The State University of New York Binghamton

Date: Nov 13 2008
Major: History/Histories (art history/etc.) (This Major's Salary over time)
Coming to Binghamton was one of the best choices I have made. I love it here.

The people I've met have been some of the friendliest, most fun-loving people I know. I've been lucky enough to end up on a floor where I've met some of my closest friends at college, but there are great people everywhere you look. For me, one of the most important parts about college is having a some good friends that you can have a good time with, and who can support you through tough times, and that's what I've gotten here.

I've also had an overall good experience here academically. I'm a history major, and the two history courses I've been taking in my first semester here have been very intriguing. I have no problems with those professors except that I wish one of them would not teach directly from slides so much, and was a bit easier to understand (he happens to have a strong Chinese accent). I'm in the freshman writing course in my learning community here, and I've been very happy with it. Taking a small writing course with kids from your hall is a great experience. I feel like it's a lot of the reason why I've become so close with several of them. My one major academic complaint is that my elementary French course is pretty awful. It's not the easiest material to begin with for me, and the professor is kind of spacey (aka dumb) and pretty hard, too, which is a horrible combination. But I guess you'll get great and mediocre instructors where ever you decide to go to college.

On the weekends, a lot of people go to bars and frats. I don't go to bars often cuz I don't have a fake, but the frats are usually pretty fun. There are smaller parties in suites and apartments on campus, too, frequently. But yeah, lots of drinking in general. You could probably say that about most large schools like Bing. Not much going on downtown besides bars, as I alluded to. Lots of people like to go to Late Nite Binghamton, which is basically on campus events like capture the flag and Super Smash Bros. tournaments and stuff. It can be pretty fun, but it's not for a lot of people (kinda nerdy I guess).

There's plenty of campus activities going on here… I've gotten involved in Ultimate Frisbee, the campus radio station, and Model UN. Everyone has their own interests, and it's really easy to explore them here. Let me also say that there are plenty of cute girls here at Bing, and getting involved in some activities is a great way to meet them ;)

Lastly, a note on food. The food here is NOT BAD. There is quite a selection, even for a vegetarian. Good quality; good selection- I don't know what else one could ask for.

I'll conclude with a word of advice. Nobody I know has had any serious problems with red tape, but I would be wary; I've heard of people having real problems with the administration and such. Also, stay open minded and friendly, especially the first couple weeks here. Yes, the majority of kids here are from NY, but there's people from all different backgrounds and perspectives. Two of my suitemates are Turkish, for instance. Befriending people from a diverse range of backgrounds is one of the best things you can do for yourself at Binghamton, or anywhere.

After less than three months, Binghamton feels like home to me. It is a wonderful place if you can make the most of it.