Elmhurst University (ElmU)

Located just thirty minutes outside of Chicago, Elmhurst University provides its 2,600 undergraduates ���an environment of free thought��� and a ���robust learning experience��� across more than sixty majors. The liberal arts education is bolstered by ���a lot of resources [that are] available for students to help them succeed in class��� and it ���provides [them the] opportunity to become well-rounded��� individuals. By encouraging students ���to engage in a variety of ways outside of class, including research, seminars, [and] internships,��� service learning is prevalent here. Added to that are small classes, which mean ���getting time with a professor is never a problem.��� And based on enthusiastic responses, about these ���exceptionally bright, gifted, and educated��� faculty, you���ll want to see your ���down to earth��� teachers, who strive to make sure their students not only ���thoroughly understand the material, [but also how to] apply it.��� It helps, too, that professors assign ���projects [that] are often given a lot of artistic individual choice.��� One student shares, ���I���ve had professors email me to check in and make sure I was doing alright if I was quieter than usual in class.��� It���s clear that the instructors here ���do not only teach, they avidly help their students succeed,��� all with the goal of ���building personal and lasting relationships.���

As one student puts it, ���What sets students at Elmhurst apart from other [universities] is the genuine kindness and compassion that is displayed.��� As such, this is an ���outgoing and social��� school where ���people will start up a conversation with you and make you feel welcome right away.��� That���s good because the Elmhurst community features ���a great blend of traditional and nontraditional students, with an environment that intermingles on-campus students with those who commute.��� Regardless of where the students live, though, they���re all ���very driven and goal-oriented,��� and ���many typically work at a job and internship, and volunteer every week.��� But should you ever feel overwhelmed, the majority of students here are ���very welcoming and open to helping other students,��� and ���it is a very small environment so making friends is easy.��� Another student sums it up by saying, ���Elmhurst is a campus that I can feel safe in, and that is largely due to the student body.���

Students not only largely agree that ���life at Elmhurst is very calm��� but they seem to prefer it. Attendees ���fill their days mostly by hanging out with friends or spending their time ��� in different clubs or organizations.��� One activity that many tend to gravitate towards is Greek life, which ���plays a huge role��� for several students���plus, Greek-sponsored events ���take place semi-frequently��� for the other students to enjoy as well. (Perhaps surprisingly, though, on-campus parties ���are mostly sports-related.���) The school���s student center also has a lot going on, as ���there always seems to be free food or an activity.��� But the student center pulls double duty: ���It���s a very comfortable environment for long periods of casual studying��� too. Overall, ���Elmhurst has a ton to offer in terms of entertainment, dining, outdoor activities, museums, and is a quick drive or train ride to Chicago.��� Also notable are claims that ���it���s a very safe area where everyone is able to pursue their interests freely and without concern.���