University of Colorado Colorado Springs Reviews

Rachel

from Colorado Springs , CO

Current student

In which ways do you feel you are learning and growing?

In my time at this school so far, I feel as though I am expanding my knowledge on general subjects, as well as classes that pertain more toward my degree. For each undergraduate degree, UCCS will require you to take classes to fulfill certain requirements, such as language, music, art, history, and many other elective courses. This allows students to become more well rounded in their education, and I feel that this contributes to overall growth in learning.

In what ways do you feel this college challenges students academically?

I am currently a STEM major student, taking many pre-health courses. The basic science classes, such as chemistry and biology are quite challenging, as they are meant to be, to ensure students who want to major in these fields perform well in their classes. I will be taking anatomy next semester, and other health classes such as nutrition, culture in health, psychology, etc. next semester as well. Anatomy is notoriously known for being one of the more difficult classes, but in many of the classes this school offers, it will challenge you academically and help you to grow in your knowledge.

In your experience, what is there to do for fun at this college?

There are so many clubs at the school! I personally want to join pre-health clubs, but I’ve also attended other clubs such as Cru. There are many intramural sports teams you can join, there are many places to hike nearby, and personally, I love going to the gym to workout! There’s also a pool, multiple courts, a rock climbing wall, and so many more amenities at the gym itself. When I’m looking for a fun but chill time, I’ll go the library with friends, or walk around campus and hangout at one of the cafes.

Marcus from Colorado Springs, CO

a current student here

Categories	Comments
Am learning a lot	Apparently, even though the course work does increase in difficulty (like in high school) you actually get more engaged in your courses & want to discover better ways to expand your knowledge. Plus the Learning Center help here is excellent!! Go there if you ever need any help in Math, Science, Language, or Writing-type classes
Am enjoying being here	Well since I was raised down south, Colorado was never the right place for me. However, UCCS shows a better side of Colorado I thought I'd never see, yet I still love the south & it'll always influence my views of this place.
Bang for the buck	OH YEA!!! The tuition is resonable, especially if you have scholarships, grants, financial aid, etc...and the reimburse your money towards the middle of the year if you have extra funds! Fantastic!!
Tips for prospective students	It would be a great idea for you to get acquainted with the campus, meet some upper/lower-division students, athletes, and teachers, and look to find you major at at a dependable & worthwhile school
Great for these types of students	-Those in need of Financial Aid -looking to enter a Scientific Field -Enjoy a moderately large school (10,000+) -Searching for a Suburban setting -Want a taste of a Public 4-year University

Steven from Colorado Springs, CO

a current student here

Categories	Comments
Academic Rigor	uccs is a very excellent school in terms of learning effectively and critically. the class sizes are small, and you get personal attention with the teachers. the curriculum is relevant to your degree, and every class is a learning experience.
Am enjoying being here	UCCS, because it is small, has a great sense of community. being in Colorado Springs, there are a lot of great things to do and plenty of great places to eat.
Bang for the buck	uccs is a very affordable school. the quality of education you receive is unparalleled to others, comparatively price wise. furthermore, there are copious amounts of grants and scholarships available to offset the cost.
Tips for prospective students	1. apply early, you will have a better chance of being admitted 2. complete the fafsa, and apply for a lot of scholarships, even if you think you're not eligible. 3. write a cool application essay, it will give you a personality among all the thousands of other applicants
Great for these types of students	1. city dwellers 2. outdoorsy ( pikes peak, and lots of hiking opportunities) 3. military (the army rotc has an excellent program here)

