Fordham University
Bronx, NY, USA

Reviews

Fordham University

Emily

from Fairfield, CT

Alumni

In your experience, what is there to do for fun at this college?

"Fordham is my school, New York is my Campus" is 100% true. Take advantage of on campus opportunities, but also make sure that you are exploring the incredible area around you. Visit Arthur Avenue, take the train into New York City and see a broadway show, go to a museum, or take a study break in the Botanical Gardens. There is a world of possibilities for you at Fordham.

In what clubs or organiziations have you participated and how have they impacted your overall experience?

You will not regret getting involved on campus at Fordham. New Student Orientation and Senior Week Committee gave me some of my best friends and taught me so many valuable skills that I still use in my job today. These organizations truly made Fordham feel like home.

How has your college supported your career development and future goals?

Looking back, Fordham is the reason I am where I am in my career today. It provided me with the skills, knowledge, and network to succeed. Fordham truly cares about its students and there are phenomenal on campus resources for you, as an undergrad, grad, or alumni.

Taylor from Girard, KS

a current student here
16 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
With the benefits of the most culturally diverse and intellectually-stimulating city in the world at your fingertips, as well as a curriculum following the Jesuit tradition of educating the whole person, Fordham University offers the best education possible. I came to college expecting to learn a bunch of facts and skills to help prepare me for medical school, but I never realized my college education would help me develop my character as a socially-conscious human being. Fordham strongly encourages its students to become conscientous and productive members of society with a myriad of service-learning opportunities and chances to improve the surrounding neighborhoods of the Bronx outside of campus. Its proximity to Manhattan also offers unique opportunities to experience culturally stimulating sites and make vital connections that will offer advantages in the job market. Not to mention its rigorous but manageable curriculum that forces students to think critically rather than simply memorize facts. All in all, I am incredibly glad I chose Fordham University, and would recommend it to anyone with a thirst for knowledge and a desire to change the world for the better.
Am enjoying being here
I love everything about life at Fordham! To put it simply, I've never had more fun in my life than I have this past semester. Fordham's Campus Activities Board does a great job at planning exciting events and concerts on campus regularly, and there is always something going on to look forward to. Truly though, the most amazing part about Fordham is its proximity to Manhattan and the endless opportunities for entertainment that are a quick subway ride away. I can honestly say it is impossible to be bored while living here. When I want a break from the crazy city life, Fordham's campus is so calm and peaceful that I can relax by a tree and read a book or just hang out in the student center. Whether you crave the hustle and bustle of New York City life or the peace and safety of a lovely tree-filled private campus, Fordham is the place to be.
Bang for the buck
While it is an expensive private university, Fordham's financial aid and grant/scholarship opportunities are very generous and need-based for the most part. The quality of life is top-notch, and the dorms and buildings are much nicer than your average state school. If you want to go to Fordham, they will work very hard to make it possible for you if money is an issue. I wouldn't be at Fordham if not for their financial aid and scholarship department, and their work study jobs pay very well and are very flexible to your study schedules. I don't come from a wealthy family by any means and yet I've been able to live comfortably at Fordham thanks to their support.
Tips for prospective students
If you make it to Fordham, be prepared to think A LOT and participate in class, because professors want students to be active in their education and prove that they can be productive, intelligent members of society. Fordham encourages students to be well-rounded, so get involved in as much as you can, especially community-service and volunteer activities.
Great for these types of students
Fordham is for curious, bright students who love learning and always question what they're being taught. If you love the thrills of city life and want to get more out of your college experience than a degree and a job, Fordham is right for you.

Trevor from Colts neck, NJ

a current student here
15 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Most of the teachers are extremely interested in their field and have the highest degree possible in the field. However, there are the occasional teachers who are teaching only out of requirement.
Am enjoying being here
Fordham is a great place if you love New York City! I am a student at the Rose Hall campus in the Bronx but there is also a campus in Lincoln Center (Manhattan). Nevertheless, both give students easy access to everywhere in the city. Not many other schools can say that!
Bang for the buck
Yes, Fordham is very expensive. Some, including my parents, say that no college should have the right to charge this much. However, putting the price to the side, it really is a great place. For me, the campus is the perfect size and it is easy to make friends and become friendly with the administration. It is definitely worth it.
Tips for prospective students
Keep those grades up and practice for the SAT. Fordham's standards are rising every year as the applicant pool increases so it's important for students to find a way to stand out in the crowd.
Great for these types of students
Fordham is great if you:
1) Like/Love NYC
2) Want a real college campus (even though it's situation right in the Bronx)
3) Want a school that makes it easy to become involved in a big way

