University of Delaware  -  Delaware

“When I tell people I went to UD, some are impressed, but I've gotten a few that said, ‘Where is that?’ ‘Um, Delaware.’ ‘Where's that?’ ‘South of NJ.’ ‘Ohh.’” This University of Delaware alumnae isn’t the only Blue Hen who’s had to familiarize others with the flagship public university of the second smallest state in the country.

Depending on the size and level of any given class, academics at the University of Delaware can be either extremely challenging or an easy way to fulfill a requirement. “Now that I'm a senior I feel that my classes are very small and most professors know my name,” writes a business major. “I actively participate in all my classes but I know many students rarely raise their hands or even go to class for that matter. Some classes are strictly exams, and attendance and participation are not necessary to get an A in the class - just reading the books or getting the notes offline will do. Other classes require attendance and you need to put in a lot more effort.” Although most students take their studies within their major seriously, don’t expect to hear too many deep intellectual conversations outside of class. Undergrads claim that the student body tends to be more politically aware than active: “Students follow the news and have a general understanding of what's going on concerning university news and politics. However you will have a hard time finding students protesting on UD's campus. Students just don't care that much,” writes a recent alum from New York. 

Aside from its well-known engineering program, Delaware’s administration and student body rave about UD’s highly regarded study abroad offerings. “I am the strongest advocate of UD's study abroad program, and I wish that I could have experienced it more than just twice. I do not feel it should be a graduation requirement to study abroad, but I believe everyone who is interested should take full advantage of what UD has to offer because it is very unique and unforgettable,” writes a recent alum who studied in Australia, New Zealand, and Peru.

Socially, Delaware provides everything a student would expect from a big university. While students don’t dispute UD’s reputation as a party school, few feel that the party scene gets out of hand. “I think that UD isn't as big as a ‘party’ school as it has been in the past. You can definitely find other activities to do on the weekends if drinking isn't your thing. But if it is – you can always find a party!” writes a recent alum with a psychology degree. The university’s most popular pastime is tailgating before Blue Hen football games. “Homecoming is one of the biggest events that all students look forward to each year. It’s very common to start drinking at 10am or earl[ier]. A lot of students go for the game but more people go for the tailgating,” writes a junior education major. 

Despite Newark’s small college-town feel, students sometimes report issues with locals from the surrounding area. “The biggest problem with UD would definitely be the relationship between the students and the ‘townies.’ Newark has gotten much more dangerous in the past five years with crime increasing. It's not a bad place to live, students just have to be more cautious at night,” writes a 2007 graduate from Annapolis, Maryland. 

For the most part, Delaware’s student population is fairly homogenous. “UD's students are primarily all white and appear to be middle- to upper-class,” reports a senior from Wilmington. “There is not much diversity at all. There is a lot of emphasis on appearance and everyone follows similar fashions. Most students wear sweats to class during the winter, but as soon as warm weather comes pretty much all the girls break out the skirts and dresses.” Although UD undergrads, like at any school, have been known to self-segregate, there are opportunities for students to unite through registered student organizations. “Whatever race, religion, [or] sexual orientation you are, Delaware has a group for it,” writes a recent alum and former member of the Gamma Sigma Sigma community service sorority. 

In general, University of Delaware students rave about the school’s strong, balanced offerings, ensuring that its reputation continues to grow among out-of-staters. In the words of a senior communication major: “The best thing about Delaware is the quintessential/classic college experience it offers. We have our little Main Street, beautiful green, large but not dominant Greek life, solid academics, a good bar scene and we surely know how to party.”