The intensity of the course work is very dependent on major, professor, class, etc. Overall, I’d say it’s not easy, but I don’t know anyone who feels like they’re drowning or is unable to keep up - point is, if you can get into Laf, you’ll be able to keep up with the tough coursework.
I personally haven’t had any issues with getting classes, however I have friends who have had bad experiences with class signups here - Laf’s system is far from perfect. However, I will say that many professors are willing to accept you if you are really passionate about taking a class, especially if it’s a requirement.
I could not be happier with my academic adviser! They’re assigned based on FYS, a new thing they’re trying, except if you’re engineering in which case you have an engineering one. Mine is a Math professor, very different from Gov and Law, however she has been nothing but understanding and helpful through out my entire process here. On a similar note, one of the things that drew me to Laf is the amount of support and advisers we get - a writing aid (WA), a “PARDner” (helps you adjust), academic adviser, career counselor, and so many more, especially if you’re an athlete. Some people have had bad experiences with these, and some have had amazing, but that’s just how life goes.
Accessibility of professors is dependent on said professor. However, on the whole professors are very accessible - if you can’t meet during office hours they’ll gladly meet outside of those hours, and they often are quick to reply to emails. I have heard of exceptions to this, but I’ve never heard of a professor I’d call completely inaccessible, and I’ve certainly never experienced anywhere close to that.
Again, environment is probably a friend group dependent thing, but in my experience it is very collaborative. I came from a VERY competitive high school, so take that as you will. Most people find regular study groups and aid each other through homework every night (and I’m not alluding to cheating, student really try to better and help each other). My upperclassmen friends have offered to help me with everything I could possibly need and I have felt very supported in my transition process.
On the same note, how students are is a friend group dependent thing. I’d call my friends, and the people I spend my time with, all down to Earth and they’re are plenty of people I’d say fit this category. There are a few people I would call pretentious, and there’s an entire half and more of the class I’ve yet to meet who could fit this as well. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if a good portion are actually pretentious, but it absolutely in no way an over whelming amount, I’d dare to say it isn’t a majority either - you’ll always be able to find a large amount of down to Earth people.