Vanessa from Valencia, CA

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Fordham doesn't seem to be the school that its students thought they were going to attend, but it is the school who's present students could never imagine going to school anywhere else. Fordham is often described by the mantra New York is my campus, Fordham is my schools, but in reality, New York City is our campus, and Fordham is our home.
Tips for prospective students
If Fordham sends you a fee waiver, take the chance and apply. You have nothing to lose. Most people here didn't initially intend on applying to Fordham, but for some reason, like accepting a fee waiver, they did, and now they love it here and couldn't imagine going anywhere else. Also, if you have the opportunity to visit, that is a MUST DO. Most students who weren't sure about how they felt were persuaded within the first five minutes they stepped on campus.
Academic Rigor
Fordham has courses of varying academic rigor; the honors programs' courses especially offer a rigor unheard of in any AP program. As hard as some of the courses may be, the general attitude of the professors is one that wants you to succeed, which makes asking for help in the difficult classes that much easier.
Dorm Life
Dorm life in one word: community. Fordham dorms, while varying in structures, costs, sizes, and benefits, all provide you with a wonderful sense of community. Many long lasting friendships are made with your sophomore year roommate, or the person who lived next door to you or across the hall freshman year. Tip: research your residence hall options way before housing application time, especially the varying halls within the residence hall and their room dimensions.
Food and Dining
The food here is nothing special. There is some really delicious food (Cosi flatbread, caf cookies, the grille's buffalo chicken wrap), and some not so good food. But there are a lot of options available both off and on campus, especially with Arthur Ave.'s Little Italy right outside the gates.
What to do for fun
You're in New York City. There is everything you could possibly imagine that we do for fun.
Bang for the buck
Let's face it, Fordham is EXPEN$IVE, but as costly as the price is, somehow you feel like you're getting more than what you pay for (well, except with the food). It's in the perfect flowerbeds, the well-funded student government activities, the elite teaching staff. It's hard to describe, but you feel it when you're here.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
You haven't gone to Fordham unless you've ridden the ram.

Confused? Come to Fordham and find out.
Greek Life
None
Campus Safety
There's no question about it, you feel absolutely safe at Fordham. The security system here extends well both on and off campus, and it is on point; many of the security supervisors are former NYPD officers and know exactly how to do their job in making you feel safe.

Lauren from Phoenix, AZ

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Fordham truly has some amazing professors and courses. Naturally, you'll also run into some not so awesome ones as well, but my positive experiences have far outweighed the negative experiences. I have found that the overwhelming majority of professors take a genuine interest in students when students work hard and participate in their class, produce quality work, and seek professors out in office hours when necessary. The core requirements are extensive, and for the first couple years you'll be taking a variety of courses from philosophy to literature to math that may or may not correspond to your academic interest. Make sure you know what you're getting into as far as the core requirements go if you choose Fordham, and know that sometimes you'll get bored and/or frustrated with the requirements. That being said, also be open to the classes you take. I've had the opportunity to take interesting courses and learn some really interesting things by taking core classes outside my major.
Am enjoying being here
College is an adjustment for everyone, and some students struggle more than others. I definitely struggled my first year or two, and transferring to a school closer to home was something I considered. That being said, I think it's who you are and what your attitude is more than the college, itself, that really defines the experience you'll have. If you put yourself out there by getting involved with clubs, sports, musical groups, or other activities (AND you have a positive attitude), you'll meet truly wonderful people here. Student clubs always have tons of programming going on throughout the week and on the weekends, so there are always fun, wholesome things to do. There is a large drinking culture, but you definitely don't have to be a part of it to fit in and find a nice group of friends. And of course, there's plenty of other things to do if drinking is not your thing. It's easy to get to the different boroughs of NYC via train, subway, or bus (but sometimes it can take awhile), and there really is always something fun to do in New York and even on right on campus.
Bang for the buck
Fordham is extremely expensive, as are most four-year private colleges. However, in my experience, Fordham can be fairly generous with academic merit scholarships. There are a great number of opportunities available to you at Fordham, but it is important to make a realistic decision when it comes to finances, as well. If Fordham fits you financially, I would definitely consider this as one of your top choices. If not, I would suggest looking at schools that are more affordable for you. In my opinion, student loans are NOT worth it. You have no idea what will happen in four years: how your career/academic plans will change, what the economy will be like, etc., so if at all possible, make plans for college where you can avoid racking up loans. Fordham has some great opportunities for students to take advantage of... But if you work hard, make smart decisions, and don't have plans for world domination, you can be successful at any school---whether that means starting with community college, attending an in-state college, etc.
Tips for prospective students
Many of Fordham's students choose to be very involved in both Fordham and the neighborhood outside Fordham through leadership roles, clubs, sports, music, volunteering, etc. If you're serious about wanting to attend Fordham, it would be a good idea to reflect in your application the ways you strive to be an active member of your community (and then follow through once you're here!).
Great for these types of students
Great for hard-working, friendly, goal-oriented students. Also great for students who want to live in NYC but have a traditional college campus/community.

