Villanova University Top Questions

I think that Villanova's student body is at just the right amount but possibly getting a little to big for the amount of resources -- like study places available -- for the influx of students it is getting. I wish there was an easier way to get off campus though if you don't have a car. Sure there is the shuttle, but it is normally not consistent and it would be nice to get off campus for a night and not just resort to watching a movie or drinking in a dorm room. I think that there is a fair amount of school pride, but only during basketball season. Granted, our football team isn't very good, but it would be nice for our school to hype it up a little more and somehow create incentive to go to the games perhaps. One of my biggest complaints about Villanova would definitely be how hard it is to get involved in the big organizations on campus such as Blue Key, Ambassadors and even committees for Special Olympics, etc. I understand that there needs to be some sort of process to it, but I don't think it is evenly distributed across campus. Villanova is about who you know and if you know the right people. And that annoys me.

It is a great academic and social atmosphere, and truly feels like a real college experience. We have school spirit and there is a strong sense of community.

The best thing about Villanova is it's active campus. There is always something to do. When I tell people I go to Villanova they are very impressed. I spend most of my time on campus outside running or at the gym, or just hanging with friends.

The best thing about Villanova is the professors. They're all really knowledgable, intelligent people who are enthusiastic about teaching. I've only had one bad experience, and it turned out the next year she was let go, (or she moved on herself, i'm not sure which). Besides her, every professor I've had has been excellent. The students come in at a close second place. For the most part the students are all very friendly. The third best thing is the basketball team. This year a new excercise facility was finished and it is really great, I envy the incoming freshmen who will get to use it for all 4 of their college years. I feel the school is a perfect size, although they are steadily growing the size of their admitted class. The biggest problem at Villanova is a shortage in housing. I think most freshmen are tripled which is an extremely difficult and annoying way to live for a year. Also Seniors who aren't nurses or presidential scholars can't live on campus. The area surrounding Villanova is a very rich suburban neigborhood and commercial shopping district. The people who live in the surrounding area are sort of hostile in some ways to the University and the students. There are some nice bars frequented by students, but they're located a far walk away from campus. There is a train that goes from campus to stops very near these bars, but the fare is expensive and I believe the last train leaves at around 12:30. The bars are also relatively tough on ID's.

i wish we could expand to make it bigger b/c then we could get more resources for students, better labs, etc. when i tell people i go to nova, i get either - where? or thats a very prestigious school or is it villa-no-fun? its not a college town. good administration. good school pride which drew me to go to nova. there is ZERO diversity which is very sad. most students that go to nova, have never had ANY diversity before in their classes.

The best thing about nova are the teachers and small classroom size. You probably will never no everyone, but its cool to walk around campus and see familiar faces. We are very service orientated and there is a very religious undertone, I mean there are crosses in every classroom. We are spoiled with great housing and food----which can create a bubble of safety and a non-real world experience.

The size of Villanova is perfect. We have great academics and most people are either impressed to hear that I attend Villanova or dont know where it is. Socially, it just seems to be a drinking school because there isnt much else to do. Even though there are many schools in the area, it still isnt a college town.

I love the school. The people are so nice, and the campus is so pretty. I wish there was more of a college town atmosphere, but the school does a good job of keeping students busy and entertained on campus.

The best thing about Villanova is the strong community feeling generated between great people. Everyone is very involved on campus, especially in service activities, and there is definitely a unity among Villanovans. I think Villanova is the perfect size--you will always see people you know around campus but there are always opportunities to meet plenty of new people. Villanova is located on the "Main Line" of Philadelphia: a string of wealthy suburbs. It is not a college town, but there are plenty of cute restaurants, good shopping, and enough 'college bars' to satisfy the students who are of age. Villanova's new president (as of last year) is Fr. Peter Donohue and he's awesome. At basketball games, the students will sometimes chant his name; he is a visible and beloved figure on campus. He has office hours each week that any student can go to. I feel that with each incoming class, it is getting more difficult to get to know Fr. Peter. Unlike the classes before, I never had the opportunity to have him as a teacher and only know him as the president. I spend most of my time on campus in the Connelly Center and some nights, the library. Villanova always has an intense school spirit, and with our basketball team advancing to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament this year, it was even better.

villanova is awesome

Villanova is a great size. You see people you know when you walk around. Yet when you go out on the weekends you can still meet new people. People here have fun, but they could have a little less uptight. Villanova's administration works hard to make everything very personal. They are usually pretty easy to get in contact with. We do NOT live in a college town. Radnor is about as evil as they come. There is a TON of school pride, especially with our basketball time recently making the Sweet Sixteen! woohoo! Overall, I'm proud to go to Nova.

