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University of Minnesota-Morris Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See University of Minnesota-Morris reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending University of Minnesota-Morris. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free University of Minnesota-Morris reviews, or contribute your own University of Minnesota-Morris review if you're a current student there.

  • 6 out of 7 people found this review useful.

    Robert from Browerville , MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The high academic quality and rigor this school has to offer supersedes any expectations I had. At Morris your professors will work with you one-on-one to make sure your are grasping the material and are doing well in the class. All classes, whether it be a hard science, social science or any other will hit the ground running on the first day of class and will set the pace for the semester. It gets tough at times but the amount of knowledge gained is well worth it. This school will push you, but, as my math teacher puts it, your getting your monies worth!
    Am enjoying being here

    Morris is a great place to go to school! Granted, the town is small (aprox. 5000 people including the college), but there is always something to do. Great, friendly people, wonderful scenery (not to mention Pomme de Terre park), and good food are the hallmarks of this town. The college also does a very good job of having student activities consistent throughout the semester. If you plan on going to Morris I highly suggest you see the improv group, The Unusual Suspects. The only thing that seems to be lacking is places to go shopping. However, you'll be so busy with everything else that you won't need to! But when you decide that you want to, a 50 min. drive will take you to Alexandria or Wilmar where there are stores galore.
    Bang for the buck

    At about a third of a private universities cost, it definitely is alot of bang for your buck. And it doesn't end there, Morris is ranked among the top 100 colleges nationally as a best value in the 2009 Kiplinger Best Values in Public Colleges exclusive survey. Also, our students graduate with the least amount of debt in the Midwest! Trust me, things just get even better. This school has the highest graduation rate out of the whole University of Minnesota system. Did i mention free classes? Oh yes, that's right. All credits above 13 (but below 20) are free due to banded tuition. Are you going to graduate in the top 20% of your class? Morris has automatic scholarships for those who do so. Also, the admissions and financial aid staff are amazing in working with you to figure out your financial aid.
    Tips for prospective students

    Mostly the standard college stuff: take challenging, rigorous courses in high school, do well on your ACT, show uniqueness, and apply for the competitive scholarships! The competitive scholarships are very helpful in paying for college. Also, sit in on a class and meet with a professor in the field your interested in, and ask as many question as you like! The professors love prospective students (probably because they are proud of where and who they teach!).
    Great for these types of students

    High achievers that want a quality, rigorous education at a good price.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Taylor from Hastings, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Morris class sizes are small (anywhere between 7-20 students), which gives students an excellent opportunity to get to know the material on a deep level. Somewhere around 97% of Morris professors have received a master's degree in the field that they teach at Morris, so you know they really understand what they are teaching.

    Morris academics are tougher than many schools, but because of the availability of the professors and the one-on-one time between faculty and staff, it's easy to learn loads - and many of the professors make classes super fun, so you don't even realize you're learning until it's over and you think, Woah, I just learned a ton!
    Am enjoying being here

    The atmosphere in Morris is very friendly, accepting, inviting and fun. The campus is quirky, and the surrounding neighborhood is small and welcoming. Though there isn't much night life in town, you quickly branch out of the realm of normal entertainment and find creative ways to have fun. Because there aren't night clubs or many other places you'd want to visit when you think of going out on a Friday night, students often seek entertainment on campus.

    We've got plenty of student organizations here on campus. These are groups that are run entirely by students and overseen by a faculty member of sorts. I'll name just a few off the top of my head: saddle club, fencing, Dungeons and Dragons Club, Ground Quidditch (adapted for Muggles from the Harry Potter books), dance ensemble, anime club, bad movie club, boffers, fight club, math club, swing club, paintball at UMM, organic gardening club. These are only a fraction of the organizations on campus - I haven't even touched all of the political ones!

    The Office of Student Affairs does a great job of making sure there are things to do on campus every week and on most week nights. There are concerts, open mic night, dances, sports events, drama, and even themed activities (like Zombie Prom, or the Yule Ball). Most of these events are priced between 0 and three dollars, so it won't break the bank to attend.

    Outside of school-sponsored events, there is always something to do. Many students like to walk up to the wind turbines at night and lay underneath them and watch the stars. Others enjoy playing Ground Quidditch, attending or participating in Pokemon battles in the middle of campus (yes, we do dress up like Pokemon. It's epic), or building giant snow forts each winter with the mass amounts of snow we accumulate up here in the frozen tundra of Morris, Minnesota.

