Valparaiso University

I came to Valpo as a transfer and right away fell in love with it, but I put in a lot of effort to meet people which I think is key at Valpo. Join greek life, go to events, hangout at the library, make the most of everything and go out on weekends(if you're into that). It does get a little socially boring but find your group of friends and you'll be fine, thats the way it is everywhere. Valpo has a great downtown that I don't think enough people take advantage of. I went down there at least once a week when it was nice out. We are also within a half hour of the city and the dunes! Everyone goes to the dunes on reading day, thats a lot of fun! Having a car on campus is a great, there are ways to get around the "freshman can't have cars" deal. you'll figure it out. Sports are not that big to go watch, Ive been to a some basketball games and 0 football games(except homecoming). Just make the most of everything and you'll love Valpo like I do!

2nd Year Male -- Class 2016

Faculty Accessibility: A+, Social Life: C+

Alright high schoolers, listen up. When I decided to enroll at Valpo I went on this site to read some reviews, and honestly got incredibly scared. Almost every comment on here was incredibly negative and made me feel like I had made a terrible decision. Let me stress this to you: most of the negative comments on here are not representative of this institution.

College is what you make of it. I'm sure you've heard that a thousand times, and are rolling your eyes right now. Seriously though, if you come here and sit in your room, don't put yourself out there (at least a little bit), don't get involved on campus, and approach college as something you have to do rather than something you get to do, you will have a horrible time. However, this is true at every other college you will find. If you approach Valparaiso with an open mind, you will get everything you wanted and more from your college experience.

Let me also clear some things up (not to write an essay here...Christ College has changed me, I swear!). No, Valparaiso is not the most exciting city. There is not much to do in town, and the nearest exciting city is Chicago, which is about an hours drive away. It is also not the biggest party school, even while it is becoming more open to the idea again. If you want to party, if you want to drink, or if you want to have a good time on the weekends, you can. Easily. There is no shortage of parties, alcohol, or (on the brighter side of things) good people to spend your time with. Don't think that you won't have fun here, it is once again what you make it.

Personally I love it here. I have met some of the most amazing people, made great friends, and am learning as much as I ever wanted to and more. The music and theatre programs here are incredibly friendly (I am a non major and I sing in the top choir here and recently got a lead role in the upcoming musical) and the professors are very approachable and friendly. They really want you to do well and are incredibly qualified to help you succeed. There are professors here who graduated from the very top universities in the US and are making the learning environment here challenging and incredibly respected across the country. Apply to be in Christ College, it is an incredible program if you put in the work, and don't worry, it's not a Jesus camp.

What it comes down to for me, and what your college decision should also come down to, is where you feel the most comfortable. What's the point of going to a big name school if you'll hate it when you get there, or not relate to your peers? I turned down a lot of good schools to come here (Vanderbilt, Washington and Lee, Northwestern, Depauw, Oberlin) and two full rides, and you know what? It was the best decision I could have made. The people here are some of the best I've encountered in my life, and I whole-heartedly think that this is the best place for me. So when making your decision, visit. It is a huge factor. I would have accepted a full ride to a school that I ended up strongly disliking when I visited. Make sure that the school is right for you. Valparaiso isn't right for everyone, not at all, but you can't really know that until you come here. Make up your own mind about what we stand for, and what kind of institution this is. Talk to the people, listen in on a class, interview a professor, go to a concert or a show. Really try to understand the school behind the name, and you'll make the best decision for you. I wish you good luck in your decision, I know how hard it can seem right now, but if you make a well informed decision and stick to it and make the best of it, I promise that you will enjoy and benefit from college, no matter where that might be. Thank you for reading.

1st Year Male -- Class 2014

Individual Value: A+, Surrounding City: C

*Don't drive to Chicago, just get a damn ride to the train station from a friend or on the V-Line. Its much cheaper trust me.

*If you see the VUPD duct tape your ass crack because they are going to rape you.
*Go to Dish. Its a great restaurant in town and it will be like an orgasm in your mouth, though its a little pricey. And if you don't go then I will orgasm in your mouth.

*Find a girl or girls to have sex with constantly... its just fun (that goes for the females too). Also, be considerate and buy your roommate some earplugs.

*Begin playing poker. If you don't like poker begin playing strip poker. If you don't know how to play poker just strip.

*The cafeteria trays can be used for anything: Sledding, hall sledding, hall snowboarding, baseball, homework, you can even eat of them if you are truly daring.

*Sleep in Sundays and get some waffles before the God Squad steals your food. 10:55 is best I believe.

*Jimmy John's will become a life sustaining resource if you go to this school. The Italian Night Sub rules.

*Maria Lana's is also good, especially for pizza and its cheap. Tip well and they might not even spit in your food.

*Get good grades. I really didn't think I needed to say that but in case you forgot, its pretty much all you've got at Valpo.

*Experiment with your drinking: College mixology is a wonderful and creative art. And for your own sake offer your RA a drink. This will get you on their good side and introduce you to their theories on the dry campus?

*When you are checking out for freshman year hide hundreds of something in your room (whether it be post-it notes or snapple bottle caps or something). Then come back the next year. You will get to meet some very confused and freaked out people.*Find an anorexic friend you can count on when your meal card runs out.

5th Year Female -- Class 1950

Faculty Accessibility: A+, Surrounding City: F