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State University of New York at New Paltz Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See State University of New York at New Paltz reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending State University of New York at New Paltz. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free State University of New York at New Paltz reviews, or contribute your own State University of New York at New Paltz review if you're a current student there.

  • 6 out of 6 people found this review useful.

    Cristina from White Plains, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The statement I am learning a lot at SUNY New Paltz is really a hit or miss depending on who your professor is. I have learned a lot from some professors, but I truly feel that other courses were an utter waste of time. If you suspect your professor doesn't know what they are doing after a few days of class, I suggest dropping it right away and adding a different one.
    Am enjoying being here

    I am pretty indifferent about attending this school. I do not like living in the dorm though- it's dirty and loud, and the professors aren't the best. What I do like about the school is its proximity to the mountains. There are a lot of State Parks and there are a lot of very beautiful places to swim and hike when it's warm. I like that it's away from the city, but at the same time it takes very little effort to get there. I also like having the great study abroad opportunities.
    Bang for the buck

    I know New Paltz is a state university and is cheaper than private schools, but including books (and if your an art major, art materials), living money, fees, etc it comes out to nearly 20,000/year: so I expect to get a good education from this place...
    Unfortunately it's rare to get a professor who really knows how to teach. Sometimes i wonder why I am paying my professor's salaries when they have not taught me one thing the entire semester. This especially goes for a few professors in the Italian and Spanish Departments.

    Campus food is extremely overpriced. It is mandatory to have a meal plan if you live on campus. The food is absolutely repulsive and not at all nutritious--if your a vegetarian/vegan you will probably become anemic(I speak from experience).
    Tips for prospective students

    Regarding School of Liberal Arts and Sciences:
    Though most people don't know this, at New Paltz is possible to make up your own major. For example, I was originally a spanish major with an Italian minor and I wanted to study french so I created a Contract Major in Romance Languages. Your adviser may try and steer you away from doing this but don't let them put you down. If you decide to create your own major in what ever subject you choose, I would suggest working with the Associate Dean Dr. Lynn Spangler; she's very supportive.

    Regarding School of Fine and Performing Art:
    New Paltz is a seeming liberal town/university with a very big art program. One would think it's a great place for art students who are on a budget and don't want to give up a liberal arts education, but it really depends on what your goals are. Take the Painting Department for instance: very strict, very difficult to get into the BFA painting program(limited studio space), bad attitudes toward illustrative work, work is almost exclusively done in oil. Basically, don't come here if you have thoughts in the back of your head of eventually becoming an illustrator, because it won't fly here. There's only one water color class, and it doesn't teach control of the medium, again-big focus on oil. The good thing is if you get into the BFA program for painting you get your own studio space which is extremely rare especially for undergraduate school. If you're interested in Metals: while visiting the school faculty may lead you to think that though uncommon, students are able to work on a large scale as opposed to jewelry-don't buy it. Furthermore, the BFA program is not very interdisciplinary at all. You choose one art form and pretty much stick with it. It is also nearly impossible to get a BFA in four years, especially if you have other majors/minors.
    As far as art history goes, don't plan on being an Art History major if your interested in art other than European, Greek, Roman and American art. there is an extremely limited number of art history courses offered in subjects other than these, but they are very flexible with transferring other courses from study abroad etc.

    Regarding Campus Life:
    If you have mobility impairment I would not suggest coming to New Paltz. I live in Capen, an accessible dorm: there is no elevator and the kitchen is on the 3rd floor. Hasbrouck Dining Hall is no better: If you use a wheelchair you need to use the backdoor entrance and take an extra long trip to get there(there are stairs leading to the front door of the dining hall and then there is another set of stairs from the entrance upstairs to get to the food). Downstairs from Hasbrouck there is a food court that is open late at night. In order to get inside with a wheel chair you need to go through the back entrance/through the kitchen which ironically has the most nauseating odor. In addition, during the winter, the maintenance crew does a terrible job clearing ice on the walk ways on campus, which makes it very easy to slip and fall/ have your wheel chair go out of control. There is a Disability Resource Center on campus but they only do so much.
    Great for these types of students

    The school is good for students who are not vegetarian/vegan and who don't have mobility impairment. I would also assume it's good for science/math students because it is necessary for those subjects to be extremely structured unlike art.

