Reviews

Four out of five of my classes, and I'm ignoring my math class because it's not my strong point, had teachers that were not afraid to engage with you and make sure you know what you needed and wanted to know. When I feel like a teacher wants me to learn because they really want you to, not just because it makes their paychecks better, it makes me WANT to learn and I can safely say, that those four teachers this semester were really awesome and treated me with great respect. I didn't feel like a kid, I felt like a student. When you're in high school, you feel like you're being babysat, don't you? Well in my first semester at SFA, I felt like I was for once learning something relevant and I felt encouraged to do my best. Earlier I said that four out of my five of my teachers this semester helped me achieve great heights, and that's because I'm not going to lie to you about that fifth teacher. I'm very bad in math, so bad I had to take remedial and I almost failed. That being said, large part of it was due to my teacher hardly being an English-speaker. He was foreign and had terrible English, and I think if you have a group of students that need a lot of help in a certain subject, you don't give them the worst teacher in the school. SFA has a notoriously horrible math department and this proved the case. Don't be too discouraged, though (unless you're going in to math, of course), because the teaching, nursing and forestry programs are pretty kick-ass, they're the reason the school is there.

If you want a huge school with lots of actions, you may want to look elsewhere. There are certainly parties and plenty of sororities, fraternities, and other organizations, but it's a very quiet, low-key school. I'm not a huge party-animal, and by that I mean for entertainment, I go to Marble Slab and the movies. Occasionally, I DO go to a bar or club or something active. But to be honest, if you're a serious student, you don't need an active party life. While the work load wasn't a killer, I was definitely spending at least half of my free time doing homework, if not more.
The good thing about SFA and the small town of Nacogdoches is, if you need a few free hours and then to get back home soon to do school work, you don't have to go far. There are several forms of entertainment on campus. One being the student center, which has a pool table, Starbucks, and lots of eating options. Although most of these close early (with the exception of the pool table lounge), there is still a little store and lots of sitting areas if you need a new place to study and sip on a coke.
The best thing to do on campus for fun is the gym. I know, I know, so many of us roll our eyes when we hear this, but you if you don't want to work out, the gym is still a place for you. Have you seen the pool? It's a pretty large space and, get ready for this, has a lazy river. It doesn't look like a hole in the concrete, either. It looks like a lagoon and is purely beautiful at night. Only an hour there and I feel greatly relaxed. If you DO want to work out, the gym is H-U-G-E. Machines, machines, machines, AND they have cable TVs on them, so you can watch and work out. Did I mention the rock climbing wall?
As for the dorms, they aren't great, honestly. The most expensive ones, about $4800, have a kitchen, with a microwave and full-sized fridge, private bathroom with two sinks, living room with a couch, and two private bedrooms. They rock. But the cheapest, Hall 14&16, where I'm at, sadly eno...

Considering that I pay around 14k at SFA for tuition, which includes a meal plan (which keeps me well-covered) and for the cheapest dorm possible, I'd say I get bang for my buck. Though I will not stay in my particular dorm any longer once possible, again, it's not as if I was miserable. It was definitely liveable, but I've been to the other dorms and they're just plain nicer. Considering that the gym and library AND tutoring is considered in tuition, it's a pretty sweet deal. The AARC (tutoring center) is open Sun-Fri until about 1am, and you can be a walk-in, or, if you sign up early enough, you can get a private tutor. And it's all free, like the gym, as previously stated.
The meal plans all cost the same, but you can get different variations. There's one, the 7/14plan, that gives you two meals a day along with $125 Dining Dollars a semester, which is basically a debit card for places like the on-campus Starbucks, Chick-Fa-Le or etc. I've never gone to the cafeteria more than two times a day, so I recommend this one, especially since they have an awesome place, the Einstein Bagel Bros. in the library where I love to waste my dining dollars before class. If you're a cafeteria person, you can get the 7/20 plan that gives you three meals a day at the cafeteria and $50 dining dollars for one semester.

