Sioux Falls, SD
Augustana University

Augustana University, a place where opportunity knocks and invigorating careers tend to follow. Like any transition, leaving home can be difficult for first year or transfer students. One thing Augustana offers is a First-year Seminar class. Although the First-year Seminar classes can feel redundant and very literary focused, they enable students to learn good study habits, learn what it is like to have a lot of homework, meet individuals from across the country (and world), and most importantly learn what resources are available on campus. Even as a sophomore here at Augustana University I am amazed by the time that my professors put in to make my education worthwhile. One of my favorite memories from my freshman year at Augustana was always going to the Morrison Commons and having a cookie after both lunch and dinner. I cannot tell you how many cookies I have eaten at my time here! The commons was and always will be a place where one can catch up with their friends, and enjoy good food (most of the time, everyone has a bad day here and there). If you are looking for a safe activity on the weekend (both Friday and Saturday nights) then you won't have to look any farther. With activities most Friday and Saturday nights students can enjoy singers, comedians, speed painters, henna tattoos, carnivals, mini golf, laser tag, ice skating, and so much more! Overall, I could not be more satisfied with my choice to pick Augustana University as the place where I would call home for four years of my life. The opportunities are endless, and the relationships made between peers, faculty, and others are truly magnificent.

My overall opinion of Augustana University is that I love everyone I have met there in the past year and I think I will continue to be great friends with them for the rest of my life and if it weren't for going here I would never have met these great people. The classes are hard but very interesting and I like the challenges. The elmen center is my favorite place to be because of the people and the activities they offer.

I think Augie is a great school and campus. The class sizes are pretty small which I enjoy because you are able to get to know your classmates and professors individually. The staff at Augustana is pretty helpful and cheerful and very welcoming, which is something that drew me to Augustana. I think Augustana needs to work on their on campus housing, as well as parking and also need to improve diversity on campus. Augustana has pushed me academically and I really appreciate that because it has caused me to have a deeper appreciation for education and forced me to focus on my studies. I am glad I chose Augustana and am excited to be an alumni of such a great community.

This school is academically rigorous to a point where the student-body is so stressed out, that they are cracking under the pressure with finals, yet it is a welcoming and wonderful environment. I feel extremely safe and I find that my classes are intellectually stimulating. Overall, a great school and I am happy I go here to earn my degree.

Overrall, Augusta University is a very calm atmosphere. There is a little of everything. Politics, art, sports, Greek life, and intellectual conversations about current events. I think there is a group for everyone, if someone wants to be involved they will find clubs and events, if someone wants to go to class and leave they won’t feel out of place.

I think it's a great school and offers great opportunities. There are many different groups and activities going on throughout campus. This allows everyone to get involved and do what they love to do. The professors are very nice and helpful and are always at the ready to help anyone at any time.

I am sitting in the Huddle, our campus hub for coffee, food, and friendship. In one corner, a group of students with computers open laugh and discuss future plans and educational opportunities with a professor. Off to the side, one English professor is holding a one-on-one writing conference with a First Year Seminar student and explaining the finer points of writing an effective argumentative essay. To my right, friends chat over plates of delicious food from the commons upstairs. The culture of close relationships with professors and deep friendships is clearer than glass. Augustana is a school designed for student success through professors, online resources, and the Success Center.

Augustana University may not be a beautiful castle on the hill, but the academic environment is worth enduring the outdated buildings and cold winter. The culture encourages learning and achievement as everyone seems excited to be there. Professors take the time to get to know their students and are willing to help with academic, professional, and personal struggles. The campus always hosts fun activities and interesting speakers, which decreases the need for partying as entertainment. Overall, Augustana is truly a place for possibilities, even if some of the school's infrastructure is lacking.

Augustana University is a great place to learn! I'm actually learning my trade here and everyone wants to see you succeed! The staff and professors are wonderful but the student body already has a lot of cliques. It's hard to make any friends or connections if you move from far away. It's best to decide to join a sport or a group, but academically I feel that I'm learning so much more than my last college!

The school is like a giant peppy family. People are very supportive and love to give support to as many groups and programs on campus as possible. The tight-knit campus provides an opportunity for all students to get involved and find their niche. Though the school is very science-based, it is truly for everyone. The academics are rigorous but the faculty and your peers are cheering for you constantly. I am proud to be an Augie Viking, and I think that anyone would be lucky to earn a degree from the prettiest and most heart-warming campus around!