Hannah from Colorado Springs, CO

a current student here

Categories	Comments
Am learning a lot	There are many classes to choose from here at UCCS. There are a variety of Colleges that you can be in, although being in a specific college on campus does not limit you to taking classes that are specific to your career plan. There are other classes such as the fine art and history of Wine, or history and theory of yoga. Either way you are learning so much at UCCS, and the teachers are great. They are mostly all personable, and are willing to meet with you one on one to help you with anything your are struggling on.
Am enjoying being here	I absolutely love being at UCCS. The campus is gorgeous, with the mountain view of Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods right around the corner. The campus itself is fairly new, with construction almost done, including our new science building, recreation center, and athletics building. I love the atmosphere here, and everyone is polite and friendly. You get to know the people on campus, especially if you are involved in the Greek life or other campus organizations. There are so many things to do and lots of places to go. There is never a dull moment!
Bang for the buck	The tuition here is not that bad if you are from instate. There are many programs if you need help paying for school but for the most part, the school is affordable. With the attention of professors and the great school atmosphere, the school is worth the money. You really get everything out of the classes you pay for, and your time and money is not wasted.
Tips for prospective students	Go into college with an open mind. College will change you no matter what, whether it is drastic or subtle. Just know that college is a learning opportunity not only for academics, but also about yourself. You learn how to live and take on your own responsibilities and you grow as a person. You make so many connections that if you ever need a favor or a reference, there is always someone around to help you out.
Great for these types of students	UCCS is great for all students who are looking to go to a smaller university that gives you individual feedback, where you are considered a person, not just a number. UCCS has a great business and nursing program that leave students very successful in the end. And if you are into golf, there is a great golf program here and the golf team has gone on to nationals. The school itself is great for people looking for adventure, and enjoy the outdoors. The atmosphere is great and enjoyable for everyone!

Maricela from Aurora, CO

a current student here

Categories	Comments
In three sentences	The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a really nice campus that has an amazing view to the mountains. UCCS have a good campus tour that help future students decided if they like to go there for their college years. Also, UCCS has a variety of majors to satisfy every one's major preference.
Tips for prospective students	Make sure that if you are considering this college to go to a tour to know the college. When you go on a tour at University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS), make sure to take notes about the information that they give you and pay attention when their deadlines are. Also ask question even if they seem dumb but believe me it will help a lot.
Academic Rigor	They offer classes that will challenge you and an honors programs for fast accelerating learning. It is not like high school, you have to make sure that you turn in your work on time. Most professors won't accept late work. Also make sure that you don't skipped the class because the professor might take attendance that will count towards the grade and if you miss a class, you could miss important information.
Dorm Life	UCCS does not require their freshman to spend the first year with them. In fact they don't make it a requirement to the student to stay there. They offer apartments for students to stay at, or stay on the campus dorms that they have usually 3 bedrooms with a small living room, and a bathroom. This year UCCS had to open more places since the demand for housing was higher than what they expected. The new dorms are okay. The RA make events for the floors so its interactive. But if you have a problem in your dorm, it takes them a while to respond.
Food and Dining	The food at UCCS is really diversified and they have a section for international food. Every week they have a different food from a different part of the world. They have the option to go to the Lodge to eat or you can go to Cafe 65 to eat. They offered food from different places of the world every week and its healthy and tasty at the same time. There are also restaurants around campus that you can go eat out if you get tired of the food at campus.
What to do for fun	There is the rec center where you can go to work out or attend one of their workout classes. The campus plan events to help the students to engage with campus and be able to get the school more. The Resident Assistant also plan programs for their floors to be involve and get to know their residents. But there are trails all over campus that you can go to take a hike. One of the trail take you to Pulpit Rock.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	There is a hammock hidden in campus that no one knows where it is at. There are also that every 2nd Tuesday, they have pancakes for the students for free to get breakfast before starting their classes in the morning.
Campus Safety	UCCS is connected to the police department of Colorado Springs as they also have their own police department there. They offer to escort you to were you need to go at night if you feel unsafe. Over all the campus security is excellent.

