See Saint Martin's University reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Saint Martin's University. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Saint Martin's University reviews, or contribute your own Saint Martin's University review if you're a current student there.
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9 out of 10 people found this review useful.
Kathleen from Lakewood, WA
Reviewer is A past student here.
Categories Rating Comments Did learn a lot Some stupendous teachers. I loved my religious studies class, and the teacher was more than open to controversial conversations. Kind of surprising for a catholic university...
Did enjoy being here Dorm life was rather boring. Not many interesting events on campus, and tons of rule- breaking going on, under the noses of RA's who choose unfairly when to enforce such rules...
Bang for the buck Horribly Expensive! it's totally not worth your money to go here. The financial aide department it horrifically slow, causing you to loose tons of $.
Tips for prospective students Call, call, call... They will most likely not call you back. It seriously take you coming in person for them to actually work with you...
Great for these types of students Those who can afford the private school life. Can't be too dependable upon financial aide here...
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8 out of 9 people found this review useful.
Lyubov from Olympia, WA
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot Saint Martin's University is a special school in many ways. First it is a private university and that is wonderful because the classes are made up of 15 students or less. It allows one to get the help they need and also create long lasting relationships between teachers and students. All the staff and teachers are welcoming, going the extra mile for their students. Not to mention the wide variety in their programs offering lots of different classes and experiences. One can really relax, feel at home and at the same time get the education they need. In addition the university provides all the tools one needs, from the newest technology to a wide variety of books and even a workout gym. It a place of spirit, passion and education where one can really shine if they out themselves into it.
Am enjoying being here While visiting several schools in Washington, what made Saint Martin's University stand out is it's peaceful atmosphere. The place is intimate, quiet and surrounded by 380 acres of green. One can get a blanket sit on the grass and have a picnic, study or even read a book. The church that is also on campus with the university adds even more serenity to the place because sometimes one can hear the bell, which sounds like a soundtrack added to a play to make it stand out and perfect. It's an ideal environment for studying, relaxing and basically enjoying your time.
Bang for the buck St. Martin's being a private university is expensive though some say less expensive then other private universities. However they do try to help you a lot with the FAFSA and other scholarships. The school itself offers about 100 different types of scholarships that one can apply for or look for other sources for example loans. Not to mention their tuition management systems is helpful because you can pay the money for school monthly and not all at once. In addition the university offers a lot of jobs since 7 out of 10 students at their university has a job with the university. Overall the basic idea is that if one truly tries they can find different sources of income for their tuition while at the same time receiving a private education.
Tips for prospective students Find out your counselor and sit down with him, talk to him, share your fears, weaknesses, ideas and they will try to help you throughout everything. Make sure you are on time and on track and everything should work out. Help can come in different ways and if one is determined to achieve the impossible then they can, because they believe that it can happen and we are powerful in our faith.
Great for these types of students St. Martin's offers lots of choices for people interested in business, engineering, and teaching. They have lots of masters and majors in these categories. Also great for students that have lots of financial aid coming in from the government or are able to pay for their education or those with a good record on academics, leaderships, extracurricular activities or sports. Plus it is a peaceful environment where one can relax and at the same time get lots of help and things done. So if one prefers quiet and peace to noise and crowds then this is the place to be. Overall if one is interested in learning, this school provides lots of opportunity and chances for a great education that will serve really well for your future career.
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3 out of 3 people found this review useful.
Sarah from Olympia, WA
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot I can definitely say that I am being challenged in ways that I never was in high school. I considered my public school education to be fairly adequate, and yet in at least one of my classes, I learned things that I SHOULD have learned in public school. This was not a remedial class or a planned lesson -- this was a digression from the topic to explain how a grammatical rule worked, because very few in the class actually knew. It is kind of embarrassing, but I am thankful that I learned sooner rather than later.
The professors here are spectacular, in my experience. They are genuinely enthusiastic about their subjects, and they encourage open discussion whenever something is either unclear or simply interesting enough that it is worth straying from the planned lecture to explore.Am enjoying being here As a small-town girl who grew up in a 360-degree panorama of green, I appreciate that the campus is surrounded by trees, providing a cushion from the urban sprawl outside. It is quieter and more peaceful than I thought it would be, for the middle of a city, which is very nice.
The library and Harned Hall are great haunts for studying, and the latter is popular for socializing over a cup of coffee. When the weather is nice, you can go on a long nature walk with a friend, or camp out on a bench to chat or just people-watch.
Somehow, it never becomes dull to hear the abbey church bells or to see the monks walking around on campus, either teaching or attending classes themselves.
