The University of Montana

What attracts me most to the University of Montana is its unique balance between strong academics, supportive community, and a deep connection to nature. As someone passionate about medicine and neuroscience, I was immediately drawn to UM’s focus on undergraduate research, small class sizes, and access to faculty who are not only experts in their fields but also genuinely invested in student success. I’m excited about the opportunity to engage in hands-on research and prepare early for medical school through the university’s Pre-Med and neuroscience pathways. Beyond academics, the University of Montana’s culture speaks to me. There's a welcoming, down-to-earth vibe that’s hard to find in larger universities. I appreciate how UM emphasizes diversity, mental wellness, and social responsibility—values that align with my own. As someone who is deeply interested in mental health and psychology, this supportive environment is one where I know I can thrive both personally and academically. The student life is also a big attraction. With so many student-run organizations, events, and leadership opportunities, there’s always a way to get involved and build connections. I also love that the university is surrounded by the natural beauty of Missoula. I enjoy staying active—whether it’s running track, hiking, or just being outdoors—so the location feels like a perfect fit for my lifestyle. Overall, I would rate the University of Montana a solid 9 out of 10. It offers everything I’m looking for: strong academics, a community that feels like home, and a place where I can grow into the person and professional I strive to be. I’m confident that UM will challenge and support me as I work toward my dream of becoming a neurosurgeon and making a difference in the world.

I live close, a beautiful school.

I have been a Grizzly for years, and will continue being a Grizzly for the rest of my life. This university has given me opportunities and relationships I couldn't have found anywhere else. It has also provided me with the coolest job I could have asked for, and hopefully it'll give so many others everything they need to succeed in life.

In your first two years, you may be in larger lecture halls for some classes. However, I had a lot of classes from the start that only had about 20-30 students in them. This felt like a nice class size and helped you get to know your peers and feel comfortable asking to study together. The professors in my major were very passionate about their careers and eager to help students. I loved the Wildlife Biology program but wish I had been even more active. The University had great study spots on campus for both indoor (library, university center, and the Native American building) and outdoor (the oval, tables outside of Urey and the library). There were also a lot of great local coffee shops to study at, some even stayed open late for students to study at. Missoula is also a lively town with farmers markets, First Friday art walks, themed Brew Fests, and more.

It has a beautiful campus the people where so so very welcoming. The school was just a place where you feel safe. GO GRIZZ!!!! The sport teams were great the campus is so involved with all the sport like activity. I cant wait to go to school there.

I really like the layout of the campus at University of Montana and I am excited to go there soon as a first year student in the fall of 2025. I am thrilled about all of the different recreational activities varying from snow sports to shopping at the mall. And lastly I really like the strong college-town vibe and how supportive the Missoula community is of the university. Go Grizzlies!

I really like this campus. I am an online student but my professors are always available to talk to me and are super willing to do zoom meeting in case I need extra help. My sibling also attends this campus but they are an in person learner. They are part of the Griz band and love every part of it. They are always telling me how good the food is at the Food Zoo and there are many options for people with specific dietary needs

As someone who grew up in Missoula, MT, and has family members that have also gone through the university, the school is a very caring community that wants to see students succeed. There is always help and friendly crowds. The University of Montana does offer a wide variety of majors and minors as well.

The university of Montana has a very attractive allure, and for many people, it becomes a new and profound home. I wasn't one of those people. I struggled to connect with my peers and classmates, and I felt out of place in Missoula's culture. If you are a people pleaser, and you aren't bothered by people who dance and live to conform to each others ideas and mindsets, then you will likely find a fun and intriguing place with several different tribes and ways of life, but if you are an independent thinker, who has a strong compass for truth and identity, you might find it difficult to maintain your ideas and strength of character in an environment where so many people are trying to inspire you to become just like them.

