Rhodes College
Reviews

Rainy Winters

The weather is great in the summer and spring. We get snow maybe once a year. Be prepared for A TON of rain. Buy Rain boots and a rain jacket. Due to the high levels of humidity you'll need a good jacket, the humidity makes it feel even colder. But when the weather is nice it is simply heavenly. Rhodes is a class/level 4 arboretum (that's the highest) and in the spring it looks amazing when every plant blooms. It's also really nice to tan by the pool in the warmer months.

Frat-Tastic

60% of students do greeklife at Rhodes so you're bound to feel a little left out if you don't join. The frats throw parties that are open to the entire campus so it's better than any large university about this. However, if you don't join your freshman year it's not that weird to join as a sophomore. Even if you don't join you can still go to parties and formals if you get asked but as a warning it's more than just a presence on campus-it definitely dominates it.

Rhodes Nightlife

very fratty, transportation is not offered by the school so you're on your own getting to and from downtown. Lotta house parties and on campus parties but they get kind of redundant and boring after freshman year. Alex's has awesome tenders it's a good place for the drunchies/ Zinnies is a definite Rhodes hang out but it's a fratty fratty crowd. There's a party on campus every weekend so you won't miss much if you don't want to go to a bar. Dublin house is new and an awesome bar. Not specifically a rhodes hang out but you're guaranteed to see a few "rhodents" without being overwhelmed.

The Most Beautiful Library in the World

The Barrett Library at Rhodes College is truly amazing. I have to say that it is by far my favorite spot on campus. It is a great hang out spot as well as the ideal study section. There are more books than you could ever imagine there. Also, there is a Starbucks coffee shop for anyone needing a bit of caffine. The writing center in the library is a great resource for all students. Not only is the Barrett Library full of great things but it is also so beautiful. Truly a great place to be.

Professors

Rhodes College has some of the best professors. The majority of them have doctorates from a prestigious school. They are so warm and welcoming to every student. They care about whether you come to class and whether you do well in classs or if you are struggling. They are always there to help you with anything and are more than willing to sit down and have a cup of coffee and talk.

Drug Scene at Rhodes

The drug scene at Rhodes is not a problem. Peer pressure is not an issue. People are usually respectful of one another. Even though some student do use drugs, it is not a noticeable issue that affects all students on campus.

Getting to Be a Hassle

It used to be that you could find a parking spot reasonably close to your dorm, no problem, but with the influx of students (especially those taking advantage of the free parking situation), I've heard horror stories of people not being about to find parking even in the freshman (largest) lot. That said, I think if you're willing to hoof it a little, you'll be fine. There usually always is parking in the fraternity lot.

Be Friendly and You'll Be Liked.

While most of the fun I've had has been on campus, Memphis does have a lot to offer (especially for those who have turned 21). I would recommend hitting up a few fraternity parties as well as campus-sponsored events. Bus parties tend to be a good time, and you don't have to worry about a DD!

Easy to Find, but Little Pressure to Use

The main drug on campus is alcohol. Alcohol is very visible and accessible at Rhodes, but there are students who abstain, and their opinions are rarely challenged. Marijuana is also present, but not used as much. While Alcohol Violations by RAs or Campus Safety are fairly common, they are not as harsh as the less frequent Drug Violations. The object of the college is to keep its students safe and informed, but Campus Safety doesn't go out of its way to bust people.

New Dorm Construction

Rhodes has broken ground and begun construction on a brand new dorm for juniors that will open in the fall of 2012. It will be called West Village, and will include units which house 8 people in either single or double rooms; each unit has a bathroom (maybe 2?) and a shared living space. Each floor will have a kitchen. This dorm is going to be state-of-the-art and will be a great option for upperclassmen!

There to Keep You Safe

Campus Safety only really cares about maintaining a safe campus. They're there when you need them, but they aren't obnoxious with enforcement. They really only do what is necessary to ensure a safe environment.

Accepting Campus

Rhodes might not be the most racially diverse campus, but the student body is accepting of all walks of life. For being in the South, there is a broad spectrum of political and religious views and the campus is very open to wherever you stand on those issues. There aren't many extremes on either end. The campus is pretty open to the GLBT community and open-minded in its thinking. There are many international students, as well. The one downside is is sometimes the minority racial groups seem to be separated from the majority of campus, but this is only true in some cases.

Parental Support Is Key

All students who submit an application also apply for any merit-based scholarships. I personally didn't receive any federal aid, but my parents had to submit the FAFSA as well. A lot of students have work study, too. I think this would be hard to do on your own, so try to get your parents or another trusted adult to help you.

