Reviews

The goal of college is obviously to obtain a good paying job and make a career out of it. With that said, the Culinary and Pastry Arts are as they say blue collar jobs with white collar degrees. Because it is a blue collar profession, a willingness to work hard and work experience are your two biggest tickets to a good job. Johnson and Wales cannot give you very much in the experience category, but what they can do is provide a platform to start from and work connections to jobs that you otherwise could not have gotten. These connections come either from the school itself, through the culinary instructors and their connections, or through fellow students. This school will not teach you great recipes, but moreover it will teach you cooking techniques and the sciences behind it. They will also teach you professionalism and management. If you have any of these skills already you will likely find that portion of the classes east and possibly feel as if you are wasting your time.

The dining halls have a tendency to be less then what is expected of them for a culinary university, but you can always move to off campus housing and cook for yourself. Also, being a city with a large number of colleges makes it a great place for college students. There are a lot of low budget apartments throughout the city that change out yearly should you wish to live off campus.
The city is full of stores and restaurants that tailor to the needs of college students and their budgets. There are also a number of preforming arts centers and concert halls as well. But, if you wish to save up your money there are a number of fine dining restaurants that are well worth their prices.

There is a very active athletic department at JWU, containing baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, ice hockey, sailing, soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball, and wrestling. In addition, JWU has a number of different intramural tournaments and clubs going on throughout the year.

All depends on how much financial aid you're receiving, and there is a lot offered. There are three academic scholarships available, and their qualifications can be found on the JWU website. $2,500, $5,000, and $7,500 per year. The last one does require you to become a member of the Collegiate Honors Society, which costs about $50 per year and has volunteer service attached to it. There are also multiple scholarships based on club memberships and involvement, such is FBLA, DECA, and FCCLA. These do require you to join the National Student Organization, but will renew annually from there. There are no athletic scholarships, because it is a Division III school. There are a number of jobs you can get as a freshman, on and off campus. One example employer being Brown University, which needs employees for its dinning halls and banquets. On campus you can apply to work through the work-study program, but if you do not qualify you will have to find a job off campus.

Dorm life is rather convenient with the majority of the freshman in one place as well as being very close to the class rooms, kitchens, one of the dinning halls and the recreation center. Last year all freshman we're allowed to have a car on campus too, for $50. But between the JWU bus system and free RI Public Transportation that may not be necessary.

Fraternities and Sororities are mostly students from the downcity campus, being the business and hospitality majors, but you can still easily join if that interests you.

Goal oriented and hardworking are two traits that are very helpful at this university; among creative, calm under pressure, and acting with common sense.

I am learning so much here at Johnson and Wales! It's so interesting to discover how very much you can learn in a 9 day lab (granted the labs are 6 hours each day!). I believe that the different skills and techniques I am learning at J&W I wouldn't be able to learn easily at home. It's wonderful to have the professional chefs help you every step of the way. The chefs are really nice when you ask them questions; most of them explain things over again if needed.

I love being here at J&W, but I do get homesick and sometimes I can't find anything to do. Usually during the week I am doing homework or hanging out in the dorms with my roommates or friends. But having a 3 day weekend can get long and boring if you have nothing to do. I usually hang out with the same people every weekend, but if they go home or are busy with something else, I find that I have nothing to do and I usually watch TV, do homework or read. I will have to work on this and I'm confident I will be busier as the months move forward.

I wanted to give this 4 1/2 stars. I am definitely learning a lot and using some great equipment that I do not have access to at home, but there never seems to be enough of each piece of equipment for each student to use. I certainly don't mind sharing, but it can get frustrating to only have 5 saute pans in a class of 20 students. There is a new building opening up that is extremely nice and it has brand new equipment. And maybe this is all a planned part of the training they're providing!

- Get to know your professors and chefs!
- Don't be shy. Meet new people. Don't hang out in the dorm all day.
- Get involved.
- Don't slack off.
- Make sure culinary is really what you want to do. It's hard and it's frustrating for those who don't have a passion for culinary or baking & pastry.
- Be prepared to work really hard in your 6 hour lab.
- Know how to iron before you get here! Seriously.

