What is it Like to Attend Ohio Wesleyan University?

Hannah earned her bachelor’s degree in theatre and English literature from Ohio Wesleyan University. She specializes in American literature tutoring, test prep tutoring, and a number of other subjects. Below, she shares her experience at Ohio Wesleyan University:

Describe the campus setting and transportation options. 

Hannah: Ohio Wesleyan University is located in Delaware, Ohio—a small suburb of the state’s capital, Columbus. One of the best parts of OWU is its location; you get the college-town community of Delaware with big-city Columbus right in your backyard.

I never had a car during my time on campus, but I had plenty of friends with vehicles. Campus is completely walkable, so a car or a bus is not necessary to get to class. I felt safe throughout my time on campus. Whenever I was out with friends, there was an unwritten rule that no one would walk home alone.

How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants?

Hannah: Professors and academic advisors at OWU are extraordinarily accessible. I became very close with the professors in my department. I cannot say enough good things about my professors at OWU—they challenged me to do my best work, they offered help when I was struggling, and they shaped me into the scholar I am today.

How would you describe the dorm life—rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students?

Hannah: OWU is a residential campus—over 90 percent of students live on campus, either in residence halls, SLUs (Small Living Units), fraternity houses, or themed houses. SLUs are unique to OWU—each house is dedicated to a specific set of values and beliefs, and each house member must complete one house project each year.

Each residence hall has something different to offer. From the 24/7 quiet hours of the honors residence hall, to the first-year-only Bashford and Thomson halls, there is a place for everyone.

There are two main dining halls on campus: Smith on the residential side, and the Food Court in Hamilton-Williams Campus Center. There are various cafes and bakeries spread throughout campus, and there is even a convenience store located in Thomson Hall that accepts food points. In addition to on-campus dining, students receive 100 off-campus food points each semester, which can be redeemed at various restaurants in downtown Delaware.

Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? 

Hannah: Psychology, zoology, economics, and English are popular majors on campus. I majored in theatre and English literature. I went into college knowing I would major in theatre, and I like to joke that English happened accidentally. I am very pleased with how my university supported my areas of study. I could not have asked for a better college experience.

How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life?

Hannah: I had no problem making friends as a freshman. However, the way OWU structures orientation makes forming connections with new people inevitable.

As an incoming student, I was adamantly against Greek life. But, after spending time with the members of a particular sorority, I warmed up to the idea of going through recruitment. By Thanksgiving Break, I could hardly wait to join. Accepting a bid was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and my sorority experience was one of the best parts of my college days.

How helpful are the Career Center and other student support services? 

Hannah: I didn’t take advantage of the Career Center all that much, simply because I found out about theatre opportunities through my professors and my own research. Career fairs came to campus often.

How are the various study areas such as libraries, the student union, and dorm lounges?

Hannah: The library is packed before and during finals week, but that’s to be expected. The student union gets crowded at lunch, simply because it’s the prime lunch location. Residence hall lounges are definitely utilized, either for study sessions or meeting up with friends.

Describe the surrounding town.

Hannah: Delaware is a small college town with fun shops and restaurants. Columbus is about thirty minutes away from campus. Students venture into town, but campus is always buzzing with an event.

How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes?

Hannah: The student body is rather intimate. I went to a small high school, so I knew I wanted to attend a small university. I was pleased with the small class sizes; I never had a class of more than 35 people.

Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most.

Hannah: During my last semester at OWU, I took a course called “How To Write Like Shakespeare.” After extensive research, analysis of Shakespeare’s work, and plotting, my group produced a five act play called The Tragedie of Tom Riddle. The course was a perfect way for me to put all of the Shakespeare knowledge I had gathered over my four years at OWU into practice by executing an extensive imitation exercise. It was the seventh class I had taken with that English professor, and it was a wonderful way to conclude my English major at OWU.

 

Check out Hannah’s tutoring profile.

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.