Most Loved by Students: Colleges and Universities

Hey all, I'm in the middle of my college search and would love to understand - from a student perspective - which colleges or universities are the most loved. Any insights you could share about the student experience, school spirit, or sense of belonging would be really helpful!

From my experience and interactions with many different students, the sense of belonging and school spirit can vary drastically based on individual experience and expectations, not to mention the unique culture of each college or university. However, there are few schools that often come up in these discussions.

For instance, the University of Notre Dame is well-known for its strong sense of community and high school spirit, particularly around their football team. They have a cohesive campus culture that sets them apart with, traditions like the Notre Dame "The Shirt" and their unique residential hall communities.

Schools like Stanford University also have a reputation for high student satisfaction. This may be due to a combination of its sunny California location, extensive resources, and interdisciplinary ethos that allows students to explore a wide range of interests.

Smaller liberal arts college like Middlebury College in Vermont and Davidson College in North Carolina are often mentioned for their close-knit community, high student engagement, and strong alumni networks.

There's also the University of Michigan, where the school spirit is incredibly high, especially when it comes to home football games. Most students there feel a strong sense of belonging and pride in their school.

However, remember that personal fit is crucial. A college loved by one person might not be the perfect fit for another. When searching for colleges, consider factors like size, location, academic offerings, and extracurricular activities in addition to student satisfaction and sense of belonging. Visiting colleges or speaking with current students can be particularly helpful for gauging this.