University Of Vermont: Student Satisfaction And Experience

The University of Vermont, a public research university in Burlington, offers a range of academic programs and extracurricular activities that cater to diverse student interests. With a focus on both academics and student life, UVM provides a well-rounded college experience. However, student reviews are mixed, with some praising the university's academics, research opportunities, and natural campus, while others criticise the housing situation, food, and lack of diversity. So, do students really like the University of Vermont? Let's delve into the insights and opinions shared by current and former students to find out.

Student life and culture

The University of Vermont, also known as UVM, is a public research university located in Burlington, Vermont, nestled between the Adirondack and Green Mountains. The university offers a well-rounded student experience that combines academics, extracurricular activities, and a vibrant campus culture.

Academic Life

UVM is known for its strong academic programmes, particularly in the fields of environmental science, social justice, and STEM. The university also has a highly ranked College of Medicine and offers graduate programs in various disciplines. Students have the opportunity to study across different departments and colleges, allowing them to explore a diverse range of courses outside of their major requirements. The university's proximity to the UVM Medical Centre is especially beneficial for pre-med students.

Student Body and Campus Culture

The student body at UVM is diverse, with 77% of students coming from out of state. Students describe their peers as intelligent, hardworking, and cooperative, with a common thread of exceptional passion for their interests, both inside and outside the classroom. There is no single stereotype that UVM students conform to, and the campus community embraces a range of personalities and interests. However, there is a prevalent outdoor culture, with many students taking advantage of the surrounding nature and engaging in activities such as hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.

Extracurricular Activities

UVM offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities to enrich the student experience. There are over 170 student organisations on campus, including about 15 fraternities and sororities. While fewer than 10% of students participate in Greek life, it is still a notable aspect of campus social life. The university also has a strong athletic programme, with the Catamounts athletic teams competing in the NCAA Division I America East Conference. Students can also join one of the many clubs on campus or start their own. Additionally, the nearby Church Street Marketplace, with its restaurants and boutiques, and the shores of Lake Champlain offer additional recreational options for students.

On-Campus Housing and Dining

On-campus housing is required for freshmen and sophomores at UVM. However, the university has faced criticism for its housing situation, with a reported shortage of housing for upperclassmen and an issue of "forced triples," where three students are placed in dorm rooms designed for two. Dining services have also received mixed reviews, with some students describing the food as mediocre or horrid.

Social Scene

Reviews suggest that the social scene at UVM is heavily influenced by the outdoor culture and the laid-back, small-town atmosphere of Burlington. While there is a presence of Greek life and varsity sporting events, these do not dominate the campus social life. Students also socialise by taking advantage of the natural surroundings, participating in clubs and extracurricular activities, and exploring the nearby town.

Academic experience

The University of Vermont (UVM) is a public research university in Burlington, offering a range of academic programmes and extracurricular activities. The university is home to seven schools and colleges, with over 100 undergraduate degree programmes. UVM is particularly well-known for its College of Medicine, which is highly ranked.

UVM's academic calendar is semester-based, and the university offers a wide range of courses and programmes across various disciplines, including:

• Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
• Business and Economy
• Education and Community
• Environment and Sustainability
• Food and Agriculture
• Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

UVM's academic programmes are enhanced by its location in Burlington, Vermont, which offers students access to nature and recreation, a thriving food and music scene, and a rising identity as a technology and innovation hub. The university also has a waterfront campus on Lake Champlain, where students can study lake ecology aboard a research vessel, the Melosira. Additionally, UVM owns four farms where students can conduct agricultural research.

UVM's professors are described as "engaging and clearly very passionate about what they teach". Students appreciate the variety of "rigorous yet interesting" programmes offered by the university, and the opportunity to study across different departments and colleges. The pre-med programmes, in particular, benefit from the university's proximity to the UVM Medical Centre.

UVM also offers a range of extracurricular activities, including over 170 student organisations, such as fraternities and sororities, and athletic teams that compete in the NCAA Division I America East Conference. The university's athletic complex includes an adventure ropes course and an indoor rock climbing wall.

In terms of academic support, UVM provides resources such as the Center for Academic Success and the Center for Teaching and Learning. However, some students have expressed concerns about the need for improved access to counselling, advising, and mental health services.

Overall, UVM offers a well-rounded academic experience, with a combination of strong academic programmes, passionate faculty, and a diverse range of extracurricular activities and support services.

