In three sentences
The University of Delaware has school spirit like no other, and a challenging education system to match. The campus is beautiful and provides student centers with game rooms, plenty of snack shops and stores, and endlessly exciting sporting events. The university offers a plethora of majors in all fields that provide a challenge while fostering personal growth with the help of compassionate and intelligent professors.
Tips for prospective students
Do not be afraid to ask for help! The environment at the University of Delaware is very friendly, even when it seems intimidating, and any of the upperclassmen are always willing to assist whenever possible. The professors make it very easy to get help as necessary through their office hours, free tutoring sessions, and organized study groups. Everyone at the University finds a niche where they belong, so don't be scared of trying something new.
Academic Rigor
Depending on what your major is, the academic classes offered are varying levels of rigorous. I am a psychology and neuroscience double major, and the classes that I have taken so far are quite challenging, but not at all impossible if you put in the right amount of work and effort when studying.
Dorm Life
I had the luxury of living in the honors dorm, Louis Redding Hall. This dorm is one of the newest ones on campus, so it was always clean and air conditioned. The janitorial staff is always working hard to keep the bathrooms clean and the hallways neat. Some of the other dorms on campus are older and do not have air conditioning, which can get a little hot and stuffy in the late spring months, but the mutual discomfort makes for great roommate bonding.
Food and Dining
Caesar Rodney Dining Hall is one of the most acclaimed college dining halls in the country, seeing as it is the biggest one on the east coast. It offers a wide selection of all kinds of dining options, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and kosher, just to ensure that students of all diverse walks of life can enjoy a meal. The food is always fresh and tasty, and the school's ice cream shop, UDairy, is a permanent fixture in the dining hall, which is a nice touch!
What to do for fun
There are a myriad of things to do on the campus of the University of Delaware. If you enjoy the party scene, there is always an exciting nightlife on the weekends to go out and socialize with your friends. The city of Newark's famous Main Street is just a few minutes away from the heart of campus with a seemingly endless array of restaurants and shops. There are two different student centers on campus, Trabant and Perkins, with lounges, a movie theater, and game rooms. The Green is a great place to hang out, throw a frisbee, or set up a hammock with your friends, and Harrington Beach has a volleyball court and a turf to play soccer or football. No matter how you like to pass the time, you can easily to that at the University of Delaware.
Bang for the buck
As a resident of Delaware, I am a recipient of the in-state tuition, so I am not fully informed enough to make a decision on how much of a "bang for your buck" you'd get as an out-of-state student. However, for the in-state students, it definitely feels like the tuition and costs are what is to be expected. College is going to be insanely expensive no matter where you go, which is why scholarships and financial aid are so important. However, knowing that it's going to cost a great deal of money, the University of Delaware makes sure that you're getting your money's worth.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
A few minutes away from the heart of campus is UDairy Creamery, which is an ice-cream shop made from the University of Delaware's own farms. The ice cream is delicious and includes a variety of unique flavors. On The Green is a fountain that has become the iconic landmark of the university over time. It's tradition for seniors to hop into the fountain for a photo shoot before they graduate!
Great for these types of students
The University of Delaware is honestly great for any type of student. Those who are academically-focused and driven will find the courses offered and the research opportunities to be challenging and rewarding. Those who are interested in social events will find many parties to attend and a flourishing Greek life system to be a part of. Those who like the arts and music will find many clubs and groups to be a part of and make their home. Every Blue Hen has a lot of school spirit and genuinely loves and supports their school.
Clubs and Activities
There is a seemingly endless list of clubs at the University of Delaware. Animal lovers can join the puppy raising club and take care of a seeing-eye puppy for a year. There is a club for chocolate lovers, a club for video game lovers, and a club for rock-wall climbing. There is Outing Club for the adventurous, Ballroom Dance club for those looking to learn a new skill, or UDress fashion magazine for those who enjoy fashion, photography, or writing. There is The Review, a school newspaper, HAVEN, a safe organization for members of the LGBTQ+ community, or an acclaimed a cappella group for those who enjoy singing. There is something for everyone!
Greek Life
Greek life is pretty prevalent on the University of Delaware campus, but not if you do not wish to be a part of it. Plenty of students are involved with Greek life, but it is not so prominent on campus that you will feel like an outsider if you're not in a fraternity or sorority. I am personally not currently a part of Greek life, but I am considering rushing in the spring of this coming year. All of the Blue Hens that I have met who are part of a fraternity or sorority are very kind and genuine people who care a lot about their brotherhood or sisterhood and what their chapter stands for.
Campus Safety
As with any other university, there are occasionally instances on campus of questionable safety. The University police department has instated a UD Alert system in which every student at the university receives a text message alert any time a crime occurs or a warning is being issued, so students are always aware and informed of how to stay safe. As a whole, it feels very safe to walk from place to place on the University's campus and I personally do not feel worried as I move from classes to work to my dorm or spend time in the community. The police department is very friendly and willing to listen and work to make the campus a safer place.
