Denison University (DU)

At Denison University, students are encouraged to explore their interests "in and out of the classroom." This is encouraged and enabled by a faculty full of "the most caring, supportive, and knowledgeable human beings" and students having "voting powers on many administrative councils, committees, and task forces," which allows them to help shape the school's decision-making. That cooperation may explain why, when it comes to academics, undergrads find the coursework "challenging but certainly worth it." It may also be from the presentation of the work itself: "classes are rarely taught in the form of lectures...rather they feel like focus groups dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge." The vast majority praise teachers as "enthusiastic about their area of study" and as "caring, thoughtful, and always [challenging] you without ever letting you fail." The consensus is that they're "truly focused on students' learning and development" and want "to see you succeed and become a better person." As one undergrad concludes, "I have built a team of faculty who I can lean on."

Denison students are "both ambitious and also open minded...curious, innovative thinkers that are motivated by making a wise impact." While you can still see "the remnants" of a "predominantly white" and "wealthy East-coaster" background, the overall consensus is that you can now meet "all types of students on campus." One undergrad elaborates further, "As an Ohioan, it is really special to go to an in-state school where I can have roommates, friends, and classmates from Britain, India, and China." Driven and diverse, students agree that it's "great to see people support each other in athletic events, theater performances, and even Bluegrass ensembles," all of which makes the school feel like a real community. Indeed, "it is the type of campus where...you keep your head up and say 'hi' to everyone that you pass." Adds another undergrad, "I feel really safe at Denison because I know that if something were to happen to me, students that I know and don't know would step up to help." Ultimately, when it comes down to it, "There is someone representing every personality, character, experience, and friendship style at Denison, so you are guaranteed to find a great group of friends."

Life at Denison can be hectic. Thankfully, students maintain "a good balance of academics, extracurriculars, and fun." The university itself sponsors plenty of activities including "food trucks, movie nights, [and] trivia nights" along with "guest speakers and performances." You can also find numerous student-run clubs for a variety of interests. Groups range from "the Burpees Improv group, which does lots of great shows with high campus engagement," to Quidditch, ski club, and Habitat for Humanity. Students appreciate the way arts are handled: "unlike bigger schools, it's less competitive and just focused on fostering a community" and resources are generally open to students, like "music facilities that we can use at our own leisure." Those into sports appreciate the way that the school helps them juggle "a competitive, serious career in athletics and a rigorous, rewarding academic experience."

Outside of structured events, "hundreds of students...pass time lounging on the main academic quad between classes." And once the weekend rolls around, there tend to be apartment-based parties on Fridays and frat-based ones on Saturdays, though it's noted that while "students are typically social, [they are] not necessarily party animals." That said, those who want to hang together can do so "regardless of Greek life status, which is cool," and those who need a break from the hustle and bustle of college life can visit the quiet village of Granville or "drive to Columbus and explore the city."