science research university, which I think is also it's biggest drawback. If you want to get research positions, it takes as much as just asking your professors, who for the most part are friendly and approachable. That doesn't make up for the fact that majority of them don't care about teaching during lectures, just their own research. And if they're not in research they're stuck doing all the busy work for the department. The best teachers I had were grad students and my TAs. Going to class was a waste of time, but I went anyway. I did expect some self-teaching, but I also expected that going to lecture wouldn't be totally useless.

But there are good things about URI, some people say the social life may suck, but those are the kids that went home every weekend. It is true there is a lot of partying, but there are so many other things to do on campus even if they're not huge. Sporting events, festivals, bazaars are always going on. The various clubs are often having events during the weekends. On the weekends, there is often a party going on in the frat houses or off campus. If you're not into that, most RAs have a lax policy with alcohol, just don't be walking around with it. And yes our nickname is URHIGH.

As I stated in the beginning of my post, there are a lot of opportunities for most majors. Engineering internships are pretty available, within the school as well as setting you up with companies. One of the best things is the IEP, if you're in engineering definitely look into that. Same deal with pharmacy, and most other sciences when it comes to research assistant positions. But you can succeed in a lot of other majors, it's just not as prevalent. Social sciences & humanities often have focus groups, clubs, and other organizations in order to help you. If you're smart and determined, you can succeed here. Also language learning here is executed really well, especially those with majors, they can easily be added to other majors if you're interested.

The campus is really beautiful, and the newer buildings are nice, although Chafee needs to be rebuilt. The dorms are OK, they're nothing spectacular unless you get the refurbished or newer ones. No freshman dorms are totally gross. Sophomore dorms on the other hand…bleh. I suggest moving off-campus or in specialty housing like Women's Center, IEP house etc. The upperclassmen dorms like Eddy/Garrahy/Wiley are really nice, but they are so not worth the price. Also the food gets old really fast. Ram's den has pretty good food, and breakfast on the weekdays isn't too bad, but as nice as Hope looks…it sucks. Also any of the convenience stores on campus are way over priced so don't bother buying dining dollars. Bring your car if you can because the bus service is sub-par.

I think if you're a self learner, this is a good place for you. I don't recommend coming out of state, it's not worth it unless you have a big scholarship or are in pharmacy or in any ocean related program. URI doesn't have that great of rep instate and a lot of kids go to UCONN, UNH & UMass instead. Save money and go here, they are practically the same thing. If you're looking for and AMAZING education with inspiring faculty go elsewhere.

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