NW Students at the University of Redlands

Heidi Schilling -- Junior -- Robert Service HS (AK)

2005-10-31T09:18:00.000-08:00

I saw Redlands for the first time on an overnight visit. I loved it and I thought the campus was gorgeous. Since being here, I have grown to love it even more. I'm not going to lie and say it wasn't a hard adjustment because it was. I wanted to go to a small school but at first it seemed almost too small! But that is also what makes it so great. You'll meet someone that you've never seen on campus before and then after that you'll see them everywhere. Sometimes it feels like you know everyone because the school is so small and you'll constantly be stopping to talk to people you know on the way to class. Everyone is pretty friendly and almost everyone lives on campus and eats on campus you really get to know people. Getting involved will definitely make your experiences better. I ran cross-country, was a RA, and am in a sorority which I feel has definitely made my experiences here 100 times better. From the minute you step on campus it is so easy to be involved. I have friends at state schools in California and they all envy how small our classes are, how easy it is to get a hold of a professor and how easy it is to get the classes you need. Not to say our classes don't fill up fast and you always get what you want, cuz they do and you don't but professors are usually willing to work with you, let you add the class or help you figure something out. Also how great is it to sit by the pool in like October. I love calling my friends at home and have them be like its snowing and I'm like, yea im by the pool! I'm more than willing to be a resource and help out in any way!

Chelsea Dixson -- Junior -- Corbett HS (OR) currently studying abroad in Brazil

2005-10-15T17:59:00.000-07:00

The University of Redlands is a sunny, green oasis in the middle of red-orange lands which grow into maroon-purple mountains. Almost every day is warm, with beautiful blue skys, palm treen, and grandfather oak trees. The sometimes overwhelming heat during the day is balanced by the relieving cold at night, it is the desert after all. Students are very friendly, their happy moods seem to be reflective of the wonderful weather. There are tons of different activities, clubs, lectures, and concerts for almost every interest you might have. The university also has the Johnston Center for Integrated Studies, something that few other schools have The Johnston Center is a very unique place, where myrals cover the walls, students play music, sunbathe, dance and converse on the lawn. It is an alternate way of living and learning, where the responsibility of your education is in your hands. You are free to design your own major, pick your own classes and alter any classes you are in. You recieve written elvaluations instead of grades. There are Johnston Community meetings every week to discuss, and decide apon different issues from the Johnston budget, to planning parties. The Johnston Center is its own community within the greater community of the University. It is a place of brilliant minds, and spontaniousity, where the extremeties of everything are present. Furniture sculptures, midnight basement breakfest meals, lawn yoga and tai-chi, and random 80's dance parties are normal occurances, and are what sets the Johnston Center apart from the rest of the University. I love that place, and would not want to go anywhere else. The university does not have an excellent art, or theater department, but they are working on it, and its not bad, its just not amazing, like some of the other science, english, and social science departments. There are amazing professors, and most of the class sizes are small- compared to a state college, so it is actually possible to have a relashionship with you teacher. So, if you are looking for an alternative way to learn, other than conventional education which we all know is disfunctional, come to the Johnston Center for Integrative Studies. If you are the kind of person who needs some structure, but want to be in a community living situation, come to the University of Redlands, and request to live in the Johnston Center, but do the regular major, grade thing. Or if you just want to do the normal College thing, are looking for a good quality education, and your sick of the rain, come to the U of R. -Chelsea Dixon, class of 2007

Nicholas Raethke -- Junior -- Central Catholic HS (OR)

2005-10-04T14:40:00.000-07:00

I would like you to highlight the Johnston Center (http://www.redlands.edu/x121.xml), because I have that you were correct when you said it had a "Portland feel". More specifically, I want them to know that Johnston is a place where education can go anywhere you want as long as you work for it.
On the second note, I would be more than happy to correspond with students about the Johnston Center through e-mail.

2005-09-26T15:24:00.000-07:00

Rachel Cash -- Senior -- Curtis HS (WA)

2005-09-26T12:54:00.000-07:00

What drew me into the University was the gorgeous campus. I came down to Southern California looking for a school, visited quite a few, and when I stepped on the Redlands campus I knew it was the best fit. I would definitely suggest trying to come visit before making a decision because it's alot easier to decide if you are on the campus and can get a sense of how it works. I am a Junior now here and have encountered my share of frustrations, but overall remain pleased with the University as a whole.