Matthew from Colorado Springs, CO

a current student here

Categories	Comments
Am learning a lot	The college is a little underrated, in my mind. The professors are all top notch, and they really know about their subject matter! You have to go to class though. Not many teachers will let you skip without verified documentation.
Am enjoying being here	The campus is really beautiful, there is great student involvement. Even though it is a big city, it has a little city feel to it. I love all the programs I can get involved in, the help I can get at the learning centers and the amazing view of the mountains!
Bang for the buck	This is really a cost effective method for someone who doesn't have the money for a big state or private institution, but is also either leaving community college, or just wants to go to a 4-year college.
Tips for prospective students	Be ready for a great ride. It's totally different from high school, and different from other schools. You'll love it!
Great for these types of students	4-year, hard working, transfer,

Megan from Monument, CO

a current student here

Categories	Comments
Am learning a lot	Within the first few months of attending UCCS I learned many new things that I didn't learn in high school.
Am enjoying being here	Changing schools is a difficult process but UCCS made the transition easy for me.
Bang for the buck	With multiple events going on every week, UCCS students get their money's worth out of it.
Tips for prospective students	If you plan on attending UCCS make sure that you stay in the dorms. This will help you make more friends rather than feel like an outsider.
Great for these types of students	Hard working and dedicated students.

Georgette from Pueblo, CO

a current student here

Categories	Comments
In three sentences	This place is for engineers, geologists, and communications majors that actually want to do something. The campus is safe and the professors are enlightening. The outside world around UCCS is stimulating and isnpiring.
Tips for prospective students	Eat on campus - buy those campus dollars. You don't need to spend extra cash at Chipotle's or Chicfillet because UCCS food is always delicious. And for underclassmen, live in the special housing (Honors, Outdoor Living) because it really brings your spirits up whne you're having the bad weeks.
Academic Rigor	This mostly depends on the major you take and your aptitude for such. Science and engineering folk will have challenging but meaningful work-- I don't know about everyone else, though. My humanities classes were serious, though-- few people miss class here.
Dorm Life	This fluctuates with your roommates and floor, but the people who live on campus are serious about making the most out of their time at UCCS. Whether this is through academics, social life, extracurriculars, stargazing-- it's how you contribute.
Food and Dining	I mentioned this in the new student tips. Never spend money off campus for food unless you're craving something specific. Clyde's, Jazzman's, and the normal cafeterias have fine dining, whether you're going for gourmet or casual cheeseburgers with friends.
What to do for fun	There's a frisbee golf course right next to the dormatories. Beyond that, the downtown Colorado Springs is full of concert venues (headbangers), arcades (gamers), shopping malls and districts (spenders), and is located right next to the Red Rocks and Garden of the Gods. There's something for everyone and anyone.
Bang for the buck	The engineers who are avoiding School of Mines' ridiculous tuition go here, as do pre-meds, pre-vets, and students looking to save for graduate school. The education prepares you for graduate work and for going into work right after graduation, and it's $20,000 or so per year with huge deductibles for in-state and out-of-state students. So imagine about $25,000 for a Bachelor's in whatever you want.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	A lot of people dress up like the wildcat mascot,not just for Halloween. I've never been sure why - and I'm not referring to holiday occasions or football games. People come to class wearing wildcat costume heads; I think professors are used to it.
Great for these types of students	Do you game? Play Settlers of Catan? Camp? Make s'mores? Go to concerts? Enjoy amateur and professional music? Have laserpointer battles? Partake in the occasional water balloon fight? Feud with others over the most realistic depictions of light sabers in modern technology? Like salad bars and smoothies and greasy pizza? Play chess? Paint outside? Bet on who could survive the inevitable zombie apocalypse the longest? Like to learn? Like to hike and meet similar-minded people on those hikes? Like wearing mascot costumes? Come to UCCS.
Clubs and Activities	I admit, they don't have a Linux Users Support Group like the School of Mines close by, but darn if they have everything else. With the exception of Greek life and Lovecraftian cults, students have started just about every club imaginable here and kept them fairly successful. I'm thinking of starting a Cthulhu Fan Club, myself.
Greek Life	Unfortunately, no Greek Life. Unless you're talking about the Greek transfer students.
Campus Safety	There is campus security everywhere, along with those nifty emergency phones. I wouldn't suggest running around at night screaming - I tend not to suggest that anywhere, let alone on a campus - but the students here feel safe even walking around after dark.

