University of Oregon Snapshot

Written by Amy Beemer

Amy Beemer

Hometown

Pacific Palisades, CA

Major

Humanities

Grad Year

2014

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The University of Oregon is a big school in a small town. Eugene is more liberal than many college towns, however, and offers a lot of atmosphere for its size. Tolerance and acceptance are strong values in the area, and many students like the feeling of community that comes from living in a town this close-knit. UO has something for every style and mindset, along with a wealth of opportunities and experiences to prepare you for the world outside college. At the UO, you’ll find a school that is strong in both athletics and academics, as well as a campus surrounded by the perfect area for outdoor activities. With a beautiful campus and laid-back atmosphere, Oregon definitely stands apart from similar schools. Although ethnic diversity is lacking, there is a wealth of lifestyles and ideas to be found on and off campus. The weakest elements of the UO are more trivial things, such as parking and weather. While the academics may not be Harvard-level, most students feel that they’re being prepared for a competitive world both in the classroom and outside of it.

Because of the liberal atmosphere, it’s important to know how to balance schoolwork and social life if you come to Oregon. However, this isn’t any more of a problem than with most city schools, and few students complain about feeling unsafe or distracted. The University of Oregon can provide the quintessential college experience with few drawbacks, provided you can adapt to life in Eugene.