Syracuse University

Academically, you will be challenged at this school. There are nine colleges- all of which have good reputations and good programs. People who say that this school is easy and everything probably take the easy, introductory classes. There are classes- from your freshman to senior year- that you can take that will teach you something. I wish I could convey to you how much I've changed intellectually since I've been at SU. Also, fairly everyone that I've met at this school care a lot about their grades. Although I am not really a fan of group projects, I can't say that I've ever had a bad experience with one here. Everyone carries their own weight, and if they don't, they will definitely be penalized. There are tremendous academic opportunities at this school- there's a program that allows you to research a project with a professor, the study abroad options are better than pretty much any other school, and a diverse array of classes. Academically, you have to take the initiative to get involved in these things to have a satisfying college career.

Also, they provide so many unique resources. I have received grants for summer internships and used internship databases that only SU students have access to. Not many schools have resources like this. In addition, SU has very prestigious alumni that will be willing to help you- YOU just have to make the effort.

Although I personally have had an excellent academic experience so far, I think that this has come at a price. I can't say that I have had the best social experience here at SU. I find that greek life kind of dominates the scene, which can be cool, but obviously it's not for everybody. Everyone talks about the "sorority" girls and how they dress, act, etc. Of course there are those that are superficial and kinda dumb, but this definitely isn't the majority. I have known tons of girls in sororities that are smart, care about their grades, and work really hard. Outside of the greek scene, there really are few other alternatives. Some sports teams tend to have a tight-knit group, and some majors (anything art or drama related) tend to also be very close. If you aren't an athlete or in a bigger major, it's really hard to find your group, I think. Freshman year is crucial to finding friends, seeing as to a lot of people stay friends with those that were on their floor freshman year (pray that you get into a freshman dorm like Day or Sadler). Socially, there really isn't much to do unless you have a good freshman floor/in greek life/athlete/some other exclusive club. Unfortunately, for those that don't have these ties, it's very hard to find your place and find a group of friends. Clubs outside of these departments don't usually foster these close relationships. I've been in clubs that I just do my part, and go home. Although I like the people I work with, for some reason we just never become really good friends (although there are exceptions to this, I'm sure, it just hasn't been my own personal experience). This is coming from someone who has really tried to find their place on this campus countless times by joining different clubs and trying different things.

The Syracuse area really isn't that great, so you tend to stay on campus for the majority of the time. There are some really cool restaurants and things to do off-campus, but they are kinda few and far between. The downtown area isn't really booming, but there are definitely places to go, when you are over 21. The first two years you will pretty much be forced to go to fraternity parties or random house/apartment parties.

If you come to this school from a far away area and a different lifestyle (non-suburban), it will probably be a shock for you. First of all, the weather will be extremely different (but as long as you are prepared for it, it's really not too bad). For me personally, it's been really different culturally, because of the high-school-clique atmosphere here that I never really had in my own hometown. It's a very northeastern school and pretty much everyone here is from New England- so if you know the culture in this area, you'll understand how this school is (SU is a microcosm of this type of society). If you don't know how the Northeast is, you will probably be shocked. You may like it, but personally, I think I would have been happier at a midwestern school.

I decided not to transfer (after much thought) because of all the opportunities I have gotten/will get at this school. Academically, this school is everything I wanted and more. Unfortunately, this satisfaction has come at the price of not having the best possible social scene. I really have had some good nights here, but I have had some really bad, lonely ones as well. This school is expensive and I hope that the money will be worth it. I am pretty much sacrificing my happiness for the future, but I know I will be successful coming out of Newhouse and SU.

My advice is KNOW WHAT KIND OF SCHOOL THIS IS before you come. A lot of people come here knowing, and they usually fit in. I did visit this school, but unfortunately, I didn't know anyone that went here so it was hard to really get a good taste of what the student body is like. A lot of people LOVE this school but I have met a lot that feel like it leaves a lot to be desired. And personally, I know tons of people who have transferred (it's kind of shocking actually). Just make sure you visit this school during the academic year, if at all possible. For me, I've just accepted that college isn't going to be the time of my life, as it is for others. It's really disappointing because I turned down some really good schools to come here that I think I probably would have been way happier at.