SUNY at Purchase College Reviews
Check out reviews left by other students, or leave your own review. You could win a free scholarship!
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Kara from Purchase, NY
06/15/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
7 out of 9 people found this review useful. 1 of 22
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Artists, Hipsters
Tips for prospective students Build a strong portfolio and come ready to work!
Am enjoying being here At first you may be underwhelmed by the general appearance of the campus, but once you start getting involved in any of the school activities you'll never want to leave!
Am learning a lot This is a great college for anyone studying any of the Visual Arts. There are endless resources available.
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Amanda from New York, NY
05/16/2011Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
6 out of 9 people found this review useful. 2 of 22
Categories Comments Will enjoy being here Yes the campus isn't the prettiest but it is a great school and if you are doing what you love than you'll have a great time. Also the conservatory program is amazing.
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Kimberly from Purchase, NY
09/29/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
6 out of 7 people found this review useful. 3 of 22
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Kids who aren't afraid.
Tips for prospective students Stick your neck out. It's what makes everything worth while.
Bang for the buck Dorm living, not awesome. But you're a freshman, that's supposed to be the worst part! It gets better when you move into the apartments.
Am enjoying being here There's never a lack in opportunities to get involved, be active, and make moves. You've just got to be motivated.
Am learning a lot Every professor has life lessons to share, so even the gen eds are worth investing yourself in. Professors are knowledgeable and care.
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Dani from Mastic Beach, NY
02/19/2012Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
6 out of 7 people found this review useful. 4 of 22
Categories Comments Campus Safety there are boxes with a button you press if you feel you aren't safe and security guards will come right away and walk you where you need to go.
Clubs and Activities cheese club!
Great for these types of students artists, hippies, hipsters, anyone laid back/calm.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus if you go into the quad, there's almost always someone singing, playing guitar, or doing something entertaining.
Bang for the buck when compared to most schools, i find this school to be priced very reasonably.
What to do for fun there is always something going on at purchase, you won't be bored. there's clubs, including the popular cheese club, and you can take a train right to the city for fun.
Food and Dining there are many different options, including vegan, which is great.
Dorm Life the dorms seem to be more satisfying as you get older, but even the freshman dorms were fine by me.
Academic Rigor there are so many courses offered, and each professor cares about teaching their students.
In three sentences i have been here twice, once for a regular visit, and once for national portfolio day, and i immediately felt like this was the school for me. it's a very welcoming and calm environment. i feel any individual will grow and expand their horizons here.
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Lorena from Brooklyn, NY
11/04/2010Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.
5 out of 21 people found this review useful. 5 of 22
Categories Comments Will enjoy being here I will enjoy being at Purchase
Will learn a lot I hope to learn a lot if i get accepted into Purchase
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Clara from Sharon, CT
08/30/2011Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
5 out of 7 people found this review useful. 6 of 22
Categories Comments Bang for the buck Extremely reasonable costs
Will enjoy being here There seemed to be alot of activities ti go to
Will learn a lot Fantastic studios
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Rondell from New york, NY
02/05/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
5 out of 5 people found this review useful. 7 of 22
Categories Comments What to do for fun there is something for everything because of the diversity of clubs offered here. as well as being a ten minute drive or a purchase bus ride away from white plains which has three malls, many different restaurants and a train into new york city.
Food and Dining the food is ok, its good for dorm food and the chefs here come up with some unique food combinations (like chicken and potato eggs) and theme days (wacky wing wednesday or ice cream friday). purchase college is also one of the top ten vegan friendly colleges in america.
Dorm Life the dorms here are all nice but in the older ones you have to walk up the stairs which makes moving in and out hard if you don't live on the basement floor but the newer ones have elevator. it is easier to make connection with the other people who live on the same floor as you then in the the newer dorms. there is also in-campus apartments were students may have more freedom.
Academic Rigor the type of classes offered here range from the arts (like art history and acting classes) to business (like economics and management classes). the advisers all try to help the students under their care and answer any questions they may have.
Tips for prospective students three things come in mind one: to come here you must to open minded. two: be ready to see things that may not have seen in the out side world. three: have a car or a friend with a car just in case the purchase buses stop working.
In three sentences this campus has a unique style from the students that go here to the buildings not being a the norm. the blend of people from different backgrounds and countries make acceptance here easy for everyone. this college maybe a suny college but it lets us students show off their creative skills.