  • 3 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Brianna from Wappingers Falls, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    This is my first semester at New Paltz and I do feel like I am learning a lot. It's a liberal arts college, so there is a great variety of choices of classes to suit you. My professors are all very intelligent and have great styles of teaching, so it's not just sitting in a lecture an hour every day. For my art class we actually take field trips to local museums. There is a lot of hand on work, not just listening to a lecture, which, in my opinion, makes for a better learning experience.
    Am enjoying being here

    I am enjoying New Paltz, for the most part. However, being a transfer student is a very unpleasant experience. First of all, there is no on campus housing if you transfer from another school. You have to find your own apartment or commute from home if you live close enough. Second, making my schedule at orientation was a nightmare. The majority of the classes had filled and there was no one on one advising. It was hard to know exactly what you needed to take, and even if you did know, the class probably was full. They were able to put me in some full classes, but they will not do that for certain courses, such as Psychology courses. Also, parking for commuters is much further than parking for residents and faculty/staff.

    The people here are very friendly, and there is a 2:1 ratio of residents to commuters, so fitting in is not extremely hard. The professors and staff are also very helpful.
    Bang for the buck

    SUNY New Paltz was rated 36th out of 100 on Kiplinger's BEST VALUE schools. You will get everything you pay for. State schools will always be cheaper than private schools and they are definitely a good way to go, considering you still get a stellar education.
    Tips for prospective students

    My suggestion is that if you plan on being a transfer student, apply early and MAYBE you can get a dorm, if that is what you wish to do. Also, make sure you go into orientation knowing what you need to take for the most part.

    As far as freshman go, I think you will have a very good time if you can live on or close to campus.
    Great for these types of students

    New Paltz is great if you are not a transfer student. I have to drive 40 minutes every morning because they don't offer any campus housing for us. The commute also makes it much easier to miss class when things like blizzards come in to play. New Paltz seems to not care about it's transfer students.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Shannon from Baldwin, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I love the professors I have gotten, I believe that I have learned a lot in my first semester here.
    Am enjoying being here

    The town is great (during the day, at night if you aren't 21 the bars aren't where you're going to go). The people here are nice, its a liberal art school.
    Bang for the buck

    I took a lot of college courses while in high school and new paltz took all of them, so that is saving me a lot. It is a SUNY so its priced about the same as the rest of them I do believe. College is still expensive no matter where you go so if you're going to go SUNY check out New Paltz!
    Tips for prospective students

    Come visit us! There are great tours, and if you apply and get accepted there is an accepted students tour in April (which I attended last year and where I fell in love with the school).
    Great for these types of students

    Anybody, I have met all types of people here. Anyone you can or cannot categorize is here.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Lana from Brooklyn, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    New Paltz is an open and diverse community that is ripe with opportunity. The campus is beautiful and there are many great student organizations, which can help you to meet like-minded people. Its academics are average, although there are some really amazing professors here!
    Tips for prospective students

    Join a student organization to stay involved and meet new people.
    Academic Rigor

    Depending on the teacher, a class could either be really hard or really easy. On average, the professors are engaging and the workload is not too intense.
    Dorm Life

    If you enjoy cooking and living in a unsupervised environment, dorm life is not ideal. However, living on campus can be a safe and comfortable experience.
    Food and Dining

    The on-campus food is not ideal, but that is coming from some who is vegan that prefers organic and local food. If you enjoy fried junk food, on-campus food is the way to go. However, they do have some vegan/ vegetarian friendly options. The off campus food is great and there are many different options.
    What to do for fun

    Yoga classes are really great to take it your free time! Also exploring the town, or the mountains and rivers is really fun. Definitely take hikes, go rock climbing, and swim in the lakes (not the wallkill river)!
    Bang for the buck

