Roger Williams University

All-in-all I was happy with my experiences at RWU. I'm happy I chose this school, I learned a lot, but it did not give you the autonomy of a large school. I had the opportunity to study at a large university for a semester and enjoyed the culture of it much more. If you are some one who likes a tight, closer, socially-knit campus RWU is perfect. However, if you think you want the traditional American college experience ie> football on Saturday, Frats/Sororities, strong school identity (Picture PSU students or Michigan grads) you may want to look elsewhere.

4th Year Male -- Class 2004

Campus Aesthetics: A+, Social Life: C

So I have a few things to say here...
First of all I would like to assure anyone seriously considering Roger Williams that this is probably not the best source of information to use for student review. Honestly, as much as people say that the students are not approachable, go on a campus visit and ask us what we really think. It is a known fact that most of the students that seek out these types of reviews do so to whine and complain about the college they attend. Honestly people, enjoy Roger Williams for what it is!!!

Yes, it is expensive...it's a private school with an amazing campus...that's just common sense. I have had no problems with the faculty and staff here. I am a double major so I have met many of the profs and they are all more than qualified and most are easy to talk to. First of all, in order to be a a permanent prof at the school you must have your PHD...these people are qualified. If you talk to them many of them are also willing to set you up with an internship at their office outside of school.

I cannot imagine how anyone could even begin to claim that the campus is not an incredible one- you can see the water from almost anywere! come on people, be honest with yourselves as well as future Roger Williams students. A note to the freshman...just because all your friends say that they "party like crazy and get wasted all the time" at their school doesnt mean they are telling the truth..you'll learn about that in time the more you go visit them.

That being said, I love the social life here. I have many groups of friends, from lacrosse players to rugby players to philosophy club kids to stoners- it'sd all about who you are willing to talk to. Don't think that you will jsut walk into ANY small school and automatically be accepted by the students that have been there for a year or more. Yes, some people tend to stay within their own little group of friends, but when they have parties everyone is invited. No matter where you end up..introduce yourselves to everyone even if they are not the type of kids you would have hung out with in high school. There is never a dull night for me at school...when you make the effort to meet a bunch of people you always have someone to hang out with. Side note- I have been to many many parties in town that have never been broken up. Also, the surrounding area is becoming more of a college town. In a couple of years Bristol will be comparable to Newport during the school year (which is only about 25 min away)...providence is also about 30 min away. There is plenty to do around the surrounding areas...malls, movies, bars, beach, park, shopping...

Also the school is growing so incredibly fast right now. Within the years that I have been here we've seen so much happen and the interest go through the roof. In the past it hasnt had a reputation as a great school but it is building it up!I understand there are those that have bad experiences with Roger Williams, I am not one of them. Yes, sometimes I get frustrated with a department at the school or the fact that some students drive me nuts...but it is a community just like any other. If you make it a point to remember that then you will love this school just like me and many others. The only real way you will know what school is right for you is by attending it!

Male -- Class 2000

I went to Roger Williams wanting to transfer to a different school so I could be closer to NYC. I've changed my mind since arriving. My average class size is about 10 people, a lot of them are much smaller. I'm an honor student (for the better housing, and boy was it worth it) and a theatre major (technical). I know all the department teachers by their first name and they are excellent to work with. My gen ed classes are honors and my teachers put in a lot of work. There is always a crappy teacher around, but there aren't a ton of them, the school is pretty good about that. At RWU there ARE a lot of the rich snooty kids, who are just partying all the time. There are also other people though. I have the best possible group of friends there and no matter who I ask at school, outside my inner circle or inside, I know they would say the same. I'm no longer transferring because I liket he school that much. There isn't anything super close to the school, but the school gives you free bus passes and its only a 30 minute bus ride to Providence which is nice.

1st Year Female -- Class 2012

Campus Aesthetics: A+, Useful Schoolwork: C+