Student accommodation

The University of Vermont (UVM) is committed to creating a transformative residential experience for its students. The university offers various housing options to cater to different student needs and preferences. Here is an overview of the student accommodation options available at UVM:

On-Campus Housing

UVM requires first-year undergraduate students and exchange students to live on campus. Transfer students may also be able to live on campus, depending on availability. The university offers a range of residence halls and dormitories for these students. Most students share a double room and a bathroom with several other students on the same floor. The university's Residential Life office supports students in finding suitable on-campus housing and provides resources for community engagement and personal growth.

Off-Campus Housing

While graduate and senior students typically live off campus, there is a severe housing shortage for juniors and seniors. UVM recommends that students start their search for off-campus housing as early as possible due to the high occupancy rate in Burlington. The university provides resources and guidance to help students find off-campus accommodation, such as the Office of Student and Community Relations (OSCR) and the Real Estate Operations (REO) Office. Students can also utilise online resources and local apartment complexes affiliated with UVM. Additionally, students can explore neighbouring towns like Winooski, Colchester, and South Burlington for potentially more affordable rental options.

International Student Housing

International students at UVM have specific housing considerations. While exchange students typically live on campus, graduate students are not able to live on campus and must find off-campus accommodation. The university provides support through the Office of International Education, offering guidance and resources for finding suitable housing options. International graduate students often live in apartment complexes like Catamount Lane Apartments or Ethan Allen Apartments, which are about a 20-minute bus ride from campus.

Food and dining

The University of Vermont, nestled between the Adirondack and Green Mountains, offers a wide range of dining options for its students. All on-campus residents are required to have a meal plan, and UVM Dining offers a variety of options to cater to different dietary requirements, personal tastes, and individual schedules.

The Dudley H. Davis Center, known for its out-of-this-world dining experience, is a popular hub for students. It offers a diverse range of food choices, including the Green Roof Deli, which serves custom sandwiches, rice bowls, salads, and naanaritos with American halal food infused with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours. The Marketplace within the Davis Center is home to Vermont Burger Co, Broccoli Bar by Pingala Cafe, and other local favourites like burritos, tacos, and specialty wraps.

For those with a sweet tooth, the UVM Dairy Bar + Waffle Cabin is a must-visit. It features a fruit smoothie station, local Wilcox Ice Cream, and Liège-Style Belgian Sugar Waffles made to order. The Davis Center also has a popular coffee spot, offering a cosy fireplace to relax by between classes.

The University of Vermont is committed to social responsibility and works closely with regional businesses to provide organic and local food options. This commitment to sustainability and supporting local businesses is reflected in their dining services, providing students with nutritious and well-balanced meals.

Additionally, the Cat Pause Convenience Store is a one-stop-shop for snacks, medicine, coffee, and light lunches, catering to students' daily needs. For those seeking a heartier meal, the FeelGood Grilled Cheese deli offers gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches made with local Vermont ingredients, with proceeds going to The Hunger Project.

With its variety of dining options, the University of Vermont ensures that students have access to delicious, nutritious, and socially responsible meals during their time on campus.

Social life

The University of Vermont is nestled between the Adirondack and Green Mountains, offering students a wide range of outdoor activities. The university's location enriches students' educational experiences and activities, with easy access to nature and recreation, including skiing, fishing, boating, hiking, and snowboarding. Burlington, Vermont, also offers a thriving food and music scene, as well as cultural events in the South End Arts District.

On campus, students can rent equipment for skiing, snowshoeing, canoeing, and camping. There is also an adventure ropes course and an indoor rock climbing wall for those seeking adventure closer to campus. The University of Vermont is home to over 170 student organisations, including about 15 fraternities and sororities. However, fewer than 10% of students join a Greek organisation, and 57% of students rate the Greek life as average. For those who enjoy sports, the university's athletic teams, known as the Catamounts, compete in the NCAA Division I America East Conference. While varsity sporting events are attended, they are not a significant part of campus life, according to 64% of students.

The University of Vermont offers a diverse range of clubs and extracurricular activities. Students highlight the wide range of clubs available, and the opportunity to start their own if desired. The university also hosts various events, ensuring there is always something to do on campus. The social life extends beyond the campus, with students frequenting downtown cafes, restaurants, galleries, and shops. The nearby Church Street Marketplace, with its restaurants and live music, is a popular destination. Additionally, the Waterfront Park offers sailing, concerts, and amazing views.

The University of Vermont provides a "chill, small-town atmosphere" in Burlington, along with the amenities of urban life. The small community feel of the school ensures a sense of familiarity when walking across campus. Students describe their peers as "intelligent, hardworking, cooperative, and all-around good people," with a range of personalities and interests. There is a common thread of "exceptional passion" for their pursuits, both inside and outside the classroom. However, some students have expressed a desire for improved racial, ethnic, and religious diversity on campus.

Frequently asked questions