Furman University (FU)

Furman University is a school that helps its undergraduates "become the best version[s] of [themselves]." That potentially daunting task is made possible thanks to the school's ample resources ranging from "good study abroad [options]" and "experiential learning" to the "many opportunities for research and internships." One of Furman's top selling points is "the strength of its pre-professional curriculum." The university's "pre-health and pre-law advisors are exceptional, and they greatly help students get into graduate programs, regardless of major." Of course, prospective students should be aware that the academics here "are very difficult, particularly [the] science courses." It's important that you come prepared to study. Fortunately, the "overwhelming majority of professors at Furman are experts in their field and truly care about helping students succeed." They seem to excel at creating a classroom environment wherein undergrads "feel comfortable yet challenged at all times." And it's definitely evident that they "love teaching and instilling a passion for growth, inquiry, and engagement." We'll give the last word to this student who shares, "My professors have changed my life by supporting me and working with me from academic interests to personal crises. They are easily the best part of Furman."

Furman seems to attract students who "are very motivated and driven to perform well academically." Thankfully, though most everyone has "high aspirations," this isn't a very competitive student body. Instead, undergrads here simply "push...each other to be the best people possible." Students do readily admit that Furman "generally draws a Southern white demographic" with many kids hailing from "generally wealthy backgrounds." However, they note that the university "has expanded its recruitment initiatives and current on-campus opportunities to invite a greater diversity of individuals especially in regard to race." Students also stress that you'll find plenty of people with "unique talents" and "fairly diverse [interests] when it comes to hobbies, interests, majors, etc." And they certainly "know how to have a good time" and "enjoy stimulating discussions and new experiences." Best of all, they form a "community of open-minded people" who are "willing to help one another." As this student explains, "I transferred to Furman because of the student body. I was completely taken aback at how genuine and kind the people here are."

If you've done enough to attend Furman, you can expect to maintain a pretty busy schedule. "It is very common for everyone to be involved with many clubs and organizations." After all, there's so much to discover and partake in outside of academics. To begin with, Furman undergrads are an athletic lot and you'll often find "people play[ing] pick-up games on the sports fields" or participating in intramurals and club sports. Plus, "athletic events are very accessible to students and are free." For individuals with an altruistic bent, there are a "variety of community service opportunities." Greek life is also fairly popular at Furman. However, students make a point of mentioning that "party culture isn't extremely prevalent on campus, and the Greek organizations are very welcoming and open to anyone, regardless of appearances, socioeconomic class, or affinity for partying." The university itself hosts numerous "cultural events" where undergrads "can go learn about something new or hear an engaging speaker." And, of course, people can easily join some of the many organizations like Residential Life Council, Eco Reps, and the student run musical theatre group, Pauper Players. Lastly, when undergrads want a respite from campus life, they head into "downtown Greenville and try new restaurants, go to concerts, bar hop and EXPLORE. You can often find students downtown at the various "cute coffee shops [and] farmers markets." Given its proximity to the outdoors, many also like to "get into nature and hike Paris Mountain" or "bik[e] the Swamp Rabbit Trail."