I knocked off a star from a full score because the dorms are frequently noisy. I do not know if it depends on what RA you have, but in my experience, quiet hours are rarely enforced outside of Dead Week (before/during finals).Bang for the buck I am definitely getting an education worthy of the tuition. Already I can feel that my mind has been stretched to new places, to accommodate new dimensions of thinking.
However, and this may just be nitpicky, I feel like some of the commodities could be a little better. Several of the tables in Harned Hall are wobbly; a large number of computers take a long time to actually log you in, which is NOT fun in the rush to print out papers before a class in three minutes; at any given time, three of the nine washing machines in Parsons Hall (my dorm building) will be out of order or malfunctioning in some way.Tips for prospective students Bring earplugs! And definitely bring a foam mattress pad. You will thank me your first night.
If you are doing your laundry on campus, I recommend doing it in the mornings on the weekend before everyone else is up, or in the mornings on weekdays when everyone else is at classes.
Keep an eye and ear out for scholarships and work-study/job opportunities -- going to this school is expensive, and every little bit helps! You might have to network with the people on campus to actually find anything, though.Great for these types of students Students who like to take life at a slower pace -- this is not Seattle, here -- and who appreciate being surrounded by nature.
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2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
Megan from Lacey, WA
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot I learn a tremendous amount every day from everyone at SMU. Not only are the teachers teaching and taking an interest in their students, many of the office workers, monks, and other staff are involved too! I really feel like I'm learning to be a well-rounded, confident, and accomplished person. I'm also being supported by a small, friendly community that creates an ideal learning environment.
Am enjoying being here There are so many fun things to do on campus. There are sports to go watch, trails to hike, and cozy hidden study locals for those cold winter days. Anyone can come hang out in Campus Ministry and enjoy the snacks there.
Bang for the buck It is quite expensive to go here, but if you work hard, you can get a lot of money in scholarships that the school approves you for. There's also plenty of student jobs available. When I look at the price and then I look at how many things we get that we don't have to pay out of pocket for (because it's already been paid for by tuition), I think it's worth it.
Tips for prospective students Be prepared to work hard! For most teachers, A's are not easily granted. But if you work hard, they'll respect you and help you out all they can.
Take some time out for yourself. Go see some friends or check out an event before you put your nose to the grindstone. And check out great relaxation activities around finals week.Great for these types of students Great for self-motivated and inquisitive students who really love learning about...well, everything!
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2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
Danielle from Olympia, WA
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Tips for prospective students Make sure to look up the professor before enrolling in the class. Some of the professors are easier than others, ask the students about them.
Great for these types of students Can handle all types of learning enviroments, and like to be on the computer to do different assignments.
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1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
Kelseyy from Lacey , WA
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences Saint Martin's University has a positive and interactive atmosphere. it provides great education with a variety of major and grad programs. It is a campus where I feel comfortable and where I am also fully supported my professors.
Tips for prospective students For future students make sure you go to the orientations weather you are a new freshmen or a transfer student, I did not attend and I struggled in my 1st semester finding resources and things like that. Also, get to know your professors, they are all here to help you.
Academic Rigor Saint Martin's University challenges students to push themselves and succeed. I appreciate this in a school because I want to be the best that I can be and Saint Martin's helps me do this.
Dorm Life I have not personally lived in the dorms but I have friends that do and I have spent time in them. The doors have been recently built and are in great condition!
Food and Dining The food here is great! There are plenty of places on campus that have food and all that I have tried taste great!
What to do for fun Saint Martin's University hosts a lot of great community events. We have a pavilion in campus it seems atleast once a week on average. There are also always sports games going on to attend. We also have a recreational center that is great!
Bang for the buck Saint martins can be expensive but the education is great!! And scholarships are easy to find.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Saint Martin's University is a catholic school so we do have religious events and some of the professors are monks but what I love is that they never pressure you to be religious.
Great for these types of students Catholic, who strive for good grades, enthudiastic learners, athletes.
Clubs and Activities There is a large variet of clubs and activies daily on campus.
Greek Life No knowledge of Greek life
Campus Safety Campus security is great, most are students and are approachable and willing to help anyone. There had been no real dangerous events on this campus. We do have night classes and security is always around, they ate even willing to walk you to your car of you would like, just ask.
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Paula from Tacoma, WA
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences St. Martins is military friendly, offering shorten terms to allow for service members to complete their degrees while serving their country. They are dedicated to ensuring students are prepared to be successful in their careers or furthering their education. The staff is always there to answer any questions and provide the best information for the careers.
Tips for prospective students It is a friendly military school.
Academic Rigor The teachers push students to excel and give their best.