I know you've probably already heard this, in reference to your junior year or future college career, but you've probably heard it only from your parents or counselors, who went to college 20 years ago. But honestly, and really, do not let the work build up. Every time someone said that to me, I figured they were just talking about the college student who goes to school to party. I'm not that student, I'm the student who goes to learn, and I thought I would know better than these people telling me to study every day. I'm a hardworking student, but the kind that figures out what works best for her after spending some time in every new situation. I encourage that, but really, and as much as you've heard this before: When you're up at 3am studying and you have a final in five hours, you're gonna know that there was something else you could have done instead going to Marble Slab or that party or whatever.
Even if you don't want to take this to heart, at least promise yourself, that if you're not going to be the person who studies all day, do at least one-to-two hours more than you normally. Not all day, and not even consecutively, but that little extra ounce of work goes a long way.
Also, if you don't like your professor, this time, there's nothing you can do about it. You can drop the class, but if you don't , you're stuck with him/her and if you feel they're not treating you right, you can't go to the counselor to complain and make sure you don't fail. Hardly no one is running an interference with these professors, and you better be good from day one, because if you think you're the professor is the kind who will reflect their personal opinion of you in their grade, they probably will and no one will stop them.
Not to say that they are all scary like the movies and TV shows portray. Before I went to SFA, I was expecting all professors to make it clear from day one that you are nothing to them but an inconvenience and that they expect you to stay in line, or th...

As stated before, if you want a wild life, this isn't for you. There are parties, yes, but there are no resources for wild stuff, this school is designed to be quiet and help you be quiet but successful student. If you're like me, and you like the idea of going to school to learn and you're okay with having to study, but like bouts of fun, too, then go here. My ideal night is a few hours of fun (whether that's at the pool, at the party, or at the Starbucks) and a bit of quiet time to relax or study, and this school is perfect for that. Take into account that it isn't only the school that's quiet, it's the town of Nacogdoches, which is a pretty conservative town. So behave! And good luck!

Stephen F. Austin State University is one of the universities you will feel connected with your professors and fellow classmates. The classes are pretty averaged sized so therefore you can ask as many questions and have a lot more attention from your professors. I learned a lot in all my classes because everything is easy as high school, and not only did I learn a lot of educational aspects, just the whole general atmosphere at SFA is very home welcoming, which helps out a lot in the long run.

Nacogdoches is a perfect little city for a college like SFA! The city has all kinds of restaurants, fast food places, convenient shopping areas, great social places, and a pretty good shopping for shoes and clothes. It's the city in the middle of no where in Texas, called Naca no where, but it is a city full of nice great folks, beautiful nature, friendly atmosphere, and there is always somethings to do. I loved being in Nacogdoches!!! I admit that I was over whelmed and felt home sick when I was there, wanting to go home sometimes, but coming home to your home town makes you really miss SFA.

SFA has great dorms that are livable, it's not what everyone imagines it to be disgraceful. Other dorms are more nicer than others, but once your settled in your dorm, it feels like home. The eating on campus is pretty good. You won't get tired of cafeteria food because there are other options like Chick f lae, Panda Express, Pizza Hut, and Einstein Bros. If your options are not any categorized, grocery stores are across the campus and many other fast food restaurants you can pick from. Everything's pretty convenient and affordable. SFA creates many great ways to afford your living, food, tuition, and other things. I thought college was expensive, but once you get settled, it was not as stressing as anyone thinks.

It's going to be overwhelming at first, but everyone will get adjusted, make new friends, learn so much in a lifetime, and become a SFA Lumberjack! The best tip is to be optimistic to a new environment and the best will come to you. SFA is very home welcoming like I said earlier!

Basically every type, race, religion, anything you can possibly imagince of someone is welcome to Stephen F. Austin State University. This school is friendly and has a very outstanding educational program for all majors. I heard that SFA has good programs for forestry, teaching, and nursing though. We have the number one ranked cheerleaders and other athletes. But I'm pretty sure everyone gets the best education at SFA and good times, and everyone is welcomed!

I learned a lot during my first year at Stephen F. Austin University. I learned that the professors are always there for you to talk with about your class performance and will give you extra work and help to increase your learning skills.

The gym is a state of the art facility. I enjoy going there and working out and playing basketball, volleyball, etc. There is always something to do or you can always find something to do. I like the small town atmosphere.