Emma from Harmony, PA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Fordham is an academically competitive institution in the heart of New York, with a thorough and challenging core. That being said, there is a campus in the Bronx that allows for a traditional college atmosphere, and a campus at Lincoln Center in Manhattan; a block from Central Park and on the cusp of Hell's Kitchen. While Fordham holds its ground in terms of location and academics, it is expensive both on and off campus and has small class sizes, both of which demand a student with intellect and ambition to succeed.
Tips for prospective students
The biggest issues in my transition to Fordham were money and personal identity--both of which are universal issues in the college process. I live at the Manhattan campus, and immediately had to create a more efficient budget for groceries, personal items, and extra things like student rush Broadway tickets or rock climbing in Brooklyn. With the sudden freedom that comes with living in the biggest, most dynamic city in the country, I was overwhelmed. This also fed into the issue of personal identity, which was solved by immersing myself in things I liked instead of avoiding the things I didn't. With a well-rounded budget and an understanding of where you are in life, ambition is easily fueled and the transition is much easier.
Academic Rigor
Overall, the class sizes are very small. This semester, two core classes have around 20 students and the rest are fewer than 10. Because they are so small, participation is mandatory. The classes are all heavily weighted in reading, which requires time management to understand the content and be prepared for participation in the next class. The teachers are all highly rated, and commonly teach at multiple schools in the city (namely NYU or Columbia) and expect the highest of their students.
Dorm Life
The apartments are carpeted with some variation of double and triple rooms, resulting in housing 4-7 people in one apartment, All rooms with 6+ people have two bathrooms and 4-5 people have one bathroom. All rooms have a kitchen, couch, and living space within one building that directly connects to the academic building where all Lincoln Center classes. The responsibility of a whole apartment is worth having to clean the extra space, and floors are highly social with both study and soft lounges in the building. Laundry is free and laundry rooms are on 3 different floors, and the building has a gym on the 2nd floor, so the freshman 15 is usually avoided. The main drawback is the lack of a traditional college atmosphere, which can easily be found in a Fordham shuttle trip to the Bronx campus.
Food and Dining
The cafe offers Red Mango, and soups and sandwiches. These are meant to be supplemental to cooking in the apartment and eating out in the city. An $800 meal plan is mandatory freshman year for each semester.
What to do for fun
You're in the middle of Manhattan-- the opportunity to participate in everything from Fashion Week to warehouse clubs in SoHo is there. The campus is a block from Central Park, which makes for a nice morning run, and is even closer to the Time Warner Center, if you can afford to shop at Hugo Boss. Both of these allow for quite a few celebrity sightings. The location is also at a main subway stop, so getting anywhere in New York City is a metro swipe away.
Bang for the buck
Fordham is pricey, but the job potential that comes from the well-rounded Jesuit core is renowned.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Keeping count of exclusive events we get into--Fashion Week, red carpet events, VIP nightclubs, penthouse parties, and a running tally of celebrity sightings.
Great for these types of students
Artistic, creative, intuitive, and ambitious students who can balance academics with the draw of New York City.
Clubs and Activities
There are always clubs and groups with promotions in the city for money off a meal, special student tickets to events or museums, and invitations to see speakers from the UN or take classes from professional Yogis. If one wanted, they could easily tour the financial district with the economics club and come back to the world cultures club and learn to make homemade sushi. Overall, the school has a very vocal acceptance to LGBT students.
Campus Safety
Fordham is consistently rated as one of the safest campuses in the country. No one can enter the academic or housing building without a student ID, and every open door is guarded full time.