    You can get whatever experience you want out of college. For that reason, I say that New Paltz is a very worth the experience.
    Great for these types of students

    New Paltz is great for open and friendly people. There are people of every race, ethincity, sexuality and spirituality here. Its a great place to melt in the pot!
    Clubs and Activities

    Two thumbs up for club and student organization activities. Join a student organization if you can! It will be very enriching.
    Campus Safety

    Campus is extremely safe. There is very little to worry about at any time of day or night.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Babette from Sag Harbor, NY

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    suny new paltz was interesting and exciting. the teachers were helpful and imformative. the student body was diverse and friendly.
    Tips for prospective students

    enjoy every moment. get involved.
    Academic Rigor

    a good amount of hours per week doing work.
    Dorm Life

    lots of activities.
    Food and Dining

    variety of options.
    What to do for fun

    take a hike in the mountains. go to town and see an open mic performance.
    Bang for the buck

    there are always specials at different places.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    wing night at mcguillicuddys.
    Great for these types of students

    all.
    Clubs and Activities

    the list is endless.
    Greek Life

    exciting.
    Campus Safety

    there are emergency phones all over campus.

  • 2 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Marae from Bronx, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I have learned a lot from this school. In high school I did not study much and got good grades. In college I have had to change my routine. Now I have to study.
    Am enjoying being here

    I do enjoy being in New Paltz. The people are very kind. The town is quiet and peaceful. Its much different from what I am use to, being from the city.
    Bang for the buck

    SUNY New Paltz is a state university. So it is more afforable than private universities. New Paltz has many organizations and programs that help students, especially first year students, manage with college life.
    Tips for prospective students

    Study hard, have fun once in a while, and be open to new opportunities and people.
    Great for these types of students

    Artsy, social, liberal, and hardworking

  • 123456

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Making unnecessary changes which don't benefit current students. Lots of fun off campus in town. Decent school but some teachers should not be teaching.
    Tips for prospective students

    Get to know your teachers, don't declare majors right away, move off campus and save money!
    Academic Rigor

    It varies depending on teacher so much that it can't even be rated properly.
    Dorm Life

    Dorms are decent but some RAs are too strict while others are super lenient.
    Food and Dining

    Hasbrouck is awful, the SUB is very good especially with all the recent changes they have made. Shouldn't be forced to eat at Hasbrouck so much as freshman though.
    What to do for fun

    Go into town, plenty of places to eat and shop. Bars are fun.
    Bang for the buck

    Food is overpriced, and living on campus is much more expensive than living off.
    Great for these types of students

    Hippies.
    Greek Life

    School hates it, but it made my entire experience.
    Campus Safety

    They seem to do a good job but once in a while you hear of a crazy story.

  • Amanda from Staten Island, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    New Paltz is an excellent environment for diverse students. Everyone here is unique in their own way, which I love. Each group of friends is like its own Breakfast Club, where the strangest people just mesh and form lasting friendships.
    Tips for prospective students

    Come in with an open mind and an open mouth. Don't be afraid to speak out for what you believe in. With hard work, dedication, and good time management skills you can handle being part of an organization, working part-time, having fun, and still getting a high GPA.
    Academic Rigor

    Classes here are pretty hard, but as long as you put the time in you will have no problem succeeding.
    Dorm Life

    Dorm life is okay as long you get the right RAs and RDs. Some of them are unjust. Dubois and Gage are definitely the best halls to live in!
    Food and Dining

    Most people on campus dread Hasbrouck Dining Hall, but personally I love it. It is a buffet with so many choices. The Sub is okay, but the food is kind of fattening. I love Oscars but once again you have to make healthy choices to stay healthy.
    What to do for fun

    Town is always a hot place to be at night. During the day I spend my time lounging on the quad or at the gym either working or working out. The gym is always a great place to meet people and make friends! I'm also a member of the cheerleading team. Go Hawks!
    Bang for the buck

