NSCS Chapter School
UNIGO SUMMARY
The University of Arkansas offers students the quintessential college experience: football, frats, and a thriving party scene in a quaint Southern college town where life revolves around the university.
Don’t be fooled, however; this isn’t
Animal House. UA doesn’t skimp on academics and has great business, engineering and nursing programs, as well as a renowned Honors Program. The school is also beefing up its science departments in an effort to become one of the top 50 public research universities—all this with the help of a $300 million gift the school received back in 2003.
As a large, well-funded institution there are countless opportunities for students to get involved in whatever may spark their interest:there are more than 250 student organizations and sports clubs, a thriving Greek scene, and, of course, the pride and joy of the university (and all of Arkansas, for that matter), the Razorback sports teams. Razorback pride is an integral part of the Arkansas experience and helps foster a sense of unity and camaraderie on campus—every student knows how to “call the Hogs.”The town of Fayetteville offers many boutiques, restaurants and bars geared toward college students, and those looking to escape to the great outdoors will find many opportunities for rock climbing, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking and more at nearby Ozark National Forest.
UNIGO REVIEW
The University of Arkansas may not have much of a reputation beyond the South, but mention the Razorbacks anywhere in Arkansas or the surrounding region and you’re sure to be met with a rousing call to the Hogs. Boasting one of the top business schools in the country and a substantial research endowment - both courtesy of the Walton family, of Wal-Mart fame - UA has a lot to offer as far as academic opportunities are concerned. “
People from Arkansas and surrounding states usually agree that Arkansas is one of the leading universities in the region with some of the most advanced facilities,” writes a freshman business major from Missouri. It’s no wonder then that students from nearby states, in particular Texas and Oklahoma, enroll in droves, especially since undergrads from bordering states are treated to in-state tuition prices.
As with any big state university, lower-level classes are typically large lectures and are often taught by teaching assistants, making it hard for students to get individual attention. “
Some of the classes are really big and intimidating,” writes a sophomore majoring in environmental studies. “
It is difficult to ask the teacher a question when you are sitting in an auditorium [with] 300 other kids and have to sit really high up and far away from the board.” Most of the major-specific courses, however, are much more intimate, particularly in the creative arts. And while the university may have earned a reputation as a party school because of its thriving Greek scene, undergrads find ways to balance their studies and social activities. “
Students here are very studious. Lots of students HAVE to keep their grades up to be in their sororities, fraternities, and keep their scholarships,” writes a freshman business major. Those seeking to challenge themselves academically should also consider the school’s Honors College.
Arkansas is known as the “Natural State,” and when they’re not hitting the books, students typically take advantage of all that the great outdoors has to offer. “
Arkansas is a beautiful state. If you like spending time outside, this is definitely the place to be. There are rivers, lakes, mountains, fields, pretty much anything!” writes one freshman. Students praise the splendor of the campus, particularly in fall, and the breathtaking scenery of the nearby Ozark Mountains. Fayetteville, where the university is situated, is a quintessential college town that basically revolves around the university. “
Every shop, restaurant, and home has Razorback paraphernalia and all stores and restaurants offer student discounts. They participate in events held on campus and are always willing to give donations,” one sophomore writes. With business booming in northwest Arkansas, Fayetteville and other nearby towns also provide plenty of internship and job placement opportunities after graduation.
Razorback pride dominates the area and each and every student at UA seems to bleed Razorback Red. As the largest university in Arkansas, UA is the state’s pride and joy, and the 76,000 capacity football stadium is filled on game days with loyal Hog fans decked in red and white. “
On football game days, the town of Fayetteville almost shuts down,” one biology major writes. Arkansas students are proud of their sports teams and school traditions, the most popular of which is “calling the hogs.” Other popular organizations on campus include Associated Student Government, intramural sports, religious organizations, and a very active Greek community. One senior history major describes the student body as “
mostly fraternity and sorority people” who “
run virtually everything,” but most claim that while Greek life is indeed big on campus, there are plenty of other goings on, including notable guest speakers and musical acts. Recent visitors to campus have included Anderson Cooper, Malcolm Gladwell, the Roots and the Foo Fighters.
Though students note that Arkansas’ reputation may suffer due to those who stereotype it as a “hillbilly” state that is home to uneducated “rednecks,” the UA campus is considerably diverse and boasts a large foreign student population. The wide variety of people on campus, however, don't always intermingle. “
I feel like social groups are pretty divided," observes one student. "
The Greek community, the independents, the athletes, and the international students seem to stick with their own groups.” Still, this is a Southern school, and students are known for being courteous and hospitable. “
Everyone is friendly and conscientious of each other. People say 'hi' and smile even when they don’t know you and everyone holds doors for each other,” writes one freshman. In fact, the prevailing attitude on campus is so accepting that one student claims, “
The only type of student I could see feeling out of place would be one that didn't like the Razorbacks!”