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Andrea from Carmel, NY
07/02/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
4 out of 4 people found this review useful. 8 of 22
Categories Comments Campus Safety The campus may seem dark and gloomy at times so many worry about safety when walking around at night. There are several stations on campus in which you press a button if you feel in danger or uncomfortable walking by yourself, and a campus police officer will come to that location in no time. Plus the police are very friendly and always willing to escort you if you feel unsafe.
Greek Life I have not heard of much of a Greek life on campus. It's a very artsy school so that doesn't seem to be a big deal on campus.
Clubs and Activities There are a ton of clubs! And they are so many varieties as well. You can join the Cheese club, yes it is what it sounds, they provide cheese tastings and you get to stand around chatting with others and eating awesome free food. There is a highly active feminist club and well as an LGBTQ club. Then there are more random and fun clubs such as the DDR club, the Anime club, and the LARPing club. Also there are great cultural club that host great events on campus such as dances and food events. Overall great campus for clubs and activities.
Great for these types of students Artists, musicians, and all creative types. There are so many events for art viewings and workshops. As well as concerts going on in The Stood every week. Purchase is definitely an arts school but the other big part of this school is the Biology students. I would say about one third of the students in Purchase are bio majors.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Culture Fest has to be one of the most known traditions on campus. It is a festival of live music, carnival rides, parties on the lawn and so much more. It happens every year in Spring and even has it's own Wikipedia. Another great yearly event is Zombie Prom. This is a dance in which students and guests dress up like the undead and get to dance the night away covered in fake blood and guts, my personal favorite event.
Bang for the buck Great cost for a school that offers so much. Most art schools are very expensive, but Purchase is a super affordable school where students can get the most from their money spent. In state tuition plus housing and meal plans tends to be around twenty grand a year, which is a bargain if you ask me.
What to do for fun There is ALWAYS some kind of activity being held on campus. You can always find something to do and if you don't know where to find it there are always other students who probably know of something going on. Since the school happens to be located in the middle of the woods, I feel the students and faculty on campus try to make the most of it by doing as much around the grounds. Students can get a full listing of daily events on the Purchase website which includes what time and where.
Food and Dining Purchase is known for being one of the most vegetarian/vegan friendly campuses in the country. There is a wide variety of healthy foods to choose from as well as good old junk food. The Starbucks on campus is great and usually very crowded, hey New Yorkers need their Starbucks. The Starbucks is also known for having the most variety of sandwiches in the country. Terra Ve is the campus's all vegetarian dining hall. There is also the Hub, which is open the latest out of all dining facilities on campus so it's great for late night cravings. The Hub is a mix of a mini mart and a food court. You can get chips and dip, candy and all that good stuff as well as grab yourself a hot meal.
Dorm Life Dorms are dorms. Most people would prefer to live in the apartments (the Olde, the New, and Alumni Village) because those are where the parties and social gatherings happen. If you get stuck in the New (also known as the Commons), you will have quite a walk to the main campus since it is the furthest out of all the forming facilities. But in return you get to have the most up to date apartments on campus. Dorm at purchase is like a roller coaster, at times it is very relaxing and others it is very hectic. Overall though it is a great experience to life on campus and I would suggest trying it out for at least the first two semesters.
Academic Rigor The classes are great, the professors really try to teach you everything you could possibly learn in one semester. Challenging classes that take you to a whole other level. If you start out a novice in the subject of the class you are taking, you will be a pro by the time finals come. Great learning but you have to try, if you think just because it's an art school that the classes will be easy, you better think again. The professor expect the most from their students and students expect to get the most out of their class experience.
Tips for prospective students The classes are fun but VERY challenging. This is a hard school to get into for incoming high school graduates so I suggest going to a two year school and then transferring in. If you transfer you have a much higher chance of getting in. Make sure you try different classes to test out what you may want to do. The school is full of people who double major and minor in so many things. That is because there are so many majors and minors to choose from as well as a HUGE variety of classes to take.
In three sentences Purchase is a very diverse and open minded college. Highly excepting of different ethnicities, religious beliefs, and a gender/sexuality preferences. If you were considered the weird/artsy/activist/burnout/nerdy or any other label in high school, well this is most likely a great school choice.
