DePaul University Top Questions

Describe the students at your school.

Cristina

Rich, white, suburb kids who are spoilded, out of touch, ignorant, and intitled

Cristina

Rich, white, suburb kids who are spoilded, out of touch, ignorant, and intitled

Olivia

My classmates are generally amicable and friendly but not always the most energetic, I believe that their energy is spent more in their academic endevors than socializing and this contributes to their lack of vitality.

Jasmine

There is no one way to describe my Depaul class mates, but if I had to chose it would be strong willed, dedicated, and divers individuals.

Widalys

My classmates are very responsible and helpfull when it comes to the school work.

Everett

DePaul University is home of a variety of students who are diverse in all senses including race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, and intelligence types.

Danielle

To be honest, most of my classmates have the potential to be very successful, but it is up to them to prove that potential to their professors, other classmates, and especially, themselves.

Cassie

DePaul is honestly a great place to just sit and people watch because the campus is so diverse! I wish that I could have enough free time to sit in the quad during spring and just watch all of the different people who walk in and out of buildings. No, I am not a creeper but our student population is so radically diverse and interesting to observe. Anyone can wear anything and not feel out of place. That being said, hardly anyone wears sweats to go to class downtown. If anything, it is slightly more appropriate to dress up for a Loop class, just because everyone else walking around downtown in the financial district looks so spiffy! Even though DePaul is known as a Catholic institution, the LGBT community is very vibrant and present on campus. DePaul really does accept people from all different walks of life. I am so humbled to attend a school that has created a space where all can feel welcome.

Brenda

If i could describe my classmates in one sentence it would be eargerness to learn. My class mates are interesting individual that come from various backgrounds.

Martin

In my school there is a huge variety of people. It is a huge school so you can find anything that you are interested in and the people in here act without prejudices and really friendly. Students were anything that is comfortable pretty much anything they feel comfortable in. The most of the students are from Midwest but myself I am from Czech Republic, among my friends are folks from California, Idaho and Kentucky.

Kayla

I believe that everyone at DePaul University is equal, and my friends would agree with me. When I look around DePaul, I do not see anyone that is ridiculed for any reasons including the following: racial, religious, LGBTQ, or socio-economic differences. In fact, DePaul encourages learning about new things. I do not think that any type of student would feel out of place at DePaul. There are so many clubs and activities to get involved with, or you could create your own. Students wear anything from sweats to heels to class; really, anything goes. Yes, different types of students do interact, wether it be in class or outside of class. There are students from Illinois and all over the world! I have met (and am friends with) people from all across the US. I also am aware of at least two students from outside the US.

Jillian

Students here come from every walk of life. You'll meet big city kids, small town kids, and everything in between. They're usually quite friendly and you can always find a circle you fit in with.

Max

As I said before, the DePaul student population is incredibly diverse. Students come from all over the world, but many come right from Illinois. DePaul has student organizations for literally any sort of race, religion, or sexual orientation. Since day one, I have felt comfortable with everyone around me, I feel like this school is a place that I truly belong. Since DePaul's tuition is pretty steep, most of the students have financial aid, but many of them also have scholarships. DePaul is really good about opportunities for earning a scholarship. Due to this, the students here represent a ton of economic backgrounds, but that never seems to be an issue, especially in socialization. The kids here all mix together, there really aren't any sort of established cliques.

Jennifer

Overall, DePaul students are very friendly and open. DePaul is a big school, so it is not easy to know everybody. However, there are many great student organizations, and it is easy to find a group that interests you. While DePaul is a Catholic school, the school is about embracing all faiths and backgrounds. A student of any religious (or non-religious) background can find organizations and religious services easily. The students at DePaul are VERY diverse, but that doesn't mean it is difficult to make friends!

Laurie

There are tons of clubs and groups at DePaul. The school is very diverse and open. Most students dress pretty casually to class. Some get a little dressed up, some wear sweat pants. All types of students interact from jocks to goth kids. Most of the students are from Chicago and the Midwest. This means a lot of students go home and see there parents often. The school has a very strong liberal voice and a strong but weaker conservitive voice. I think that has more to do with the age group of the students. As a Jew I can sometimes feel a little out of place. Hillel does get the shaft and when school first started people tried to give me Bibles on the street.