Because Montanans are white, tall, skinny and dress alike in dark colors, they don't realize they are conservative, intolerant and uncommunicative. An us vs them' mentality exists. 'Them = Californians, blacks, Native Americans, Hispanics, Chinese, Japanese, African, Iranian, Southeast Asian, etc.' The unvarying response of most students and town residents is deafening indifference and aversion of gaze. If you walk like a griz, talk like a griz, and quack like a griz, you're okay especially if you are a blond, athletic girl. A common refrain by students and Missoulans from all socioeconomic levels is, " I wish Missoula hadn't changed. It's those Californians and foreign exchange students." No mingling exists here. No talking. It's not a friendly place. The peculiar administrative staff are impersonal and use any inane reason to chastise you, eg, 'You used the wrong number and I don't check that (voice mail box.)' The Registrar will quickly send you to the business office who will send you to the financial aid office who will then send you back to the Registrar. A graduate assistant yells several times at the best student in the class without provocation. Montana is for Montanans and they highly resent anyone who comes in and buys their land. Hostility comes in waves at Murdoch's or Costco from the ranchers and rural folk from outlying areas. The university president is a professionally trained killer with little academic experience. The Griz football coach who ran the permissive football team that assaulted girls was rehired from Nevada. A ROTC mentality is too much of a presence in the rather deserted campus where the student enrollment has declined 40% in the past 7 years. The school board and executive hierarchy still does not understand why people do not want to attend school here. The big splashy Native American Indian Center has only a few teachers. Native students come and go. Native Americans are despised, "Why do they act so angry like they have chips on their shoulders?" No self respecting white girl would be caught out in the open talking to a non-white.

The University of Montana is a great school with great professors and great opportunities. The campus life is amazing, and it's easy to make friends. Class size is small and it's easy to get a hold of professors. Everyone on campus is there to help you.

The University of Montana is an absolutely wonderful school! There is always something for everyone of all interests and backgrounds. The football and basketball games are the absolute best. No matter what the event may be, we are always ready to show our Griz pride. Also, all of the professors, advisors, and ambassadors are the best in the state. They are willing to go that extra mile to ensure each and every student is successful in school, and also in the future. I am proud to be a Griz, and I know the University will take me far in life.

Great school, great opportunities! Professors and staff care about students, classes are engaging, and students are friendly and supportive of one another. Campus is beautiful and Missoula in itself is a great place. It's really a great university, and I'm glad I chose to pursue my higher education here.

The University of Montana is not only a beautiful campus but an enriching academic experience. There's always something fun to do and places to get together with classmates, whether it be for play or work. The professors at UM are top-notch researchers in their fields of study; they're not just amazing intellectuals, but incredible people who have a genuine care for their students. They are prepared to work longer hours to ensure your success, meet with you after hours to discuss phenomenons, or to make sure you're following your passions. At UM, you are welcomed by a community readily available to make sure your passions become reality. Despite the pre-college jitters, the university makes you feel comfortable and right at home. At UM not only offers an amazing source of knowledge from dedicated professors, but encourages their students to get outside, do some hands-on research, or explore newfound opportunities so that they can better themselves. From study-abroad trips to working at the Flathead Lake Bio Station, or even staring in your own art show, UM has it all. I personally came from outside of Montana, but I soon discovered a large community ready to make my personal and academic goals come to fruition. I was surrounded by encouraging professors, understanding advisors, and ambitious classmates, who pushed me to be the best version of myself. In summation, The University of Montana celebrates the diverse individual living inside everyone and understands that not all education is that same, but that education needs to be tailored to the student. If you are looking for a university that is prepared to help you succeed and take on any challenge, then The University of Montana is for you.

I believe there is an important community at UM. People are getting involved and trying out new things. There is always something on campus to be doing whether it is going to game or going to a movie night at one of the residence halls. These events allows students to connect with each other. As the President says, "If you want to go fast go alone but if you want to go far go together." As a student I have used this saying more than once to try to find student group that have the same goals as me.