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Vanguard University is a small, liberal arts school, characterized by its Christian atmosphere, warm community, and beautiful Southern California location. Students say the academic experience is challenging but manageable; though “degree programs vary in academic intensity,� so choose wisely. In the classroom, professors are “really insightful and show a lot of personality.� Outside the classroom, “professors try their best to make themselves available� and “actually care about your academic and career achievements.� On that note, Vanguard isn’t a strictly academic experience, and “the school tends to focus on students' personal development and a sense of community on campus.� Students unilaterally praise the administration for bringing students together; however, they also note that administrative issues need “some fine tuning,� especially when it comes to budget allocations. In addition, undergraduates love the school’s spiritual outlook and caring campus pastor, who will “move mountains to meet with anyone who just needs a cup of coffee and some good conversation.�

“People at this school tend to either be very Californian (if you don't know what that means, you're probably one of them), or else people who aspire to be Californians,� explains a Vanguard senior. Most also come from “financially stable� and Christian families in Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, or San Diego counties. Despite these similarities, there are lots of personality types on campus, and “most people find a place to fit in, whether with roommates, students with the same major, [or] teammates.� Friendships are supremely important to most Vanguard undergrads and “Community is not just a buzzword at VU.� A senior shares, “There are many genuinely friendly people here. I came as a transfer student last year and was made to feel welcome by an extensive "Welcome Week" campaign.� As Vanguard is a conservative Christian school, “a lot of people on this campus take their faith in Jesus very seriously,� and many say they are “glad to be pursuing their degree in an environment of people who share their faith.�

“Life at Vanguard involves a lot of hanging out on the beautiful lawns under palm trees, having coffee together in the Cove, or hanging out in the student lounges where we can play games, cards, or just talk,� waxes one satisfied junior. Just outside the picturesque town of Newport Beach, Vanguard is well situated for a range of cultural and recreational activities in Orange County, as well as the greater Los Angeles area. The beach is a popular (and inexpensive) destination, and many “people go to Disneyland at least once a week.� You’ll also find lots of Vanguard undergrads playing sports, eating out, or hitting up the local “shopping centers and Starbucks.� Come Friday, campus quiets down as many students return home. However, there’s always something to do at school, “including movie nights, ice skating, broomball, and bonfires.� At Vanguard, drinking is strictly prohibited and, while there are a few students who like to party anyway, most prefer to stay clean and “find fun in other areas.