Reviews

The classes at Kalamazoo College have been anything but typical. The topics are basic but the materials utilized have been stimulating. Novels are commonly used in most Humanities Classes and the professors are all incredibly knowledgeable in their fields.

Students are encouraged to participate in their classes and generally discussions are a huge learning tool allowing us to learn from one and another and gain other students insights beyond our own and our professors.

I am originally from the West Michigan area and am used to the weather, the people and the city in general. Many times the students attending Kalamazoo College are from areas other than West Michigan and things like the campus size, student body and the city of Kalamazoo can be an adjustment.

The campus is incredibly contained and during the winter months students don't stray from their dorms and the student center. We are known for being stuck in The K Bubble. It isn't all bad though, the school does a lot to keep us busy. Every Friday night the Student Activities Committee has a free showing of a popular movie before it is released on DVD. They also have events called Late Night at the Zoo where the student center has popcorn, karaoke, game rooms, board games and other fun things to do.

At Kalamazoo College I work hard. I spend a lot of time reading for my classes and it is incredibly important to prepare yourself for the change in work load.

When looking for a roommate I went in blind and do not regret my decision at all. It helped me to meet someone from a different area of the country that I wouldn't have otherwise experienced.

Get out into the city and try not to stay too closed off and stuck on campus. Western Michigan University is right next door and they can bring in some really interesting activities, lecturers, and events. Kalamazoo, as a city, is incredibly artsy. The first friday of every month there is a collective art show throughout downtown. There are multiple small, local theatres with regional actors but Miller Auditorium brings in larger broadway productions.

Kalamazoo College is great for liberal students looking for a cultural education that will bring great academic and social challenges.

There are plenty of hippie students that are down to walk around barefoot with clove cigarettes and throw their frisbees but there are also students that fall into the 'jock' category. Essentially there is a niche for any kind of student that comes to Kalamazoo. Despite the niches and cliques most students are really open and friendly to anyone that attends Kalamazoo.

This college is one of the top-notch liberal arts school with a variety of types of classes to take on campus. With the small ratio of student to teacher, it is hard not to learn in class. Also, with the new addition of the curriculum for 2009-2010 students, students are allowed to take what ever they are interested in, without the restrictions of unit requirements. Even though the school is rigorous in terms of academics, there are also opportunities for social change and community advocacy, with the numerous service-learning programs. Along with those previously mentioned opportunities, the school also boasts a study abroad rate of 85%, meaning that 85% of the student body attends a program overseas to learn from another culture. Overall, Kalamazoo College is a 5-star college for academics.

Through speaking with other students and through my own experience, it is shown that Kalamazoo College is a hit-or-miss school. Each of the positives of the school can be seen as a negative, with the small number of students, the lack of Greek life on campus, and the emphasis on academics. However, it has been proven that there is a lot to like about the college. Even though there is a small amount of students, there is a standard-size university close to campus, with all of the parties and Greek life one might ever need.

This question is one of the most important ones on the review. The school itself is quite costly, with tuition and other fees constantly rising from year to year. With a lot of students not being able to afford the tuition, the financial aid office is quite generous with grants and other loans. Even though the college continues to raise its costs, the education it possesses is worth the price tag. When viewing the school's website, there is always a new article about a former student excelling after graduation, getting high-paid positions or making change in a community. With this being said, there is a statistic stating that Kalamazoo College is among the top in the category of students gaining Master's and PhD degrees after graduating. Overall, Kalamazoo is definitely worth the cost and work.

For students looking at Kalamazoo, be warned that this school is for academics. There has been a complaint that the sports is not highlighted at the school as much as other schools, due to the emphasis on academics. If you plan on going professional in sports, this is not the school to attend. Also, as this is a small school, make sure you get your name out into the community and on campus.

Kalamazoo College is great for students looking for a close-knit community, with emphasis on social change and academics. Each student at Kalamazoo College has something special about him or her, which is proven through recommendation letters and application essays. If the large-university where you are known as your student number and not your name scares or worries you, then Kalamazoo College is the school for you.

The school puts a strong emphasis on education that's centered on you, that is liberal arts. English, philosophy, history and biology are just a few of the main subjects to take upon at Kalamazoo.
From my visits, I can tell that teachers are readily available, even during those late night hours of anxiety about finals and tomorrow's homework. Lectures halls are small, further strenghtening that bond between teachers and pupils.
For the engineers and science majors, you can have a strong pre-engineering education at K Zoo, but you need to be aware that you will need to attend 2 yrs at another, engineering school (K Zoo follows a 3-2 Engineering Program).
Lots of classes, not so much people and an awesome study-abroad program make K a great college for those interested in liberal arts and in education overall.

Kalamazoo is a small, clean, friendly city that boasts a newly renovated downtown area, filled with lots of good restaurants (Mexican food over there is the best!) and a brand-new open air shopping mall.
While it indeed felt the area a tad lonely, Kalamazoo's been improving its image for some years now, and let's not forget, Kalamazoo has three colleges: Kalamazoo College, Western, and Kalamazoo Valley Community College.
Kalamazoo is really close to Grand Rapids for those who dislike small towns.