Obviously at any University there are problems that will be faced and things that don't go your way and that has happened here, but since it is a small school you have alot more opportunities to argue and work to change thinks to make them as good as possible. For example, if you want into a class and the class is already full put yourself on the waiting list and you are pretty likly to get to add the first day of class. The faculty, for the most part, are very willing to sit down and talk with you about anything. There are always a few professors that you could live without, but the majority of them are willing to take time to help you with any questions or comments you have about the coursework. The departments associated with each major all have their own personalities. I am a Communicative Disorders and Psychology major so I know a little about these departments. They are both extremely full right now, but are constantly working towards improvement. As the campus continues to grow, it can be frustrating because everyone is trying to deal with more students and learning to handle the increased load. Keeping this in mind, the faculty is always trying to make improvements. If adding new professors are necessary, they do their best to get on it right away. Sometimes it doesn't happen right away like you would like, but I have noticed that the changes do happen pretty quickly.

Overall- the campus is a good place to be. The size allows you to get to know some people very closely and see them throughout your years here. I would suggest living in a Freshman dorm because it really does help you meet people that you will remain friends with for at least the next four year. My closest friends are all people that I lived on the same floor with Freshman year- it's nice to have these steady friendships that you can count on when you come back to school after a summer of being home.

Hope you have a chance to visit and see some of these things for yourself. Good luck in making your decision about where to attend college!

Jenna LeComte -- Sophomore -- Gaston HS (OR)

2005-09-22T20:27:00.000-07:00

I searched all over the south and the southwest when I was looking for schools because I was sick of being rained on for 9 months straight. I visited a ton of schools, and as soon as I got to Redlands, I took one look and said, "This is what I want." So I came here. A lot of people talk down about the size of Redlands, how there's "nothing to do" but really it all depends on you. I never have enough time to do everything I want to. I have a full schedule of classes, a really great job as a research assistant in the business department, a double major, a lot of really awesome friends, and when I have ANY time left over from all of that--well, I sleep. Plus, when you know where to look, there's stuff to do. Some people complain that we don't have huge parties, but there's enough small parties where you can actually find people you know and talk to new people and make new friends. Make friends with the frat brothers and you can go to the frat houses just to hang out, not just when there's parties. You can go to U Hall dances if that's your thing. You can join clubs, sports, etc. I love Redlands, and I love the town, too, not just the University. It's a really pretty little quaint town with all kinds of neat things that I'm still discovering. Just this summer I found a really awesome bagel shop. Especially coming from Oregon, it's wonderful to be in the sun, too. On my birthday (in April) when my Oregon friends called to say happy birthday, I said, "Thanks, I'm spending the day at the pool", something that NEVER would happen in Oregon in April. I live off campus now, but I would encourage everyone to enjoy their dorm. I lived in the CRAZY dorm, and I'm relieved to be out (couple of horror stories there) but now when I look around at all my friends, they're all from that dorm. We all bonded and we hang out all the time. I grew up knowing about small private colleges, because my mom teaches at one and I transfered from one when I came here, so I always knew I wanted a small school and not some big state school. It's wonderful, having professors that really care and really know you. One of my first professors here was awesome so I took another class with her, and then she became my advisor, and then I ended up doing research with her. Those are the kind of bonds you can expect to have. Email me if you want to know anything else about the school.
P.S.--Everyone here is pretty big about myspace.com and facebook.com, so go on there and search U of R students. I'm on there, too.

Devon Clark -- Junior -- Bend HS (OR)

2005-09-22T20:24:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy it down here in the warm sunshine. The distance was a bit overwhelming when I was a Freshman, but now that I have been here for three years, it feels like I am at home. When I am in Bend it feels like I am just visiting, this is a feeling that has done a complete flip flop since I first arrived here and is a very warming feeling to have.

Also, I would be more than happy to help in the recruiting process. You can tell any of them that if they have any questions just tell them to send me an email. I am part of the Business Student Advisory Board, so I did help in the recruiting process last semester. Just let me know how I can help.

I hope all is going well for you and let me know if there is anything else that I may help with.