The dorms are pretty nice and affordable. There a many restaurants like Cain's, Chick-Fil-A, McDonalds, Chili's etc. Also, there are restaurants in the Student Center. You also get advantage to all sports games free of cost.

Stay focus on what you are at college for. It is okay to have fun, but remember that you need to study and prioritize your assignments and personal activities. The campus has many trees and the landscape is very nice.

SFA is a school for students who want to get away from home but not too far. It is for students who like a little country added to his/her big city life. You can have plenty of fun, meet new people and just be yourself.

I actually didn't expect to find teachers to be so caring about their students. Teachers go out of their time to give their students all the tools to make good grades, not just good, but excellent. They of course expect alot from their students because they offer you all the resources that you need as a student to succeed. My professors would sit down with me in their office and explain my possibilities of making a B, or A and tell me ways I could prepare more to ensure I got what I wanted. They were patient and truly wonderful. I never felt left alone or uncomfortable. We even planned times where I would come in and review with them material that I didn't fully comprehend in class. And when ever they weren't available, the library was always open with plenty of people there at the study sessions that I could go to and ask for help. There is no reason not to succeed at SFA with the great people there, it's just impossible.

Although SFA is not great in size, it has a great variety of people to hang out with. Once you join clubs, as a student, you will meet so many different people with different backgrounds and you'll honestly love it. People are outgoing, adventurous, loving, and caring. From day one, I never felt alone because there has always been someone there by my side ready to lend me a hand. SFA is not just a university, it's more like a huge family where the students and professors care about everyone.

If you work for the grades, you can easily get scholarships and find ways to pay for your education. It is just a matter of effort to achieve what you want in life. SFA is cheap to begin with, but it can get somewhat expensive depending on what you are pursuing. And if you need help and need a plan on how to pay for your education, never hesitate to go to the financial office and ask for it. They will always be more than happy to sit down with you and help you plan for ways to pay.

Go to class and actually study. If you go to class you will get the material needed for the tests, and if you study there is no need for cheating. Surprisingly there is quite a bit of cheating in classes that you would not expect to find it, but unlike high school, the consequences and the punishment for cheating are greater and more severe. So as a responsible student just simply study. Study and review little by little everyday so when tests come, things won't feel so overwhelming and feel like it's the end of the world. Also be aware that there are cruel people in this world, and it is best not to trust anyone too quickly. A close friend of mine feel in the wrong hands of someone for blindingly trusting in them and got raped, so please, be responsible. Don't go out with anyone you meet. Get to know people first to avoid terrible things from happening to you.

If you are dedicated, care about your grades, and are willing to put in the effort to make the grade, this is where you belong. SFA is a very proud campus where everyone is always helping everyone work towards their goals, but you as the student need to put in the time to get the final result. Also, if you are persuing nursing, teaching, music, art, forestry, law, pre-health careers like dental, doctor, therapist, etc, SFA is right for you. SFA has strong foundations in these careers and it offers great programs to get you where you want to be. Like any university, SFA is about discovering and learning about yourself. You might start wanting to be a doctor and end up graduating with a bachelor in art. So don't beat yourself about not knowing what you want to be or where you are headed, there are plenty of ways to find your niche at SFA and know what is best for you.

I have learned a lot in my first semester on campus and not just about the subjects I'm taking, I'm learning about different cultures and types of people, and places.

Everyone is very helpful in helping me if needed, from the Info desk in the Student Center to the Financial Aid office about scholarships.

There are several dining services on campus, a movie theatre, a recreational center with a pool and much, much more.

Get to the movies early, if you are going to the cafeteria around noon send a friend to get seats early {it can get crowded if you don't come in early}.

I think SFASU would be good for students coming from smaller towns or who want the small town feel.

The school is great. Classes are flexible and the professors want you to succeed. There is a lot going on in the campus, so get involved.

Do not procrastinate when it comes to financial aid or signing up for classes. Get involved, and definitely visit your professors during their office hours.

Harder courses are always available, so if you want the more rigorous classes then they are their.

Dorms are set up to give you the best experience possible. This includes picking a roommate or if you are adventurous and decided to take the gamble but don't like your roommate you can switch out.

Their are several restaurants on campus, including one ran by the culinary department. The cafeterias are top notch and serve a wide variety of food.