    The town is just awesome! Everyone here is nice and very open. Everyone is also unique in their own way and people are very unlikely to judge you.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    In the beginning of the year and towards the end of the year campus holds so many different barbeques to celebrate its students as well as the nice weather. We also have performances from people such as Nas and Wale.
    Great for these types of students

    Artists, jocks, prospective fraternity and sorority members, hipsters, hippies, and anyone who's just willing to be themselves.
    Clubs and Activities

    I'm a member of Cheerleading and I absolutely love my team. New Paltz also has so many other clubs, club sports, and organizations to consider.
    Greek Life

    New Paltz has several fraternities and sororities to choose from, although Greek Life is not my thing, most of my close friends are members and they are all awesome people!
    Campus Safety

    We've had some scares on campus but many of them have been handled properly.

  • Kelly from New Rochelle, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    It's a diverse school, full of all kinds of people. The professors are generally concerned about their students' academics and well-being. Set in a small town, New Paltz is good school for students who want a quality education.
    Dorm Life

    With 13 dorms to choose from, it's fun to go room-shopping and see where one wants to live.
    Food and Dining

    There are different food places on campus. Freshman have an unlimited meal plan that grants them access to Hasbrouck Dining Hall as many times a day as they please.
    What to do for fun

    There are a bunch of bars in town, it's fun for upperclassman. For freshman, there are a bunch of programs and fun lectures on campus.
    Great for these types of students

    Art lovers, education majors, diverse, unique people.
    Clubs and Activities

    There are many different clubs on campus, there's a club for everybody.
    Campus Safety

    There are many places that are dark and creepy, especially by the south side dorms (Esopus and Lenape) since they are right by the woods. The campus police aren't around too much, but I guess they come around when you need them.

  • Loucia from Astoria, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    I absolutely love New Paltz. It is warm and inviting. The school is awesome in every single way.
    Tips for prospective students

    GO HERE! It's cheap, beautiful, the town is lively, academics are great and it's fun.
    Academic Rigor

    They definitely have a great reputation for business, art, education and liberal arts. But every major is great here.
    Dorm Life

    Dorms are great, people are friendly and nice and the RA's always have fun programs.
    Food and Dining

    Dining is okay, but i've compared it with other SUNY's and it's one of the best.
    What to do for fun

    Go to town! Go climb the mountain! Go swim in waterfalls! Dance, party, go to bars, stay on campus...there's so much to do!
    Bang for the buck

    They offer scholarships and programs to help pay for the tuition.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    There's a pond with duckies!
    Great for these types of students

    Hipsters...or anyone really
    Clubs and Activities

    lots of activities to chose from
    Greek Life

    Greek life is there but not in your face
    Campus Safety

    very safe campus

  • Ekene-Maria from Walden, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    new paltz is frequently ranked as one of the best small state universities in the country. it boasts a highly trained intellectual faculty with many years of experience in their fields. the neighboring community is very friendly and open to people from a diversity of backgrounds.
    Tips for prospective students

    come with an open mind. don't be afraid of your professors, they are there to help and have office hours for a reason. bring your sense of adventure, you can always discover something new and interesting at new paltz.
    Academic Rigor

    you get what you put in. if you study hard and put in the time and effort required to get an a you'll get it. some professors might seem very easy at first but they know what they what and expect it from you, even if they don't say it. so once again office hours are you friend!
    Dorm Life

    off-campus student, but from my friends who live on campus i've heard that its best to choose suite style dorms because the bathrooms are cleaner. there aren't any curfews for the dorms and residence are allowed to have overnight guest as long as they check them in.
    Food and Dining

    food on campus is good and diverse except in hasbrouck dining hall. freshmen have a mandatory hasbrouck meal plan for the first semester. but improvements are in the works for hasbrouck and alternative meal plans for first semester freshmen.
    What to do for fun