    Bang for the buck

    I'm paying about a third of what my friends at private schools are paying, and by comparison I'm receiving better food, better on campus housing, and a cleaner and nicer place to live and hang out. I've also found that I'm getting a more personalized education with more time spent with my professors and a very well put together Residential Life Staff (RAs or CAs). Talking with friends who attend private schools around the midwest, our Res Life program sounds much more comprehensive and active in the lives of students, our campus buildings and residence halls are about 3 times cleaner and better kept, and our highly involved student population allows for proactive affairs and encourages students to get passionate about something. I am absolutely getting the best bang for my buck at Morris.

    That being said, it should also be noted that the University of Minnesota Morris works very hard to be affordable for its students. In talking to some of my friends, it sounds like Morris employs more students than many other schools. Walking around the Morris campus, you're likely to spot at least two student workers in each office, working at each meal, or tending to the landscaping and mowing lawns outside. Morris employs students all across the board - the post office, plant services, custodial staff, food service, financial aid, teacher's assistants - pretty much anything you can think of, we've probably got a student helping out.

    Aside from employing many students around campus, the Chancellor at Morris herself often brings students to the cities in order to protest the rising cost of tuition. The faculty and staff here are on our side, as students - they hate the rising cost as much as we do, and they're very interested in fighting for an affordable education for us.

    Tips for prospective students

    Apply for scholarships! Make connections with students on your floor, and off of it. Get to know your RA; especially at Morris (we call them CAs), they really do genuinely care. Get outside after classes and meet people, and don't go home on weekends (not at first, anyway). Also, sign up for as many activities as you want! Get involved! The more involved you get, the more likely you are to work one on one with professors. When you work with professors, you establish a personal connection, and at Morris, professors are known for having excellent connections outside of Morris and even outside of Minnesota. The more connected and involved you are, the better your prospects are for getting an internship or a job in the future!
    Great for these types of students

    Students who...
    -are academically driven
    -liberal or leaning liberal (it's great for conservatives too! We just tend to have a more liberal population)
    -are even vaguely interested in the environment, sustainability, green energy, etc.
    -thrive on personal connections with both faculty and peers
    -enjoy a quiet and beautiful county-like location
    -don't mind driving a few miles to get to the nearest large city
    -want to be challenged by a new culture
    -are interested in living on a small campus with a big personality.

    If you come to Morris, you're certain to get an excellent education, a taste of a unique culture, and a deeper understanding of yourself and others.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Anonymous from Twin Cities, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I may have only finished one year at Morris so far, but I can already tell that I will learn a lot at this school. The courses are rigorous, so fair warning to any slackers out there! The nice thing is that with class sizes being so small, you get to know your professors on a one-on-one basis and they are always willing to help you to succeed, whether it's a chapter in the class you don't understand, to creating an independent study course. You even learn a lot in the classes you might not be doing so well in grade-wise. You know going into any class at Morris that you're going to come out of it with new knowledge.
    Am enjoying being here

    Anyone who has even heard of Morris knows that it's a small school and a small town. Despite this, there is always something going on! Whether it's a club-sponsored dance or sale, or even just hanging out in Don's Cafe with friends on a weekend, you'll rarely, if ever, run out of things to do. The only advice I can give in this category is to brace yourself for the famous Morris wind that powers our two wind turbines. Other than that, Morris is a pretty fun place to be!
    Bang for the buck

    Considering the quality of education a student will get at Morris, the cost is fantastic! You can get a liberal arts education that will propel you into the job market, and a good deal of Morris students get published before they graduate, which makes it more likely for these students to get into graduate school or a good job! Overall, considering the comparison of price versus value, Morris is practically a steal!
    Tips for prospective students

    Start looking for scholarships and grants as soon as possible! This goes for any college, not just Morris.
    Brace yourself for the wind!
    When you go on a tour of campus, don't be afraid to ask your guide questions.
    Have fun and hope to see you on campus!
    Great for these types of students

    Students who love to learn, and learn about EVERYTHING. There are so many cool classes to sign up for in every area!
    Students who don't mind knowing everyone in their school. Chances are, you'll end up meeting everyone at least once during your time at Morris! But don't worry, we're all pretty cool!