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Brandon from Rosedale, NY
06/21/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
3 out of 3 people found this review useful. 9 of 22
Categories Comments Campus Safety University Police are NY State Troopers.
Greek Life None.
Clubs and Activities Socially aware and active in the Purchase community and the International community.
Great for these types of students Open minded, friendly, creative, fun loving, creators.
Bang for the buck Education at Purchase College is comprable to that of Pratt institute, Parsons New School of Design, and the School of Visual Arts. The price, however, amounts to almost half of the competition.
What to do for fun With White Plains and Port Chester minutes away and accessible by a free bus system, opportunities are endless for fun activities.
Tips for prospective students Students should be prepared for a demanding program, but also a warm community of diverse talents.
In three sentences Purchase College is a hidden gem, competing with New York City's best art schools. Its programs are rigorous and competitive, but the culture of the school is in no way hindered by this competition. Students are one body, a collaboration of talent, to create what is SUNY at Purchase College.
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Rachel from Middle Village, NY
10/03/2011Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
1 out of 3 people found this review useful. 10 of 22
Categories Comments Will learn a lot This college has just about everything that I want. I hope that I get accepted into Purchase because once i visited the campus, I almost immediately felt at home. The thing that really blew me away was a couple of weeks ago I actually got a handwritten postcard thanking me for visiting their campus. It was so refreshing and welcoming to have a handwritten card from them, as opposed to a typed paper that had the signature on it printed out from a copier.
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Cathryn from Bay Shore, NY
05/08/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
11 of 22
Categories Comments Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus On campus you can find so many interesting things such as the swings in the middle of the woods. As far as traditions we all can't wait until Zombie Prom and Culture Shock.
What to do for fun There are tons of clubs that are waiting for you here. Specifically the Nerf club and the Larp Club.
Food and Dining There are 4 Places to eat on campus. The Dining Hall, an all you can eat buffet, The Hub, where you can get deli, italian, mexican, or burgers, Terra Ve, a strictly vegetarian area, and Starbucks.
Dorm Life The rooms are small and could be better maintained.
Academic Rigor If you are part of a conservatory, the academics are one of a kind.
Tips for prospective students If you are interested in one particular art, this is the place to really hone in on your skills by joining a conservatory.
In three sentences An environment for people to genuinely express themselves freely. If you are interested in one particular art, this is the place to really hone in on your skills by joining a conservatory.
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Austin
05/23/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
12 of 22
Categories Comments Campus Safety Has own police head quaters on campus, again for safety reasons do not attend culture shock.
Greek Life Does not apply.
Clubs and Activities Numerous for art, psychology, history, and political science majors.
Great for these types of students Heavy into art and psychology students.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Culture Shock, dangerous at night. Surprised it has not been suspended.
Bang for the buck Degree only for the major I'm taking.
What to do for fun Numerous art affairs.
Food and Dining It would be best to eat off campus. Too expensive for the quality.
Dorm Life Commuter does not apply to me.
Academic Rigor Proffers are very rigid in the political science department and demanding on students. Good for challenging the mind to think out of the box. There is no slacking by the educators.
Tips for prospective students If looking into an undergraduate degree for history, arts, or psychology Purchase offers great courses.
In three sentences The faculty give strong support for students with questions on the class assignments and structure. Fellow students are hospitable, and are good sources to grow and challenge oneself.
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Michelle from Stamford, CT
06/02/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
13 of 22
Categories Comments Campus Safety Purchase is a safe city/town, but you may feel uneasy walking around campus alone at night.
Greek Life None.
Clubs and Activities Clubs and activities that I showed interest in were not the best, they felt unfulfilling and it felt as if most members were not fully on board. Organization was not great, members didn't attend meetings regularly. However, I appreciate the free yoga and meditation offered at multiple times throughout the day.
Great for these types of students Open minded,unique, and overall genuine in their desire to learn as well as their sincerity with regards to being true to themselves regardless of any social pressure that dictates otherwise.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The Student Center (better known as The Stood) is a dark graffiti filled space with concrete floors. Events are held there often one of which is the annual Zombie Prom. During the year local bands play shows there, a student run tag sale or book drive is held, etc.
Bang for the buck Absolutely the best education and experience you could get out of a public university.
What to do for fun I've recently started doing a lot of craft projects. I also enjoy listening to music, shopping, dancing, and laughing with friends.