    its a party every night, frequent mountain trips are offered year long. in the fall there's apple picking and strawberries in the summer time. ultimate frisbee and handball clubs. movie theater
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    the clock tower is automated, the business building is very far away from most of the other buildings on campus but, there is a park across from it that is great for relaxing during warm weather. the school also has annual concerts with stars like gym class heroes, nas, and wale that are free for students. the view of the mohonk mountains is amazing from the 10th floor of the jft.
    Great for these types of students

    liberals, environmentalist, gypsies, new paltz is also great for students who are into nature hikes and mountain climbing. lots of farms in the area so seasonal fruits like apples and strawberries can be bought literally farm fresh at fair prices.
    Clubs and Activities

    new paltz has a diversity of clubs to meet everybody's needs and it is easy for students to start their own clubs if the wish.
    Campus Safety

    the campus is very safe, campus police is very helpful and emergency phones are widely available on campus. also taxi services are available for students who don't feel safe walking late at night

  • Kristin from Sayville, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    the state university of new york at new paltz has a welcoming environment and its students and faculty are truly unique. i feel that teachers take time out of their schedules specifically for helping students. the culture the school embraces is friendly and there are opportunities for everyone to become involved and meet others.
    Tips for prospective students

    become involved in the many activities new paltz offers. there is an extensive range of clubs offered with people welcoming you to try them all. new paltz really knows how to make people feel comfortable.
    Academic Rigor

    as an art major i feel the faculty at new paltz will work with students one-on-one for optimal understanding. if a student if confused or unsure, there is always the option of going to office hours that all teachers provide. there are many classes to choose from in each major, and with my personal experience i feel that i am receiving the best education i can.
    Dorm Life

    dorm life is a great way to meet others and become involved. the ras in each building put great effort into letting students know of upcoming events. ras are normally very nice and are always helpful, you can go talk to them at any point in the day or the week.
    Food and Dining

    there are 3 meal plans that students can choose from, and they depend on which dining place one prefers to eat at. hasbrouck dining hall offers an all you can eat buffet-style cuisine and a small vegetarian/vegan section. the sub has many options for different cuisines ranging from sushi to mexican.
    What to do for fun

    there are always events occurring on and off campus, it is almost impossible to not find something going on. new paltz is known for our regional poetry slams, musical performances and there is also an art gallery on campus. the gym offers great classes such as yoga and belly dancing and they are free for students to attend as much as they would like.
    Bang for the buck

    while the tuition rises it becomes difficult for people to attend state collages, however if one is going to spend any kind of money they should choose new paltz. i was having trouble paying for school so i took out student loans. even though the tuition is high i would not choose another college.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    new paltz has annual festivals such as rock against racism where crafters sell their crafts on the quad of the school while musicians play on a stage. there is also a big musical performance at night which has very popular musicians, for example last year the rapper nas preformed. also the regional poetry slam is held at new paltz and its a great competition of listening to people pour their hearts out.
    Great for these types of students

    its great for students of all walks of life. new paltz offers a great study abroad program so if you are itching for an adventure you should go abroad from new paltz. specifically, new paltz has a strong artistic community with many talented artists, poets, and musicians.
    Clubs and Activities

    this has to be new paltz's strongest point. there is an extensive amount of clubs ranging from crochet/knitting to fencing. there are many activities offered through the gym such as skiing, rock climbing, ice climbing, trapeze, and the list goes on.
    Greek Life

    there are many sororities and fraternities at new paltz each containing unique qualities. there is a jewish fraternity that hosts events and fundraisers. there are many types of sororities and fraternities depending on what one is looking for, ranging from academic to religious.
    Campus Safety

    new paltz is a very safe campus, there are blue lights set up every few feet with a telephone inside in case of emergency. there is an escort service available as well if you do not feel comfortable. the police station is located right on campus and they are very helpful.

