The University of Montana
Missoula, MT, USA

Reviews

The University of Montana

Molly from Kinsey, MT

a past student here
CategoriesComments
Did learn a lot
I only completed a year of general studies at the U of M, but the range of choices I had was great. In each class I had to work for my grades, but when the year was over, I felt like I had learned a lot.
Did enjoy being here
The school and the city of Missoula are just great. Everyday, there was some sort of activity going on in the UC or out on the Oval. The students were constantly being encouraged to join clubs, groups, or sports and to participate in school rallies and activities. And there were tons of things to do off campus as well, such as hiking, shopping, attending the farmer's market, and many other activities.
Bang for the buck
For some students from out-of-state, the cost was a bit high, but the education and social opportunities offered to us made up for it.
Tips for prospective students
When you get to school, it is not hard to find people that are interested in the same things that you are, you just have to get out and get involved in the things that interest you. Challenge yourself with all of the classes, activities and new people that the University has to offer.
Great for these types of students
The University is a welcoming place to anyone and everyone, and there are majors for all interests. The people have intense school spirit and take pride in the school, but it also seems to have a very laid back and comfortable atmosphere. This school would be a good place for anyone.

Alyssa from Butte, MT

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The courses I have taken helped me to develop and expand on the skill I already had in high school. This is a tremendous help. I find that I can recall this information at will and I believe I will retain what I have learned this past semester.
Am enjoying being here
Originally, UM was not where I intended to go. However, since attending I cannot think of a place I would rather be. Missoula and UM feel like home. I feel like the entire campus and the people that live and work there are now my new home and family.
Bang for the buck
As a Montana resident, I find tuition and expenses to be very affordable considering what I get in return. I am getting the best education without ever leaving my home state. Many of the people on my floor are from out of state and they all say it is cheaper for them to go to UM than to stay in there own state! UM is definitely worth the money.
Tips for prospective students
#1 Be on top of your game. Apply for deadlines early whether those are on housing deadlines, financial aid, or scholarships.
#2 Use your resources. Professors and TA are there to help and to make your life easier. My TA's have been so incredibly helpful, and most them know the ins and outs at UM.
Great for these types of students
Everyone. UM is such a varied type school. No matter what type of student you are, UM will have something for you. As a liberal arts college, there are of course all the art anyone could ask for. However, for those of you that are like me, there is also infinite possibilities in the world of math and science, English and literature.

Steve from Missoula, MT

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors in the business school help you learn to think critically.
Am enjoying being here
My involvement at the University has really helped me feel at home here. It's a big enough school that you can always find something to do (and if you can't, it's probably your own fault!) but has a great and supportive community so that you don't feel like you're falling through the cracks.
Bang for the buck
Excellent education at state school prices!
Tips for prospective students
Come check out the campus, spend a couple of days here so you can get a feel for the different clubs and activities available on campus and so you can best explore Missoula.
Great for these types of students
Anyone who wants a high bang for your buck. The University of Montana is an excellent school!

Devan from Bellevue, ID

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
All the professors are very knowledgeable and want to help you succeed. They are very helpful and office hours are productive. I feel like they care about me and my education.
Am enjoying being here
So much to do. Lots of hiking, fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities. There are lots of adult sport leagues that make it fun. Fall and Spring are good for camping, hiking, fishing, etc. Winter is good for skiing and enjoying the snow. It is a beautiful location, and the perfect location for the outdoor lover.
Bang for the buck
A great public school!
Tips for prospective students
Come for a campus tour! You will fall in love!
Great for these types of students
Anyone who is active and loves the outdoors. We have a great forestry program and a great education program. Anyone who is looking to mix their college experience with lots of outdoor experiences this is the school for you!

pdx

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Everything here is interesting and it is a refreshing different feeling I get when I talk to teachers.
Am enjoying being here
The city of Missoula is open, kind and incredible. I never want to leave!
Bang for the buck
I have learned SO much.
Tips for prospective students
If you feel like some aspect of your application doesn't match the colleges expectations, call them. Talk to them. They do actually care.
Great for these types of students
Curious, strong, independent, people who are very open to a fantastic community and student body. UM is a school that is changing with the ideals of the students. It is very revolutionary.

Mackenzie from Spokane, WA

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I will be attending this fall and the staff at the university have been very helpful it explaining the details of everything to me to make sure I make it through in four years and don't waste any money or time.
Am enjoying being here
Most beautiful place in the inland Northwest, you have a view, fresh air, the city life, and yet you still have the country life where you can just take a stroll through nature and not be far from the campus.
Great for these types of students
People who want to find themselves, you can easily find quite places to think about who you want to be in this big crazy world.