There are over 400 geo-cache sites on campus. Endless events are planned each week, and the student ran cinema shows hit movies after they are released from theatres for only a buck.

SFA is a state ran school and 75% of the tuition is payed for by the state. Which means you get a quality education for a fraction of the price.

SFA fans are the best, at every event there is a purple haze section that is located right behind the competing school where students show off their school spirit.

We have a great liberal arts program and a lot of internship programs. SFA is also known for its agriculture department. The school is very into hands on experience.

Anything you can think of that could be a club SFA has it. And if we don't then grab a friend and fill out the paperwork and it will be. Their is something for everyone.

I am not involved in greek life, but there are tons of fraternities and sororities around campus and they are always putting events together.

You will never go outside and not see at least three cops from your trip from point a to point b.

I am not the sort of student who takes in information well, but here, so far at least, my teachers have been knowledgeable, and have effective instructing habits. Some of my best teachers work here. I have no complaints.

I ABSOLUTELY Love it!!! I was petrified, like most, at attending college, but SFASU is just impeccable. I've found my niche of friends, I'm highly involved (which is what I love), my courses are going well, and I've finally settled on a good major, which I cannot wait to work more towards. Axe 'Em Jacks!!!

It's not a bad tuition rate. Sure it's a bit costly, but relatively speaking, for a good university, it's a decent price. The food could be a bit better for the price we pay, but the chocolate chip cookies they concoct make up for it. Plus, they offer a nice share of scholarships. :)

It's a very spirited school, Spirit Fridays every Friday, so bring purple! Although SFA will hand out several free shirts.
Come with an idea for your Major (you don't want to end up switching too late, like I almost did).
Get involved ASAP, you'll meet friends, and feel more a part of this wonderful community.
Find a niche to run around with- it's not hard, especially if you're involved in at least something, but once you do, it's the best feeling in the world.
Oh, and don't touch the squirrels! They eat blue M&M's, and skulls of creatures... they're scary.
Axe 'Em Jacks!!!

Spirited (Spirit Fridays!).
Involved (it's a small town, have to find something to entertain yourselves by).
Dedicated (Some of the social organizations require involvement, and passion).
Nature-lovers. It is by far the most beautiful campus I have ever set eyes upon (lover of pine cones, pine trees, etc).
YOU! No matter what kind of student you are, you're certain to find something you love.

I have learned that being able to maintain a good GPA and a social life is astonishing. The professor's are very helpful if you have any questions or concerns. I go to tutoring to get updated on some of the notes or prepare for the next class day.

I love my University. Although it may be in a rural setting, it can be fun. I love it because we have a diversity of people and you meet many different people. I enjoy the activities that I am able to make throughout the school year.

Make sure that you are not coming to SFA to party because it will burn in the long run.
Go to as many review sessions and AARC tutorial as possible or even get together with a group of friends.
Make sure you stay on your P's and Q's because you never know if you have your mind set on an activity such frats or sorority.

I am learning a lot more than i did in high school that is for sure. I am learning something new in each of my classes, and i am becoming a better student because of everything.

I love it here! For me its not to far but just far enough away from home. It's lots of fun here and everyone is nice.

This is a great school. You get your moneys worth with everything from the classes to the meal plan.

This is a really good school especially if you're going to be an education major.

My current major is Interior Design. I do believe all of the teachers I have had in my one year here have been well qualified and taught me a lot! I am learning how to draft, dimension and do CAD as well as make professional presentations among many other things.

I absolutely love being here! The atmosphere can't be beat. There's never a boring moment at SFA. The student center is always active and the food on campus is really good!

As everyone knows tuition all over the state of Texas is rising and SFA is not excluded. I would say since SFA is a smaller university you do get quite the bang for your buck though. The education is still good quality and the class sizes are manageable and more comfortable too.

Send your application and transcripts and stay on them about your admission status. I visited the university in person a few times to iron some things out. They often lose paperwork. Also, keep a copy of everything you purchase or pay for including parking tickets, tuition receipts etc.

SFA is great for so many types of students. I would say that being a part of Greek life here is huge even though I am not involved in it. Whether that interests you or not there's a niche for every type of student for sure!