University of Portland Top Questions

The worst thing associated with the University of Portland is also the best think about the school and this is the size. While it is great to have small classroom sizes and actually be able to engage with the Professors, it can also feel like high school because basically everyone knows everyone. Whatever you do is quickly spread throughout the student body and before you know it, others know "information" about you before you even know said information. Sometimes the size can be a hinderance.

A negative aspect of the university is the pressure to succeed. Just like any family, a parent would only want the best for his/her child and a child's only wish is to make his/her parent(s) proud. At this university, there is a strong emphasis on good grades making successful people. This puts students in a highly stressful situation which potentially sacrifices the student's overall health for the sake of his/her grade. Overall, implying that failing in college translates to failing in life, is an unhealthy mindset that the university often instills in its students.

We have a new head of internet connections on the board. They've decided that our access to certain websites will be slower or faster based on what the website rates on a scale of "Relevance". This seems trivial -- and to students it is trivially important sometimes - however, in class, it's much harder to try and incorporate videos (especially YouTube) since most video websites are so low on the scale. Professors must also deal with internet connection problems in class. There is talk of an uprising in the Fall Term that may bring about change. This is greatly challenging.

The worst thing about University of Portland is the condition of some of its buildings. While most of the buildings are kept beautifully up to date, some are left lacking. For example, Howard Hall is the campus gym and it looks like it hasn't been renovated in years! Low ceilings, worn carpet, and a miniscule swimming pool make for a gym that needs work. Luckily, there is work being done to build an entirely new Howard Hall, but only after I graduate. Otherwise, the campus is spectacular and classes are fantastic!

I wish University of Portland was more liberal. Because it is a private, Jesuit university, the school takes a very conservative stance on controversial issues, which can sometimes become uncomfortable.

One thing that can be bad about the school is the select students that come from upper middle class/rich families who are attending the school only because their families pay for it. These people tend to not try very hard and do not take their work seriously, as they seem to have no motivation. This can be frusterating to people who work hard.

The wost thing about my school would be its size. The University of Portland has a little less that 4,000 students, and at times it can be difficult to meet people. I have had trouble meeting and created a core group of friends, however after a month into school I had finally connected with some great individuals.

The worst part about University of Portland is the small population size. All of the professors and students are very friendly, but it would be nice to meet more people. I would prefer a bigger school with more diversity.

We don't have a greek system and that loses the fun for campus activity. The weekends on campus is usually quiet and calm, with very little happening during the day time.

The worst thing about the University of Portland is that is sometimes feels very small. With such a small number of undergraduate students (around 4,000) people get to know each other quickly which causes some students to feel cramped and suffocated. The activities of one student can easily become the latest news on campus just hours after they occur. People are in close proximity and gossip travels quickly. Some days a person would rather go unnoticed by those around them but at UP you are likely to pass 10 of your friends on the way to each class.