Hard working students who are passionate about cooking or baking.

Johnson & Wales is NOT JUST A CULINARY SCHOOL. There are two campuses three miles apart from each other, I am attending the downcity campus studying Sports/ Entertainment/ Event mangement. Jwu takes a different approach and puts students right into their major classes in the first trimester. It is a great school for students who know what career path they would like to pursue in the future. All the teachers have had experience in the industry on the subjects they teach which helps students relate topics being learned to real world experiences.

There is many options for students in their time outside of class. The downcity campus is a 10 minute walk to the Providence Place Mall, The Dunkin Donuts Center (where the Providence Bruins play in the winter), and close to all attractions geared towards young adults. Night Clubs are two blocks away from freshman dorms, where as the frat houses are a 10 minute bus ride on the RIPTA. (near Providence College)

Oh yeah, they do not hold classes on Fridays.

Johnson and Wales is a private university but gives out a lot of aid per year. Having between a 3.0 and 4.0 GPA can get you anywhere from $5,000/year to full tuition. (minus room and board). There are also many opportunities for working on campus (as a work study) or as a Student Assistant in a computer lab or at the gym which can gain a student hourly wage PLUS a $1,000 scholarship per trimester. ALSO THE APPLICATION IS FREE AND NO RECOMENDATIONS NEEDED!

This school is great for students who are career oriented and also want to have the college experience (where you cannot get at community college or vocational school)

Culinary Majors is either a hit or miss, freshmen either love the program or they hate it.

Culinary arts enthusiasts
Career oriented students (TONS of job fairs throughout the year)
Students who want to be exposed to different cultures. (JWU has a huge international program)

I think so far I've learned alot here not just about school work and my profession or major, but about life and being an adult at this school due to the many organizations this school offers.

I cant lie i have a great time being here, besides school work I've joined other organizations on campus and i encourage anyone who plans to attend this school to do the same it gives you the whole college experience

All I can say is do good in high school they give out plenty of scholarships for good grades, plus they have great academic advisers that can help you along the way money-wise so don't get discouraged by the cost

Try to get the best grades possible before you graduate high school, be prepared to do alot of work this is college, and also be prepared for the best 4 years of your life

This school is great for culinary majors and tech majors

All of the classes I am taking I have been learning a ton! I was a little shocked at first by all the things that were being thrown at me, but I am getting used to it. All the professors are really understanding and they will help you pass. They want everyone in their class to do good and to get good grades so they can get a job. The classes are small so they teachers will know who you are which is always a good thing. I am learning more than I think I would at any other school because I am starting classes right from my major in freshman year, rather than other colleges you don't start classes from your major till junior year.

I LOVE IT HERE! It is such a good environment. Everyone is really nice and helpful. Plus the downcity campus is right in the city so you can walk anywhere you really need to, you don't have to worry about taking a bus everywhere when you can just walk there. The Harborside is also very nice and the food at all the dining halls is delicious. There are alot of options for food and you can also swipe at City Burger and Starbucks with your ID card which is also good. All the companies around the college to will also give you a discount if you show them your student ID card. Plus there are no classes on Fridays!

This is definitely a bang for the buck. You can choose from 8 resident halls to live in, you can chose resident halls if you want your own private bathroom, there are many dining halls here to chose from that have all different types of food, all the companies give out student discounts, there are two gyms, no classes on Friday, and you can ride the RIPTA bus system for free.

Make sure you stay caught up on your work and you will do fine.

Students who know what they want to do and are looking for a career college. This college sets you up with internships starting sophomore year so you can start your career.

Johnson and Wales is full of opportunities for its culinary students. The chefs are amazing and know what they're doing so you'll learn a lot. It's a small but prestigious culinary school.

Make sure your major is really what you want to study. It's an expensive school. Also, pay attention to your chefs, they know a lot and you only have 9 days in labs so absorb as much as you can.

