Hilo, HI
University of Hawaii at Hilo

I don’t go to the main campus, I go to their college of pharmacy. Currently, we are still in modular trailers waiting for our new campus to open. It has been 10 years in the making, but it was announced in the paper that July will be the official opening day of our new campus. It will be an exciting day.

I truly believe that University of Hawaii at hilo is a great school because I know it has the tools that can shape me up and make me prepared for my future. I have been developing skills and I have been feeling more confident when it comes to things like laboratory.

I have attended this university for over 6 years now both as an undergraduate and graduate student. The college has a very like-able fitness center and due to out many health majors offered on campus, many students on campus are fitness and health-oriented. The campus itself is beautiful with green grass, palm trees, open hallways and centers and a sometimes rainy, sometimes sunny sky above. A small enrollment rate makes the campus not crowded and classes not overwhelmingly full. The Hilo community leads a very laid-back and friendly reputation that is immediately apparent. The college does need to up it's academics though as many professors aren't demanding. The College of Pharmacy is also still brand new and figuring so much out that it feels chaotic and disorganized for a graduate school profession that we pay thousands of dollars for every year. Parking sucks and the system of buying a pass only for a particular zone when classes are scheduled many areas on campus doesn't seem to be efficient.

Although I am currently only a freshman, I have experienced so much in the time that I have spent so far at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. There are several things that I truly enjoy that the campus has to offer. For example, I love the variety of quality food in the dining hall that they provide, the altruism and support of professors/peers, and the size of the campus. I have lived in Hawaii my entire life and it's nice to be able to have that same feel of home and "aloha" that is shared on campus. There are many clubs and extracurricular activities provided through the school, which I am super excited for, and gives students the opportunity to bond together. As time goes on, I hope to experience more on the campus to widen my opportunities.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo has provided me with the helping hands and guidance I need to start my college path. From advisors to managers, everyone makes an effort to remember our names and faces on a personal level. The bond between students and staff is an extremely important part of the school and helps boost trust and understanding on campus.

My overall opinion about the University of Hawaii at Hilo is that everyone is welcoming. I feel like I have found lifelong friends at this University. With everyone,​ I encounter we all have a great from hosting events and just being surrounded by the community. The University of Hawaii at Hilo is an amazing place to be if you have never been there. Most people at first will be thinking why the Big Island there is nothing to do there. Honestly, if you know the right people and make the right friends the Big Island and the University of Hawaii at Hilo will not be boring at all. I can tell you that from experience.

There’s not much going on socially & there’s no night life in the town but the academics are up to par. If you’re looking for a simple college life & on campus jobs, UH is an okay option. I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone looking to be social outside of class, unless you’ll be living on campus or playing sports.

Hilo is a very accessible campus. Without being a student yet, they have been the most convenient school to call, email, and talk to. That was the largest benefactor to choosing the University of Hilo, Hawai'i as my campus. All their facilities are updated including the on-campus housing and new doctorate buildings. Through their email system, they displayed a large concern for student safety. Up to date emails kept all students aware of the recent volcanic action in the local area and vog (a large concern for those with respiratory issues). They also offered lots of options for those in need of help in regards of natural weather concerns, options for issues preventing academic performance, and various contacts. I feel very safe and all my confidence is to represent Hilo. A representative even visited my high school to congradulate me formally! Looking forward to being a Vulcan!!! Encouraging other students to look towards Hilo!

As a current student, I can say I am a happy Vulcan. My first year of college off-island was a big mental stress for me, but the people and the facilities within in the school helped me overcome my struggle. It was a tough first year but I am glad I was able to push through and my school was very supportive of me.

University of Hawaiʻi is a great school with wonderful professors and a wide variety of students. There are multiple sports teams which provide amazing opportunities for the athletes and allows students to gather and have fun together. There are also great supportive services offered, ranging from free counseling to free tutoring.