  • Shauna

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    visit!! i've been there twice, its a beautiful area :d
    Academic Rigor

    i was told it was good, it is a pretty selective school.
    Dorm Life

    the suite i visited looked pretty nice, there was a living room- like lounge with 4 doors leading into the 4 rooms. they were normal dorm rooms, nothing special. there is free cable and you cant have a microwave. you have to rent a micro-fridge from the school, which is basically just a microwave bolted to the top of a mini-fridge. the bathroom was also stemmed off the lounge area, and had 3 sinks, a shower stall, and two bathroom stalls. the girls living there told me that it gets cleaned once a month.
    Food and Dining

    i ate in the dining hall, there was nothing wrong with the food. there are a lot of options, and there are also a lot of food options in town.
    Bang for the buck

    i heard it was ranked among the top 100 best value colleges by the princeton review or something of that nature
    Clubs and Activities

    there is a ton of clubs, and if there isnt one youre interested in, you can start one pretty easily as long as you have other people who are interested.
    Campus Safety

    i saw blue lights, it's a nice town. it seemed pretty safe. i saw lots of police cars driving around both times i visited.

  • Kelsey

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    extremely rural surroundings, with little to do around town. huge party school with lots of smoking, drinking and drugs. not receommended for potential theatre students- not a strong program, and unpleasant people and professors; good for general education though.
    Tips for prospective students

    look at the course catalog! i can't stress enough how important it is for you to really make sure that the school you choose (new paltz or otherwise) has your major and enough classes in that major to keep you there. i made that mistake.
    Academic Rigor

    the gen ed's are exactly what they say they are, general. they are tailored for all grade levels, so they aren't horribly challenging. classes can also be slightly harder or easier based on your professor. not the most academically challenging school.
    Dorm Life

    dorms are alright, not the worst i've seen, but they are fairly dirty, even after they've been cleaned. god help you if you live in a triple. not only is it one extra person to deal with, but when there are 3 desks, 3 dressers and 2 closets in a room that is meant two, it's really crowded and it gets old fast.
    Food and Dining

    as a first semester freshman, you are only allowed to have a hasbrouck only dining plan. as nice as it is to have unlimited meals, the dining hall gets old quickly. the food is not bad, but after a while, you just want something else. there are quite a few on campus options that are not hasbrouck, but you'll have to use hawk dollars or your $50 dining dollars. the food on campus other than the dining hall is surprisingly great! the other cool thing about your hawk dollars is that there are buisnesses around town that will take hawk dollars as payment (ie subway or la bella pizzeria).
    What to do for fun

    there is virtually nothing to do in the town of new paltz. the town consists of a few restaurants, some head shops and that's about it. there is the new paltz loop that can take you into town, but again there's almost nothing to do. the closest mall is over 30 minutes away, and it's a ghost town almost all the time. unless you're a big partier, you're kind of out of options. the only other thing i would recommend are some clubs. i really enjoy dumbledore's army (the on campus harry potter fan club) and miami theatre players that do shows available to anyone.
    Bang for the buck

    better priced than most schools, but i think it's still a little pricey for what they offer.
    Great for these types of students

    hippies and hipsters. seriously, people who go to new paltz generally were meant to be born in the 60's.
    Clubs and Activities

    some clubs are great, but many are inclusive and tough to fit in to.
    Greek Life

    some frats and sororities, but they're mostly unaccredited.
    Campus Safety

    campus police is pretty good. never been any serious problems on campus, and if there have, campus police has been there to stop it.

  • Michael from Hilton, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    new paltz's greatest strength is its community, both of students and professors. the classes and campus themselves are great, but this is helped greatly by the good people that reside here. i can't imagine going anywhere else.
    Tips for prospective students

