Finding Chill Colleges

Hey everyone, I was wondering if anyone knows some colleges that have a reputation for being less stressful? As someone who gets stressed easily, I'm really interested in finding colleges with the least stressed students or environments. Thanks!

Hello,

Just as students have unique learning styles and interests, different colleges have distinct atmospheres that shape the overall student experience. Some schools are known for maintaining a more relaxed and collaborative environment. Here are a few examples:

1. Brown University: Noted for its "Open Curriculum," Brown allows students to explore their interests by not having general education requirements. Many students appreciate the flexibility to shape their academic goals based on interest, not requirement. Additionally, Brown uses a unique grading system, where students can take classes Satisfactory/No Credit (essentially pass/fail) in addition to the regular letter-grade system.

2. Reed College: Another liberal arts college, Reed is known for its rigorous academics but also its cooperative, support-forward environment. This allows students to work hard while also maintaining balance and taking time for self-care.

3. Pomona College: This liberal arts institution in California is known for smaller class sizes and a close-knit community, where students can get personalized attention and feel less lost in the educational process.

4. University of California, Santa Cruz: UC Santa Cruz has been historically known for a laid back environment reflective of its location. Its unique living/learning community setup also fosters a supportive academic environment.

5. Eckerd College: On the coast of Florida, Eckerd has a reputation for having an outdoorsy, laid-back, and active environment. Offering interdisciplinary studies and experimental learning, the college fosters creativity and exploration outside the traditional classroom environment.

Remember that the overall stress levels can be influenced by a number of factors including the academic workload, supportive resources available, extracurricular activities, campus culture, location, and overall student satisfaction. While these colleges are generally considered "chill," it's important that you visit these universities (if possible) or at least chat with students or alumni to get a feel for the environment, ensuring it aligns with your personal comfort level.

Good luck with your college research!