University of Oregon (reviews)

I spent a year at the University of Oregon as an exchange student and it was a wonderful experience. The faculty and staff were extremely welcoming from the start. Classes were engaging and interesting, professors were invested in their students’ success, and the campus itself is very pleasant. It was a great year and I would have been happy to stay there for a full degree had I had the chance.

I do not consider my experience to be representative of the average UO student, but I think I am an example of someone who made the most out of my time there. I was in the Clark Honors college which requires you to take different courses to fulfil university requirements and the completion and defense of an undergraduate thesis. My experience in the honors college was great, I had small classes, a lot of support from professors, and got to attend a lot of really cool talks and lectures offered by the honors college. I earned my degree in the Humanitiies because it enabled me to take the largest variety of courses I was interested in. I took classes in folklore documentary, Russian cinema in the 1920s, latin American philosophy, and personal essay, and they all counted towards my degree. I have particular fondness for the departments of Creative Writing, Folklore, Philosophy, Comparative Literature, and Classics. If you are interested in any of those fields, I highly recommend the UO as an option. The resources on campus are staggering and there are many programs and opportunities for students while they’re enrolled. The larger university politics are something that negatively impacted my experience. The way that money is allocated within the school can be baffling, and I think that the school is more invested in protecting administrators than faculty and students. Graduate students get virtually no education in pedagogy before teaching large lower-division classes which means that the quality of those classes varies widely. The school both overemphasizes athletics and does a disservice to their student athletes when it comes to prioritizing time to attend class and study. There are many tensions between students within the University that I believe is exacerbated by those in leadership. I had a great education at the UO, but I wish that for all alumni, regardless of major.

The University of Oregon is a great place to study, offering strong programs in fields like business, journalism, and environmental science. I loved the beautiful campus and the outdoor activities, from hiking to biking. The school spirit is strong, especially with sports. However, the frequent rain can be a downside, and the campus can feel a bit spread out at times. Overall, I’d recommend UO for those who enjoy a mix of academics, athletics, and nature. It’s a great place for a balanced college experience.

I have a great appreciation for all of my professors as they are always ready to assist if you reach out to them. They create a welcoming environment and are incredibly helpful, contributing to a fulfilling student experience. I couldn’t have chosen a better university to attend. Overall, the professors are passionate and extremely knowledgeable in their respective subjects. They provide well-structured and enriching curricula along with captivating lectures. The support I receive from professors and advisors has been invaluable, aiding me greatly in my academic journey and preparing me for my future career. The courses I have taken have been enlightening, giving me an understanding of what it takes to succeed in my desired profession. Additionally, the student life at this university has had a significant impact on my personal development.