Syracuse University

Date: Jan 17 2010
Major: Civil Engineering (This Major's Salary over time)
I'm going to try to give the most honest review of this school, as a student who has completed 1.5 years here.

Academics: I'm in engineering, and the coursework is so-so. Freshman classes are a breeze, and sophomore is a bit challenging, but honestly if you put in effort it's not very hard. But that's engineering… the Newhouse, Whitman, and Maxwell schools (plus the architecture program) are regarded as the top programs. Still, I've never heard of anyone being challenged beyond their ability, except the arch kids who don't sleep.

Campus: It's gorgeous. The weather gets crappy after a month or so (like, FREEZING wind chills), but gets better in the spring. But seriously, bring two coats. There's nothing like sitting on the quad or Thornden park when it's nice out. The buildings are very aesthetically pleasing (from castle-like to modern tech, they are all amazing to look at). One thing: there's a north campus and a south campus (about 2 miles apart, busses run every 10 mins). South campus is all residential, mostly apt's for upperclassmen. If you want to live on south, get ready to feel detached from everything that's going on. And the busses SUCK… they can be 6 minutes early, 12 minutes late, you just don't know. Nights and weekends run every 20 mins… which sucks when you're waiting at a stop in the freezing cold. The apartments are decent, but definitely have a car if you're trying to live on South.

Students/ Campus Life: Okay, I'll try to state it objectively. SU kids are rich. Take from that what you will. Personally, I've had a tough time fitting in with the SU crowd. Girls are dolled up and have literally thousands of wardrobe options… and guys are generally beefy jocks. This is obviously a stereotype, but Greek life is HUGE at SU, so this is the typical face of sorority/fraternity students. They'll make it known to you that they're rich, be it by rubbing it in your face or parking their range rover outside your apt. It's generally kinda hard to find your niche if you aren't Greek, an athlete, or a huge partier… Seriously, get used to 500+ person parties where you can't move and are charged $5 to not even make your way to the bar. If you don't like partying, I wouldn't recommend SU.

If I had to sum up SU in two words, I'd say GREEK and SPORTS. Our basketball/lacrosse teams are awesome and if you're not a fan, you're likely to get outcasted. If you're into big parties and sports, SU is definitely for you. If not, you can still succeed here if you can really put yourself out there and find a group. Just stay true to yourself- lots of SU kids get caught up in

getting a newhouse degree!

and get very snotty and condescending about it. Honestly, for me, SU kinda sent out this vibe that everyone is richer, hotter, better than you. I'm probably going to transfer. But anyone can definitely do great here… you just need a pretty strong backbone and sense of yourself, plus a really outgoing personality to find your niche. Good luck!