Food and Dining Very nutritious and satisfying food is served at Terra Ve, however the wait is usually absurdly long, There is also a Starbucks on campus that stays open until 11pm, great for late night studying. The other two dining halls were significantly less enjoyable in comparison.
Dorm Life Dorm life can be very difficult, but I think it mostly depends on individual comfortability and respect of (and received by) who you live with during this very stressful and unique few years of ones life. I think the experience varies a lot.
Academic Rigor A lot is required and expected of the students. All courses of study offered are notably rigorous-not just the conservatories. The sciences at purchase are equally as rigorous.
Tips for prospective students Don't try to impress anyone, just be relaxed and act like yourself.
In three sentences Amazing professors. A mostly diverse student body. A great education not just for a state school but compared to any private school.
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Maria Jose from Mexico
06/04/2012Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
0 out of 1 people found this review useful. 14 of 22
Categories Comments Food and Dining really god
Academic Rigor Hard
In three sentences It is my best option to study dance, great program, awesome training
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Jennifer from Canada
06/16/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
15 of 22
Categories Comments Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Zombi prom Fall ball Fall Fest Culture Shock ect :)
What to do for fun Nature, NYC, art shows, Dance shows, Plays and an abundance of resources and clubs.
Tips for prospective students look up the almni and staff in your program that alone stands on its own and, and justifies purchase's amazing reputation.
In three sentences Purchase is home of the artist, the open minded student, and the most welcoming environment. If your searching for for a college campus that truly feels like home Purchase can be your home.
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Anonymous, from Maryland
07/28/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
16 of 22
Categories Comments Campus Safety New York State Troopers are the campus security, and they patrol frequently.
Greek Life There are no fraternities or sororities on campus.
Clubs and Activities There are literally hundreds of club and groups around campus, my personal favorite being the Nerf Club which takes over the Humanities building once a week for a night of foam darts and mayhem and occasionally hosts games of Humans Vs. Zombies.
Great for these types of students Creative, Artistic, Open-Minded.
What to do for fun Port Chester and White Plains aren't terribly large towns, but they have a variety of stores, movie theaters, parks, and the like. There is also a free bus that makes it into White Plains every hour and Port Chester several times a day. Also, it's important to note that getting to NYC is very easy: just take the free bus from campus to White Plains and take a train ($7.50 one way).
Food and Dining There are several options for food on campus. The Dining Hall offers the standard cafeteria-style food. The Hub has a burger joint, a small mexican place, a deli counter, and of course, pizza. Terra Ve is a vegetarian eatery. There is also a Starbucks on the ground floor of one of the dorms that does accept the Purchase meal plan. Also, there is a Food Cooperative that is sometimes open above the Dining Hall.
Dorm Life The dorms are fairly standard; four main dormitories, a wellness dorm, and three on-campus apartment communities. Residence Life can sometimes be difficult to deal with, however.
Academic Rigor It's up to you to take challenging courses and engage yourself, and if you choose to do that then rest assured the resources are available to you.
Tips for prospective students Creative minds encouraged -- that's why the motto is Think Wide Open! You'll meet a wide variety of people with vastly differing opinions, and it's important to keep yourself open to suggestions; someone out there might just change your mind for the better!
In three sentences Purchase College is an excellent school geared toward providing students with a well-rounded liberal arts education. Individual creativity is important, as evidenced by the well-respected Conservatory programs in Dance, Theatre, and Music in addition to the plethora of non-Conservatory majors. Students are also asked to complete a 2 semester senior project that will demonstrate their intellectual growth.
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Miranda from Norwich, NY
11/17/2012Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.
17 of 22
Categories Comments Food and Dining I am not much of a food critic.
Dorm Life I really can not say for I have not attended.
Academic Rigor I believe that this school probably has a fair amount of difficult work.
In three sentences I believe Purchase College is a school I would like to attend because of the variety of experiences one can receive. I also heard that the faculty are great. I believe Purchase is an awesome school.
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Michael from Paramus, NJ
12/03/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
18 of 22
Categories Comments Food and Dining Not so bad, I commute, but from far, so I do eat on campus a lot. It's not horrible. The pizza isn't always cooked all the way.
Dorm Life I commute, but I hear it's pretty good.