Devon Clark

Caitlin O'Dell -- Junior -- Southridge HS (OR)

2005-09-22T20:18:00.000-07:00

Things are going great over here, one of the reasons I chose Redlands in the first place was the great study abroad opportunities there are. I have been to Budapest, Vienna, and the Lake District of Salzburg so far and we are going to Oktoberfest this weekend. The University of Redlands group is pretty well recognized in the city and everyone has been really friendly and helpful to us. What I would say to students from the northwest is that Redlands is a great place to go to school because of the amazing opportunities that a small school can offer, such as this program as well as small classes and the feeling of a community that other schools can't offer. I would be happy to answer any other questions people have!
-Caitlin

Jonathan Miller -- Senior -- South Salem HS (OR)

2005-09-22T20:12:00.000-07:00

Mark~
I am sorry that it has taken me so long to reply. Its been a busy couple of weeks getting settled in and making sure im on track with my majors. I dropped by last week to talk to you since i would have rather been more personal but you were out of town. Hopefully you havent left to visit yet. If you havent the few words i would have to say would be: the classes are great, the community is a good feeling and the people are great, the school gets great professors, The only down side is the administration side of things with red tape, financial aid ( school has been noted as more of a business than a school from more than one student). That is the only negative thing i can say out of 4 years. I would be glad to help with anything from emails to lunches or whatever. Im always available to help. Hope that you recieved this in time.
~jonathan

Dylan Loriaux -- Freshmen -- West Linn HS (OR)

2005-09-20T17:00:00.000-07:00

Tell them that it is a place that is very different from Oregon. The people are just as nice and friendly, but in many different ways. You probably know what Im talking about. It would probably be best for a prospective student to visit during school hours to really get a feel for the campus. Academically, I would say that its actually easier than high school and that you learn more. The classes move fast, but they are only two or three times a week and they give you plenty of time to study and ask questions. From a social standpoint, we just hang out in the sun and longboard or whatever. Its a really easy-going place to live. Everything you need is on campus, so you don't have to worry about rising gas prices. I never thought that I'd be able to live without a car, but here, Im better off without one.

2005-09-20T12:00:00.000-07:00

Laurie Kamerrer -- Junior -- Olympia HS (WA)

2005-09-20T09:09:00.000-07:00

When I was a senior, your visit was my first impression of Redlands, and inspired me to visit the campus. Make sure you tell students how easy it is to plan a visit Redlands and do an overnight stay, which really helps you get an idea of the type of school Redlands is. Also, it helps if you explain the benefits of going to a small private school...in high school, we had close relationships with our teachers, and it´s nice to go to a University with small classes that enable students to get to know their professors and receive extra help if they need it. You could also explain how easy it is to become involved in the wide-range of social groups and clubs at Redlands. I was very involved in High School, and from the beginning of my freshman year at Redlands, I was able to join several clubs and organizations and meet a variety of different people. And, if all else
fails, remind them that Redlands weather is much nicer than Western WA weather. You can absolutely use me as a recruitment source, I would love to promote Redlands. Students can email me any time at this address, if they have any questions about classes, Greek life, life on campus, etc...although I am studying abroad in Madrid this semester, so I can´t be reached by
phone. I hope this was helpful!

Good luck, Laurie Kamerrer

Cady Chambers -- Sophomore -- Southridge HS (OR)

2005-09-20T09:05:00.000-07:00

The class sizes are amazing if you're looking for that kind of interaction, I know that is one of the things that I love about this place. And, I haven't had a problem with any professors here... YET :) The school is constantly improving, and of course, the weather is amazing.

Wesley Constandse -- Freshmen -- Westview HS (OR)

2005-09-20T08:59:00.000-07:00

Redlands is in a great location, store wise. Everthing is within biking distance, making car travel even easier. The first few weeks are kind of hot, but it cools off pretty quickly. Also, on a note of the weather. The smog is pretty bad compared to the large amount of greeness and clean are in the north west. But that is only a small minus, that you eventually get used to. Finally, LA is an hour and a half away, and the beach is 45 minutes away (hunington beach). So if you have a car, there are alot of possibilities. Also the Pacific Crest Trail, runs along the mountains you see in the backround in many pictures of redlands.

Kristen Withers -- Junior -- Jesuit HS (OR) Currently studying abroad in Madrid, Spain

2005-09-20T08:58:00.000-07:00

Choosing a college can be an overwhelming decision. But relax. When it comes down to making it, you will know where you belong. I chose Redlands for many reasons. I love the location, I love the weather, and the people and campus were very welcoming. But most of all, when I visited, I felt like I belonged here. I come from a small high school, and the sense of community here welcomed me and made me feel right at home. I also came from a school and community where I could count on anyone, administrators, friends, teachers, and family for anything. That is exactly what you find at the U of R. Right away the people in your dorms become like family members, in October you wonder how you could have only known them for a month, it feels like you´ve known them your whole life. The faculty is amazing and will always take the time to help you with anything. So if you are from the Northwest, I am hoping you also enjoy the outdoors. Redlands is perfect for people who enjoy the outdoors. On the weekends there are great places to go hiking, skiing in the winter, and also you cannot go wrong with a day on a sunny California beach. Comming to Redlands was the best decision I ever made in my life. Redlands truly opened up a shy girl from little Portland, Oregon to the world. As I write this, I am in Madrid, Spain having the most amazing experience of my life. Redlands gave me the confidence and means to do this. I wish you all luck in making your decision. Remember to relax, and you will know where you belong (I hope its Redlands). Feel free to email me at anytime with questions, and if you come visit in the Spring I will be around and more than happy to meet with you. Good luck.

