First,
I want to mention that you shouldn't rely on these
review sites in making your decision about college — the
majority of people are only motivated to write reviews when
they are pissed off for some reason, keep in mind.
I wrote a review for FLC halfway through my first
semester here and it was a VERY negative review in
which I pretty much just complained, but I've come to
see through different eyes about this place since I've settled
down.
So the first thing I have to say about
FLC is GIVE IT A CHANCE. It really depends on
what kind of person you are as to whether
you'll like it here or not, but really, it's a
great school and Durango is a great town. Other reviewers
say there is nothing to do here and that the
people are rude — WRONG. Nearly everyone I've met has
been super friendly, and there is a lot to do.
The catch is that you actually have to talk to
people, introduce yourself, and invite people to hang out with
you and such in order to have a social life.
Fortunately, I'd imagine that it's this way at any college.
Or anywhere in life really. Of course you won't
find places to party or rage if you don't meet
people, but once you start meeting people your social tree
branches out fast. Lots of parties downtown all the time
and everyone is welcome — no invite-only shit. Houseowners were
always really friendly and welcoming too — so YES, there
IS a great party scene here if you actually make
the effort to become involved with it.
The classwork is
easy in general, but it depends ultimately on the professors
and the class. The campus is beautiful and usually very
well-maintained...the water pipes broke once and were out for a
week but they fixed it up fine.
If you
like nature and are willing to find things to do
in nature you won't be bored, either. Go hiking, snowboarding,
skiing, rafting — there are a lot of outdoor related
activities here. No clubs though, only a few bars (and
only if you're 21+), and not a whole lot of
a nightlife. You can walk downtown or something. Durango is
not a city town though so if you're looking for
the nightlife go to Denver or some shit.
I also
saw a lot of people commenting on how the general
population here is just hippies who smoke weed, which is
kinda true in a sense. If you're down with stoners
and weed smoking then this is the place for
you — if you're against it, save yourself the stress
and go somewhere else. This is the perfect school for
people who want a fun, laid-back college experience with plenty
of outdoor adventures and parties. Once you settle down a
little it really grows on you...I just started my second
semester and I love it here now.
Also check
out the ratemyprofessors website when registering for classes and get
the good teachers, 'cause it makes a world of difference.