All of my lectures at American University are online. While not ideal, I appreciate the university’s courage to go online to protect their students. I also appreciate that we got a tuition discount along with some refunds. But even if it’s more than other schools have done, I could be offered more financial aid. The professors have adapted surprisingly well to online classes and I feel like I am still getting a good education even though I have to stay in my apartment. With college, I was more consistent in software and programs used during online classes, as constantly having to switch between software gets a little confusing.

For freshmen there’s really no difference in the dorms other than Letts Hall Southside, but that will change after the renovations are completed next year. The dorms are very nice and the rooms are a comfortable size as long as you are not in a triple. One problem is the number of washers and dryers in the Letts Hall laundry. There are only two each, so when one breaks, finding time to wash clothes is a constant frustration. Each floor has its own living room, kitchen and study. The living room is a great place to kick back and relax on the floor, and the den is fun for those late night papers. Socially, the dorms are great, at least on the south side of the campus. They are usually all interconnected so there is a lot of confusion between the dorms and no one feels trapped on the floor. All dorms are a five-minute walk from class, so if you miss your alarm you can still be on time for class. The cost is a bit high, but not much more. The process of living well. You can choose a roommate, but finding one as a beginner is a bit tricky and most people just choose a roommate at random. Also, you may be stuck in a triple room, which in my personal experience can be a bit cramped, but manageable with good roommates.

Good quality academics, graduate international business and political science and DC – Facilities are quite modern. I think they’re pretty good overall. The library is small, although students have access to a wider variety of resources through interlibrary loan, the library’s subscription to online databases, and the Library of Congress.
Academic programs are generally of good quality and nationally recognized. International Studies and Political Science are the two largest, best, and well-known courses, but other disciplines are also fair. Just because UA is a small private school, some departments less related to politics/international affairs can become quite small – like physics.
Unique opportunities would certainly be DC’s political scene. Many events, conferences, demonstrations, embassy events, etc. The UA allows ambassadors and other U.S. and foreign government officials and non-government employees to speak quite often at the school. Internships during the academic semesters as well as during the summer are another big, big plus.

I like how private the classes are.The campus is lovely, particularly in the spring.When the weather is nice, you can find students chatting and relaxing on the campus’s lawn.The cherry blossoms on the campus are spectacular to behold in bloom in the spring.The teachers I have encountered are all friendly and enthusiastic about their areas of expertise.

The teachers at AU are all excellent, and the academic experience there is highly gratifying. The lectures are also of a high caliber, and the professors are always available for assistance, even after office hours. Beautiful facilities complement a welcoming and inclusive culture at the school. The school’s political climate and some of its students’ extremely extreme positions are the only drawbacks I will mention.

The small class sizes are to my liking. Particularly in the spring, the campus is stunning. When the weather is nice, you can see students gathered on the campus lawn in a hive of activities. Accomodations are just average in my opinion. Every teacher I’ve encountered is friendly and enthusiastic about their subject matter.

More than anything, I would highlight the location aspects of American University. You will always find something interesting to do in DC, and the career opportunities are endless. Additionally, the academic experience at AU is very rewarding, and the professors are all great, especially if you are in the international relations/political science programs! I would say that a potential downside is that you aren’t right in the center of DC but rather closer to the suburbs, so it’s not as easy to get around as if maybe you were to go to GW or Georgetown. The athletics presence is also not very high, so don’t count on the school for crowded games or tailgates. If you’re looking for a place where students care more about student government elections than the D1 athletics program, come to AU! Other than that, if you’re looking for more of a traditional college scene, AU may not be for you. The school appeals to a specific type of student. One that is politically active, looking for a small, compact campus, and not a huge social scene. That being said, there is certainly somewhat of a nightlife scene if you are looking for it, and the campus is also incredibly gorgeous.