I love the student masses at Villanova. I did not like church at home and now the one thing I don't want to leave behind are these student masses with standing room only and wonderful student musicians. There are a wide variety of service opportunities on campus, in fact this is one of the most service oriented schools I know of or have heard of, and we exceed others by a lot. That culture and the community here makes Villanova a very welcoming place.

there's definitely a lot of school pride here. villanova is a pretty prestigious university, and aside from priding itself in continuously top-ranked competitive programs, villanova also takes great pride in its athletics, particularly basketball. being a part of the nova nation is a huge factor that helps you to feel welcomed and included when you arrive on campus as a freshman.

By your senior year, Villanova is like being in high school all over again. You see the same people at the same places. I think Villanova is a little bit too small, but then again they don't really have any room to expand because the surrounding neighborhood HATES Villanova students, yet they choose to reside so close to us. Odd.

Good size... I'm not terribly proud to say I go to Villanova, a lot of times you get the reaction you would if you say your from Jersey. No college town. Pride during Bball season. Theres a lot of superficial BS here.

I would make Villanova more diverse. I haven't been able to meet different kinds of people from different parts of the world. It's not international at all.

I think that Villanova is the perfect size, walking from one end of campus you can't help but see at least 2 people you know but with that there are 100 people you have never seen before. There is no way that you could ever know eeveryone in the school or even in your grade but you will know almost everyone from someone who knows someone who knows someone. MOre and more when I tell people that I am in the Villanova School of Business they are visibly impressed. VSB has developed a great reputation with employers and the public alike.

Great size, classes are small, but always can meet new people. Great opportunities to get involved. Not the greatest party school.

I have to say that there is something very special about this campus that I have had a lot of trouble putting my finger on. I don't know whether it is the emphasis on community at this school or the spirit that spreads like rapid fire when we rally around the basketball team, but there is something about this school that I tend to notice is missing from my high school friends' college experiences. Maybe it is the fact that everyone feels the need to be involved in some way on campus. I can't say that I know a single person that isn't involved with something here (whether it be the tour guides, special olympics, greek life, orientation, student government, habitat for humanity, etc.). Maybe it is the fact that even though this school has over 6000 people, everyone still knows everyone else. You can't walk from one end of the campus to the other without stopping to say hi to at least ten people. There is just this incredible aspect of community that I have not seen at any other school I have gone to visit or heard about from any of my friends back home.

perfect size - get to know a lot of people but never know anyone. people love nova, so excited. great to be close to philly. SO MUCH school pride it's awesome! will always remember leading search (retreat) and going on break trips. some complain about not enough partying, most say you can find what you want.

Villanova is an awesome atmosphere and I love it so much. Everyone brings something new to the table. There is a great sense of community and everyone is so welcoming to other people. Villanova students want to be involved and they want to help others. I stay on campus every weekend and I never want to leave and I think that it's the same for a lot of students. The Nova Nation is so powerful and so school spirited.

I think i would change the range of types of students that come to villanova, if thats even possible, more diversity, especially financially. i think it is a little too big, but thats just for my liking. A lot of people are like wow thats a good school or they dont know what it is at all. I spend most of my time in my dorm and at the library. I think there is a lot of school pride. one experience i will always remember is orientation and fun times in my dorm. The most frequent student complaints i think are about the food and the amount of parking space which doesnt allow for everyone to have a car on campus if they choose to do so. But i like villanova.

-the best thing about villanova is its committment to service -one thing i would change is the selectivity of most campus organizations -villanova is the perfect size for me, you can walk across campus and see twenty people you know, but still meet new people everyday -the reaction i get from people when i tell them i go to nova has improved in recent years, but generally people are impressed by it; you usually get a few basketball comments as well -as am off-campus senior i spend most of my time on campus in class; when i have time in between classes and meetings i usually go to a computer lab or connelly center -villanova is definitely a college town, plus philadelphia is so close and accessible -i think that the villanova administration is great in general; there are certain aspects that could use work, such as academic advising -the biggest recent controversy was probably the conversion to organic and trans-fat free food in all the dining halls and markets -there is an amazing amount of school pride at villanova, it is one of the best things about going here -i cant think of anything unusual about villanova, expect maybe that you cant always use your meal plan during lunch hours -there is so much that i will remember about nova, such as habitat trips, fr. peters inauguration and the inaugural ball, every novafest, i could go on and on.. -students usually complain about meal plans, the selection process for certain service activities and organizations, and parking