Academically it's not too difficult, culinary labs is where it's difficult.

Freshman dorms suck. But once you get past that, it's not too bad. Plus, harborside and harborview dorms have a gorgeous view.

It varies. But being on harborside, you get sick of pasta. There are plenty of options downtown or on harborview though.

Harborside is pretty quiet, but you can go to the mall downtown or go on a walk to Thayer Street. Thayer Street is famous for all the food activity.

It's expensive, but you're learning more than at like Le Cordon Bleu or a community college.

We just had a fireworks display for our 100 year anniversary.

Students with a passion for food who are ready to learn a lot about their field.

There are lots of culinary and pastry clubs so that's awesome. Some give back to the community too. There are anime and religious clubs too. Something for everyone.

I'm not about that greek life.

JWU does a really good job with this. They have JWU ride where you can call if you are stranded somewhere and need to get home. They'll pick you up. Downtown also has safewalk where they will escort you downtown so you don't have to by yourself when it's getting dark. Safety and security also does routine bike rides around campus at night.

Johnson & Wales (or JWU) is the perfect school if you're looking for city life on a welcoming scale. The medium sized student body allows for individual attention from professors and more hands on experience. As a whole the campus comes together making for a perfect college experience.

Develop your own opinion. JWU is a great school, has an excellent track record, and can really set you up for your industry of choice. But make sure it's what you want, not every school is the right fit for everyone so take a visit and learn for yourself!

Classes are much more personalized than your average university. Being on a name basis with professors helps students to feel more comfortable in approaching them and allows for more direct learning that you can't find in a lecture hall. Overall the classes aren't Ivy league difficulty but it's mainly because you're learning from people who actually have the experience who don't just teach by the book. It makes it easier to comprehend and allows you to learn just as much information- but more easily absorb it.

JWU has great options for dorms. There are 6 dorm options on Downcity campus and 5 on Harborside campus. The great thing about JWU's dorms is they have something in everyone's price range and you'll never be board when surrounded by the people of your res hall. It's a great atmosphere that is a quintessential part of college life.

Many options are available to students through food services. Snowden, Marketplace, City Burger, Red Sauce, and even more are all available on the meal plan. The options will satisfy anything you're craving. We even have a Starbucks and two convenience stores for that quick morning or late night food run!

University Involvement Board, along with many other clubs put together a variety of events for students. Inflatable days, bands, comedians, and a carnival at the end of the year just to name a few. There's always something to do on campus and all you need to do to find it is read the signs that are covering the walls.

Regardless of the fact that this school offers great financial aid, JWU is really money well spent. It's an affordable college experience that still gives you things to do on the weekdays and weekends that other schools wouldn't. They offer a lot to their students all for the price of tuition.

Sitting in Gaebe commons when the weather's nice is definitly a JWU tradition. No matter what time of day it is if there is nice weather everyone comes together on Gaebe. People who otherwise live off campus are found there, dorm life is there, and even professors making their way to the library for coffee can be found walking around it. It's just a great area that is unique to the campus.

go-getters. JWU is a university for the go-getters in the world. You need to have a passion for what you do and a drive to do it to be successful at this university. They'll give you tips and show you how to do so, but you need to want it to succeed.

There are over 100 clubs and organizations on campus for literally every type of person. There's not a single person I know that isn't involved in something. Our clubs and orgs range from every type of interest and offer students something outside their normal class routine.

Our Greek Life is fantastic. The school holds them to high standards to set good examples for the student body. Each Greek organization has a completely different feel to it and if there's one you're interest in, it's probably the perfect fit. I personally am a sister in a sorority and the experience is one of the many reasons I will never go to another university.

Each campus has a Safety & Security office that works around the clock 365 days a year. They keep the students of the university safe with cameras, safety call buttons, and a phone number that can be reached at any time. Providence is a city and many people would feel uneasy being alone there, but safety and security is always around to walk you home or pick you up, making you feel at ease.