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Ruby from Minneapolis, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    i love the university of minnesota morris. i have met some amazing students and professors in my short time here on campus. i feel like i am succeeding here and everyone around me is helping me do so.
    Tips for prospective students

    make sure that you are comfortable with attending a small college in an even smaller town. it works great for me, but it might not be for everyone.
    Academic Rigor

    i feel challenged in my classes, but i also get the necessary help to succeed here.
    Dorm Life

    the dorms are very nice and comfortable. they are even adding an all-green dorm in the next few years.
    Food and Dining

    it's college food, enough said.
    What to do for fun

    you have to keep on top of on-campus activities, but there is always a 45 minute trip to alexandria.
    Bang for the buck

    i think that morris offers an amazing education and a private-school feel at a public school price.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    we have our annual tug-a-war with the freshman dorms to see who wins the lake.
    Great for these types of students

    students who like being involved in their classes, student body, and community. students who are interested in a sustainable and renewable life style. students who want to be pushed to their full potential.
    Clubs and Activities

    so many great clubs and activities, even ground quidditch!
    Greek Life

    none
    Campus Safety

    i feel totally safe here.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Tiffany from Richmond, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Morris is definitely a school where you are surrounded with education and educational opportunities. It seems like anywhere you go you can strike up an intriguing, intellectual conversation with any of the students or professors. It seems like everyone is interested in learning as much as they can at any given time. Also the small class sizes make it easier for the professors to give more attention to each and every student, which is very helpful!
    Am enjoying being here

    Although the town is small and there is not much stuff to do outside of campus it is still a blast at morris. The students make their own fun. People seem to be more willing to be spontaneous and adventurous than in towns where there are more malls and businesses. Also more students are involved in organizations and clubs which makes it easier to meet people and make new connections. Going to a smaller school and not a huge party school also makes it easier to get your work and studies done without so many distractions. Overall, morris is a good time! :)
    Bang for the buck

    Morris is like going to a private school. Education is important, class sizes are small, there are many opportunities for students, and the campus is beautiful! All of this and for a public school price! It is definitely worth every penny. You receive a great education and don't have to pay an arm and a leg for it.
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't expect anything or assume anything about what your college experience should be like before you come to morris. If you do you will be disappointed at first. But, if you come into this school with an open mind you will fall in love with it instantly! Morris is not like any other college experience, but it is beyond any other experience you could receive at other schools!
    Great for these types of students

    Great for students who are up to making their experience fun and will excel in a small school setting with no party school distractions. Also great for students who are interested in learning as much as they can and for those who want to get involved and experience as much as they can while attending UMM.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Seth from Morris, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    At UMM, I am learning more than I would have ever imagined. The emphasis on liberal arts, combined with the amazing professors in my major/minor areas, are great and very interesting. UMM also offers many various opportunities to learn more, whether that is through a campus job at the Center for Small Towns, or an Undergrad Research Project.
    Am enjoying being here

    For the most part, I enjoy being a student at UMM. The transition was very hard for me, as I'm from Seattle, WA. UMM puts on many on-campus events, there are a TON of student organizations, and the close interaction with faculty all add up to make a great experience. Aside from this, trips out to the wind turbines, or driving around and exploring the prairie are all fun things to do on a nice spring/fall day.
    Bang for the buck

    I'm getting a great education at a very affordable price. The financial aid staff here is very helpful and wants to help make it cheaper for you. Aside from reasonable tuition, housing is also cheap, both on campus and around town.
    Tips for prospective students

    Take advantage of the free visit- If you're accepted and live out of the area, UMM will reimburse you to drive/fly out to Morris and visit the campus. Take a tour and sit it on a few classes in your major/minor to get an idea of the curriculum and the faculty.
    Great for these types of students

    UMM is a great place for students who want to really learn and take advantage of exciting opportunities to expand your knowledge, interests, etc.

  • 3 out of 5 people found this review useful.

    Neil from Ashby, MN

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    Ask a lot of questions. The admissions and financial aid staff is very helpful, but you must be proactive.
    Great for these types of students

    Highly academic. Seeking diversity.

  • Sonja from Elk River, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    I would rate University of Minnesota, Morris very high. It is academically rigorous, but you become closer to your community. The professors, also, are very willing to give a helpful hand.
    Tips for prospective students

    Even if you were at the top of your class in high school, study. I was at least in the top 5% at my high school, but my bad study habits kicked me in the butt this year. Also if you come to Morris, you are in farm town, the only way to have fun is to make friends and hang out with them.
    Academic Rigor

    The professors expect for their students to do all of the reading and that they are prepared to answer questions the next day. The homework is supposed to last at least 2-4 hours depending on the class. The professors do, however, go into great depth in their topics and all of them are passionate about what they teach.
    Dorm Life

    Morris is a small campus, and for the freshmen who do not know anyone they become close friends with the people on their floors. My floor will get together every once in a while and have a movie marathon. Your dorm/floor is where you go to get support for living at college, homework, or even a bad day.
    Food and Dining

    There are options, but for the main line at least it is not always the best. there is always stir-fry, deli, salad bar, and a pasta/pizza depending on the time. When prospective students come, the food gets a lot better, but lets face it college food can't be great all of the time.
    What to do for fun

