Calvin University

To attend Calvin University is to immerse oneself in "a Christian learning atmosphere where faith is woven into all areas of study." Calvin is a "fantastic academic institution that tries to foster the development of the heart and mind." The university helps students build their "relationship with God while also challenging them in a rigorous academic environment to enable them to be agents of change and renewal in the world." Classes at Calvin are demanding, with one student sharing, "I have been challenged academically, intellectually, and spiritually in every class I've had, and that's made me a better person and has prepared me for graduate school and beyond." Outside the classroom, students participate in "study groups and Bible studies to help each other grow toward academic and spiritual goals." Many students report that the professors "are arguably Calvin's strongest asset." They "are interested not only in who you are as a student but also who you are as a person" and "want to see [you] succeed." These teachers achieve a well-received mix of being "devoted to [their] subjects" and serving as "great role models for how to be Christian professionals" who "pushed me to grow" and, in at least one specific case, "inspired me even more in my pursuit of an environmental science major." Reflecting on their experience, another student says, "Calvin is all about Christ, community, and challenging yourself."

"People at Calvin are generally quite friendly and approachable" in addition to being "hardworking and quite smart." The student body is "small enough that Calvin begins to feel like home, but large enough that you don't know everyone." While most students "are Christians and come from somewhere in the Midwest," the school is "intentionally inclusive of all different views and perspectives" and "doesn't force religion upon anyone." One student says, "I feel I can appropriately express my opinions and views without the condemnation of others." Calvin "is very community-oriented," and students can easily "find someone to connect with, whether through classes, residence halls, or clubs." Students are "very caring, generous, and respectful," and many choose to come here out of a desire to "explore and live out their Christian faith in their studies and future careers."

Dorm life, a requirement for at least two years at Calvin, "is vibrant" and, thanks to an active Student Activities Organization, filled with "many dorm activities each week as well as school-wide events each weekend." Among the most popular features are "concerts from some popular performers and some who are up-and-coming" and "showings of new movies for discounted prices every week." The school also hosts carnivals, dances, intramurals, concerts, sporting events, comedy skits, and "fun things at the dining halls." For those seeking to use their artistic or athletic talents, there's "a wide variety of student ensembles for singing and for instrumental groups," and "intramurals are very popular when people have free time." While some students "may be frustrated with the dry campus policy," it is noted that "the number of students who want to party is very small" and they tend to head off-campus. For those looking to explore beyond campus (and have cars), downtown Grand Rapids "has a lot to offer," including "a ton of unique, local coffee shops" that students love to visit. The city "is close enough to Chicago that we sometimes spend the day there," and many "backpack, hike, and go to Lake Michigan." Whether it's bible study, gym workouts, study sessions, or extracurriculars, students suggest that "a lot of life on campus at Calvin College is focused on community and interacting with fellow students."