The University of Vermont

UVM had everything I was looking for in a university, except for its location. The classes I've taken have been very rewarding both creatively and intellectually, and talking to professor's or meeting with them is very easy (I even went to a bar with one to discuss a book we were reading). Expect to be challenged and expect to work hard-it would be very difficult to be successful without applying yourself. Socially, the campus is always alive and no matter if you enjoy partying, coffee shops, bowling, movies etc, you WILL find something entertaining to do. Yes, students love to ski and snowboard and many do go to the mountains on the weekends, but I don't ski or snowboard. In fact I hate snow, but I have never been bored on the weekends in my three years at the school. Burlington is a small town but it offers a hell of a lot to anyone willing to explore it.

And yes, there are drugs-if you're into that then go ahead, but "Groovy UV" is not all about drugs.
As for the location, I hate the winter and I hate snow. this is my only complaint about the school. Burlington is an awesome city, we have a lake to swim in, mountains to climb/ski on, camping, bars, Montreal (2 hours away for you under age readers) so these more than make up for it.

3rd Year Male -- Class 2010

Friendliness: A+, Education Quality: B+

UVM is a really welcoming open place...despite the rumors, not everyone only cares about skiing or snowboarding, there are tons of people who have other interests, so even if you don't ski or snowboard you can still find people to hang out with. Don't believe what you hear about pot either, it's no worse than at just about any other college. The faculty are really smart but down to earth about it, and if you want to do well you're going to have to work for it, they won't just hand it to you. The classes are challenging and having so many different majors means you can take classes in a bunch of different subjects, which I really like. The dorms are pretty good, not like a Hilton but better than most dorms I saw other places, and there's tons of good off-campus housing that you can move into after sophomore year. All in all, UVM was the best place I could have chosen and I'd highly recommend it, unless you can't stand the cold.

4th Year Male -- Class 2008

Faculty Accessibility: A+, Useful Schoolwork: B+

My experience at UVM on the whole did a lot to prepare me for grad school and work. It's not a place where people hold your hand - but if you ask for help you get it. The profs on the whole are great - really interesting and easy to connect with. Wherever you go, get to know your profs. Have fun, but not too much. The balance can be tough, there's a lot to do at UVM - and Burlington is a sweet town with a great music scene. Most students figure it out - those that don't suffer and don't last.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000