University of New Orleans (UNO)

The University of New Orleans is a public research university in one of the world’s most fascinating and unique cities. This “not too big, not too small� school is a “diverse environment that makes it a welcoming area to be� and provides “lots of opportunities to develop our personality, leadership skills, and career skills.� The diversity is a huge draw to students from all over the world (international students can even receive financial aid), and UNO “opens doors to students who come from different social and economic backgrounds,� giving them “the opportunity to get an education that helps students to get a better future.� Professors at this “inclusive� school “push students to do excellence.� You “can always find them in their office during office hours,� and they “really connect with students.� The engineering, film, and accounting programs are all popular programs at UNO (accounting is one of the few accredited by AACSB International), and classes stress real-world applicability. “There has never been a moment at UNO that I wasn’t able to leave the classroom and go apply what I learned to my job immediately,� says one part-time student. “My professors are generous with their time and knowledge,� says another. Class sizes are small, and many classes focus on discussion, which “allows for increased learning and understanding.� The school is “blessed� with having a large traditional student body matched with an equal percentage of nontraditional students (adult education), which “allows great mentorship between students and also pushed both sides to be aware of how they can positively affect the other generation’s education.�

More so than most schools, there really is no typical at this “very eclectic university,� other than “determined, hardworking, and considerate.� The school’s large number of international students, adult learners, commuters, and locals “tend to get along rather well,� with “those who live right on or near campus probably being more close-knit.� Many students live off campus and work full time, which “creates in an environment where the people in your classes are there for a purpose.� People here are “very colorful and outgoing� and “have no problem expressing themselves whether it’s through clothing, lifestyles, or speech.� “It is very easy to make friends here,� says a student.

Obviously, the fact that the school is located in New Orleans “is a big plus,� and “there is never a dull moment.� “Eating and nightlife in New Orleans is a big part of our lives,� says a student. “There is so much to do on campus and around the city, students often have to make efforts to keep their social calendars in check so that they have time to study,� says a student. The campus is large enough to offer “many diverse academic, extracurricular, and social activities,� yet small enough to easily access all classes. However, “upgrading facilities� (and cleaning them) is on the wish list of pretty much everyone here. UNO offers “plenty of on campus activities� for students “to meet and work with other students of all backgrounds,� including sports, movies, and “a lot of free entertainment.� There are also “always political discussions happening on campus, as well as debates.� “You can feel at home here but not get bored,� says a student. The older students feel similarly comfortable in their environment. “I am unusual in that I am a much older student living on campus. Yet, the younger students have accepted me warmly and I have many friends,� says one.