Arcata, CA
Humboldt State University

The campus is super green and surrounded by trees, the ocean is just a short drive away, and nature is everywhere. The campus is so pretty and everyone here seems to get along really well. I think it's a great school, though it can be expensive, but so are most colleges.

I think HSU is a great school if maybe you didn’t do the best in high school, but regret that somewhat and want to pursue further education. It is like any other college I’m sure, but I love how the culture and community is here. Everyone wants to have fun and a lot of people enjoy certain “extra curricular activities” which can be fun but everyone also seems to have a serious work ethic, with a few exceptions. This makes it easier to stay focused especially when living with all these other individuals with similar interests and drives as you.

I enjoy going here. There’s always someone new to meet. Every professor I have had is more the willing to help you especially if you go to there office hours. There’s spots if you like sports but it does not run the school. There are few sororities and fraternities If you interested, and tons of clubs for everyone. Your 15 minutes from the ocean and a 5 minute walk to the redwoods. This is a fun place to be at, but it’s a bit hurt to find off campus housing so start early. All in all it is a cool place to be.

I'm a Humboldt State Ambassador, so my opinion may be a little biased. However, I love the overall atmosphere and vibe of Humboldt State. Everyone, including students and staff, are very welcoming and helpful. My professors are always there when I need help. Our school also very much focuses on the STEM majors. There are so many hands-on opportunities that I have/will take advantage of. For example, we have a Vertebrate Museum on campus and every sample is a one-on-one work with a professor and students! Plus, you can't beat Humboldt County. From the Redwoods to the Coast, you're sure to fall in love!

I am extremely disappointed in Humboldt State. I, too was initially drawn in by the culture and location of this institute. The harsh realization is that there's nowhere to live, the school is broke and cuts programs every semester (like the football program and school radio), parking is a nightmare, and staff doesn't care about student's success.

Humboldt State University isn't perfect, no school is. But there are constantly things to do which is rare for a small town due to all of the outdoor activities such as surfing and hiking. The community also always has festivals, parades, and other activities going on as well. As for the schools majority of the students seem to be pretty socially aware and let their voices be heard. The majority of the student body is academically driven and doesn't let the administration take away their voice.

It’s a great school. There’s an atmosphere that’s very conducive to learning and there are so many dedicated and passionate people here. Living on campus provides many opportunities to be involved, and usually your major will have a club associated with it that you can join. Overall, a great school!

I like how liberal and nice everyone is. The professors extend their office hours at times to accomadate the schedules of students. The school and students alike are very enivormentally aware with limiting the waste in and around campus. More than the majority of students care for making the world a better place. Not to mention the environment surrounding the campus; the beautiful scenery of the big red wood trees next to the ocean.

I really enjoy the calm and welcoming culture. The people are so kind and relaxed. Since it is so small, the class sizes allow you to connect with your professors. As a STEM major, I was worried about not being able to have access to my professors when I needed to ask questions, but every time I have needed help, they have been there. There is lots of access to research, even as an undergrad. I highly recommend HSU for nature-loving students who want to go to a school that fosters that love.

Humboldt State University is a beautiful campus backed up against a redwood forest. The campus features tables and benches nestled in quiet, serene pockets of redwoods for students to relax at in between classes. Most of the professors I have encountered are eager to share their knowledge and experience with students and are more than happy to provide after-hours assistance, provided that the student has demonstrated a good work ethic and is already trying their hardest. For those with animal-related majors, the vertebrate museum is an invaluable resource and features some skulls found nowhere else. The issues with HSU lie in the budget. The campus has very little money and it shows in the antiquated lab devices and moldy smelling lecture rooms. Administrators make significantly more money than professors and would rather students lose some of the best minds the university has due to pay cuts and class cuts rather than take pay cuts themselves. It is a struggle to plan out semesters because classes are not offered on a predictable basis, and some are only offered every year-and-a-half. Furthermore, administration pushes "15 to finish," which encourages students to take 15 units per semester, even if it is detrimental to the student's GPA and mental health, all in the name of pushing students out the door of a severely overcrowded campus more quickly. Overall, the campus is beautiful, the faculty is wonderful, the administration is atrocious, and the parking has caused too many students to miss class.