Curious About University Life in Virginia Beach

I've been considering going to college on the East Coast and Virginia Beach is on my radar. I'm looking for perspectives on what universities in that area are like. Are there particular strengths or weaknesses I should be aware of? Also, how is the balance between campus life and the surrounding community? Any personal experiences or advice would be great!

Given that you're interested in Virginia Beach, the two primary universities around that area would be Regent University and Virginia Wesleyan University.

Regent University is a private Christian university known for its programs in Business, Leadership, Communication, and the Arts. It's a solidly established school with a diverse student body. Its campus is beautiful, with state-of-the-art facilities. As a Christian institution, faith is woven into the curriculum and campus life, so keep this in mind when considering if it aligns with your convictions and interests.

On the other hand, Virginia Wesleyan University is a liberal arts college with a small student body resulting in small class sizes and a tight-knit community. It offers a wide range of majors and is particularly known for its Biology, Environmental Studies, and Business programs. The campus grounds are lush and tranquil, giving students a peaceful atmosphere for study.

Both universities are located in the city of Virginia Beach, which offers opportunities for students who love the outdoors. Virginia Beach is known for its oceanfront views, mild climate, and active community. The area surrounding both campuses provides students with opportunities to unwind and relax off-campus, whether at the beach, shopping centers, or various cultural and musical events in the city. However, keep in mind that while there's a lot to do, Virginia Beach has a somewhat laid-back and suburban feel, which might be different from a bustling city university experience.

When evaluating universities, don't forget to take into account factors like academic programs, faculty, student resources, financial aid, and job placement rates post-graduation. Your goal should be to find a school that's a good fit for you socially, financially, academically, and culturally.

Remember, a college visit could be very beneficial as being there in person allows you to get a first-hand view of what campus life is like, which can be invaluable in your decision-making process. Or, as you build your college list, you may find college search engines useful, like CollegeVine's, which allows you to filter schools based on a range of factors, including not just location, but also size, majors offered, student/faculty ratio, admissions requirements, and so on.

This tool can help you build a list of schools that are sure to be a good all-around fit for you. You can access the search engine here: https://www.collegevine.com/schools/hub/. Happy college hunting!