The College of New Jersey

Date: Jul 12 2012
Major: Journalism (This Major's Salary over time)
Okay this is lengthy, but I hope it tells you what you want to know.

I absolutely, positively, without a doubt LOVED my college experience. Were there some darker moments? Of course there were, but no period of life is ever perfect. Nevertheless, I really did have a great experience. You might say that I did everything; I worked part-time at the campus library, was on the student newspaper staff, joined a sorority and even studied abroad for a semester. Though I recommend all these things, I didn't initially intend on doing so much. Still, whether you go to TCNJ or another college, you HAVE to give these opportunities a shot. If you find yourself feeling unsatisfied and bored, DO get involved with campus activities (some of you will get lucky and make permanent bonds with your freshman floormates, but be forewarned that many will not). I truly believe that college is 20 percent where you go and 80 percent what you make of it.

All of that being said, TCNJ is a great place. There's a sport or club or organization for just about anyone, and if for some reason they don't have it, you can make your own. The campus itself is really gorgeous in any season, and I probably never would have taken up running if it hadn't been for the "loop" (a long road circling through campus). If you're in to nature, there's even woods across the lakes that you can go exploring in. As for campus dining, the food isn't the greatest in the world but I did see some vast, vast improvements over my four years there. The meal plans and food prices are actually a lot better than many other colleges, and for a medium-sized school there's actually a lot more selection. There's even a campus bar as a bonus, and I gotta say, nothing beats grabbing a few beers with your friends after a particularly tough day of exams and project presentations (when you're 21, of course. They do ID you).

Now, for the partying scene. If you don't drink, there is still stuff for you to do, though it may take some effort on your part. There are a lot of free movie showings on the typical party nights (pretty good; flicks usually just out of the theater). There's also bingo and game nights on weekends that have really good prizes, and cultural organizations will host various events that have free food (I highly recommend these when you're an upperclassman and are running out of money). BUT, if you do want partying, then yeah, there are parties going on every weekend and pretty much every Tuesday night. It helps to have connections though, so be sure to form these early on. For the 21+ crowd, there are several local bars that students go to, including one within walking distance from campus. There's also a huge club that both TCNJ and Rider students go to, and they have weekly "college nights" where you barely have to pay anything. The point is, whatever you want, you'll find it. And if you feel the need to go to a bigger city over the weekend, both New York and Philly are about an hour away by train, or less by car.

All in all TCNJ is a great place, but academically or socially, nothing is going to be handed to you. Work hard in your studies and never be afraid to pursue new things. Keep an open mind, and you'll be just fine :)