Villanova has a huge basketball following. The team fluctuates year by year, but the fans are extremely loyal. There is a lottery for student tickets, but if you really want a ticket for the game, and you didn't get one in the lottery, you can find someone who has an unused ticket. They're also free!! The school is just the right size, right in the middle. It's not too small where everyone knows everyone's business, but its not too big where you are intimidated by huge classes and huge masses of people. One experience I will never forget are my service break trips I have taken through Campus Ministry. You DO NOT have to be religious to go on these trips. They are habitat trips throughout the United States or Mission Trips that go around the world during week long breaks during the semesters, or the month we have off after Christmas. They are a great way to meet people and learn more about yourself and global issues.

Villanova is a small, private, Catholic school located on the prestigious mainline of Philadelphia. It is beautifully landscaped, and even more interesting, it is an arboretum. Freshmen are located on south campus, which is about a 5 minute walk from main campus. Juniors and Seniors have the option of living on campus in new apartments on west campus, which is also about a 5 minute walk from main campus, or off campus. The Villanova athletics bring great pride to the school. There are many food options on campus, all of which provide healthy, tasty selections.

Villanova has a really wonderful sense of community and a lot of volunteer service opportunities. Also, it isnt a large campus so it is easy to know a lot of people. The only bad thing is that villanova isn't really a "college town" so for freshman it is difficult to get places in the surrounding area. Sometimes we feel stuck on campus.

I love going here, even if there are some things that take away from my expected college experience. Freshman life is a little rough with certain curfew rules, and partying is strictly controlled, but you can get away with it if you know where to go and what to do and how to keep things under control. I wish it was a little bigger. The area is very strict on drinking, so it is tough to go to bars unless you are truly 21...which is i guess how it should be. There are tons of schools nearby and theres plenty to do in Philadelphia.

Our school is the right size, though at times I wish it was bigger with larger facilities. People are very impressed when informed I attend Villanova University. While here I mostly hang out in my dorm room or other friends dorms. Villanova by no means has a college town and that often makes things difficult when looking for places to eat/ buy necessary products. Without a car it can be difficult to restock simple thing such as water. There is definitely a lot of school pride targeted behind our academic achievement and basketball success. I will always remember Jay Wright speaking at the end of orientation. It truly made me feel part of a community right away.

The best thing about Villanova is the people. The sense of community is great, everyone you meet is welcoming and friendly. The professors become more like friends and really are there for you and understanding. I'd change the spirit at football games--it's lacking. Just right size. They say 'oh thats a great school'.

Villanova is a nicely sized school it's large enough to not feel confined, but small enough to not feel lost. One thing I would change is that I would make it easier to get involved. Even community service organizations have very competitive application processes. I would also ban sororities. Most of them are very shallow and hurtful towards others. Villanovans have a lot of pride in their school, much of which comes from the success of the basketball team. Many students, especially those under 21 complain that their is not a very good social scene on the weekends.

The best thing about Villanova is the love that everyone has for everyone else, not only on campus, but in the surrounding communities as well. Service is a big part of this campus and the service break trips show that people actually care about stuff like that.

I like the size because it's small enough that you will always run into people you know but big enough to have lots of different activities and opportunities. It's nice to have easy access to Philadelphia, NYC and DC. I like the community here as well as the emphases on service and social justice.

I love the size, the location, the reputation and the mission of the school. the food is great and there are so many choices. i think the student body sometimes is a bit too materialistic and too concerned with being seen as beautiful and super thin. it comes across as stuck up and unfriendly

Villanova is the perfect size, in my mind, and when people come and visit the usual response is "wow, this is not what i expected of Villanova". I spend most of my time on campus in the connelly center which is the "student union" type of building.

I was attracted to Villanova because of the school spirit I saw during basketball games and when I visited the school. When I got to campus for orientation, I was blown away at the connection I felt with the school, and still do now. There is a big pull towards service and its a great way to meet people!! Other than that, food on campus is pretty good. Villanova is definitely not a college town, but Philly is easily accessible by train, which is right on campus. I'd consider it a safe school--right now there's a "flasher" on campus, and that's our biggest problem. I'd never imagine someone getting robbed or attacked like you hear about at other schools. Overall I'm still happy with my choice of Villanova, mostly for the fantastic people I've met and the opportunities it's led to.

