The University of the Arts

UArts gives many opportunities for performers to really build a repertoire and participate in school productions in a way almost no other BFA in theatre offers.

The dining halls are a little hard to overcome if you are a residential student. As well, there are issues of representation and tokenization amongst the student body, especially in regards to casting, that are currently being worked through but have a ways to go.

The University of the Arts is an inclusive place, where your art is welcome and appreciated. I enjoy the feedback process after every project submission as it helps me understand the areas I succeeded in and what I can improve. Students are allowed to collaborate with other major students anytime, which is a fun and nurturing opportunity as it helps you explore other artistic approaches while applying your own.

Be prepared to explore your craft and be challenged!

UArts is a wildly overpriced school. This is largely due to its location in the center city, Philadelphia. As an Illustration Major, I have found that there are no resources given to students other than instruction. No art materials, no textbooks, some classes I spend hundreds of dollars on canvases, paints, pens, etc. I have found it to be nothing short of egregious how this school leaches capital from its students and staff. The teachers are underpaid so much so that they unionized, the students are constantly complaining about not getting many of their needs met. The illustration education is high-school level. I had similar experiences taking AP Art in high school. The only truly valuable asset I have incurred at this school is my peers, who come from many different artistic backgrounds.

The food is very poor, the dorms are not advertised accurately, there are little to no educational resources, and while it's a smaller school, it doesn't feel like students are individually, and attentively cared for.

I really like the community and how open-minded the students and the faculty are. Everyone so far has been very welcoming and accommodating.

Some of the facilities need more care. Some buildings feel a bit dirty and there are always issues with the elevators.

If you have the money for it I highly recommend going to an art college like this one. Chase your passion and pursue your goals. Try to stay on top of assignments though; if there was ever a time to let go of bad procrastination habits it's now. Depending on your major you may do more projects than test-taking and that's way more time-consuming and draining. Take care of yourself and make the most of your college experience.

The tuition is high. Like, extremely. Apply to as many scholarships as you can. The dorm experience is nice, but if you can do anything to lessen the cost from your own pockets or loans then you should. The campus is in the heart of the center so you have to walk to get from building to building, Terra being the farthest. There is a homeless shelter next to the Anderson campus building (which isn't bad but don't be surprised if you see them or encounter them).