I know this an old thread but I wanted to speak out.
I am a student at Binghamton University, and have been for a year and a half. I have also traveled to 14 different countries, and have lived in 5 states, and have traveled to most other states at least once.Binghamton is terrible. PERIOD. It is yet another armpit of New York. Run down garbage with crackheads and other lower class scampering about. Vestal is the nicest place and makes you feel like the rest of Binghamton doesn't exist, and living there...haha rent is ridiculously overpriced if you want fresh paint on walls and a clean carpet, but what would you expect from a Jewish community? Or you can live in a slum in most other spots in Binghamton.
The nature is great as well! but guess what, it in VESTAL. Most other places are depressed and gross to the point it doesn't feel safe to leave your vehicle parked and locked, so why would you live there? Because you cant live anywhere else...that's why.
Majority of the locals here are dreadful, ugly, distant, and slow. They usually work in retail/services that is to cater to the students and some love to give you a bad taste for being a student.
As far as the University is concerned, the school has plenty of opportunity. Being a computer science major, I get at least 2 emails a day from employers asking for more applicants from Binghamton.
Also being in the school of engineering, I have been introduced to many different aspects of university life that I was not aware. Professors need to have a percentage of students fail their class, as was told to us by our TA's early in the curriculum. Most exams are very difficult to accomodate that necessity, with no real application or learning of the material. Just cram cram cram test cram cram cram test. No learning. PERIOD. Its a race for grades and fame, both of which I've failed at because I actually took the time to absorb the material, when there is not enough time to absorb it all, not even some of it and still be successful. Almost all courses are 4 credit to also keep the cram going all day and all night. INSANE.
Yes this is life in general, but I came to Bing for Comp Sci based on their curriculum, and come to find out I will not get any of what I had hoped for, just a rush of information that I do not have time to learn or use in practical applications, which is kinda bogus being a computer science curriculum. Most professors in this aspect seem to be held up in theory. Welcome to a research facility.
Social life on campus is nonexistent for me. I am 24 years old and as I have had a vibrant life, I dont get kicks out of hanging out in a slum drinking alcohol with a bunch of juveniles or going to bars that do not take credit and serve your drinks in PLASTIC CUPS. And I def don't find it fantastically fun to even step foot in dorms. Absolutely horrid. This place makes me feel like a social recluse because I do not care to mingle in $h*t or with immaturity.
There are plenty of social groups and activities on campus. I just never got into them after my initiation at Bing with all of the negatives hitting me at once. If you do not become an active member in these, you will be completely alone. It is rare for people to even TALK to each other here if you are not affiliated with them in a direct matter. I got so upset about this that I conducted an expirament to talk to EVERYONE that walked by. I wish I had a camera. I got less than 5 responses after of 3 MONTHS of trying to get people to just say hello. Mostly people will not even look in your direction when you say "hello," they just walk right on by with their head down or turned. INSANEEEEEE.
I am happy to say that I am transferring to a new college, and going back home to Syracuse, where the streets are clean and I can have a drink in a normal cup and continue a real education with practical applications. I don't mind going to a so-called "lesser school" if I get to actually learn my degree. I plan to go to work and solve problems to further social responsibilities and make that cash, not lock myself up in a lab with theory, just not me.
Being from NY tho you realize most people here are distant and depressed. I know I will get flamed, and most likely banned for this post along with the post taken down, but there is not enough information on the pros vs cons online for Binghamton both the city and the University. Probably trying to keep the negatives under wraps, they def need more investment.I am an abnormal person as I have been to so many other places and I'm much older than the average student, so I believe that my experience is abnormal, although some of the facts will still remain.
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