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Unique Opportunities

Though the art history program is small, the amazing resources surrounding the school (museums, libraries, etc.) allow for top notch class experiences and learning. The professors all hail from local, very prestigious museums. The only downfall is that there is not a wide range of classes to choose from, but I had no problem fulfilling my requirements and my interests.

You can easily make very valuable connections there, and in a city like DC, the internship opportunities are endless.

Safe If You're Smart!

The campus is not in the best area of DC, but the campus itself is very safe. The public safety department seems to step up security each year. The majority of the crimes which have happened involving CUA students have been when they are near campus, but not on campus, and they aren't being smart (i.e. walking alone at 1 in the am).

Nightlife Is Everywhere

There are nearby house parties, the bar within walking distance everyone goes to, or off campus bars which range from divey to super fancy. The metro makes it easy to get anywhere you want in DC and is open late enough to get you home too.

Nothing Fancy

There are lots of off-campus housing options, but most choose to live at either of the two apartment buildings within walking distance of campus. These two buildings aren't the nicest places to live and the leasing companies are not always highly responsive to needs, but they're fine for college living. As always, DC living is generally expensive, although if you're splitting the cost with roommates, you can get by.

Lots of Enforcement

Drinking is prevalent across the board, but underage drinking rules are highly enforced. There is definitely some peer pressure to drink because everyone does it. Drugs are less popular, although probably about 1/4 of campus engages in smoking regularly. Drug rules are also highly enforced, and drugs are not tolerated.

Punishments Are Severe

Enforcement of drug and alcohol policies are severe, and it's easy to get caught. Technically, sex is not allowed on campus, but no one is ever caught or punished for this.

Not Much Diversity

The large majority of students are white and a good fraction seem to come from well-off families. There are more republicans than most colleges across the country, and this coincides with Catholic beliefs. Most attendees are Catholic, but only a fraction are practicing. There is actually a large fraction of homosexual students. Many are a part of CUA's well-known musical theater department.

Don't Need a Car

In general, you don't need a car living on campus or in DC for that matter. If you do have a car, the permit cost is around $185 for the year, but I've heard it being higher at other schools in the area. The parking patrol is pretty consistent about ticketing. There are lots of parking spaces, but by a certain time each morning, they're all filled, and you have to drive around for a while looking for one. (Not so convenient if you need to get to class).

Trees in the City

CUA is unique because it's in the middle of the city, but in a neighborhood that is more residential and quiet than downtown. There's a college campus feel, and then when you step outside to the metro, you're right in the city again. The city atmosphere means there are lots of opportunities for internships in every field, and for the arts and humanities, there are so many museums and organizations that can be used as resources - more than in other cities.

Depends on the Department

At CUA, your workload and the strength of the program really depend on the department. In the most of the humanities departments, professors are really outstanding. Registration is easy and all done online. In some programs, the option is there to do independent study in senior year, which is a very valuable experience. CUA's strongest departments are probably architecture, philosophy, nursing, english, music & musical theater, art history.

Lots of Free Things to Do

DC is a fantastic city and full of lots of free activities and institutions, since many are part of the federal government or the Smithsonian. There is always something to do or somewhere to visit when you have free time.