Anelisa from North Miami Beach, FL

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The university offer excellent academics in a major cosmopolitan city. The classes can be rigorous or easier depending on how much you decide to challenge yourself. The core curriculum allows the university's students to become well-rounded, knowledgeable individuals.
Tips for prospective students
Apply early action and don't start slacking off in high school just because you've been accepted into a college.
Academic Rigor
I was on the pre-medical track and the classes were pretty tough but it really depends on which classes you decide to take during your time there.
Dorm Life
The dorms are very nice compared to many other college's freshman dorms.
Food and Dining
The food isn't exactly the best but there have been major changes instated for this academic year.
What to do for fun
Go to the bars around the campus, go into the city, or just hang out with friends on campus. There are a lot of clubs - there's something for anyone.
Bang for the buck
It's extremely costly but the school has an excellent reputation and will produce well-rounded, critical thinkers. If you do well here, you'll most likely have an easy time finding a job or getting into a graduate school program.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
A lot of students like to ride the ram before finishing their education. They will take photos while seated upon the ram statue on campus.
Great for these types of students
Hard-working, responsible students who want challenging academics and the perks of being in a major world city.
Clubs and Activities
There's really a club for anyone.
Greek Life
There is no Greek life.
Campus Safety
It's a gated community and extremely safe.

Arianna

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Fordham is a great place to really test out courses and see what you like. Although very large, the core (required courses to take throughout your year at Fordham) really tests your breadth of knowledge and can potentially lead you into different directions of study.With great professors and student peers, Fordham creates a great environment for academic achievement and for getting a fun college experience.
Tips for prospective students
Going into Fordham, you should have an open mind about taking courses, which you may not want to take, such as Theology courses, Philosophy course, and =Foreign Language courses. Fordham requires these courses for you to graduate, so that they will be producing well-rounded graduates. Embrace the core curriculum and take advantage of all the knowledge you can gain. Also, really get involved in the MANY clubs and activities Fordham offers. The more activities you attend the more people you will meet with similar interests.
Academic Rigor
Fordham's classes require a lot of work and outside-of-class time, but they are very rewarding. Everything that the professors teach you is extremely valuable for the course, life, or both. The courses may be tough but extremely enriching.
Dorm Life
The dorms provide a great habitat for friend-making. They are large rooms, and although you have to share a floor bathroom, Fordham's dorms are a lot better than other colleges. Some buildings lack air conditioning, but you may only suffer through September, because the temperature is not too high for too long.
Food and Dining
The main cafeteria is the biggest complaint on campus. That being said everything else about Fordham is great. There are many alternatives to the main cafeteria. There are three other places to eat on campus that offers cafe-styled food, i.e. paninis, heroes, and soups, and off campus is Arthur Avenue! However, the buffet styled cafeteria tends to be the main eatery, but it also tends to be a hit or miss. The food isn't great, but I would NEVER dismiss this school for that tiny detail.
What to do for fun
There are pleanty of things on campus to do for fun, such as dances or club ran events. To get off campus Arthur Avenue is a great place for eating some authentic Italian meals, or walking up Fordham Road to the D subway line. The ride downtown to Columbus Circle is about 40 minutes. Once you are in New York City you can do mostly everything. Fordham is in such a great spot, where there is a campus and yet you are still in NYC. There is everything to do for any sort of person, from comic-con to fashion, from athletics to art museums.
Bang for the buck
Great school and education, but it is pretty pricey. I would never transfer, however, based on the price. They offer a ton of financial aid and the school is really worth it.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
If you are a hipster, like music, or coffee you will thoroughly enjoy Rodrigues. If you are a commuter and do not feel like going to the Commuter Lounge, the lounge in the basement of Keating is a relaxing open space for doing work or just hanging out.
Great for these types of students
Anyone could really enjoy Fordham. I wouldn't recommend coming if you are afraid of being in an urban area, because otherwise you will be stuck on campus. You don't want to miss out on living in this great city!
Clubs and Activities
So amny clubs to join, so narrow it down to exactly what you'd like to do and go to the meetings and make friends!
Greek Life
NO GREEK LIFE. I was never interested, but some may be disappointed.
Campus Safety
The security guards check I.D.'s coming into campus and they are always watching out for the students. Not only on campus, but off-campus the security guards are willing to pick you up from the subways if you feel unsafe and there are routes that the security van takes throughout the Bronx, so that you can be picked up and brought back to campus for free, as long as you show your Fordham I.D.

