Khala earned her bachelor’s degree in ecology and evolutionary biology from Hampton University. She specializes in ISEE tutoring, SAT tutoring, and a number of other subjects. Below, she shares her experience at Hampton University:
Describe the campus setting and transportation options.
Khala: Hampton University is a beautiful campus located on a peninsula in Virginia. Rich with history and scenic views, the campus overlooks a river decorated with sailboats. There is a bridge nearby that puts downtown Hampton within walking distance. Shuttles transport students to nearby attractions, and there is a bus station nearby for quick weekend trips to cure homesickness. Otherwise, taxis, Uber, and Lyft are the best way to get around in the homey city of Hampton, Virginia.
How available are the professors, academic advisors, and teaching assistants?
Khala: Because of the intimate setting, professors, advisors, TAs, and even administrators are extremely accessible and helpful to students.
How would you describe the dorm life—rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students, etc.?
Khala: A plethora of clubs, organizations, and leadership groups are available on campus. This makes it very easy to get to know other students and fill your resume with relevant experiences.
The student center is a great place to interact with others. There are social gatherings every Friday in-between classes, and other events are held in the center of the building, the attached theater, the bowling alley, and the ballroom. The student center also has dining and beverage options like Starbucks, Planet Smoothie, Chick-Fil-A and a campus staple, The Pirate Grill. The cafeteria is a brand new addition to campus. There is the standard menu, made-to-order sandwiches and wraps, a pizza and waffle station, as well as a number of vegetarian and vegan options.
As an honors student, I am biased to the accommodations in Kennedy, White, and M.U.F. hall. Unfortunately, these dorms do not have kitchens, but microwaves and refrigerators are available. Other dorms do have a shared kitchen. There is only one coed dormitory on campus. On-campus housing is available for all students; honors and leadership students have early selection for living arrangements. I was able to live on campus all four years, but there are affordable apartment complexes nearby.
Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? What did you study and why?
Khala: The most renowned programs on campus are the Scripps-Howard School of Journalism, the five year MBA program, and the School of Pharmacy. The students in these programs have access to an elite and well-connected group of alumni and often have a tight-knit network within.
I studied biological science with a focus on evolutionary and environmental studies. I chose this major because of my aspirations to become a physician and researcher.
How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life?
Khala: There are so many opportunities to make friends as a freshman. Competitions like "Battle of the States" and fashion shows draw students with similar interests together and create a team-building environment. In fact, I met a lifelong friend preparing for a dance event our freshman year. We went on to become campus leaders and even joined the same sorority.
In terms of Greek life, the "Divine 9" are pillars of the community and campus leadership. They focus on philanthropy and uphold a set of values that keep them grounded and lead to success in academic pursuits and life after graduation. There are no Greek houses on campus, but each organization has a place on campus where its members congregate. They also have themed weeks throughout the school year during which they host events centered around art and community service.
How helpful are the Career Center and other student support services?
Khala: Student Support Service and the Career Center are great resources to get help with everything from tutoring and professor relations, to resume building and internship opportunities. They are made available around the clock and students are frequently directed there when they need help with academics or preparing for the first steps in their career.
We also have a hotline desk, manned by members of the "Greer Dawson Wilson Student Leadership Training Program" (commonly known as SLP). These students are able to help students and visitors find whatever campus location or resource they need.
How are the various study areas, such as libraries, the student union, and dorm lounges?
Khala: There are lobbies available in each study hall for work on group projects or those times where you need a change of scenery to study without leaving the comforts of your dorm building. Some dorms also have more secluded, quiet study rooms.
There are a few spaces in the student center that students use to meet and work on group projects. Personally, I found this area too busy to work alone, but a great place to get classmates together.
The library is five floors with a variety of genres and topics on each floor. There is also a computer lab available within the building. Hours fluctuate between weekdays and weekends, with extended hours during final exams. The building also features 24-hour study with silent study cubicles and private rooms available.
Describe the surrounding town.
Khala: Hampton, Virginia is a small, scenic city with a hometown feel. There are lots of military personnel and families in the area. Getting out of town for the weekend is no more than a thirty-minute trip. There are also three beaches less than an hour away.
How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes?
Khala: Hampton is an intimate campus with less than 5,000 students. Class sizes are usually less than 35 students, unless it is a seminar or collective freshman lecture. These small class sizes make it very easy to ask questions throughout the lecture and to get to know your professor.
Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most.
Khala: One of my favorite classes was my senior ecology class. While the labs were less than ideal, the lessons changed my outlook on life. The professor was a healthy 70 year old cancer survivor who changed his life expectancy by adopting a plant-based diet. We learned about environmental racism and the effects of sustainable living on humans, animals, and the planet as a whole. The course inspired me to live differently.
Check out Khala’s tutoring profile.
The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.