    As I had said before hanging out with friends is a major thing to do. If you befriend international students, which there is a good number of, you can learn a lot about other cultures. Walks are a big thing as well, like to walk to the windmills, or to town. Almost every Saturday is a Quidditch match, out in a lake. It's really a pit. There are clubs to be joined as well which are fun.
    Great for these types of students

    This school is great for the nerdy/geeky types of people. We have a Quidditch club/teams, Yugi-Oh dueling club, Anime, Bad Movies, Pokemon, What to do in an Apocalypse, and various science clubs.
    Clubs and Activities

    We have a Quidditch club/teams, Yugi-Oh dueling club, Anime, Bad Movies, Pokemon, What to do in an Apocalypse, Biology, Chemistry, MPIRG, Rugby (both men and women's) Track, Floor Activities, and many other things.
    Campus Safety

    There is a Campus Police car patrolling the area after it gets dark. There are various emergency lights which light up if you press a certain button. The streets/sidewalks are well lit, and if you feel unsafe a campus police officer is happy to escort you to where you want to go. Plus there is a taxi service here.

  • Britta

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Morris is a lovely little college campus in the heart of rural Minnesota. Because it is a University of Minnesota school, I like to think students here get the best of both worlds - the resources one would find to be available at a larger institution along with the small, close knit feel of a private college. To make it even more awesome, the campus-community relationship that you'll find here is unlike any other that I know of.
    Tips for prospective students

    Stay overnight with a current student. I think this is a general rule for any prospective student who is seriously considering a college. It's a great way to see what college life is like on that particular campus. My overnight experience was one of the main reasons I ended up choosing Morris.
    Also, get to know the admissions counselors here. They will remember you. You are more than a face to them, you are a name and someone that they'd love to see on campus as a student in the coming years! Also, many of them are Morris graduates, so they not only have experience at Morris as an employee, but also as a student.
    Academic Rigor

    It depends on the class and the professor. My first semester was extremely easy, but my second semester has been more difficult. I do feel like my high school prepared me extremely well for college, which I think has made a difference in how I view the college course load. However, I am expecting my workload to become more difficult as I move up into upper level classes.
    In general, the professors are very approachable and the class sizes are smaller, which I think makes a huge difference in the academic experience here.
    Dorm Life

    AWESOME. I love the sense of community here at Morris. The Community Advisers (our version of RA's) work hard to bring the floors together and to ensure that first year students have an easy transition. From talking with friends who go to other colleges, Community Advisers are much more involved with their residents here than RA's at other colleges.
    The dorms are very nice and well taken care of. Also, the furniture is very nice. Other colleges that I've visited have the desks and drawers built into the rooms, but the rooms here have movable furniture which gives you a plethora of options when it comes to arranging your room! The bathrooms are smaller, but the trade of for that is large, spacious lounges and kitchens that are nice meeting places for the floor.

    Many people do move off campus after freshman year because it is much cheaper, but there are options for upperclassmen who like the the community that dorm life offers, or simply the convenience of living on campus.
    Food and Dining

    It depends on the day really. In general, food on the weekends is really iffy. There are some meals that food service has nailed and that are delicious. Other times, the selection leaves many of us wondering what were they thinking?! The desserts are continuously delicious though. :)
    Also, as a vegetarian, I think food service does a pretty good job of serving to people with special diets. I can always find something to eat.
    What to do for fun

    Because Morris is in the middle of nowhere, many people get the impression that there is nothing to do here. That is so far from true it is almost laughable. There is ALWAYS something going on on campus whether it be a club meeting, a concert, or a dance.
    There are also lots of opportunities to make your own fun here, whether that be staying in and having a movie night with the floor or going out and making a visit to Pomme de Terre.
    Also, a car can get you to Alexandria or Willmar in under an hour if you're feeling like a trip to a more populated area for the day.
    Bang for the buck

    Private school feel for the public school price.
    Because the Morris campus was originally a school for Native Americans, students with Native American blood get free tuition.
    Also, there are fantastic scholarship opportunities for those students who exceeded in academics in high school.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Zombie prom. Yeah, we love zombies here.
    Great for these types of students

    Students who are open-minded and friendly will thrive here.
    I think it is important for me to stress that Morris is not for everyone. It is a fantastic school, but the remote location and small student population is not going to be everyone's cup of tea.
    Clubs and Activities

    There's always something going on here on campus. There are tons of clubs and activities.
    Campus Safety

    I always feels safe here. The campus police are on top of their game if something goes wrong but, generally speaking, nothing of concern ever happens.