Academic Rigor Courses are challenging and enlightening. But not overbearing.
Tips for prospective students There are plenty of opportunities for doing great things here, don't waste them.
In three sentences SUNY Purchase has a very liberal and active student body. The campus is undergoing quite a bit of remodeling. Students and faculty are very encouraging here.
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Lele from Bronx, NY
01/09/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
19 of 22
Categories Comments Campus Safety UDP has is always on campus and they check the traffic coming into the campus mainly on weekends.
Clubs and Activities There are quite a few clubs. Namely: the cheese club (name implies what its about), GRIOT (spoken word poetry club), LGBLT, OPIA & SOCA (for student of african ancestry), chess club, hip-hop club.
Great for these types of students If you like relaxing your mind and going on trips ;-) great place to be.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus There's a cemetery on campus but nothing to be freaked out about.
Bang for the buck the campus is in the middle of nowhere so its a good idea if you drive to get close to civilization. The campus shuttle bus is always available to transport you to white plains or port chester.
What to do for fun Go to the stood for the parties on the weekend. Have parties in your room.
Food and Dining The food at first may not taste bad but once you start eating it day in day out you realize how terrible it is. The food at the Vegetarian restaurant on campus is possibly the best.
Dorm Life Quite sociable. Lots of fun once you get to know the people around you.
Academic Rigor The course work and be really rigorous. Be expected to put in a lot of hours into homework.
Tips for prospective students Be very open minded and don't discriminate against sexual orientation.
In three sentences Good school especially if your in the art field. Great dance, acting and music conservatory. Friendly atmosphere.
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Victoria from Bayside, NY
01/12/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
20 of 22
Categories Comments What to do for fun Clubs, socialize, and take the Loop to White Plains.
Food and Dining Four different dining facilities with meals catered to vegans and vegetarians.
Dorm Life The dorms are not up to date, but they are stereotypical for a college dorm. There are many different living situations to choose from. The student population enjoys being active and social.
Tips for prospective students Visit the school to ensure that SUNY Purchase is right for you. Meet and talk to professors and students in your major. Sit in on a class or shadow a student for a day.
In three sentences SUNY Purchase is a relatively small, nurturing school. The student population is welcoming and academically stimulating. The professors are passionate about the classes they teach. Purchase is the perfect school for students who are excited to learn and do so in a challenging setting.
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Katie from Purchase, NY
01/31/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
21 of 22
Categories Comments Campus Safety very good campus police
Greek Life none
Clubs and Activities nerf, cheese club,
Great for these types of students different
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus well there is fall ball: a giant drag show, and zombie prom
What to do for fun Well the student center is cool. and theres always the gym.
Food and Dining great for the first two weeks then your like I want real food
Dorm Life kinda sucks not gonna lie
Academic Rigor for the Design/Technology BFA program any way
Tips for prospective students Go here for theater, or for arts of any kind. Be sure and have all of your ducks in a row and look professional for your interview/audition.
In three sentences If you want a school for the theater arts then this is it. If you want a school for science keep looking. The school has a nick name SUNY Poor Choice.
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Sarah from Purchase, NY
02/12/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
22 of 22
Categories Comments Campus Safety There is a state police department located on campus which works closely with the community. I have never felt unsafe at any time and if I ever needed assistance, I feel confident that my needs would be met appropriately.
Greek Life There is no greek life at Purchase.
Great for these types of students Artistic, outgoing, creative, self-motivated, collaborators
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Fall ball is the annual drag-show located in the student center (Stood). Dress up, or not, sign up to perform or enjoy the show...this is one of the most popular events at Purchase!
Food and Dining There is a vegetarian eatery (Terra Ve), a main dining hall (buffet style), a pay per item option (the Hub), and Starbucks. All of these places accept the meal plan.
Dorm Life Get your housing request in as early as possible! As you get older, the housing options are better.
Academic Rigor The journalism department has been outstanding in improving my writing and opening up internship opportunities. Across all areas of study, internships are encouraged and the Career Development Center is a great resource to get started. The faculty are all experienced in their field and bring their real-world expertise into the classroom.
In three sentences Purchase college is a diverse community that encourages collaboration and creativity. Students in different areas of study often work together on projects to diversify their work and broaden their learning experience. Purchase offers a place for everyone to feel comfortable while also offering room to grow.
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