The Tradeoff of Hard Academics and Small Athletics

Rhodes Athletics are only Division III, so we are definitely lacking in program size and in school spirit. All of our athletes are also serious students, and even though I'm not an athlete, I do have a few athlete friends who have quit because it's a lot of work being a student and an athlete at home. We do have a few football tailgates in the fall, and those are the best days because Rhodes feels like a big school for a day. Overall, Rhodes Athletics are what you make of them.

Eat Off-Campus

Although there are several restaurants and fast food establishments minutes from campus, the food on campus is less than desired. Put it this way, the University of Memphis' level of food is level five. The state prison is level one...and Rhodes is level two. I don't exactly know what the levels mean, but college students at a prestigious liberal arts school are one better than the state prison? Yeah...not good.

The Rhodes Bubble

Contrary to most of Memphis, I feel completely safe at Rhodes. Campus safety is always around, and I often times walk across campus alone at 4:00 in the morning. I've never felt unsafe. However, use common sense. Lock your doors, and don't leave your wallet unattended.

It's Great Here

Rhodes is a great place because you can get involved in many different things. You do not have to stick to one interest because the school is too big. You make a large amount of great friends and there is usually always something to do. The academics are challenging but rewarding. I have had a very positive experience overall.

Public Transportation Not That Necessary

Public transportation is not that common at Rhodes. You can walk anywhere you need to on campus and if you need to go off campus it is not hard to find someone with a car. If you can't there are taxi services that can be at campus with in 5 minutes.

Greek Life at Rhodes Is a Great Way to Get Involved

There is a huge percentage of Greeks. Greek life at Rhodes is more laid back than other schools but still a great way to make friends. The campus does not have houses that students can live in, but they do have very nice houses where they hold meetings and other activities. Students who participate in other activities such as sports or clubs do not have to worry about Greek life getting in the way. It is flexible, fun, and a way to meet a great group of people that will be your friends for the rest of your life. I suggest going Greek.

All Types

Usually the weather is rather pleasant and holds around 80-75 degrees all year round. In spring and early winter it cools down to around 40-50 and then we have a rain season from March to April, but I enjoy the weather and feel like it adds to my experience.

Geating Better

The food around campus when I came to Rhodes was sustainable, aka you could live off of it, but not great. Now the food quality has increased exponentially to where I actually look forward to meals on campus.

Facilities Are Great

The facilities at Rhodes college, for a liberal arts college its size, are actually quite excellent. Every facility that is used by the varsity athletes is open to the student body. The library at Rhodes is phenomenal with a media center you can rent any electronic equipment you might possibly need including movies, cameras, laptops, video cameras, projectors, etc. The campus itself is gorgeous with Gothic architecture, well kept grounds, and stone buildings all using stone from the same quarry. Campus life is extremely active and the opportunities never cease with tickets to grizzly games, activities put on by student groups, events held by the res life staff, areas around Memphis with a great music scene, and much much more.

Pretty Tech Savvy but Internet Is Awful

Rhodes seems to have a ton of problems with the internet. They're constantly trying to upgrade it but there are a lot of outages that come at super inconvenient times. However, tech support is great and there are lots of computers and printers around campus for students to use. You can almost always find a computer if you need one (unless the wireless is down).

Be Prepared to Work... HARD

Academics at Rhodes involve a lot of reading and a lot of writing but ultimately it works out well. It's totally doable and graduate schools know that Rhodes students can do the work. You really have to attend classes to do well (also because of the attendance policy). Professors are generally great, love the subjects they teach, and want to help you learn. They're really willing to work one on one with their students. Registering for classes can be daunting because of the dreaded "Tree" but once you figure out the system it's easy to get the classes you want or need. Also, the foundations curriculum (which everyone is required to complete) gives a strong liberal arts foundation and lets you try out areas you may want to study. The Search/Life courses are an especially wonderful part of the Foundations.

Off Campus Housing

Typically just junior and seniors live off campus, if they choose to do so. Some people stay on campus all four year, but if you decide to move off campus there are tons of options. Right outside of the Rhodes gates across University there are many street filled with houses where Rhodes kids live. Living off campus is typically cheaper than the on campus housing, although you do have to pay for utilities which can become very costly. The one thing I would be most cautious of is the safety of the location of your house off campus. Other than that, I will probably move off campus as a junior or senior just for a change. But many people really love staying on campus at Rhodes.