Academics
University of Idaho is truly a school that invests in its students. Despite its large size, the university manages to create a “personalized learning experience” for all undergrads. Idaho also provides numerous “networking opportunities” for their students. One lucky beneficiary explains, “Being here at UI, I’ve had the chance to meet many people in industry, which helped me land an internship at NASA JPL this past summer.” Academically, Idaho offers students a wide range of stellar departments. However, undergrads especially like to tout the fantastic “engineering, agriculture, business, and law programs.” Fortunately, no matter what you choose to study, the university is “incredible at creating an environment [in which] to build great relationships between professors and students.” Though it’s certainly helped by the fact that “the faculty here really cares about the students and genuinely wants to see them succeed.” Undergrads also value that their professors “don’t want students who [simply] suck up information and then vomit it back on a test.” Instead, they’re hoping to form “well-educated students with the ability to think.” They’re also happy to “host study sessions [in preparation] for exams and quizzes, and they are willing to answer all of your questions.” And, best of all, Idaho professors “are very interesting and really bring their lectures to life.”
Student Body
On the surface, the student body at University of Idaho might appear a bit homogenous. After all, “most people are white,” and it often feels like the vast majority hail from “Idaho, Washington, or Oregon.” Nevertheless, the “population is slowly becoming more and more diverse.” This is partially thanks to a “surprising number of international students.” In turn, “this creates a unique opportunity to learn from people of different cultures.” Undergrads also take great solace in the fact that their peers are “all very, very friendly” and united in their “kindness.” Simply stroll across campus and you’ll notice that “everyone smiles and says hi.” An ecstatic student rushes to add, “My peers are the most supportive and uplifting people I’ve ever been surrounded by.... It’s not uncommon to see students giving directions to lost tours or inviting perfect strangers to something like the farmers market or a film downtown.” A lot of these Idaho Vandals also find common ground in their love of the outdoors, with many students looking to “take advantage of Moscow Mountain nearby for hiking, mountain biking, or snowshoeing.” Finally, when it comes to political leanings, we’re told that Idaho has an “unusually large number of libertarianminded students here.” Thankfully, most undergrads “are very respectful, even when they strongly disagree.” As one contemplative student states, “We rarely talk about tolerance here, but we act on it daily.”
Campus Life
Undergrads at Idaho happily report that “there are always a lot of activities going on around campus.” For starters, the student recreation center is often a big draw where students can “work out, play a variety of indoor sports, take classes, climb the rock wall, or just hang out.” Students also love to explore the “two arboretums on campus.” Idaho also has “a very involved Greek system that is always holding a philanthropic event somewhere on campus or in the community.” The university sponsors a number of great cultural affairs including “an amazing Jazz Festival, Native American celebrations, African American celebrations, and many many more throughout the year.” In fact, “on the weekends there is almost always [an] event to attend that is hosted by an organization at the university, whether it is just for fun or to raise money for a cause.” Finally, students also love taking advantage of everything hometown Moscow has to offer. As one pleased Vandal elaborates, “There is usually something going on every night, be it trivia nights at local restaurants, local musicians playing at a coffee shop, or a book signing at Book People.”
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