LaraMarnie
New member
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2026
- Messages
- 7
When people hear I go to school in California, they assume it's a UC or a CSU. Nope. I go to the University of Redlands, a small private university about an hour east of LA. And honestly, the private school experience here is completely different from the public school track. Here's what I've learned.
The "Johnston Center" is unique. Redlands has this thing called the Johnston Center for Integrative Studies, where you basically design your own major and contract your grades. No GPA, just narrative evaluations. It's weird and wonderful. Even in the traditional college, there's a creative, independent vibe.
Class sizes are tiny. My largest class has 25 people. Most have 15. You can't hide. You have to talk. At first it's intimidating, but after a while, you realize you're actually learning, not just memorizing for a test.
The campus is stunning. Palm trees, old brick buildings, this beautiful chapel. It feels like a movie set. And the weather? Perfect. Not too hot, not too cold, sunny all the time.
We have "town and gown" in a good way. Redlands is a cute little city with a real downtown. The community and the college mix well—there are coffee shops, a farmer's market, and actual stuff to do off campus.
It's expensive, but they give money. The sticker price is scary, but Redlands has decent merit aid. I'm paying less than I would at some UCs after scholarships.
If you want a small, personal, creative environment in Southern California, don't sleep on Redlands. Anyone else a Bulldog?
The "Johnston Center" is unique. Redlands has this thing called the Johnston Center for Integrative Studies, where you basically design your own major and contract your grades. No GPA, just narrative evaluations. It's weird and wonderful. Even in the traditional college, there's a creative, independent vibe.
Class sizes are tiny. My largest class has 25 people. Most have 15. You can't hide. You have to talk. At first it's intimidating, but after a while, you realize you're actually learning, not just memorizing for a test.
The campus is stunning. Palm trees, old brick buildings, this beautiful chapel. It feels like a movie set. And the weather? Perfect. Not too hot, not too cold, sunny all the time.
We have "town and gown" in a good way. Redlands is a cute little city with a real downtown. The community and the college mix well—there are coffee shops, a farmer's market, and actual stuff to do off campus.
It's expensive, but they give money. The sticker price is scary, but Redlands has decent merit aid. I'm paying less than I would at some UCs after scholarships.
If you want a small, personal, creative environment in Southern California, don't sleep on Redlands. Anyone else a Bulldog?