28 Reasons to Love Furman!

Hey everyone, it’s Ashlyn. As a student of the class of 2028 who just finished my first semester at Furman, I’ve come up with 28 reasons to love Furman University. It was tough narrowing it down to just 28, but these are the highlights that stand out the most. Enjoy!

The Furman Environment:

• The Community 

The Furman Community is truly one like no other. Every person on this campus is here to support one another and lift each other up. I could not ask for a more inviting environment!

• The Lake

Every time I walk by or around the lake, it fills me with joy! It is such a beautiful addition to campus and a great way to refresh my mind. 

• The Fairy Tale Feel

Every time I step out of my dorm room it’s hard to believe that I’m not living in a fairy tale. From the willow trees to the cobblestone streets and Zen Garden, Furman is truly the most beautiful place. 

• The Rose Garden 

The rose garden was one of my selling points for Furman. It is such a beautiful and peaceful part of campus (and I love watching engagements happen there)!

• The Spread Out/Openness of Campus

Although Furman is small in numbers, the campus does not feel like it! The layout is very open, and spread out, and I never feel closed in. 

• The Professors

I love how much the professors here at Furman genuinely care about every student. They take the time to get to know all of us and offer up their help whenever needed. My professors this semester have even brought us candy and made apple cider donut holes! 

• Mr. Jim

Mr. Jim is our Custodial Manager and campus celebrity! You can find him all around campus on his golf cart with a big smile on his face. He loves to chat and is a great person to know!

• Friendly Faces All Around

There are so many friendly, smiling faces all around campus that make Furman home! Every employee from food services to health care and learning centers is always so kind. 

• The Library Porch

This is one of my personal favorite spots on campus because of its lively environment. It is so fun to hangout on the porch and say hi to friends! There’s also usually organizations tents set up with snacks, fun giveaways, and other mini events!

Academics and Opportunities:

• Small Class Sizes

I am so happy that I picked Furman because I knew when applying to colleges that I would thrive best in a small classroom environment. My largest class here is around 30 students which is awesome, because I am able to stay focused and work closely with my professors. 

• Study Session Opportunities

The professors and departments always offer study sessions for tests which is super helpful!

• The May X Opportunity

Furman Provides a May Experience (May X) for students to travel abroad during the month of May. This is a great opportunity for students who want to study abroad, but do not want to go for a whole semester.

• Clubs!

Coming into Furman and seeing all of the amazing clubs and organizations that I could get involved in made me even more excited to be here! The opportunities here are truly endless!

• Summer Academic Opportunities 

This is one of the reasons I chose Furman! As a Business/Entrepreneurship major, I love that The Hill Institute offers summer programs like business bootcamps. Furman also provides students with the opportunity for a sponsored summer internship if your internship is not paid.

Food:

• The Dining Hall Cookies

The DH cookies are something that you never knew you need, until you have one. There’s truly no better way to end a meal. 

• The Waffle Bar

Picture a cool fall day where you walk into the DH looking for the perfect breakfast to compliment your pumpkin spice latte. You find the waffle station and to your surprise you see…pumpkin spice waffle mix!!?? And to top it off you add fresh whipped cream, honey butter and chocolate chips. Moral of the story, the waffle bar never fails to make my day. 

• The Library Cafe Mochas

The. Lib. Cafe. Mochas. Enough said, they are so good!

• Blend and Bowl

Blend and Bowl is located on the top floor of the DH and has acai bowls and smoothies during the day. On Sunday through Wednesday Blend and Bowl turns into late night Bread and Bowl. During this time, they are open from 8:00 pm to midnight and serve food like pizza and mozzarella sticks.

• The Paddock

The Paddock is our on-campus restaurant. I love to dress up with friends and go here to pretend that we are in downtown Greenville! Andddd the chicken caesar salad is so delicious! 

• Daydrinkers Coffee

Daydrinkers is a coffee shop near Furman that a lot of students love to enjoy! The coffee is absolutely amazing, and the employees are so awesome!

• Tandem Creperie

Tandem is a creperie and coffee shop in Travelers Rest, and it is so yummy! It is such a great environment with food and coffee just as good!

More Things to Love:

• Falls Park

Falls Park is the beautiful waterfall located right in the middle of Downtown Greenville. It is the perfect spot to grab a coffee, a bench and just hangout.

• The Swamp Rabbit Trail

The Swamp Rabbit Trail is an over 20-mile-long walking trail that runs through campus and into Travelers Rest. Walking, biking, or running the trail is the perfect activity for a beautiful day!

• Paris Mountain State Park

Paris Mountain is the perfect outdoor getaway, and it’s only 15 minutes from campus! I love going for a fun hike and swimming here with friends! 

• Safe Rides

If you ever feel unsafe or you are trying to get all the way across campus and need a ride, then you can call a safe ride! It is super easy and they come right to your location and pick you up.

• Tailgates

Our tailgates are always so fun and full of energy! They are such a fun time to socialize, eat and cheer on The Paladins!

• Group Fitness Classes

I love taking advantage of the group fitness classes! My favorites are Pilates, Yoga, and Zumba! They are a great way to get your energy and excitement for the week going!

• The Sunsets

There is nothing quite like a walk at sunset. The sky is always painted with the most beautiful colors!