What's University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire Like?

Hi, UW Eau Claire has been recommended to me, but I don't know much about it. Can someone who has attended give me a quick breakdown of what it's like to be a student there? I'd appreciate it! Thanks.

UW-Eau Claire, also known as the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, is typically described as a student-friendly institution with a balanced academic and social life environment. Despite being a mid-sized university, its commitment to personalized attention often gives it the feel of a smaller college.

From an academic perspective, the university is noted for its strong programs in Business, Nursing, and Music. There's a bit of unique academia at the university, as all students are required to fulfill a certain amount of service-learning hours, where you'll get a chance to work on projects in the Eau Claire community. This not only enriches your academic experience, but also fosters a strong sense of civic engagement among students.

The campus is known for its natural beauty. Nestled between the Chippewa River and Putnam Park, it provides a beautiful environment for students to relax and study. Outdoor enthusiasts particularly love the opportunity to engage in various recreational activities, such as hiking and biking.

UW-Eau Claire also supports a lively social scene with significant events like the Viennese Ball, a weekend-long event that transforms the university’s Davies Center into a grand ballroom that mirrors those found in Vienna, Austria.

Student organizations are abundant. With over 230 organizations, students have plentiful opportunities to find their niche, build leadership skills and cultivate lasting friendships. One thing that might particularly interest you is the celebrated music and arts scene which includes a renowned Jazz program with two Jazz ensembles.

As with any school, there are a range of experiences and while this captures the broad strokes of what UW-Eau Claire offers, I suggest you visit, if possible, to get a feel for the campus and talk to currently enrolled students to get a more individualized perspective.