Johnson & Wales University Providence Campus not only has a beautiful campus incorporated with many cultures, but it also has a wide variety of opportunities. The professors at this school are extraordinary people with a lifetime of experience in all different fields to share. In addition the many clubs and organizations on campus allow for great internship and networking opportunities.

Due to the fact that Johnson & Wales using the trimester system, the course load is spread out differently. Every class is about two hours long, and labs are about 4 hours long and a new term starts every 2 1/2 - 3 months. The material is covered a lot faster allowing students to only need to take 3 classes a trimester to graduate on time. Of course depending on the major you choose the academic difficulty fluctuates. However, overall the classes are not hard if you remain engaged in class and meet all the requirements and manage your time according.

The dorm life a Johnson and Wales is by far an entirely different experience. The freshman dorms are where you meet a good majority of your friends on campus and you make the most memories. McNulty and Snowden Hall are the biggest freshman dorms and are the cleanest/ newest, while Xavier Hall is not he other side of campus and very outdated. Regardless of where you live, the experience is always what you make of it. I lived in Xavier hall, what most consider to be the worst on campus and I meet some amazing people and had a wonderful freshman year dorm experience.

While most campus's have a dinning hall or two, Johnson & Wales has a Dinning Hall on the down city campus and one on the Harboside campus. In addition to both dining hallS, JWU offers a variety of other dining options to keep your meal plan from being repetitive. These places include, Red Sauce (italian style food), BYOB (Build your own burrito), City Burger (burgers and fries), Starbucks, and Market Place (a full market of snacks and pre-made foods)

There is always something to do either on or off campus when attending the JWU Providence Campus. Events are always held in Gaebe Commons by greek life and other organizations as well as Wildcat Carnivals held on the harborside campus. Being in providence there is always something going on near by including water fire, and art shows.

Greek life at Johnson & Wales University Providence campus is unlike anything i have ever experienced. With so many Sororities and Fraternities on campus, it is almost like we have our own little community. Every organization on campus does whatever they can to support each other especially when it comes to fundraising for our philanthropies. The friends made within Greek life (including Alumni) become a great way to network and find job or internship opportunities all over.

Campus safety and security have a joint station with the Providence Police Department located right in the middle of campus. At all hours of the night there are safety and security driving around campus and they are always involved when they need to be.

Love this University because it caters to it's students as far as the advisers going out of their way to help in anyway they can. We have the best meal plan in the country due to the culinary that run the many choice on-campus restaurants. The Providence campus is built around the city and it's a great place to live and experience; while also allowing friendships with neighboring colleges.

Definitey get a dorm on-campus your first 2 years. The Shuttle buses run constantly, which take you everywhere. You don't need a car! Local public transportation is also free with your ID Badge. You won't be complaining about the food at JWU that's for sure... Classes are small, the instructors are awesome and they all have a hands-on attitude and will help in anyway they can, if needed. Being in the middle of a large city is a plus. You'll love JWU!

Academically, the JWU instructors are very student oriented in that they are not into the testing as much as they are class participation and hands-on projects. We go in tri-mesters, as opposed to the typical 2 semesters, thus we are able to have more of a variety of classes through out the school year. If you go to class, pay attention and participate, you will have a great time at JWU.

Live in a dorm your first couple of years so you can experience it because the dorns at JWU are awesome. I have a 3 bedroom with a full kitchen and a double decker garage. We are about 1/2 mile from campus and utilize the many shuttle buses available to all students. Dorms are clean, my room is very big and they have extras like lots of games rooms, laundry facilities and study rooms. I am a Junior and still in a dorm because I dont want to be worried about renting an apartment and not having access to the shuttles and getting to my classes on time.

Are you kidding, JWU is known for it's Culinary College. Our dining halls and variety of on-campus restaurants are second to none. Most college students lose weight, I have gained weight because the food is so good. Unfortunately, we only get 3 swipes a day so we have to utilize those swipes very wisely....

