Questions about UO

<p>Looking for a transfer school, and I'm considering U Oregon as well. Any current students here, or at least some who went there recently?</p>

<p>I'd like to know more about things like:
1. Classes. Is it easy to register for classes or they just get filled up too early? How are the profs, good teachers, available for students or not? Do we get insane workloads (homeworks), I prefer classes that challenge in quality, not quantity. Are the admins helpful or just available when we write the check?
2. Are the dorms any good on your campus or they simply suck? If apartment is a better choice is it easy to find a decent one?
3. What about the surrounding town. are the residents friendly? Or whether its safe or not over there. One more thing, any decent access to supermarkets, diners, movies, etc?
4. Its campus life. Are the students friendly towards foreigners and one another? What about social scenes, do they party all the time or never party at all? Not a party animal, but prefer places with social life.
5. Anything more, unsual, or any concerns I should know about?</p>

<p>Oh and is it hard to get into the school? I'm going for either engineering or architecture.</p>

<p>If you're willing to tell me more, feel free to respond. Any infos appreciated.</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

<p>mad_cow I just got back from UO a few days ago with my son and three of his friends who are considering for first time freshman this fall. Although I cannot answer all of your questions, I will tell you what I saw and think.</p>

<p>It is a truly great town. There is a little "village" right next to the school where a lot of the kids go to hang out, drink coffee and study. The students seem really nice, relaxed and "down to earth". We went right before finals and I was impressed at how they were all studying. The school is beautfiul and the people in the town of Eugene really support the school. If you love sports and rooting for your school, this is the place. We are from Southern California and the rain was a lot for me. But the air was so fresh and the town is so beautiful and green. Not so much a big party school, party schools are more by the beach. Students are real and genuine. There are parties too, but mostly the students are real. Good luck!</p>

<p>Thanks a lot. That kinda sounds like my old school, WSU in Pullman, only the town sounds greener and a lot closer to a major city.
Anyone else?</p>

<p>Yeah, I applied to WSU too for Arch studies (I'm going into UO's B.Arch). And the thought of being in the boonies of Washington was sort of a turn off. Eugene has a great small city culture. It's really artsy and interesting.</p>

<p>I'm not too into the party scene either so I am glad it isn't a big deal, but I'm glad everyone is not too serious either! </p>

<p>I love the weather there and the greenery (Even though I am from Northern California) and the fresh air... I'm excited that I chose UO over any of the CSUs in Southern California!</p>

<p>jackht27, so hows Oregon compared to WSU? Is WSU much more of a party school or theyre not so different afterall? To be honest I dont really consider WSU that much of a party school. It's a bit overhyped afterall...</p>

<p>Well, I am planning on going to Oregon as a Freshman this fall, so I don't really know first hand. But from what I have gathered, WSU is just so isolated. And I don't know about partying there, but partying isn't as big at Oregon compared to California schools that I applied to. But there is definitely partying there. But I think it can be avoided....</p>

<p>And also UO has no engineering majors. I am planning on going in as an Arch. major then declaring an art minor.</p>

<p>Good luck to you on such a hard decision!</p>

<p>Thanks.
WSU is indeed isolated, at 1st I got accepted at WSU, ASU and Oklahoma State, but I decided to go to WSU. Bad idea...</p>

<p>So far I still can't make up my mind between UO, Arizona state, and SUNY Buffalo. Oh well...</p>

<p>No, WSU doesnt party anywhere near as much as CA schools, Cali students are just crazy, lol.</p>

<p>hahah yes. i agree with that.</p>

<p>asu can be like that too though. i got in there too for arch studies. and i don't really want to go too much. phoenix / tempe or whatever is such a huge place.</p>

<p>i prefer the green college town of eugene.</p>

<p>Sounds cool. I looked at some pics of tempe campus online and thought man this place is in the middle of the desert, and the campus seems HUGE.</p>

<p>Btw did you check SUNY Buffalo too?</p>

<p>Anyone else wanna add something?</p>

<p>I haven't checked that out before...</p>

<p>Yes, Tempe is crazy.
Plus I like the B.Arch programs more than the 4+2.</p>

<p>alright so heres my interpritation of Oregon. I live in eugene right now and I'm in high school but I go to campus almost every week. more like twice a week. EVERYONE, and i'm not just saying that, is extremely chill and relaxed about life. people are very kind and generous yet the academics are still good. there are great restaurants and coffee shops all around campus, oh and campus is GORGEOUS. there is always something great to go see or do around campus. if you have anymore questions p.m. me.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Classes- first of all, don't worry about not being able to get into the classes of your choice! Even if it says they fill up, teachers are more than willing to make more spots available. They really are here for their students and lectures are backed up by smaller discussion sections which prove to be extremely helpful in learning material. The business, education, and architecture schools seem to be the most popular as they are known to be some of the best in the nation. The Arch. major is a 5-6 year program and is very time-consuming from what I've heard. It's fairly hard to get into but worth the extra work it takes! I agree with the post about studying during finals and midterms. When they roll around most students practically live in the library, and during finals week it is open 24 hrs.</p></li>
<li><p>Some dorms have private bathrooms and walk in closets, sinks, etc. Most all have new furniture and the newest dorms are only 3 or 4 years old. Lots of students who live off-campus live in apartments which are generally designated as students only, and the houses closest to campus are perfect for students to rent out or buy. Dorm food is great and there are lots of very healthy options. </p></li>
<li><p>The surrounding town is overall pretty safe, but as a warning girls are told not to walk alone at night due to past sexual assault charges on campus. Other than that, Eugene is a very safe and interesting town. Grocery stores, movies, restaurants and shops are all downtown next to campus. But to tell the truth, the campus is so large and there is so much going on that there is really no need to leave!</p></li>
<li><p>Yes, students are very, very friendly! As far as the social life goes, if you party, you party hard. Thursday-Sunday, it isn't hard to find a place to go. The dorms also host parties, dances, movie nights, etc weekly so a lot of students choose to go to those, and there are dance clubs just blocks from campus that are really fun as well.</p></li>
<li><p>I would definitely highlight that sports are absolutely HUGE at Oregon, some joke that we are slowly becoming privatized into the "Nike University." Autzen stadium holds the record for having the loudest crowds, and Mac Court is notoriously hard to play basketball on - the student section is located courtside and crowds get so loud that the building literally shakes! School spirit is huge and if you aren't a sports fan now, you will be once you go to school here!</p></li>
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<p>Why should one (a potential out-of-state student) choose U of O versus another public (UC) school in a home state (CA)? What would be some distinct advantages of U of O? How selective is admission for transfers? I saw what the school said on it's Web site, but does any one know more about it?</p>