Constantine from Randolph, NJ

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Fordham University is a family with open arms waiting for you to walk in. Once you enter into the family, you are embraced and encouraged to tap into all of the family's resources. These resources WILL help your intellectual, moral and interpersonal development.
Tips for prospective students
Know as much as you can about the school before you enter. Once you all about the school, I'm sure you will fall in love. Also, think about your longevity of life and you will see Fordham will prepare you for that.
Academic Rigor
If you focus and manage your time, should not be a problem. Nevertheless,difficulty is evident and you will see yourself improving.
Dorm Life
Gets exponentially better in terms of size and cleanliness after Freshman year. It can be a fun place if you so choose to make it that. The RHA student government does a great job of providing programs and information for students to make their residential hall experience the best it can be.
Food and Dining
Every place can get repetitive, as does Fordham. However, there is plenty of diversity and off-campus food is arguably top 10 in the nation at the highly regarded Arthur Ave.
What to do for fun
NYC is 20 minutes away. The Bronx, less it's poor connotation, is a magnificent place full of wonderful places and people. I experienced the Bronx and love it.
Bang for the buck
It's a lot of money to go there. Spend wisely and take FULL advantage of all that has to be offered.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The gymnasium is the oldest gym in the NCAA, the volume during basketball games gets ridiculously loud. It is also the 3rd most haunted campus in the US. Enter if you dare.
Great for these types of students
There are many preppy, private high school students. Also, international students make up more than 10%. Anyone from anywhere can fit in, however, because every niche has a club or group.
Clubs and Activities
Many, many clubs. Any interest can find a club, if not make one. The budget for new clubs is very generous.
Greek Life
Does not exist. And I love it.
Campus Safety
Fordham security does a great job of allowing only the people who are supposed to be on campus in. Shuttles are provided for students to off-campus locations to ensure security.

Jake from Ellenville, NY

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Fordham University is great for both undecided students and students who know exactly what they want to do. The faculty is incredibly helpful and will guide you in whatever direction you choose. Fordham University offers the perfect balance between academics and recreation.
Tips for prospective students
You do not have to go to Fordham knowing what you are going to do. They have a core curriculum set up so that students can explore their interests. Go in with an open mind.
Academic Rigor
The academics are challenging for those not willing to put the work in and rewarding for those who are. There is free time to be had by all, including pre-med students. The pre-med track is by far the most challenging offered at Fordham.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is fantastic. Alumni Court South has the largest rooms, while the other dorms sacrifice size for air conditioning. After freshman year most dorms have their own bathrooms and upperclassmen housing is made up primarily of suites.
Food and Dining
The food is decent. This coming semester they are adding a number of name brand restaurants to the campus that will accept dining dollars, so the dining situation at Fordham only looks to improve.
What to do for fun
You're living in the Bronx, so transport in to Manhattan is ridiculously easy. The Botanical Gardens and the Bronx Zoo are also located right outside of the campus. If you are looking to stay on campus, there are always a number of shows or sporting events that you can attend.
Bang for the buck
Fordham offers everything you could want in a school. Great dorms, good food, location, and academic reputation together make Fordham worth whatever you are spending.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
It is said that Fordham has a haunted campus. I have yet to experience anything that would support that, but it is unusual and does have a pretty solid reputation as being haunted.
Great for these types of students
Fordham is great for all types of students. I would say that you have to have a willingness to put in some work, but overall the atmosphere is more relaxed than that of an ivy. You're responsible for your own success.
Clubs and Activities
There are countless clubs at Fordham. You can even start your own if you want. At the start of the fall semester they have a club fair, where you can sign up to receive emails from any club regarding how to join and where to meet. The clubs have a very active presence on Fordham University.
Greek Life
Fordham does not offer Greek life.
Campus Safety
The campus itself could not be any safer. Fordham is located in a dangerous part of the Bronx, so the campus is gated and every entrance has a security post. The campus also has security stations at every turn, which have built in cameras and intercoms.

Joseph from Bronx, NY

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Fordham University is full of great and knowledgeable professors. Fordham University at Rose Hill has beautiful campus. Fordham University is filled with a diverse group of students from all over the world.
Tips for prospective students
If you looking for a great education, Fordham is the school to be.
Academic Rigor
Courses are aligned with providing students with a great education and preparing them for the real world. Academic cores are a challenge and so one has to be prepared for the challenge.
Dorm Life
I leave off campus, however, I have friends that dorm on campus and they like it, they have fun and everything you want is right on campus or near it.
Food and Dining
Fordham University Rose Hill is located in the Bronx on Fordham Road with several food and dining options. Fast food, diners, you name it.
What to do for fun
NYC is just a train ride from The Bronx. Hope on the Metro North and take a tour of the city life.