Why I love being a UC nursing student
The campus vibe, nursing faculty and unique learning opportunities are big reasons I love UC
By: Danielle Cheff, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, '24; Nursing Student Ambassador; University Honors Program
After attending the University of Cincinnati for almost two years, I firmly believe that UC has the best nursing school around. Not only does UC's College of Nursing offer tons of amazing opportunities for its students, but UC, in general, is simply a great place to be.
Big University. Small-School Feel.
At the ESPN College Gameday event on UC's campus
First, the student life at UC is unmatched. One of my favorite things to do on campus is attend the football games. Being one of the thousands of fans cheering for the Bearcats in Nippert Stadium has made my love for this school grow drastically. Plus, attending the football games is a great way to take my mind off school for a few hours and enjoy the student camaraderie here at UC.
Another thing that I love about UC is the fact that there are thousands of students attending the university, but the campus still feels like a close-knit community. The size of the campus is not overwhelming, yet there is always someone new to meet. This makes the UC experience especially unique.
Nursing Professors who Really Care
At my White Coat Ceremony with Interim Dean Denise Gormley (left) and Interim Associate Dean Angie Clark
In addition to being a part of UC's vibrant community, getting to attend the College of Nursing makes the college experience even better. The professors here truly care about your understanding of the material in class. They recognize that what we are learning is critical to our success as nurses, and they take time to explain the "why" behind each decision that a nurse makes.
Unique Learning Opportunities
In addition to regular clinicals, the College of Nursing offers other amazing opportunities to its students. The Dedicated Education Unit (DEU) is similar to a regular clinical, but the student gets to work one-on-one with a nurse, instead of working with a group of students. This provides an opportunity for the student to ask questions, practice procedures more, and get a better understanding of the profession.
I am particularly excited to apply for a nursing co-op, where the student takes on a large part of the role of a nurse. This is a great way to develop professional skills and strengthen the knowledge one will need as an RN after graduation. Finally, I am hoping to apply for an international clinical. In the past, the college has traveled to places like Tanzania and Thailand. I would love the opportunity to visit one of these countries and immerse myself in the culture while getting to help its citizens and learn about their health care systems.
Between the clinical opportunities, amazing professors, and extraordinary student life, there is no question on whether I made the right decision in coming to UC. I am so excited to see where the rest of my college career takes me. It is such an honor attending UC's College of Nursing and I am extremely proud to call myself a bearcat!
Related Stories
Defying the demographic cliff
October 7, 2026
Despite the looming demographic cliff, the University of Cincinnati and five other major Greater Cincinnati universities grew enrollment this fall, with UC reaching a record 54,437 students, helped by strong first-year demand.
UC College of Nursing Women's Health Nurse Practitioner program strengthens congenital syphilis education
October 7, 2026
University of Cincinnati Women's Health Nurse Practitioner students are gaining evidence-based education on screening, diagnosis and treatment of syphilis during pregnancy through a national multisite initiative.
Rooted in Tahlequah: UC Nursing alumnae expand women's health care in rural Oklahoma
October 6, 2026
Tahlequah, Oklahoma, is more than a place where University of Cincinnati College of Nursing alumnae practice. For Brandy Ponder, APRN, WHNP-BC, and Leonda Reese, MSN, APRN, WHNP-BC, it is home. Both are Cherokee Nation citizens. Both built their healthcare careers in northeastern Oklahoma. And both chose UC College of Nursing Women's Health Nurse Practitioner program to expand what they could offer the women and families in their communities. Their paths to advanced practice clinicians were different, but they eventually intersected in a way that illustrates the ripple effect of nursing education: Ponder became a mentor and preceptor to Reese, who recently graduated from UC and is now taking her expertise into an even broader network of rural communities.