YouAlberta
Being at Augustana helped me build a tight-knit relationship with professors and opened up more opportunities.
With an average class size of only 22 students, Augustana students build close relationships with professors. I find it very easy to connect with professors. I once had a lot of work time clashing with the class hours, but by attending office hours, I could easily catch up, helping me maintain my GPA.
Students can attend coffee hours, catch up with their professors and get personalized academic support. This one-on-one interaction boosts confidence and improves academic performance. It's also especially helpful for students looking for early research opportunities. I found a research assistant role for next year by going to my professor's office hours and sharing my interest in helping them with their research.
Having strong relationships with professors can also lead to amazing recommendation letters for graduate school applications.
I feel involved and connected with the community and people at university.
Being on a small campus is like being part of a community — a second home.
Students can get involved in clubs, social activities and events where everyone supports each other. The events are all held in the Forum, so it's accessible for students to see and join. On average, students here know at least half of the people on campus, which creates a strong sense of connection and growth.
Being at Augustana makes me feel like I have strong support systems.
Studying at Augustana Campus while being part of the U of A has given me a unique advantage — I get to experience the benefits of multiple campuses. At Augustana, I enjoy the close-knit community, personalized support and exclusive programs like the Cuba and Greece study abroad opportunities. At the same time, I can access the vast resources across the U of A and other campuses, including events and international exchange programs.
I can apply for scholarships and funding from both Augustana and the main U of A, expanding my opportunities. I also engage with student associations on both campuses, from Augustana Students' Association initiatives to U of A Students' Union's larger events.
In my own experience, I recently got accepted into an exchange program in Australia with U of A's Education Abroad Program, and at the same time, I could still apply for Cuba or India program through Augustana. As a person who loves travelling, this is an amazing opportunity.
Final Thoughts
Augustana's small-campus experience isn't just about academics — it's about community, opportunities and a personalized approach to education. From close connections with professors to unique academic schedules, it's a place where students thrive.