Kimberly from Thornton, CO

a current student here

Categories	Comments
Am learning a lot	I started learning a lot of great things as soon as I started attending here, not just in the classroom but from the many mentors and leaders they have available for advice on campus. Also, in classes, many teachers bring in information from world news and life experience, which makes it more interesting and easy to apply book knowledge to life.
Am enjoying being here	The housing team sets up an almost constant stream of activities, there are tons of interesting clubs to participate in, there is a great sense of community with people living on campus and the surrounding area is filled with opportunity and exciting experiences as well as natural beauty.
Bang for the buck	The tuition is pretty inexpensive for the quality of education, but on-campus housing and meal plans are expensive. However, the price was worth the great experiences I've had there.
Tips for prospective students	Go out and participate in the activities sponsored by housing at the beginning of the year, because they are a great way to meet almost everyone who lives on campus and create a tight-knit community. Get to know your teachers at the beginning of the semester, who are more than willing to spend extra time helping you, and take advantage of the learning centers or tutors if you're having trouble in classes.
Great for these types of students	Anyone who likes being able to apply the things they are learning to real life and helping the community, enjoys outdoor activities, and interesting on-campus programs.

Eleanor from Colorado Springs, CO

a current student here

Categories	Comments
Am learning a lot	The courses are challenging and fun, but not impossibly hard. Interpersonal Communication, Map and Compass, and Freshman Seminar are really fun! The standards are higher than they were in high school, but just give it your best and you will do okay!
Am enjoying being here	I have enjoyed all my classes so far! I haven't met a professor that I really disliked yet!
Bang for the buck	If you are a resident and apply for the COF (College Opportunity Fund), the tuition is really not all that expensive.
Tips for prospective students	If you are a communter student, arrive to class at least 15-20 minutes early (I usually arrive about 30 minutes early) because parking spaces are very limited. The parking garage usually has spaces if the lots don't (I almost always park in the garage anyway because then your car is protected from weather). Professors are usually very approachable, so just ask them about things if you have questions or problems.
Great for these types of students	You see all kinds of students on campus, and there are clubs that would appeal to anyone's interests! :)

Scott from Peyton, CO

a current student here

Categories	Comments
In three sentences	UCCS has a great campus full of many different people. Although it is a smaller university compared to others, it is still a great place to be. There are also many different majors that you can take here!
Tips for prospective students	Some tips for those that want to attend UCCS is to take a Freshmen Seminar class. I took one and later assisted the professor in teaching it. It was fun and it also helps you to get oriented to the campus better.
Academic Rigor	Depending on your major, this can vary greatly. For my major, I give it 5 stars because Mechanical Engineering is a difficult field of study but the professors here do a superb job at teaching these classes!
Dorm Life	I can't really rate this because I live at home to save money, but some of my friends live on campus and say that they have fun there!
Food and Dining	I only give the food and dining four stars because I think the food is good enough, but it is a little pricey.
What to do for fun	There are tons of campus activities year round that can be attended! These include music concerts from different local and popular bands, dances, unique games, and much, much more!
Bang for the buck	I believe that UCCS is definitely worth the tuition cost. Engineering courses are tough, but the professors here do a great job in teaching them, and I'm sure that the professors for the other majors do just as good a job! UCCS is even cheaper than many other universities around!
Campus Safety	Campus safety is great. The campus police do a great job at keeping the campus safe. If there are wild animals spotted (this campus is near the mountains on a sizable hill) they send out an email to all students attending campus to warn them, and if anything happens they let everyone know. There are also panic buttons around campus in all the parking lots and every here and there that allow students to hit it and the campus police can either come to the student or talk to them through the speaker system.