The tuition I expected from Kalamazoo was actually higher than what it actually was. Unlike other pricy liberal arts schools, K Zoo offers a nice cadre of liberal subjects, several opportunities for interships and externships, and a state-of-the-art study-abrod program, all for about $40000 a year.
While this sum could stil be a burden, K Zoo has a good deal of merit- and need-based scholarships for all of those that wish to attend. I was able to get up to $62000 in scholarships for my four years at the college and I'm not exactly a 4.0 student with a 2400 on the SAT. You can obtain help, as long as you put an effort and time into it.

Apply, and apply EARLY, to get the most out of financial aid, such as scholarships and other financial aid at K. I checked one of the freshman halls, and while even the worst room was still pretty decent, you should apply early for K, since rooms are given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Engineers, you must know that if you come to K, they can only offer you a 3-2 engineering program, meaning that you will need to attend another school after you end your studies at K Zoo.

Lovers of learning, literature, English, biology (non-engineering), philosophy, etc.
If you like safe campuses with their own personal Bigby's coffehouse, and a great tennis team, then you should probably look into K as well

Kalamazoo College is a fantastic environment to learn and explore life. The professors are kind, smart, and always willing to help you do your best, then push you to do better. The students create a close-knit community that thrives all year round.

Be open to new experiences.
Ask questions.
Don't be afraid to be yourself.
Have fun.

Kalamazoo College is academically challenging, but the classes are interesting. We have 3 10-week quarters per school year, in which you choose 3 classes (plus the odd P.E. class) per quarter. There are help centers for each department, and of course, profs whose doors (and email boxes) are always open.

The dorms at K are beautiful, spacious, and clean. People are always gathered in the common areas, either cooking a meal, studying by the fireplaces, or chatting by the windows in rocking chairs.

There is only one cafeteria on campus; Sodexho provides the food. It's pretty good, too. The staff is friendly, the caf is clean, and there is a frozen yogurt machine (dessert is the best!). But for those who want a quick dinner, there is Jazzman's Cafe, which is close to the caf. Jazzman's has great food - wraps, subs, pizza, yogurt parfaits, cookies, soup, salad, fruit. It's similar to a Subway; you watch them make your food & everything is freshly prepared.

Those Kalamazoo's campus is small, there is always a ton of things to do, whether is Movie Night on the Quad, Zoo After Dark, meetings for the many different & diverse clubs, listening to speakers, watching Monkapult, going to the gym, or simply having cookies & tea in The Cave. Off campus, there are other things to do, as downtown Kalamazoo is very lively and always fun. Rock climbing at Climb Kalamazoo is always a favorite things of mine to do.

If I had to choose which college to go to again, I would always pick Kalamazoo College. It's a place you want to call home after only being there a few months.

One of the oldest, most unusual traditions on campus is for students to streak the quad...I'm serious. Everyone has to do it before they graduate!

Kalamazoo College is great for students who may be a little shy, want a smaller school with a great reputation, are diverse and accepting of all cultures, and want to have a most unique college experience.

There's a club for every interest! Some of my favorites are Sisters in Science (teaching elementary aged girls about biology, chemisty, physics), Cirque du K (circus club!), and the KSPCA (group dedicated to volunteering at animal shelters).

Kalamazoo College does not have Greek Life.

Security guards are on campus 24/7. There are telephones all around campus that can be used at any time to call security. Doors can only be opened with a student ID. There has never been a time where I felt unsafe on campus; it's definitely one of K's priorities.

Kalamazoo College is a great school. It is academically challenging but with the great professors, success is always possible. The school doesn't just worry about grades though it helps you grow into a well rounded and informed person.

Be ready to come in and have a ton of work, this is not a party school, you will work a ton during the week. And try to find groups on campus to be a part of, we offer groups for everyone and they are great to get into right away.

Kalamazoo College is extremely difficult. It is looked at as a small ivy league school so a lot is expected of students.

The RAs are all really nice and they plan weekly things like ice cream or smoothies for the dorms. The dorms aren't huge but they are nice and it is easy to make friends with the people who live near you.

Now here is where you run into the issue with a small school. They just don't have the resources to provide a ton of food options, nor is the cafeteria open all the time. But the staff are really nice and the food is alright, it is just repetitive. On the plus side though they do offer vegan and vegetarian options at every meal and these are labeled for convenience.

Join a group on campus or go see a movie. The movie theatre has student discounts and is really nice.

Streaking (as in running around naked) along the quad is allowed and accepted. The security just turn their head for it. There are even 2 annual steaks.

We have a ton of clubs on campus. We even have a circus club for those people who really want to step out of the box!

No greek life at all

Very safe, only issue is theft if you leave your windows unlocked.

Kalamazoo College is school with lots of interesting, quirky students. It has a fun yet hard working, community vibe to the school; there is also a slight social justice oriented vibe there as well.

I would advise spending a night over at K. I believe it really helps students get a full fill of the campus.

