Here is a sponsored post. I was asked to review Live Video U, a very interesting web site. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the name, but after visiting the site and spending time watching a number of the videos and playing with the various features of the site, I have to admit that I’m impressed.

The idea behind Live Video U is to allow prospective college students to learn more about the “college experience” at a wide variety of colleges and universities. This goes beyond the typical campus brochure by providing videos from students and apparently staff as well, although all of the videos I watched were from students. The videos cover a wide variety of topics including the nightlife, campus activities, athletics, academic departments and much more.

You can search for your specific college, or see colleges listed by state, size, region, major or rank. Additionally, you can search for your terms of interest, such as “nightlife” and see all of the videos that cover that topic.

Besides the videos, the site also provides the basic statistics that you see at other college sites, including estimated costs and ratings in a variety of topics, including academics, safety, dorms, facilities, etc.

By registering for the site, you also have the opportunity to participate in the “Student Union”, which allows you to create your own profile on the site complete with videos, pictures and audio clips. You can see pages from the other users and even form a study group. There is also a blogging feature that allows you to publish a blog for other site users or read the blogs of others. Like most community sites, there is no cost for registering.

Overall, I was quite impressed with the site. I would happily recommend it for those high school juniors or seniors who are trying to decide which college or university is right for them. It provides a nice opportunity to get a sense of not only the institution, but the student body as well.