Gabriella

They're young, full of energy and ready for education. Me on the other hand, is an Adult transfer student, returning to college for the first time in over a decade. I haven't got to meet most of my classmates, but I'm sure that they're very nice and not nasty and mean.

Tron

This school is racially and economically diverse. I am always surrounded by people who are different from me, which is a good experience. I know this will help me in the business world since business is all about learning how to advertise and market to different people.

Clare

It's honestly a little difficult to describe a "type" of person that goes to DePaul, because in reality it is one of the most diverse places I've ever been to. It definitely attracts a large number of wealthier kids from the suburbs of Chicago, but they are by no means the majority. There are definitely distinct groups that form, for example the athletes pretty much stick together, as do the theater kids, the music kids, and the gaming kids. But for the most part everyone mingles with each other. Greek culture is big on campus, but in no means overwhelming. Not being a huge supporter of sororities and fraternities myself, I have actually had some really nice experiences with the DePaul factions. But if Sororities aren't your thing, it doesn't matter because DePaul has a huge amount of organizations and groups. It doesn't matter if you're a film nerd, or a music enthusiast, or really into the environment, there is most likely already a group dedicated to it. Athletics are huge at DePaul, but so are its theater productions and music showcases. People are pretty supportive of one another here, which is surprising considering the hugely contrasting areas of study. Religion is always present, but not just Catholicism. Almost every faith is represented at DePaul, whether through its staff or student body, and DePaul is great about interfaith discussion and learning. Personally, when I first came to DePaul I was a little concerned about the religious aspect. I was raised Vedantist, which is a very old, eastern philosophy, and I was very wary of Catholicism. Almost immediately I felt comfortable. Faith is present, but it is not suffocating and it is not admonishing. I have taken two religion classes, each taught by one of the Fathers at DePaul, and was hugely impressed by not only their breadth of knowledge of other faiths, but also in their appreciation of those faiths. It is refreshing being around so many people that are not only different from myself, but who also appreciate those differences and learn from them.

Shaymus

A lot of people assume things about DePaul University's student body because it labels and promotes itself as a large Catholic school. In reality, there is a lot more religious diversity than that. There are prominent Jewish and Muslim student groups, as well as non-Catholic Christian denominations. They all receive substantial support from the school administration, and never in my time there did I run into or hear about mistreatment towards one group from another. It tends to be an open-minded student body and administration. One of the most interesting (albeit kind of trivial) aspects of DePaul's student body is the general differences between students who frequent the Lincoln Park campus versus the Loop campus. Since Lincoln Park is A) the location of most of the dorms and B) where most of the younger students have classes, you see a lot more of the typical stduents-in-their-pajamas-and-sweats fashion. Downtown - since it requires travel on the El and is where the business and broadcast classes are generally located - you see students dressed up a little bit. Not always suits and what have you, but certainly a little more effort seems to be put into the outfit. Not that

