HSU is a wonderful school, despite rumors you may hear about it.

The campus is absolutely BEAUTIFUL, nestled right on the coast in huge redwood forests. They have a wide range of academics that offer classes in everything from scuba diving to microbiology and beyond. They have a great selection of majors and minors (see here: http://www.humboldt.edu/~humboldt/programs/type). Ignore comments of it being a "party school" or "pot school" as you can find these at any college in Florida if you looked for it. The class numbers are small, and they have lots of hands on learning. HSU is also known for providing students with many networking opportunities for careers after graduation.

In terms of residential life, the school has 6 different housing options (see housing here: http://www.humboldt.edu/~housing/future/index.html) I have personally toured the entire campus and most of the halls, and they are all very nice. "The Hill" (Sunset and Redwood Halls) are more of a typical freshman dorm, though, and are not as nice as the others. (Note that they are still above satisfactory, just that the others are better.)

HSU also offers special living communities, which your daughter may enjoy. See here: http://www.humboldt.edu/~housing/communities.html

It does rain A LOT in Humboldt County, but if she doesn’t mind staying indoors, there is lots to do on campus as well. They have a very nice indoor gym with a rock wall, heated pool, several basketball courts, an indoor field, and the works. They are also currently completing (or may have already completed…) a new gym with another indoor pool. And when it’s not raining, there are millions of outdoor opportunities – diving, biking, hiking, camping, fly fishing… So much to do, so little time.

In conclusion, if your daughter is very outdoorsy and HSU has the academics she is interested in, I say come take a visit. They hold a Spring Preview Weekend around the time high schools have spring break, so you could always fly over then. But I would suggest coming as early as possible if you as a family are seriously considering it.

ALSO!!! You can always contact the university! They are always very prompt on returning emails and answering questions. I could not say enough about this school, and how wonderful it is! Best of luck on your daughter’s college venture!

Check out their website here http://www.humboldt.edu/

I don’t know how fair rumors about the Humboldt are,

http://media.www.statehornet.com/media/storage/paper1146/news/2005/09/07/Features/The-Blunt.On.Humboldt-2424426.shtml

but the school has a reputation for lots of marijuana smoking.