What isn't there to do?? We live in the middile of this awesome city. Right around the corner from the main buildings is the main street with theatres, pubs, live music, etc. JWU constantly has something going on for the students at the Harbor Side Campus. I play flag football with an actual team that plays against other local colleges. You'll never want for something to have fun doing at JWU!

I transfered to JWU from a Massachusetts college after changing my major from Sports Mgmnt to Travel and Tourism. I live on Cape Cod and have worked in the resort business for the past 5 years. I figure, why not make that my major since I love the work. JWU has exactly what I need to get me started and get me out there. I also want to travel and am heading to Paris for an internship next month. I can definitely see why graduates of JWU have no problems getting placed after graduation. I feel very comfortable here and fit right in. That helps with getting up in the morning and starting each day...

Love Rush week. I pledged a fraternity but left because, unfortunately, it wasn't what I expected but it is fun to see what go on during Rush week. They also have great mentoring programs. Currently I am working at a travel agency in Newport, RI and, before that worked at T F Green Airport doing mentoring and internships. I love the tri-mesters, which is unusual. We get to pick a large variety of courses and the year goes by very fast.

I'd compare JWU to a high end techinal university. I am not a good test taker and this University is perfect for those type of students. The school is geared more to a hands-on, participation type of structure. You do have to go to class and do have to participate in class project so that is not an option.

JWU has a very large variety of clubs, Greek Life, athletics and more. There is always a variety of things going on that will appeal to everyone at the school.

Greek Life is big. I did try to pledge and almost made to Rush week but wound up leaving the Frat due to some problems with they way the frat was treating it's pledges. But most of the frats and sororities are great. And there is a large variety of fraternities and sororities.

Security is great. You learn that right from the Orientation before you move in. They are always there if you need them nomatter where you are or what the circumstances. They watch out for the student body and don't go over-board with the police type attitude.

Almost everyday you are learning something new, whether it's in academics or a lab. Even though the labs are only 9 days long you retain ALOT of information in those day. You will spend about an hour doing lecture in the beginning of class then for the rest of the 6 hours you are learning hands on work and you get to try what you eat. The chefs work with you so you can gain the skills and knowledge you need to succeed. As for academics you spend almost 2 hours learning the same stuff you learn in high school but sometimes in a fun and interesting way.

Honestly I love it here. Everyone is so friendly and yes I do get homesick sometimes but i get over it when I am hanging out with people. The dorms are very nice especially the upperclassmen ones because they are like an apartment style (good thing to look forward to) but they can be pricey. The food on campus isn't always that great but there are alot of places around the campus to eat at. Also you use your ID card to swipe for food. You get 15 swipes a week and 5 guess swipes a trimester so use it wisely. There's also a Starbucks on both the Harborside and Downcity Campus. There are many of different clubs, organizations, and sports to do so i recommend getting involved in something because you meet alot of new people that way.

It is definitely worth it here. Yes it is expensive (about 33,000 for tuition and then you include your dorm fees) but it also all depends on what you have for financial aid. But you learn different tricks and tips and the school helps you find jobs after you graduate. Sometimes your internship can turn into your actual job for the rest of your life or for how long you wanna stay there. You also can choose from a variety of different resident halls and dining halls so your options aren't really limited. A final thing is apply for every and any scholarship you find because it will help you out in the long run. But there are jobs on and off campus that are easy to get.

~Apply for EVERY scholarship
~Don't always party because studying is important especially is a teacher decides to give a pop quiz (yes they do, do this).
~Get involved in different and meet new people. Don't be afraid to talk to someone everyone is nice.
~Get to know you chefs they can get you connections outside schools sometimes.
~Prepare to do more work than you did in college. Also they don't really accept anything late so make sure everything is in on time.
~Make sure you know how to iron good and shine your shoes. Starch works amazing on your uniforms. If your a culinary major Chef Fuchs is REALLY strict about uniforms and he will confront you if somethings wrong with it.
~Make sure you don't miss more than 2 days of a lab because after the 2nd day you are dropped from that lab and are going to have to take it over.

~Culinary Arts and Baking and Pastry.
~Business
~Hardworking and dedicated students.