Albert from Missoula, MT

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
an amazing campus with great clubs, programs and students. the university of montana is environmentally aware and sound. all students from all over the world that i have met here agree that this college is by far better than most, a treasure in education.
Tips for prospective students
unless you are used to harsh weather during the winter months, buy a bigger coat :)
Academic Rigor
definitely more focused here on learning the how to's rather than information that the teachers would agree, you will never use.
Dorm Life
the dorms can be a little cramped depending but you have the whole city as your campus and with a few arrangements you can open the rooms up quite a bit.
Food and Dining
the university dining experience is amazing, always have a great vegan selection in the main buffet style court. espresso shops everywhere and another food court in the main study area makes diet easy for students.
What to do for fun
camping, hiking, kayak, rafting, trailing, biking, skating, board/skiing. the campus can even provide equipment for those who lack and will offer transportation to such activities. on campus their are a number of inter-mural sports and events.
Bang for the buck
definitely worth every penny.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
haunted buildings and two gps worldwide competition points on campus. a large oval instead of a quad. brick-laid original sidewalk.
Great for these types of students
environmentally friendly and the loners from hs. no one is that judgmental here.
Clubs and Activities
tons of clubs!!
Greek Life
i know they exist but i don't take part in them.
Campus Safety
oh yeah they carry guns.

Erin from Aurora, CO

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
the university of montana is a fantastic school. they have great programs and amazing staff. the location is a perfect environment for learning.
Tips for prospective students
the university is a great place to come learn, just make sure you attend class as often as you can, most professors don't post lecture notes online so the only way to get the information is to go to class.
Academic Rigor
students here are very driven towards their academics and there are always people here willing to lend a helping hand if you're having trouble understanding a class.
Dorm Life
getting along with your roommate is imperative because a lot of time is spent in your room. don't be afraid to get to know your roommate before you get to school and ask questions. it'd be better to try to get a new roommate before school starts than to be scrambling to find a new one during first semester.
Food and Dining
the food zoo is the main dining hall, and they normally have good food. sometimes they try some new dishes that are a little weird, but for the majority, they provide good, healthy food. they have a vegetarian line as well as a global line. there are other places to eat on campus such as pizza hut, jus chillin, bakery, famous daves, doc's sandwich shop, and the cascade country store.
What to do for fun
for fun there are always sporting events on campus. the football games in the fall are hugely popular, and students get in for free. during the winter there are the basketball and volleyball games and during the spring there's lacrosse. there are also many clubs such as intervarsity, language clubs, and many more.
Bang for the buck
the university's tuition plan, while still expensive, is much more affordable than other large universities. in-state tuition was about $13,000 a year, and out of state was about $27,000 a year. while still up there, the tuition is definitely worth the education.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
an unusual tradition on campus is every halloween night, the rock climbing club scales the clock tower and places a pumpkin on the very top. also, there is a 95 year old tradition of having a forester's ball at the end of january.
Great for these types of students
the university has a very large glbt community. they are very supportive and offer their services to anyone who is having trouble or struggling. they do not feel threatened because of who they are, and so are able to live happily.
Clubs and Activities
there are so many different clubs and activities on campus. for every major, and even minors. the clubs led by students and many play a large part in the community.
Greek Life
the greek life on campus is not very large, but the fraternities and sororities are very active in the community and donate a lot of time and money to various charities.
Campus Safety
i have never felt unsafe on campus. the campus is fairly small, but even so, if you are walking alone at night, you can call campus safety, and an office will either come walk with you, or come pick you up in their golf cart.

Matt from Great Falls, MT

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
if you can stand the drastic weather, missoula is one of the greatest places to compose, perform, and learn about music. the locals are incredibly relaxed and open to conversation about just about anything.
Tips for prospective students
bring plenty of jackets and be ready to switch out your wardrobe on the fly, the weather changes to something new almost everyday.
What to do for fun
hiking, fishing, floating, skiing, running, billiards, ping pong, numerous concerts and parties by big names, and of course going to grizzly sports.
Bang for the buck
fairly affordable as far as universities run, especially if you can claim in- state tuition.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
there's a giant stone m on mount sentinel overlooking the campus, and every year forestry students climb the clock tower and place a giant pumpkin on top for halloween.
Great for these types of students
outdoors lovers, sports fans, musicians, people seeking a laid-back town with just enough to do without all the clutter of over-populated cities.
Clubs and Activities
there's at least 100 different clubs, ranging from ping-pong to larping.
Greek Life
the chapters at the university of montana are very respectable and honorable. each strives to make an impact in the missoula community and are very welcoming to new-comers.
Campus Safety
missoula is: a) in montana, thus the crime rate is already essentially low and b) so laid back and liberal that things are more often debated about in a civil fashion rather than with physical altercations.

A student from Montana

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
the university has a diverse, fun, and clean campus. the variety of classes offered can lead students into varying majors and professions and help get their foot in the door. on a side note, the location of the campus, here in the valley, offers great views and many activities to keep yourself busy.
Tips for prospective students
get out and meet people
Academic Rigor
although some classes are too large for attendance, professor's generally do care about your presence and effort level in their classes.
Dorm Life
lots of people, lots of dorms, great experience and an easy way to meet people.
Food and Dining
with the all campus meal plan, you can eat at places like pizza hut and a few sandwich shops, as well as the country store and cafeteria, all found on campus.
What to do for fun
here in the mountains you can go skiing and snowboarding in the winter, tubing and swimming in the summer, and hikes all year round. not including the stores and businesses around town, there's lots to do.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
climb sentinel hill to the large m overlooking campus.
Great for these types of students
outdoor types
Campus Safety
help buttons located around campus in the event that you are attacked...