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Hollins University is a private liberal arts college in Roanoke, Virginia, that heralds the unique benefits that come with being an all-women鈥檚 college, which includes a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, a relatively low class size, and a global network of alums that connects students to mentors, jobs, and internships. 鈥淥ur community and traditions help us create connections with students and alumnae that will last well into our adulthood,鈥� says a student. As for hands-on experiences, they are guaranteed for every eligible student, and three out of four students complete at least one: 鈥淚 am currently doing an internship that is completely out of my field, but one class I took intrigued me to do so,鈥� reports a student, while another notes 鈥淚 have done three internships through Hollins and it contributes a lot to my career.鈥� The so-called J-Term, or January Short Term, helps free up students to pursue such opportunities, as well as research and study abroad. Students also note that the school has made a serious 鈥渋nvestment in the creative fields,鈥� with plenty of 鈥渞eadings and Q&A sessions by guest authors,鈥� and classes incorporate plenty of hands-on elements, such as a public health class where students had 鈥渢o complete a field experience assignment where we study a disease, and then interview random students about [it] just as a real epidemiologist would.鈥� The school is 鈥渁cademic and forward-thinking without putting a ton of pressure on students to maintain perfect grades,鈥� and creates 鈥渁 positive intellectual standard that makes me and my peers want to really grow and push our education further.鈥� Faculty are 鈥渁bsolutely the backbone of this school and have such a passion to support their students in any way they can, both academically, emotionally, and just in life.鈥� They 鈥渁re more than willing to work with you when life throws you curve balls鈥� and are 鈥渧ery good about answering questions and making themselves available outside of class.鈥�

Despite being a historically women鈥檚 college, 鈥淗ollins students represent a wide range of gender identities,鈥� including 鈥淎FAB, non-binary, trans-masculine, LGBTQIA+ students, as well as cis-gendered women.鈥� There is a 鈥淐ulture of Care implemented on campus, which makes respect and empathy for one another a conscious mindset throughout all of campus.鈥� There are just seven hundred undergraduates, which 鈥渕akes finding friends and familiar faces easy.鈥� As one student says: 鈥淚 never see a face I鈥檝e never seen before.... I find it comforting.鈥� This is 鈥渁 safe place to express oneself 鈥� and 鈥渆veryone is so open and accepting and the clubs, societies, and traditions give everyone a unique place in the school.鈥� Overall, this group of 鈥渒ind, smart, funny, talented鈥� individuals create 鈥渁 warm and friendly environment where everyone feels like they belong.鈥�

Hollins University is 鈥渁 beautiful, optimistic place鈥� where almost all first-years live, be that in one of the 10 home-style residences or seven special interest houses and halls, all located 鈥渞ight next to a huge natural preserve and reservoir.鈥� (That historical, picturesque quality does come with a bit of a price: several students report a desire for renovations鈥攍ike airconditioning鈥攊n the oldest dorms, and for a more varied menu in the dining hall.) Given the natural scenery, students appreciate the school鈥檚 outdoor activities, like 鈥渉iking and trail walks they set up鈥� to horseback riding and a climbing team (that can also make use of the gym鈥檚 rock wall). The student government also works to organize 鈥渕any great sponsored events that take us out of Hollins and into the city of Roanoke,鈥� like basketball games, and 鈥渓ots of social events, ranging from the little hot chocolate buffet on the quad... to the semi-formal fall dance.鈥� (Hollins students do love 鈥渁 party with a theme, any excuse to dress up.鈥�) Students also report a lot of activities (鈥渆verything from crafting club to anime club鈥�) and note that the school is 鈥渞eally great about making sure everyone can get involved.鈥�

The career outlook for Hollins students is pretty rosy. That鈥檚 partially thanks to the fact that undergrads are able to tap into a 鈥渉ighly active alumni base.鈥� They also have a wonderful Career Center at their disposal. Indeed, from the beginning of the first year, undergrads can swing by the office and start plotting their path to career success. Students have the opportunity to take assessment tests, sit for mock interviews and everything in between. The Center for Career Development & Life Design also continually hosts workshops on topics such as workplace etiquette, crafting the perfect cover letter and how to find a good work/life balance. Aside from learning how to maximize their job and internship hunts, students can also receive top-notch guidance on applying to graduate programs.