What's life like at the University of Northern Colorado?

I'm thinking about applying to the University of Northern Colorado and would like to know more about what it's like to attend school there. How is the campus, and what do students usually think about their overall experience?

The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) offers a student life that combines elements of a smaller-size school and a traditional university setting.

First, let's talk about the campus. UNC has a relatively large campus, spanning 250 acres, and it's located in Greeley, Colorado. The beauty of this campus is often praised for its mix of historical and modern buildings nestled among leafy green spaces. Common areas include outdoor fields and spaces for relaxing or studying, as well as a multitude of indoor facilities such as study rooms, lounges, and cafeterias. One particularly iconic spot is the University Center, which serves as a hub for student activities and services.

Regarding student life, many people appreciate UNC's approach to offering a balanced college experience. It's a mid-size university with around 8,000 students, so you can expect a varied and vibrant student community. However, class sizes are relatively small, averaging about 20 students, affording plenty of opportunities for personalized attention from professors.

Extracurricular activities are plentiful at UNC, with over 100 student clubs and organizations. Whether you're into music, sports, volunteering, or academic societies, there's likely a group for you. In terms of sports, UNC is a Division I school in the Big Sky Conference, and its athletic events--especially football and basketball--often become focal points for school spirit.

In terms of housing, most first-year students live on-campus in one of the 17 residence halls. Many upperclassmen choose to live off-campus, but on-campus housing options are also available for them.

As for the city of Greeley itself, it offers a uniquely Coloradan experience. It's a city of about 100,000 and it's known for its lively downtown area filled with shops, restaurants, and music venues. There's a close-knit community vibe in Greeley, despite it being a larger city. Plus, with Denver about an hour away and the Rocky Mountains relatively close, there are plenty of options for weekend trips and outdoor adventures.

In general, students often appreciate the welcoming, tight-knit community at UNC, along with the university's efforts to make each student feel supported, both academically and personally. A common word used to describe the atmosphere at UNC is "friendly," which can be refreshing in the competitive world of higher education.

I hope this gives you a better idea of what to expect at the University of Northern Colorado! It's a unique institution that offers a fulfilling and balanced college experience. Of course, it's also important to visit the campus, if possible, to get a first-hand feel of the environment and community.