“The True Rewards of Being in the Honors College”
By: Caroline Pisinski
There are certain perks to being in the Honors College that are—figuratively and literally–concrete. Most people coming into the college are told about the multitude of academic benefits and the residence hall. The Honors College res hall, University Heights North, is one of the newest on campus. Not only do you have private bathrooms for each suite but your Honors College courses are also right downstairs. The staff works out of the building and is available to you every day of the week.
Once the excitement of your fabulous living situation has died down, you then begin to acknowledge how important the academic advantages are. Firstly, Honors College students have priority registration, signing up for classes 30 minutes before the general student population. The Honors College courses provide a unique opportunity, being able to take 20 person seminar classes for 4 consecutive semesters, working with professors from various departments across the university. The Office of Undergraduate Research is also located in University Heights North, and many research projects on campus seek out Honors College students for their labs. Completing the Honors College thesis is also a large bonus for the student, and looks great on a resume or graduate school application. Graduating as Honors College Scholar is an incredible accomplishment, opening many doors for the years beyond graduation.
Exceeding these palpable assets is a widespread network of personal connections. The community created by living with Honors College peers is remarkable. Living with a group of equally motivated students pushes you to strive for success, and includes the bonding that comes with living in any college setting. The students come from a variety of backgrounds and all have a different story as to why they are here at UVM. The friends you make in the Honors College are one-of-a-kind and provide the support that only a highly driven peer can.
Learning with whom you live with is a huge benefit, as is learning from a diverse group of professors. The Honors College faculty is an incredibly intelligent and charismatic group, passing on knowledge beyond the syllabus. These connections provide a new realm of opportunities and advice, unavailable to students in large lecture halls. Some of the faculty double as staff, such as the Dean and Associate Dean of the Honors College. The staff is at hand for you and they provide incredible advising to any and all who knock on their door.
The place you live and the things you accomplish will have a clear and positive impact, but it is the people you meet and the impressions they leave that are the true benefits of being a member of The University of Vermont Honors College.