With Santa Clara University (SCU) so close to Saratoga, it is difficult for 2011 alumna Apeksha Sharma to decide which one to call home.

On her first day at Santa Clara University, Sharma could already feel the friendly vibes that many students emitted.

“A thing I really like [about SCU] is that everyone here is so genuine and kind,” Sharma said. “Even if you don’t know someone, they’ll say ‘hi’ to you.”

Apeksha enjoys the school spirit that can be seen in all areas of campus life.

“Everyone at SCU has so much to give back to the campus,” Sharma said. “You can really see it through the activities such as the group called Ruff Riders that has students covered in red and white and we cheer for every sports team that plays.”

The campus is also an eye-catcher when it comes to natural beauty.

“There’s a garden right outside the church that people just walk through,” Sharma said. “It looks like something straight out of the movies.”

With a strong work ethic coming out of Saratoga High, Sharma is comfortable with the difficulty of the classes, but emphasizes the importance of keeping up with the speed of the courses.
“Everyday you learn something entirely new so you really have to keep on your toes and not fall behind,” Sharma said.

Sharma finds quiet places around the campus to study, but usually she decides between her dorm or the library. She is pleased with the learning environment that SCU endorses.
Sharma is glad to see that the professors give individual attention to the students and come up to them during class to see if they have any questions.

“My classes here aren’t big at all and I think that the most number of students in one of my classes is 40, which compared to other schools isn’t many,” Sharma said. “And, the teachers here are so nice and helpful. I really love it.”