The school seems to really want to push you to do your best, although most teachers are aware of stress levels among students, especially as the quarter progresses. Still, we are encouraged to do our best. 3 classes in 10 weeks can be pretty intense and stressful! Thereâ??s even this stressed/hardworking culture at K. But this shouldnâ??t deter you from the school if it does. Everyone is different. And teachers are willing to help you with questions in their office hours or by appointment, and some departments have TAs who are there to help students as well! This kind of help and assistance goes a long way!
I think a lot of students are ambitious and passionate at K matching well with the rigor of classes! I hear the sciences are particularly rigorous here.

Dorm life is pretty decent. Some dorms are known as quiet, social, or laidback. This can vary from year to year.

The dorms are nice, spacious, and some have moveable furniture(Trow and Harmon) I believe Severn and Crissy, and I think Hoben as well,has build in funiture, but they can hold lots of space! Each dorm has a lounge(s), a game area, and an area with a public tv. The locations vary.
If you have a bathroom in your room or suite, a janitor will come in once a week to clean. The janitors are nice people : ).
The RAs are typically pretty great and organize some cool dorm community events, or at least events with food!

Okay... The food at the cafe is decent at the beginning of the school year, but gradually declines over the course of the term, with random good days where they offer stuff you like. If thereâ??s an event on campus with lots of people, however, the food will likely be better that day.
This year during the Fall Quarter they have been doing themes such as Taco Tuesday, Wings Wednesday, ect. Taco Tuesday has never disappointed me! But if youâ??re looking for better options you could grab a meal at Stacks. The food there rarely if ever disappoints me.
Also there is a suggestion/ comment board in the cafe to create a dialogue between the dinning staff and students.
*Our cafeteria is buffet style in case you were wondering.

There are weekly and daily events (like movies or craft) on campus, usually after class time. They are often advertised in the cafeteria. If you are in to partying, there is definitely a party culture here at K. I was surprised myself! However, if you are NOT into partying thereâ??s fun clubs or activities that run on Friday and Saturday nights. On Friday nights, there is a movie event will be playing somewhere on campus, which a fair amount of students attend. Also, a club called the Childish Games Commission meets at midnight in the Fine arts building and people play all sorts of childish games such as â??hide and seekâ?? or â??sardinesâ??. Every Saturday night, thereâ??s a themed event with food held at the Hicks Student Center (or sometimes on the Quad), and it sometimes but not always lasts until right about 1 am.

I believe K has a lot to offer however, tutition raises about 4 pecent every year. This may be an issue for some, although I think it gets balanced out by the finacial aid offered.

Thereâ??s a whole wide range of clubs! Every year at K fest, a festival that promotes clubs and organizations, I am always amazed when I rediscover that vast and diverse clubs there. And I have enjoyed all of the clubs Iâ??ve chosen to partake in.

None

Campus security does their job pretty well and respond when called. They are also nice people. : )

Kalamazoo has the most beautiful campus. The course work is extremely challenging. And the people are very welcoming.

Don't worry about making friends, there are all sorts of people at K and you're bound to find someone who shares your interests.

Very challenging, but the professors are great and willing to help outside of class.

Comfortable and a good way to meet new people, it can get a little noisy on the weekends though.

It's good most of the time.

Explore downtown Kalamazoo! It's a great city with lots to do. There are also tons of clubs and student organizations to get involved in, like Cirque du K! (The best club ever.)

Overachievers and hard workers.

There is something for everyone.

There is no Greek Life at K.

Campus security takes their job very seriously and respond quickly.

An awesome liberal arts college that allows you to broaden your horizons by encouraging you to take classes you never would have thought to take! With no general education requirements, it is easier than ever to dabble in various studies ranging from art history, to biochemistry, to women's studies! Kalamazoo College does more in four (years) so you can do more in a lifetime!

Be sure to take advantage of the small class sizes (16-24 students) and make a relationship with your prof! Their offices are ALWAYS open even when its not their office hours!

Academic prestige is #1 at K, but it is easy to find help everywhere, from upperclassmen, to profs, to the Writing Center, Math/Physics Center, and Bio/Chem Center!

Janitors come and clean your bathrooms for you...every week! So you can focus on your studies! Whaaat?! Can't get much better than that :)

Sodexo caters it all, from the Homeline, to the Grill, to the International line. Want egg beaters every morning? You got it. Is steak your fancy? Done. Are you gluten free? Not a problem at K!

With over 50 student organizations, everyone can find a little something for themselves. If not, start your own club and get funded! Or just walk around the awesome Kalamazoo Downtown area and check out festivals or ArtHop!

This college will change your life. They welcome you like a family. You will not be alone if you attend this college.

Don't worry, this college cares for you. You will be in good hands.

I do not know how rigorous it is, but I expect a challenge.

Have not checked the space but i hear that the dorms are spacious and comforting.

I am a fan of food and diet. They have a variety to offer, whether you are vegetarian, vegan, or a simple person.

There are multiple events that are partnered with the school and with the city.