Christina Workman -- Senior -- Oregon Episcopal School (OR)

2005-09-19T09:15:00.000-07:00

Redlands is the perfect place to come to school if you are from the Northwest, at least in my opinion. I think this because for many college students independance from parents is a necessity and what is so nice about Redlands is that it is far enough away from the Northwest that your parents can't make you come home on the weekends, but it's close enough so that if you do choose to come home for fall break or thanksgiving, it isn't as far to travel. I also think that Redlands is a great school because it is a small enough community that you can really get to know your teachers and form a relationship with them, (this helps if you are having problems with the material, etc). Most of all I feel that Redlands is a great place simply because you are near so many things: Palm Springs, Los Angeles, Newport, etc. There is only one downside about Redlands that I can think of: If you decide to bring a car, be warned; as the school's popularity and student enrollment increases, parking around campus is very difficult. If you are a transfer student and receive housing in the Brockton Student Apartments, parking is reasonable, however most of the freshmen dorms are not located near any large parking lots, so this can be very frusterating. Other than that Redlands is an absolutely fabulous school and I love it!

-Christina Workman

Elizabeth Parker -- Junior -- Mercer Island HS (WA)

2005-09-19T09:13:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much for thinking of me for this task! I think the most important thing to tell students specifically from Mercer Island is that the transition between both schools is amazing. Because both schools are small, you don't feel overwhelmed, but at the same time the diversity between here and Mercer Island is huge. Let students know that with the writing skills you learn at MIHS, they will exceed here at Redlands, also let them know what a wonderful Mercer Island support network we have here, as well as the location, it is the same small town feel, but with so many places to visit only a short drive away. I would love to make calls or write e-mails to perspectives, so just let me know how I can help! I will come by the office tomorrow during my office hours to visit!

-Elizabeth Parker

2005-09-19T09:09:00.000-07:00

Sierra Powell -- Freshmen -- Boise HS (ID)

2005-09-19T09:08:00.000-07:00

Hey, I'm a freshman and I came here from Boise, Idaho. I didn't get into my first choice school so when I came here early for debate I had never visited or taken a tour of the campus. I took the chance and assumed everything would be fine. It couldn't be better. The campus is gorgeous, there are active things to do down here, and the people for the most part are welcoming. Granted I get alot of bad potato jokes, but not a big deal, its all in fun. Ive been enjoying the diversity and different kinds of people there are at Redlands, as Idaho is predominately white anglo saxton. I think that college anywhere is what you make of it, and there are definitely avenues to explore here are Redlands to help you be whatever you want to be whether its active, not, socal, cocial, challenged whatever..I would recommend this school to people who enjoy group discussions as well. That is essentially what most of my classes are centered around and I love it. To set Redlands apart from Northwest Liberal Arts colleges, the weather, the beautiful campus, as well as our strengths athletically and academically.

- Sierra

Baron Kuhn -- Freshmen -- Charles Wright Academy (WA)

2005-09-19T09:06:00.000-07:00

All is well and there is a lot more time to study in college than in high school which is very nice to have. I am really enjoying the University of Redlands and have met a lot of very cool people, students and faculty. Although I have only been here a few weeks I feel like I have known some of the other students for years, the orientation time really allowed for the new students to get their feet wet and to get to know other students before the stress of homework and classes start. The campus is beautiful and all the teachers here are available for extra help after class which is very similar to my high school Charles Wright Academy. I feel that students at CWA should definitely come down to visit campus to see what the University of Redlands is all about, as it is difficult to explain all the great things about this community. Thank you for all you have done for me through out my application and admissions process and I am very lucky and proud to be attending the University of Redlands. I hope this helps and feel free to email me anytime for help with the recruitment process.
Thank you,
Baron Kuhn

2005-09-19T09:00:00.001-07:00

Elysia Carnagey -- Freshmen -- Summit HS (OR)

2005-09-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

These past couple weeks have been great! I really enjoy Redlands and am glad I made the decision to come here. I'm not exactly sure about what all I can say considering I have only been here for such a short period like you said. So far I'd like to say that every one here is very nice and approachable and there are a lot of opportunities to get involved in almost anything. I think it's nice that if someone would like to play a sport, they have a chance of actually participating on a team because of all the intramural sports that are offered here. There is also a very nice workout facility here that will help keep off that "freshman 15."

