University of Redlands (UOR)

The principle of personal discovery and student-led learning is deeply ingrained in The University of Redlands. A prime example of this ethos is how the Johnston Center allows students to design unique multi-disciplinary majors that combine their various interests. The university also shines in its experiential learning, which, as one student explains, "has allowed me to find out more about my interests inside and out of the classroom." For instance, students taking an environmental nonfiction course participated in local service activities, and there is a program that brings together students and faculty from Redlands to work with and learn from students currently in juvenile detention. When back in the classroom, students say that they "love the small class sizes and the community you build within classrooms" and "the opportunity to know your professors and peers on a personal level," The professors are "incredibly interactive and encourage discussion," and it's clear that they "put a lot of effort into their classes making sure students are really understanding the course material." Students say the instructors "make class so engaging" and appreciate that they "come to a lot of the events on campus, so students have pretty close bonds with them." As one student says, what makes Redlands special is "the social environment created between students and faculty. I will always treasure all the support that professors and others have given me."

For many, the school’s community is “its biggest selling point.” On this small, connected campus, “it feels like everybody knows everybody, which is so fun.” As one student says, “There isn’t a day that I walk to class without seeing a friend or someone I know.” Students describe their peers as family, forming close friendships and establishing “a strong support group” of people you can “always rely on.” The school is “super diverse” and “very LGBTQ+ inclusive,” with students emphasizing that the atmosphere is nonjudgmental: “It’s a community of different people who welcome others.” Incoming students at Redlands can expect to find a nurturing environment where “everyone is willing to help you navigate college life.” As one student shares, “The first time I stepped on campus, everyone was waving, smiling, and asking if I had any questions about the school.” Overall, it’s an “extremely kind” and “very hardworking” group of people with a common goal. As one student puts it, “We’re all climbing the ladder, trying to reach our goals, and congratulating each other on the way there.”

There is a lot to love about this beautiful campus, including its convenient proximity to Los Angeles. Several of the most popular extracurricular activities revolve around staying active, playing sports, and attending games. Although sports are big here, they’re by no means the extent of what the campus has to offer. There are “so many clubs you can join on campus, and if there isn’t a club for you, you can always create your own.” For those interested in activism, there are social justice-oriented clubs such as Students for Environmental Action and the Redlands chapter of Planned Parenthood Generation, which advocates for reproductive rights and sexual health. Identity-based organizations like the Latin American Student Alumni Association and First Gen Fam provide support and community by bringing together students with events and shared experiences. And when it comes to campus-wide activities, Doing Activities With Great Spirit—or DAWGS—organizes fun events like bingo games and movie nights. For off-campus adventuring, students can easily reach downtown Redlands in about five minutes on the metro, which also “lets students take trips down to LA or the beach.” On the weekends, some students attend campus or Greek parties to socialize and let off steam. Whether you spend the night studying or partying, students agree that “the brunch here on the weekends is baller.”