The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach – they’re sharing their college experiences as well. Kellan is an Atlanta tutor and 2012 graduate of The University of Georgia who majored in Philosophy and International Affairs with a minor in French. She currently specializes in Literature tutoring, Writing tutoring, French tutoring, and Essay Editing tutoring. Check out Kellan’s review of her school:
VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. How urban or safe is the campus? Are there buses or do you need a car/bike?
Kellan: The University of Georgia is conveniently located at the center of the Athens metropolitan area near the downtown district. University and city buses provide mobility for students throughout the city, and the area is bike-friendly, if you’re willing to brave some hills. The campus and downtown are safe areas frequently patrolled by police.
VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants?
Kellan: I have been very impressed with the availability of professors, advisers, and TA’s. They are very welcoming during their routine office hours and are very willing to schedule an appointment to meet if necessary.
VT: How would you describe the dorm life – rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students?
Kellan: Dorm life is a great option! And a requirement for first year students. Most dorm rooms are shared, although there are a few apartment-style options, and activities such as educational programs or pick-up games are always happening. The dorms are located right next to academic buildings and the delicious, award-winning dining halls
VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study?
Kellan: UGA is best known for its Business, Forestry, International Affairs, and Liberal Arts schools. I studied Philosophy, International Affairs, and French to receive a well-rounded education and prepare for a career in environmental policy. The university provided many great resources for educational development such as lectures, film screenings, and career fairs.
VT: 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?
Kellan: Making friends as a freshman is aided by the university activity fairs which showcase hundreds of on-campus clubs. Students can also participate in intramural sports, club sports, and volunteer opportunities in the city. Greek life is prevalent; however, it is easy to make friends without being a member of one of these organizations.
VT: How helpful is the Career Center and other student support services? Do many reputable companies recruit on campus?
Kellan: The Career Center has helped me tremendously through resume critiques, mock interviews, and hosting seminars on career development. Many large companies recruit on campus such as Macy’s, Lilly, The Carter Center, and the U.S. Department of State.
VT: How are the various study areas such as libraries, student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious?
Kellan: The campus has many great study areas: dorm lounges, dining halls, several libraries, or the base of an old tree in the historic North Campus. These spots can be slightly crowded, but everyone is willing to share a table.
VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between? To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus?
Kellan: Athens is a vivacious city with a highly developed art and music scene. On weekends, students can find cheap or free concerts, stroll the historic neighborhoods, shop in unique boutiques or vintage stores, or visit a great park, like the State Botanical Garden. With the downtown area located across the street from campus, many students venture downtown to study at coffee shops or frequent the many bars/music venues at night.
VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes?
Kellan: The student body is around 36,000; however, the upper-level classes in my majors were small and provided a positive atmosphere to participate in class discussions.
VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most.
Kellan: In my first upper-level French class, our professor invited us to his weekly afternoon meetings at a restaurant to socialize and discuss topics such as religion or philosophy. I was intimidated the first time I went and was surrounded by graduate students, but the experience pushed me outside my comfort zone and gave me an opportunity to connect with others in my school.
Check out Kellan’s tutoring profile.
The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.
