火爆社区

Lawrence University is a small liberal arts college in Appleton, Wisconsin, centered entirely around the ethos of Engaged Learning, in which students learn by doing. Beginning with the cornerstone Freshman Studies program, these 鈥渃razy smart鈥� students are grouped into course sections of about 15 students, and commence the reading and discussion of great works. Exploration of the mind is stressed, and 鈥渆ven the smallest idea is considered on a grand scale.鈥� Tutoring is readily available, and the school 鈥減laces an incredible focus on mental health issues and counseling.鈥� Professors 鈥渉ave great opportunities for help and discussion outside of class,鈥� and 鈥渢here are many opportunities for experiential learning (off-campus study, visits, field trips, grants) that are available to those that work for them, without being too hard to get.鈥� Lawrence is especially good at 鈥減roviding a creative and explorative atmosphere within the college,鈥� and structuring itself in a manner that allows for student flexibility, so students 鈥渁re able to explore and study whatever we are interested in, and we are encouraged to do so.鈥� A stunning 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio means students have access to their professors at all times, all of whom 鈥渁re excited to transfer their knowledge to us through various kind of ways.鈥� Professors are 鈥渦pfront with us and treat us more like academic peers,鈥� and make time to help students outside of class and connect the course to larger ideas. 鈥淭o the professors, you are a person, and they make sure that they know your name and what you鈥檙e about,鈥� says a student.

There鈥檚 a surprisingly large number of international students at Lawrence University, and people embrace the opportunity to learn about different cultures and topics in general: they are all 鈥渆xceptionally curious and eager to explore fields outside their own major.鈥� 鈥淣ot only do we yearn for experiences that take us outside what is comfortable and known, it is safe to do so,鈥� says one. Students here 鈥渁re not afraid to show who they really are鈥� and 鈥渢ruly just love expressing how every person is their own and that we all accept it.鈥� This 鈥渉ealthy and excellent鈥� social atmosphere is due to the chemistry of the student body, which is a 鈥渃ombination of odd, quirky kids, who are dedicated to music or the arts, but also dedicated student athletes.鈥� More than anything, the students here 鈥渁re kind, funny, intelligent and a little bit wacko鈥攊n the best way.鈥�

One student sums up Lawrentian life: 鈥渃heese curds, high stress, ten weeks, snow, repeat.鈥� 鈥淪tudy takes big part of people鈥檚 life,鈥� but most are also on many different clubs or committees 鈥渨hether for the student government, toward our major, or just for fun like long boarding club or painting club.鈥� 鈥淧eople are always hoping for more time in a day here,鈥� says a student. Admittedly, 鈥渢here isn鈥檛 much to do in Appleton,鈥� so this entirely residential campus is able 鈥渢o cultivate a fantastic atmosphere within the college,鈥� but 鈥渙utside of the Lawrence bubble is a mystery to most of us.鈥� Many people engage with the school鈥檚 dances, comedians, musicians, speakers who are brought to campus, and movies shown in the cinema, and every term has a big event, such as the Fall Festival, Trivia, Winter Carnival, Cabaret, and LU-aroo. On weekends, partying is a popular pastime; underclassmen spend their time at the cafe on campus while upperclassmen 鈥渇lock to our on-campus bar, where we often see our professors during happy hour.鈥� As the university houses a popular music conservatory, 鈥渢here is ALWAYS a type of concert going on (Monday jazz sessions are highlight).鈥�

The Career Center at Lawrence helps students approach the job hunt with confidence and purpose. To begin with, first-years are encouraged to schedule an initial visit to introduce themselves, share their interests, and learn how they can best use the office鈥檚 resources in the years to come. All students are also urged to join up to three career communities, which are clusters of similar career paths that provide support networks, specialized advising, and field-specific resources and workshops. Additionally, the Career Center advises students on everything from setting goals and resume writing to networking, building social capital, and setting informational interviews. All undergrads can log into Handshake to find and manage job and internship opportunities, or Lawrence鈥檚 Viking Connect online platform to connect with alumni and mentors. Payscale.com says 50 percent of Lawrence graduates get a high level of meaning from their job.