Now I don't know about the cafeteria. My first impression on spring break was great, but now that I'm here and have to eat it everyday, I'm sure the food is as satisfying. Welcome to college right? Although I will say that this is the nicest cafeteria I've seen so far.

I would also like to share that even though the studying is more challenging, there are always professors and/or tutors to help you. It's nice that the professors exchange numbers with the students from the beginning and it's very easy to contact them through e-mail.

There is always something to do here and the social aspect has been awesome. Though there is a lot of studying, there are always opportunities to go have fun.

That is all that I can think of at this moment other than the freedom is great. I'll be sure and let you know of anything else if something comes up. I plan to attend the football game tonight, so maybe I can share about that as well.

Thank you for asking about my thoughts and feelings, I'd be glad to share them any time.

Elysia

Dabney Rohrbach -- Sophomore -- Seattle Academy (WA)

2005-09-19T08:53:00.000-07:00

I am flattered that you want my thoughts and I would love to help you with prospective students. As I’m sure you know this past year was full of new and wonderful experiences. It was genuinely a smooth transition, even without playing soccer. I am going to put myself back in the juniors and seniors shoes so I can give you the details I would find interesting about Redlands. I think you should really stress the fact that Redlands is almost an extension of Seattle Academy in the sense that classes are so small and intimate that you get to know your Professors just as you have in high school. My first semester of my freshman year I took an Into to British Literature class where I was one of 6 students in the class. My biggest class thus far, Intro to Psychology had only 25 people in the class. I have found my Advisor and my Professors care deeply about me and am getting the full benefit of my Redlands experience. I also think that you should stress some of the fun ways that the school entertains students. For example, watching the movie “Jaws” at night in the University swimming POOL! Or sponsoring the drive-in movie catered by In & Out Burger. There are fun dances with dress up themes. The food service provides great variety and promotes fun ethnic meals. Although Redlands is a small school, we have a good athletic program. It is great fun to go to Football games and Water Polo games. We also have wonderful facilities to provide the students with a great place to work out. I want everyone to know that this school is a close community and that there is always something to do, somewhere to go, or someone to meet. I wish I could go visit with you to tell the others how wonderful this University is, but I know that the school sells itself. I hope this has helped you and I look forward to working together in the future. I would be pleased to e-mail or write to prospective students to promote the University of Redlands.

Dabney W. Rohrbach

Jonathan Bottger -- Freshmen -- Lakeside School (WA)

2005-09-19T08:50:00.000-07:00

Well one aspect that I have noticed from Redlands from the time I have spent here is that it’s similar to Lakeside because it’s a close knit school. The classes are small for a University, which was the case at Lakeside. The teachers are widely available and they seem to have time after class and whenever they have some free time they are more than happy to sit down with you for whatever your need is. The social life is really cool, it’s something that Lakeside offered but just multiplied by five. Sports teams are really good, men's soccer, woman's soccer, water polo, swimming, football, etc. If you like a warm climate, small classes, an awesome student body, then Redlands if for you! haha. Well, off the top of my head that’s what I can come up with. If you need anything else or you have any further questions just le me know and I'll try to help out to the best of my knowledge.

Jonathan Bottger

Whitney Hume -- Freshmen -- Bainbridge Island HS (WA)

2005-09-19T08:41:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love it here. I have been thrown into the sports area of the school more so than anything, this is a great place to come and play a division 3 sport. Professors and coaches are incredibly supportive and coaches and always put acedemics first. Come prepared to learn and to be thrown into discussion, meeting people with different views than the area I am from. Their is alot more diversity in Redlands than on Bainbridge, ethnicly and religiously. It is also a small school which puts you on a first name basis with your professors, they make an effort to get to know who you really are. The location is amazing, we are already in the desert but its 45 min away from the beach, 45 min away from the mountains, and not far from shopping. Their are so many opportunities for students to become involved on campus and with the school. I would love to be a contact for students, not a problem. Like you said only being here two weeks it is a little difficult for me to say alot, but I am having a wonderful time and once again, Thank you so so much for all of your help. And have fun in Washington!

Whitney Hume