Biola University

I really enjoy being at Biola, even as a transfer student. I am living on campus. Everyone on campus is so friendly and very sweet. It can get a bit difficult making friends, but you will find them. It took me two-semester to find real friends with that I have a lot in common. The staff members are so friendly and helpful. Due to being a small campus and a private school, it is a bit expensive. But I believe that it is worth it. The professors are helpful and very outgoing. They will make time for you and YOU SHOULD take advantage of it. Biola has its own police and security to keep the school safe. When I moved in, I was very anxious and had so much anxiety that I did miss my family. But Biola became a new home for me. Now, I don't want to leave. Biola is an amazing school and you should come by to get a tour.

The community is always the first thing that people list when asked about why they love Biola, and for good reason. Everyone, both students and staff, make you feel like this is where you are meant to be. Because Biola is a smaller school, it feels more intimate and you are able to get to know more people. The professors also get to know you on a much deeper level which helps a lot when it comes to how they teach.

Because Biola is a small school, there aren’t a lot of things to do on campus, especially on the weekends. There are a limited amount of eateries and if you want to do something on the weekend, you either need to have a car or know someone with a car.

My experience at Biola felt very holistic. I was developed as a whole human ––body, mind, and spirit––and prepared to launch into my career with integrity, character, and marketable skills. Professors were invested in my academics and in my life outside of school. I developed life-long friendships. And had a great time doing it all in Southern California near some of the best food and beaches around!

The difficulty I saw for most students was the contract you have to sign and the community guidelines you must abide by. It can force some behaviors into hiding rather than bringing them into the community, being vulnerable about weaknesses, working through them in safety, and experiencing deeper healing.

I transferred to Biola's online program from a different Christian college when life circumstances got in the way of traditional education. I've also taken some online courses at my local community college. Compared with my other college experiences (at the other Christian college and community college), I haven't felt more cared for or challenged to grow and learn than at Biola. I love that Biola embraces diversity and offers non-traditional classes online, catering to different demographics of individuals pursuing their education.

I am an online student, and the only thing that I find challenging is engaging with the student community as someone who isn't on campus.

Biola University has its strengths and weaknesses as all colleges do. To me, Biola is my home. Whether I'm up till 3:00 a.m. doing homework or grabbing lunch with friends, I feel comfortable and accepted wherever I am. The college has a great Christian community as it is primarily a Christian private college. It excels in offering majors and high-performing programs such as nursing, business, theological studies, and one of the best Cinema & Media Arts programs in the world. The community of Biola is unmatched and the support from former alumni and current students truly highlights the greatness of this college.

Be aware that Biola is EXPENSIVE. Private colleges have always been costly but ensure that before you commit to anything you know what sacrifices you might have to make if you want to go.