The State University of New York - New Paltz

Date: Aug 19 2011
Major: Political Science (This Major's Salary over time)
Having recently graduated, I feel I have a pretty solid well rounded perspective on the school. Heed my advice prospective and new students; college is what you make of it. I went in determined to have the best experience possible and that's just what I did.

My education here was top notch. As far as political science is concerned, we have top notch, prolific faculty that are experts in their field of study and genuinely want to impart their knowledge on to you. I took a class where we went to the UN every Friday for an entire semester, meeting with diplomats and various agency reps (we even had UN ids, which gave us access to the entire premises). AMAZING experience. I also interned in the New York State Assembly for a semester, if this is your thing make sure you ask about it as it as it isn't advertised much. Plenty of internships, study abroad, etc. Being part of SUNY gives you access to all of the other schools' programs.

Plenty of extra curriculars as well. I was involved in the Model European Union for the two years it was at New Paltz , where students from international universities as well as other SUNYs come and simulate the EU. Yes, it sounds nerdy, but I made great friends and had a BLAST. I ended up staying with one of the English girls I met here when I was in London this summer. I also went down to DC with the Poli Sci club and met with New Paltz alumni working in some pretty awesome jobs. That was also another EPIC trip. Learned a bunch, had a blast, and made new friends.

I was also active in the feminist collective, queer action coalition, take back the night.. If you can think of it, there is a club for you.

Night life exists, obviously. We have something of a party school reputation but frankly, I think it's a tad unwarranted. Yes, on the weekends (and Tuesdays, because there are no classes on Wednesdays) the bars are over flowing. But go on a Monday or a Wednesday and you'll find the town relatively quiet. There is minimal Greek life. If it's not your thing, it's not shoved down your throat by any stretch. Each bar has its own scene. Oasis = hippies/chill crowd, Cabs = electro/dub step lovers (80s night on thursdays), P&Gs = "bro" types, sports teams, Cuddy's = similar to P&Gs. Murphy's = Freshmen bar. Bacchus = Older, very laid back. Snugs = townies. There are house parties, but the ragers get broken up pretty quickly. I'd say most parties are among various groups of friends.

Students are very down to earth and friendly. A lot are from Long Island/NYC but also plenty from all over NY (some out of state too, two of my best friends are from Wyoming and Ohio) It can get a bit cliquey, because everyone ends up very close to their own friends. But there is inter mingling if you make the effort. There is a big art/theater scene, but it doesn't overwhelm the school. It is an exceptionally diverse campus, filled with every type of student you can imagine. Politically, it is generally pretty liberal/left wing but there is an occasionally Republican floating around. Lots of LGBT students. Honestly, if you can't make friends here, you're doing it wrong.

Campus food is crappy, yes. Move off campus after a year if you hate having a meal plan so much, because there is great food in town or pull your big boy pants up and cook.

The kids that complain here remind me of spoiled whiny long island kids. Waaah the food sucks and there's nothing to do waaaaahh. There is a LOT to do, you just haven't looked. This is college, people aren't going to hold your hand and walk you through it.

I remember on the DC trip, during a dinner with alumni, there was some long faced first year talking about how much she hated New Paltz (she thought her academic achievements far surpassed our lowly uni). Yeah? Here you are in DC, missing out on the networking opportunities and epic good times because you are busy complaining. I find that this tends to be the case with people who don't like the school. Complain complain complain, don't do a thing to make their situation better.

Anyway, that's my take. Best four years of my life.