The best thing about Villanova is the basketball team and the academics. I personally am enrolled in the Business School which is ranked 13th in the nation. One would change is perhaps more bonding between the students. I think the school size is perfect, not too small but not too big. When I tell others I go to Villanova the usual response is, "Wow, thats a good school." I spend most of my time in my room and in class. The town is not really a college town although the King of Prussia Mall and the city provides lots of entertainment. There is definitely a lot of school pride. Just go to our basketball games and you will see.

What's the best thing about Villanova? It is a pretty tight knit community, with everything available within walking distance. There are many oppurtunities to participate in extracurricular activties and options to meet other people. The food selection is good, and the workers are very friendly and personable.

not enough diversity

The school size is just right for me. I always see people that I know, but there are plenty of people still out there to meet. I spend most of my time on main campus because I live there and this is where my classes are. There are a lot of colleges up and down the Main Line, so it is a pretty big college place. There is definitely a lot of school pride. There are so many kids who volunteer for community service and are proud to say that they are from Villanova.

good sized school, really great community service available, great alumni connections, nice that there are 2 train stations coming into VU, pretty apathetic about politics

Villanova is an awesome school, great people, great community, great education. You couldn't ask for a better location and what's better than Big East basketball and hot girls?

have a better arts program, more main campus housing

The size of the school is ideal and the location is very good. I would have to say it isn't much of a college town due to the town not approving many houses for student living which was very frustrating for me and my friends. The basketball team is very highly supported, but the other sports not too much. Overall, it is a very good place to be.

Best thing: community service One thing I'd change: no gum sold on campus because it's an arboretum Just right size-wise Generally, the school has a good reputation I spend the most time in the student center, Bartley (business building) and in the newspaper office The main line is a wealthy suburb, although the fact that there are a lot of colleges here makes it a little more college-oriented Administration: helpful and honest Recent Controversy: Michelle Obama coming to speak at a Catholic school There is a lot of wildcat pride! Unusual: shooting range in the basement of a building and crucifixes in every classroom Always remember: going to my first Nova basketball game Complaints: bad food

the best thing about villanova is the welcoming community it offers

The best thing about Villanova is its community and closeness of the campus. One thing I would change would be I would try to get away from are the sterotypes. I believe the size of this school is just right, it is part of the reason I came here. People normally react in a positive way and say that it is a really good school. I spend most of my time on our main campus either in an academic building or a dorm. It is not really a college town, but it is close to philly. Villanova's administration is for the most part great. The biggest recent controversy on campus would be one of the engineering professors was caught dealing drugs. There is a ton of school pride. One experience I will always remember would be being dropped of by my parents and them leaving for the first time.

The best things about Villanova are the high academics and beautiful campus. My school is a medium size, not too big not too small. Most people have positive reactions when they hear I go to Villanova. I spemd most of my time either in class, eating in the conelly, or in my apartment on West. This is a "What college town?" That is one thing I would change about Villanova- It sometimes feels like a "Villanova Bubble" where we are sheltered from the rest of the world. Villanovas adminitration is great. I am unaware of any recent controversies on campus- last year their were several racial slurs written on a public building. I don't feel like there waas a strong enough outcry from the student population about the issue. There is a lot a villanova prde, particularly for basketball. One experience I will always remeber are the annual special olympiics we hold here- it is a very great thing we do here. The most frequent student complaints are?

Despite being a Catholic university, the curriculum at Villanova is well-rounded and open-minded. As a freshman, I didn't expect to form such close bonds with my professors, but I've found intellectual, down-to-earth, witty professors whom I regard as friends. Villanova is located near Philly and accesible to many areas of entertainment, art, and other colleges.

I believe that Villanova was just perfect for me. It fits my values quite well along with my social life. I like the real sense of community about Villanova which can be seen in every aspect of life at villanova. I really feel blessed that somehow I ended up here. The only thing bad about villanova is the lack of a college town nearby. I mean you have bryn mawr and rosemont but thats not really within walking distance as a freshmen or sophmore.

I like the size of Villanova, I spend a lot of time in dorm (alumni hall) because that's where most of my friends live. I also spend a lot of time in connelly center or dougherty hall. I think we have a ton of school pride, everyone wears villanova gear all of the time, which isn't true at every school. I think a lot of people are involved in some form of community service, because it's amazing that although we are privileged, we give back. A complaint is definitely that there is only one printer in the library, and it is often broken. I love going to basketball games, hoops mania, novafest, greek week, the random plays and acapella performances. I love that Michelle Obama came to speak and that John McCain is coming, it helps get us involved in what is going on in the nation.