Jerry

Santa Clara University is a small Jesuit University. Though the core curriculum demands that we take three theology classes during our time here, religion is not imposed on students at all. This knowledge, I know, is reassuring to those unfamiliar with the Jesuit system. Despite the school's small size as well, there's always always always new people to meet. At least it's not as small as a liberal arts college. In fact, I wouldn't even call it "small". It's more like, medium-sized. On campus, I spend most of my time in the dorms. When we're not here though, we're at Benson Center getting food and socializing, or at The Bronco getting more food and doing more socializing, or we're off campus ---getting food someplace and socializing. The campus is BEAUTIFUL. The best days are those spent under the sun on the lawn, not doing homework but pretending otherwise. The weather is amazing --obviously. The area surrounding campus is mostly suburban. There are a few good restaurants in walking distance and a Safeway. Otherwise, the bus station across from the school's entrance is your best friend. Freshmen are allowed to have cars unless they have an off-campus job --so, the bus is a really convenient and inexpensive way to get to Santa Row, Valley Fair Mall, any bart station, and even the airport. Alot, of students complain that there isn't anything to do during the day on weekends. Really though, if you don't want to do all the homework and studying that you'll inevitably have to finish, make your own fun. It's the school's job to educate you, not entertain you 24/7. If you're bored, watch a movie, spend a day in SF, go the the beach in Santa Cruz. There's PLENTY to do.

One of the more favorable aspects about classes at SCU is that every single professor you'll ever have will know your name. What's more is if you have a question, they'll actually answer it. Crazy, right?! What's also really comforting is office hours --professors always have really long office hours, and the ones that have taught me have repeatedly asked their students to see them during their office hours if they have any questions. I strongly recommend abusing these office hours -- it's really beneficial for teachers to get to know you outside of the classroom. I even had lunch with a Professor once last quarter. SCU offers a wide variety of classes, most of which are very interactive and often out-of the box. I am visiting a Buddhist Temple at 3 o'clock today, for example, for my 8 am religion class. (GUYS-- don't sign up for 8 am classes. it's just TOO early. even if you think you can handle it, you can't. Haha, trust me.)

The students are basically what make Santa Clara what it is. Student groups are always really active on campus, all of them enthusiastic and open to new people. The Ruff Riders are the masterminds behind every sporting event, and the sparks of school spirit. The cultural groups always have something going on, whether its a fundraiser or a movie screening. I've found that one of the best things about college is that you're more open to making friends with people whom in high school, you might otherwise never have even considered talking to. My roommate and I come from different types of families and are paying our tuition through very different means. While we might have been friendly acquaintances in high school, we never would have been as good of friends as we are now --and not just because we share a room. It's like that with everyone you meet.

Depending on which dorms you live in, your life can be really social, or not so much. The suite-style dorms tend to be more anti-social because it's mostly upperclassmen and they have their own lives. Or people tend to get close to their suitemates and no one else on the floors. The dorm-style buildings are way more social, especially since they're usually filled with freshmen. And if you want talk to people, leave your door open! I know a number of people who've joined fraternities, and they love it. Greek life, however, isn't funded by SCU, so it's not quite as extravagant or lavish as it may be at other schools. Joining a sorority is not my thing, but for others, its a wonderful way to meet new people and find a family away from home.

I think the most common stereotype about SCU is that the student demographic consists of only white and rich students. That and how everyone rides long boards to go anywhere on campus!

I arrived here thinking that the stereotypes would be true --but I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was wrong. There is alot of diversity at SCU. The students who live on my floor alone (including me) represent at least 10 different ethnic groups.

As for the long boards...no, not EVERYONE has one. But alot of people ride them. All the time.

Honestly, if it weren't for the amazing friends that I have found here, I don't believe I would love Santa Clara as much as I do now. The people I've met and grown close to, I KNOW will be a part of my life for many years to come. I've visited my friends who go to UC's, and I've met the people who are a part of their lives there --and while they're nice and good and fun people --they just weren't a group who I felt could have given MEANING to my life, like my friends here have. I'm so thankful to be surrounded by so many wonderful personalities, whose likes I truly do not believe I could have found outside SCU.