Heather

DePaul University situated itself right in the middle of Chicago. As a born and bread Chicago resident, I know what this means in terms of fashion, attitude and socializing. Here is a tale of my aunt, back when she was just a young thing frolicking around the city with her first secretary job. She had a six block walk from her apartment to the building where she worked. And of course did it in high heels every day. Some women wear comfortable shoes out and change them into the more fashionable heels once in the work place. Not my aunt. She was a trooper, cat-walking through the pain, all for the sake of looking good. This idea of looking good I feel is a city symptom. I even fall prey to it, despite my love of sweat pants. When I go to class and have to be seen by other Chicago natives, I want to look good. This isn't just because I'm a girl, men do it too. A large percentage of DePaul will also fall victim to looking city chique. Because DePaul University is so centrally located, and walking out your door is walking into Chicago, its not odd to find many girls in heels and skirts despite the weather, and guys in expensive looking shoes and fashionable jackets. That is not to say that the whole of DePaul is egocentric and posh, it just means that people tend to want to make themselves look nice. Since every night is a night out on the town, it seems only natural. We do have a variety of students however, and you'll find them expressing themselves through many different styles. We are truly a diverse university, and that is obvious when you look around campus. This applies to more than just the fashion, and extends to academics and origins. Students come to DePaul University from across the nation. I have met someone from nearly every state, and from different areas within each state. Although there is a decent amount of people from Illinois, most are not from Chicago. All of these people have made Chicago their home now, and have made great friends from far places in the process. The draw for all of these out of state students is not just the city life (though it may be for some) but the academic programs. DePaul offers a wide range of courses that are not commonly offered at other universities. Both our music and theater programs are known across the nation and are highly selective due to their expertise, as well as our game design program which features several top designers as professors. Thats not to say that or more conventional programs aren't just as renowned, as the liberal arts, science, commerce and education departments often feature famous professors who have accomplished much before turning to teaching. This wide range of major fields leads to a diverse population of students. I would say that each school has its own way of working and studying, though that might be considered stereotyping the field of study. Though from my experience it seems true. Not everyone sits at the library or in a computer lab with their faces smothered in books. You'll see people in cafe's and in our quad in study groups or on their own. No one is the same, and DePaul recognizes this not only on a surface level, but with deeper understanding, providing for these differences by means of study areas and tutors. From its fashion to its academics, DePaul proves its diversity through its students. With so many opportunities to 'find yourself' in the city different fashions and interests are formed. And from our variety of majors, new careers and study habits are apparent. Not one student is the same, nor does DePaul try to make them conform to a preconceived notion of a 'good student'. To me, this is a true form of diversity, people coming from across the country to study and be accepted. Diversity, meet DePaul.

Jason

As I mentioned earlier, DePaul welcomes students from different socio-economic backgrounds and attracts those who seek to have their voice heard through its many on-campus groups regarding LGBT, politics, religion, and community activism. The hub for these campus groups is the student center, where one can find other students petitioning or fundraising for upcoming university events or social issues. Though most students I have met at DePaul are more on the liberal side, students have open minds toward each other's personal beliefs and practices. DePaul students are passionate about their beliefs and want to see change done in the world, and they might just be the ones to do it.

Elizabeth

As I've previously said, DePaul is extremely diverse! If you're looking for an LGBT class, racial or religious studies, etc, DePaul is the place for all of it! The university consistently hosts speakers from different backgrounds and areas of opinion to cater to its diverse student body. The school recently hosted a drag show at the student center and it attracted all kinds of students, not just those that identify LGBT.

Nicole

I have had nothing but good experiences with diversity at DePaul.

Sara

Students at DePaul are very open and welcoming to people of all different backgrounds, social class, race, and gender, which makes for a very warm and welcoming learning environment. People are comfortable to be themselves, wear the things they want, and act the way they want. This also allows for many interesting conversations about various environmental,political, and societal topics without lots of arguing, but more sharing of ideas.

Brianna

There are so many different organizations at DePaul University. Like many, if not all colleges, athletics plays a large roll in student life, but at DePaul it does not define it. Students take more pride in academic and community participation. There are numerous organizations that focus on volunteering, which benefits our greater Chicago community.

Brittany

I think DePaul is extremely accepting of people from all different ethnicity's, races, sexual orientations, and socio-economic background. I've met students from all different walks of life and DePaul is accepting and supportive of everyone. I would say that students dress a little more formal to class than most schools because we are in a large city. There are all different types of students. I honestly can't think of a stereotypical DePaul student because everyone is so different. A lot of students are from the suburbs but I've also met students from all over the world. There is a large homosexual population at DePaul so I would say that students tend to be more liberal but there really is a large range of students. A lot of students do strive to make a lot of money but students also work extremely hard in class and in extra curricular activities.