  • Mai from Saint Paul, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    It's a very nice atmosphere for college. The community created by the various organizations and clubs really help bring the student body together. Overall, the Morris campus is an inviting and warm atmosphere.
    Tips for prospective students

    The best tip for any student is to always look at their intended major's list of courses. It is very hard to stay on track if one is not able to complete the required prerequisites in time.
    Academic Rigor

    I'm a science major so the classes I've taken have been quite challenging but overall some of the social sciences classes haven't been as useful nor memorable.
    Dorm Life

    It's a great atmosphere for meeting new people as there isn't that many students to begin with; however, it is not entirely the best thing when all the buildings always have heating issues.
    Food and Dining

    As a vegan, it is very hard to find anything new and exciting to eat. It isn't the best kind of dining services for non-meat eaters as well as gluten-free people as well.
    What to do for fun

    There isn't much to do in Morris, but rather the interesting thing is how many different people you can learn to get along with and become friends with considering the lack of entertainment in the small downtown area.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    You must go to Jose's and get the terrible but addicting chips with guacamole.
    Great for these types of students

    Seeing as this is a liberal arts college, this college would most likely benefit the kind of person who is independent enough to be in the middle of nowhere and make new friends. People who like a small town atmosphere would really enjoy this place.
    Clubs and Activities

    There aren't many nationwide college clubs like the ones at bigger colleges but there are a lot of clubs for pretty much any hobby.
    Campus Safety

    There is always the usual incidents where stuff is stolen, but overall Morris probably has the lowest crime/emergency rate ever on any of the U of MN campus locations.

  • Anonymous from Woodbury, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    they are many pros to umm, the big ones for me are the size of the campus and the friendliness of the students and faculty. you can honestly walk from one end of campus to the other in five minutes or less. there aren't many cons besides the wind and cold winters, but you get used to that after awhile.
    Tips for prospective students

    i would suggest meeting with an admissions councelor when you tour, this will not only put you on their radar but will also give you the chance to ask questions about the admissions process and such. if you can spend a night in the dorms, you will learn alot about what living in a dorm is like and what the students are like. if you feel extremely uncomfortable during your stay this may not be the right school for you. when you finally make your decision be 100% sure, i made the mistake of settling with a school and it came back and bit me in the end. thankfully i found the school i love but it's always better to be sure the first time. have fun, this experience only happens once. enjoy it!
    Academic Rigor

    it's college the classes are going to be difficult. but besides that i have had classes that i find more challenging than others, it all depends on your course load too. overall classes aren't extremely hard, if you got good grades in high school and have the drive to do well you will be fine in college. i'm trying to say by any means you can squeeze by, but there are some classes you don't have to work as hard for as others.
    Dorm Life

    i started school at umm in the spring semester. so i never had the freshman orientation or any of the get-to-know-me get togethers. i made friends pretty easily besides. everyone is super friendly and you can almost always find someone with the same interests as you. alot of my friends live on my floor and we have a lot of fun activities on our floor and in our dorm. i personally really enjoy the dorm atmosphere, but there are some people that are more introverted who may not enjoy this as much. if you're one of those people you will most likely still enjoy living in the dorms, i feel the activities and atmosphere of the dorms appeal to everyone. also i have never had a problem with rowdy neighbors or drunks stumbling around (this is a wet campus fyi).
    Food and Dining

    the dining hall has the best desserts! everything else is good as well, they have a good variety. every once in awhile there will be a meal that isn't very good, but it's all trial and error. the tmc (turtle mountain cafe in the student center) has really good sandwiches and help satisfy your craving for a burger or other fatty snack. but their prices can be a little high. it's a good place to go every so often.
    What to do for fun

    since this a small town there isn't a whole lot to do, especially in the winter. but as you will here from almost anybody, we make our own fun. if we get a big snowfall you'll see people making snowmen, snow gardens with swans and cows (very interesting btw) and sometimes snow profanity. when it's warmer there are a lot more people out, playing frisbee, going for walks or bike rides, etc. i have never found myself bored on campus. usually you can find some sort of concert to go to on any given day or other activities. there are the occasional house parties off campus, but there's no pressure to be a partier here which i really like. but if that's your kind of fun then you'll have no worries in finding a party on the weekend, sometimes even during the week.
    Campus Safety

    i have never felt unsafe on campus, i can walk around campus at night without any worries. being a small town college you don't hear about many crimes going on, it's big news if you hear any kind of siren in morris. i'm not saying you shouldn't be cautious but i've never felt any kind of threat or fear while walking around alone at night.

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