I transferred to Schreiner in the fall. I've been here one semester. Here's what I've learned — the good, the bad, and the surprising. 
The good:
My professors know my name. Not just my name — my life. My art history professor knows I want to work in museums. She's already connected me with two alumni who work at the McNay in San Antonio. That's not networking. That's caring.
My classes are small. My largest class has 22 students. My smallest has 9. I can't hide. I have to participate. I used to hate that. Now I realize it's forcing me to actually engage.
The scenery is beautiful. Kerrville is in the Texas Hill Country. Hills. Trees. A river. I walk outside and feel calmer than I ever felt in Houston.
The bad:
Kerrville is small. Really small. The closest Target is 30 minutes away. The closest "real" city is San Antonio — an hour. I miss options. I miss late-night food. I miss museums.
The social scene is limited. There are parties, but not many. If you don't drink or go to church, your options shrink. I'm not religious, so I've had to work harder to find my people.
The dining hall food is... fine. I miss Houston's food scene every single day.
The surprising:
I have more friends here than I did at UT. At UT, I knew 50 people but none of them well. At Schreiner, I know 15 people deeply. Quality over quantity.
I'm learning more. Not because the professors are better — UT's professors are brilliant — but because I'm actually paying attention. I'm not dissociating in a 300-person lecture hall.
I sleep better. The quiet is good for me. Who knew?
Bottom line: Schreiner isn't for everyone. If you need constant stimulation, stay away. If you need a big name on your resume, stay away.
But if you're drowning in a big school and you need to be seen? Come to Kerrville. Bring a good rain jacket. And prepare to know everyone's business.
The good:
My professors know my name. Not just my name — my life. My art history professor knows I want to work in museums. She's already connected me with two alumni who work at the McNay in San Antonio. That's not networking. That's caring.
My classes are small. My largest class has 22 students. My smallest has 9. I can't hide. I have to participate. I used to hate that. Now I realize it's forcing me to actually engage.
The scenery is beautiful. Kerrville is in the Texas Hill Country. Hills. Trees. A river. I walk outside and feel calmer than I ever felt in Houston.
The bad:
Kerrville is small. Really small. The closest Target is 30 minutes away. The closest "real" city is San Antonio — an hour. I miss options. I miss late-night food. I miss museums.
The social scene is limited. There are parties, but not many. If you don't drink or go to church, your options shrink. I'm not religious, so I've had to work harder to find my people.
The dining hall food is... fine. I miss Houston's food scene every single day.
The surprising:
I have more friends here than I did at UT. At UT, I knew 50 people but none of them well. At Schreiner, I know 15 people deeply. Quality over quantity.
I'm learning more. Not because the professors are better — UT's professors are brilliant — but because I'm actually paying attention. I'm not dissociating in a 300-person lecture hall.
I sleep better. The quiet is good for me. Who knew?
Bottom line: Schreiner isn't for everyone. If you need constant stimulation, stay away. If you need a big name on your resume, stay away.
But if you're drowning in a big school and you need to be seen? Come to Kerrville. Bring a good rain jacket. And prepare to know everyone's business.