Lewis & Clark College
Reviews

Knowing Everyone's Names

My favorite part about L&C academics is the small class sizes. My largest class was thirty! I always know everyones name and the teachers make personal efforts to help you learn!

My one complaint is that the administration often places priority on a professors publishing history over their ability to conduct a good class.

Love It

L&C is definitely the place for me! All the students are open, caring, and excited to become friends. The campus is beautiful and there is a great balance between social life and academics. There's always tons of activities and live music on campus. I can't wait to go back next semester after the summer!

Portland

You get the best of both worlds! You have the view of Portland with Mt. Hood as the back drop, and your only a 10min bus ride from downtown Portland.

Academics at L&C

The professors here are amazing. One of the most renown programs is the IA (International Affairs) Department, and many of the professors have had previous experience in the world of Diplomacy or Politics. Each class I have taken has been enlightening and truly challenging, and you can't get away with fading into the background with the small classes. Academics are tough, but it seems as though the education one gets is truly worth the countless hours spent in the library that stretch late into the night.

Diversity? NO!

I don't really think this school wants diversity.

Gonna Be Wet

It rains almost constantly for months. If you're not ready to deal with that, don't come here. It's not usually a hard rainfall, but more a light drizzle alongside gray skies. It's worse for the boarding students because it makes getting high a little trickier.

Facilities on Campus

Our Campus has decent sports center, I play volleyball here and we have (by far) the best locker room out of the other teams. I like that we have pretty easy access to swim as well, that's a great work out. Student centers, for math and writing, always seem available which is perfect if you're stuck with a homework problem or two. The general campus is small but that's to be expected with only 2,000 students. The library is in a good location and its huge, so there's plenty of places to go for peace and quite.

Great

Lewis and Clark gave me a great financial aid package, appropriate for my family's financial standing. Through all 3 years they've been consistent. Scholarships aren't hard to get if you're involved and get decent grades. The office can be difficult to contact but are generally helpful.

Varies

The dating scene is tough- the unbalanced guy/girl ratio seems even higher than it is (which would be about 40/60). Women make the first moves and I know plenty of awesome gorgeous single ladies here. Luckily, Portland is full of young people! Get out there and meet them!

There truly isn't a typical student- many people cross the boundaries of stereotypes. There are, however, lots of hipsters, hippies, athletes, radical feminists, bookworm types, and plenty of nice people. People dress comfortably but not extremely casually- not many PJ bottoms, but definitely jeans etc.

Socially the school is fairly cliquey, but you will find great people if you put yourself out there.

Computer availability is great but bring one if you have it

Lots of labs and easy wireless all over campus. It's nice to have your own laptop for schoolwork, in order to avoid walking to the computer labs at night, and for when you live off campus. Each student gets a certain amount of free printing, so don't bring your own printer!

Living Off Campus

The school doesn't have any school-sponsored offer off-campus living, but there are listings on Lewis and Clark's website and many students tend to take up houses from upperclassmen who they are friends with who are moving out. Most people get cars after their sophomore year which makes it easier to go places- however, many also choose to bike, or simply walk, as well. Living off-campus is definitely a plus, especially if you want to get away from the noisy freshmen who are still very excited to be there, and who usually don't have as much work as upperclassmen. It is less convenient to be involved in activities, and to go to school events- it's important to go through the student center often if you live off campus in order to keep track of what's happenning on campus.

It's Like Gray's Anatomy

LC is located in a suburban area, so after the two-year on-campus living requirement is up, most students get a few friends together and rent a house off-campus. Apartments like you'd find around a state school just aren't as profuse here. As far as I've heard, landlords are generally tolerant and friendly (assuming you treat the house well, of course) and everyone I know seems to really enjoy the independence of living in their own house, and the companionship of the co-tenants...splitting utilities and groceries is a must. The only thing to make sure of is that you are close enough to walk to a bus stop to campus or else bring a car to get there.

The Bus Will Save Your Life

The Raz, or (official name) "Pioneer Express" bus comes by campus once every hour (free transportation!)and goes straight into the heart of the Cultural District and within easy walking distance of the Pearl District (i.e. Powell's City of Books). Downtown Portland is very eclectic and earthy, the Saturday Market is awesome and Saturday specials at Sushi Ichiban are perfect for college-kid budgets (where else can you get a plate for $1.50?). There's something for everyone and food carts all over if you get hungry. LC's immediate area, the Portland 'burb of Burlingame, is pretty much the standard suburb (i.e. boring) but works well enough for a quick grocery run (which is really what it's there for anyway).

Public Transportation

The school has a free shuttle that transports students to the local grocery store and into downtown Portland. The system is great and the bus comes close to each hour. The only problem is they added a rule only allowing a certain amount of people on the bus each time. So if you don't make it, you have to wait a full hour. I understand the safety purposes but the number seems too little. Once you get into Portland, the city has the GREATEST public transportation!! You can get wherever you need!

You Can Get Away With Most Stuff

Campus safety is always roaming around campus. It is pretty easy to get away with things though, as long as your not stupid about it. They are allowed to search the room if given a reason, but it is easy to avoid. They give you a couple warnings, depending on the seriousness of the act. There are not many parties in the dorms just for this reason. But kickbacks are super chill.

Party Scene

The drug scene at Lewis and Clark is pretty happening. Students drink all the time, although people do have fun without it. It all depends who your hanging with. Smoking in the forests is huge up here. The school is in a beautiful environment with tons of trails leading down to parties, drugs, and drinking. Most parties take place off campus and are not too close making it hard to get to.

Enjoy the Walk

Its pretty hard to get to parties from campus. Normally when upperclassmen throw parties off campus, you're in for a good walk. This is especially obnoxious when its raining. Other times there are parties in the woods and you'll definitely need to have hiking boots or rain boots if you want to be relatively clean when you come back to your dorm. That said, the parties are always fun.

Acceptance

Lewis and Clark has done a pretty good job in the type of student they accept. It is extremely easy to meet and make new friends on the daily. You most likely will have something in common with everyone you run into and find to probably have a decent conversation.

Library

Watzek Library at Lewis and Clark is phenomenal. There are all these little nooks that you can hide in and get lost for hours reading and studying. They also have these really nice group study rooms where you can get a bunch of your friends together and talk while studying. The library's atmosphere is great for studying and you always seem to get something accomplished.

On-Campus Atmosphere Is Awesome!

Since freshman and sophomores must live on campus the atmosphere is good and most dorm rooms are pretty nice.

There's a Bit of Everything

Even though Lewis and Clark is a small school, if you want something there is probably someone out there the fits the bill. It can be tough finding them though.

Portland Has It All

Portland is full of places you can go out to eat. It has a couple chains, but local places are the best. Voodoo Donuts is legendary, macaroni grill is good and it has tons of coffee spots.

Weather

if you wanna see the sun a lot don't come to Portland. Although, you get used to it, so the rain isn't so bad, but everyone goes crazy when the sun is out, its funny.

Makes School Unique

Academically, the school and professors are fantastic. Socially, the school has a unique bond because of the small population. But if students feel like they want to get back to a large populace, Portland is 15 minutes away, and access into the city is always available.

Area Attractions

The city of Portland is loaded with different possible activities. There are tons of places to eat and for places to see movies and hangout. Also, the city itself is filled with exciting people and views.