Academics
Students find the quality of University of San Francisco’s location to be inseparable from the school’s “small-ish private liberal arts college” appeal: “San Francisco is a global city with a wealth of opportunity.” However, it’s not just the “diverse education in an even more diverse setting” that makes USF stand out so much as its “dedication to social justice.” The school’s Jesuit roots “is outstanding for students who care about their community and the world beyond themselves,” and that shows in the school’s approach to “philanthropy and a relatively left and liberal style of teaching.” Undergrads love USF’s “small class sizes, good work opportunities in the city,” and “comprehensive core curriculum.” In short, “USF is interested in developing the individual into a strong leader with a particular emphasis on the forces of self-reflection and self-awareness.”
Holding true to its mission to students to “change the world from here,” a USF education empowers students to make “an impact in the world in an area that you are passionate about.” The “extremely talented, well-educated, hard-working, and passionate professors” are “well qualified and deeply care for my education,” facilitating “fun and learning combined” in “interesting, engaging classes that are small.” In class, students find “the opportunity to discuss, to ask questions, and to give feedback. It was not the professor’s classroom, where the professor was controlling the classroom, it was our classroom, all of us together.” Students are encouraged to think for themselves in an intellectual atmosphere that “emphasizes acceptance, diversity, and critical thinking.” That said, the university offers plenty of support: “We have academic success advisers who help make sure we are on track with graduation, help with major changes, and choosing class schedules.” USF’s “very prestigious nursing program” and a “five-year program for obtaining a Master’s in Education” stand out as major attractions, as do its financial aid resources.
Student Body
At USF, students combine in “in one of the best cities in the world” to form what they perceive as “a culturally diverse community that teaches respect, dignity, and honor for all individuals.” They describe themselves and their peers as “artistic, smart, morally sound,” “quirky and interesting.” True to San Francisco’s long history as a home for immigrants and trailblazers, at USF, students will find a “very LGBT friendly environment” where it may even be “more normal to be diverse and weird or queer.” Students “care about the community and believe in taking action to demonstrate their beliefs,” and “the average student may be working for an NGO or volunteering regularly at one of the many non-profits in San Francisco.” They “come from all over the world,” as well as from many “different cultural backgrounds and hobbies and interests,” but hold a common interest of being “committed to their education” and, for the most part, “everyone gets along very well.”
Campus Life
To many students, USF is all about “getting to know each other academically, socially and morally while allowing ourselves to get distracted by the city of San Francisco.” One can’t help but note that the campus is “in a beautiful location” that’s “the ultimate city to be in as a young person,” and “USF is located near the Haight, which means that there’s always something to do even near the campus.” Thanks to “the Muni bus pass that USF gives you,” it’s easy to get around the city (“public transportation becomes your best friend”), and “students very often go off-campus on weekends to visit tourist attractions, go hiking, explore new food places, go shopping,” “hit the nightclubs and bars around the city,” and enjoy “concerts and trips to various museums, shows, and performances.” There’s something for everyone, “whether you enjoy hiking and nature (Golden Gate Park) or enjoy small coffee shops for a nice read.” USF tends not to “care for Greek life/sports,” and on “weekends campus is barren because everyone is out exploring,” but campus is still a “welcoming, second home for all of its students.”
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