Dorm Life Unknown
Food and Dining Unknown
What to do for fun Unknown
Bang for the buck Currently they are the cheapest school around this area.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Unknown
Great for these types of students Unknown.
Clubs and Activities I have not joined any clubs but I continuely recieve notices of clubs and activities.
Greek Life Unknown
Campus Safety Unknown
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sandydog36123
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences saint martins univ. is a small univ. on a hill in Lacey that focuses on maintaining a relationship between professor and student. most of my class sizes are under 20 students. very intimate.
Tips for prospective students be prepared for stairs! because of the small class sizes if you don't do your assigned reading, it will show. always be on time, because they close the locked doors at start of class.
Academic Rigor this school is difficult. i have had the hardest classes of my life from this school. its very rewarding though.
Dorm Life i don't live in a dorm. they do not offer couple or married couple dorms. wish they did.
Food and Dining i am a commuter so i do not eat school food on campus. i have had a coffee from the cafe, and it wasn't bad; a little bit expensive.
What to do for fun hang out in the Tub, go to the park, relax in the reading room in the library.
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Megan from Kilauea, HI
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences Saint Martin's University is a very welcoming community with a faculty and staff that help you succeed. There are great facilities and the environment is great. I highly recommend attending this university.
Tips for prospective students Meet with your professors as often as possible as well as your advisors. They want you to succeed and are here to help you. Don't just blow them off and think that you can get through the years without them because they are the biggest help provided. Also, meet the right people who will help you succeed and and drag you down.
Academic Rigor Depending on the professor you have will determine how difficult the academic side of college will be. The professors here want you to succeed and will usually accommodate you. As long as you meet them half way, you can make a compromise.
Dorm Life We do not live in dorms. We live in Residence Halls. The difference is that Residence Halls are more community based. A place where everyone can feel welcomed, safe, and get to know each other to develop friendships/relationships.
Food and Dining The food provided isn't the best, but they try. They're not horrible, but not great either. We have a main cafeteria where we eat, a little cafe where you can buy snacks, drinks, and other things, as well as a convenient store in the Freshmen Residence Hall. There, they have just about anything you may need.
What to do for fun Campus Life puts on many things (Comedy night, Open Mic, BINGO, Exam Jam, etc.) that can keep you entertained. We also have intramural sports and Saints Adventures. All these things combined, plus school work, will keep you busy all year round.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Places you need to know:
Old Main: The big red building at the top of the hill. Many classes and most offices are located here as well as our bookstore and cafeteria.
Harned Hall: A newer building with a cafe and classrooms.
TUB (Trautman Student Union Building): Where most of the fun activities happen. It's also a great place to hang out or do homework.
O'Grady Library
REC Center: Where students go to workout or just play sports with friends.
Fine Arts Building: For choir, band, pottery, and other art things
Marcus Pavilion: Where we have volleyball and basketball games. Also, our Hawaii Club's Luau is held here in the Spring.
North Worthington Conference Center: Where formal dances are held as well as other important/formal things on campus.
Residence Halls: Where we live :)Great for these types of students Great for ALL students :)
Clubs and Activities There are many things to do and many clubs on campus. Some of the more popular clubs are:
Hui 'O Hawaii (Hawaii Club)
Filipino Heritage Club
Black Student Union
Latino Student Alliance
Chemistry Club
Anyone can join these clubs :)Campus Safety Our Office of Security is great. They have a great staff who are dedicated to keeping students safe. They are also very friendly.
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reviewer
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot The classes are reasonably small and you have access to the professors for questions. All of the classes are taught by the professors and not student assistants. I am currently taking the basic classes for civil engineering and there is a lot of work involved. However it is a good review and I am learning a lot.
Am enjoying being here I like the campus and the city of Lacey. The school is close to Olympia and Tacoma so there is alot to do and see. The school is located on 350 acres of beautiful forest and ponds. The students are very nice and I have made a lot of friends both in my classes and out of them. I stay busy and enjoy being here.
Bang for the buck Saint Martins is a private catholic college which would make one think it is very expensive. It is one of the cheaper colleges in the Northwest. The school provides good academic scholarships and some opportunities for other grants or scholarships. For the money I think it is better then the state schools. However, like anywhere I do not think enough money is provided for students who are academically strong and also participate in sports. There are more opportunities for minority students who are less qualified then other students.
Tips for prospective students Cost is a big component for any student. Most colleges will have very similar curriculum. You need to look at the class size and who is actually teaching the classes to make good comparisions. All school want good students so push for academic rewards and go to the school that will provide a decent atmosphere with a low cost.
Great for these types of students The school is good for students who like small classes and want to actually get to know their teachers and the other students.
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