Alex

As I detailed earlier, there is almost every type of student at DePaul-- which is something I found necessary when choosing a college. The campus is small and cozy, but situated in a dense neighborhood. Regardless of your religious/political/socioeconomic position, most people who attend DePaul treat eachother as adults. We don't wear pajamas to class, ever. Campus is hustling and busting with Undergraduates who may live on campus or nearby, graduate students and professors co-mingling in our Student Center, Ray Meyer Fitness Center and the Library. There is every type of person, and I think we are definitely more fashionable and interesting than the average college student. Many students picked DePaul specifically because it is urban, forward-thinking and world class.

Sarah

DePaul is largely made up of students from Illinois and the surrounding midwest states but I have fit right in as a student from california. I was worried initially that my friends would all go home on the weekends or commute but that is not the case and lots of students live on or near campus. DePaul has tons of student organizations and there truly is something to match everyone's interests. DePaul made up almost entirely of liberal faculty and students though as a political science student I feel that both sides of the spectrum are always presented. Students at DePaul really are free thinkers and love to come up with big ideas to make changes in the world around them. Socially responsible leadership is a key aspect of a DePaul education and this is definitely reflected int he careers students choose and the conversations they have outside of class.

Rebecca

The people I have met seem down to earth friendly people.

Jesse

There are students from every religion, racial group, sexual preference, socio-economic status. The students are predominantly left-wing. Students who desire a spawling campus in a rural area probably would not like it here. I personally enjoyed my time here very well. Only 15{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of students live on campus (mostly underclassmen), but many live within blocks of campus in apartments so that stat can be misleading.

Laura

Within The Theatre School, every single person is passionate about their craft. It's filled with creative energy! Outside of The Theatre School, my classmates are from all over the country with many different opinions. In a classroom setting, everyone is quite bright and intelligent. Outside of the classroom, people are very friendly and welcoming.

Charlie

DePaul is one gigantic melting-pot smorgasboard of different races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, socio-economic conditions, and personalities. Only an extraterrestrial from outer space would find themselves out of place here. Most recently, thirty-six percent of our 2009 freshmen class reported themselves as students of a minority and we have been ranked #1 as having the most diverse student body. Those who have yet to see it or believe it just open your eyes when you walk around campus. Very rarely will you find closely knit cliques, and all of our students clubs help bring together like-minded people. Although you will find a fair share of suburban chicagoans at DePaul, there are plenty of students from out of state like myself and international students.

Konrad

My classmates are engaged in class and very open on various topics.

maher

The kids at DePaul are kind, helpful, and support one another when someone is in need.

charlie

My classmates, along with my professors, are great, they are what makes me want to come to campus day in and day out to learn and better my life.

Nader

The students at DePaul are high achievers, hardworking competitive students.

Jessica

My classmates are extremly diverse, motivated individuals who are responsible in attendance and academic work.

Brittany

My classmates are unique individuals that inspire me to be the best person I can possibly be.

Maggie

My classmates are driven, ambitious, and individuals.

Pietro

Classmates are very sociable; it is easy to ask a classmate for help, or an opinion, or even just making conversation and friends.

Nakeisha

I think most classmates can be described as dedicated, honest, kind, open, and diverse.

Leonard

My classmates are a constant source of inspiration. I am constantly amazed at the vast amount of knowledge that a roomful of students can possess. They are constantly forcing me to examine my own beliefs and opinions. The collegiate experience would not be the same without the other students I interact with in the classroom.

Noelle

My classmates did not have as much motivation or drive as I do and they looked down on me for putting school as my first priority rather than falling under peer pressure with drinking and smoking.

Lauren

My fellow classmates are well-diversed and encouraged to think out of the box/learn things they wouldn't consider learning about origanlly.

Kayla

My classmates are generally friendly but tend to keep to themselves in and out of class.

amanda

All my classmates this semester were incredibly helpful, and encouraging, Most of the people I had classes with this semester are approching the point of transfering over to universities, so we were all pretty helpful towards one another.

Liz

Mature, Fun, Motivated, Driven, Intellectual

Kristen

Classmates at DePaul University are focused and eager to help others.

Michael

My classmates, for the most part, are a hard working group of students that did well in high school and are looking to succeed primarily in the business world.

Grace

My classmates at DePaul are artistic, accepting, engaging, quirky, and socially aware.