    1. make friends, or at least try to! you'll have a much better time, even if you just be friends with your roommates! 2. don't procrastinate. it worked for me in high school, but college is a whole new game.
    Academic Rigor

    i've had to work hard, but it never gets overwhelming.
    Dorm Life

    some dorms are better than others but all of them have plenty of activities that are actually fun to attend, and the aforementioned great people that attend. i have no complaints about the living conditions either.
    Food and Dining

    hasbrouck dining hall is as good as you can get for college food, i think. it isn't a fancy banquet hall, but it's a lot more substance then you'd expect. the hall itself is well-kept and clean as well.
    What to do for fun

    it's a small town but there's plenty of nice little stores and places to hang out in walking distance of the campus. there's no huge mall or anything but there's lots of places to eat, a movie theater, and quite a few bookstores and music stores and other quaint little places to shop. a perfect college town!
    Bang for the buck

    obviously not one of the most expensive suny schools, but it's still a very nice place indeed.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    you can bet you'll end up at fat bob's pizza several times in the course of the semester. it's just the place to go!
    Great for these types of students

    they don't call this the hippie school for nothing; so many people here are laid back and very open to many kinds of people and opinions. whether you're a sporty person or you prefer a good book or videogame, or anything in between, you'll find your place here.
    Clubs and Activities

    it's a little difficult sometimes to find out where and when clubs meet, but we do have an excellent variety.
    Campus Safety

    i've never felt in danger at new paltz, and my peers (both male and female) can say the same.

  • Shannon from Port Jefferson Station, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Here at New Paltz, there are definitely teachers you can either learn tons from or nothing from. We are taught using SmartBoard technology, and online with Blackboard Learn. In my first year, and first semester, at New Paltz we got hit with Hurricane Irene. The mail room, administration, and book store buildings had their basements flooded--we could not access them for more than one week. The flooding caused the campus' Wi-Fi and Internet to fail, and the dorms were without cable. Our classes were cancelled for 3-4 days, simply because the professors could not teach off of the Internet. Though the professors teach off the Internet, the majority of them do a great job maneuvering on the Smart Boards and on the new technology, though the older professors have some issues.
    Am enjoying being here

    I currently live in Gage Hall, and it is such a nice building, with TWO laundry rooms, and elevator, and multiple lounges. The town is so close, and there is a Starbucks Coffee shop around the corner from the academic buildings. Certain dorm halls should be a last choice for most normal, non-partying freshmen, or first-years as SUNY New Paltz calls us. The halls ought to be last choice because of the odors or extremely small laundry rooms, like Shango or Scudder. When looking for a building to live in, check the campus maps! This should heavily impact your choice, consider if you want to be able to run to class in 5 minutes, or would you like to be near Hasbrouck Dining Hall?
    Bang for the buck

    I love the pricing of the tuition, but the textbook costs are making my wallet cry. Some professors, especially for lab courses (mainly in the sciences) require the newest, most expensive textbooks. As long as the student has enough water, snacks, and cold-cuts in the room, they are set for dorm life. The town of New Paltz has a UCAT LOOP bus, free for New Paltz students with a valid ID card. This bus is so wonderful, it drops you off near the grocery stores, by the banks, pharmacies, etc.
    Tips for prospective students

    A female first-year's top most needed items for college: a printer, sunglasses, rain boots, umbrella, a well stocked first aid kit, and hand sanitizer. A printer should be in your room, simply because at 11pm you want the luxury to print an assignment off of Blackboard Learn, and not walk across the dark campus to the [possibly closed] library. And each student,or room, should have a First Aid kit, with some Pepto Bismol, for the first two weeks of transitioning from great home-cooked food to what is served in Hasbrouck Dining Hall. Trust my roommate and I, the Pepto Bismol and medical gloves will be needed, especially when one of you gets sick in the room.
    Bring some spending money, for those weekends where you don't feel like eating the small selection of food served only on the weekends in the dining hall.
    Great for these types of students

    The campus is such a great place for students who are somewhat artistic, whether through music or painting, photography, or just sitting outside and enjoying the outdoors. The school may not be for everyone, but it is a great choice for those interested in majoring in Art, Education, Engineering, etc. There are many clubs and organizations at SUNY New Paltz, including a sexual orientation equality club, and the campus community takes the principle of diversity very seriously, there are students of nearly every ethnic background and language here.
    There can be health benefits at New Paltz? Yes! If the student has a breathing problem, such as Reactive Airway Disease or Asthma, the air near the mountains helps relieve the coughing fits, I hardly need to use my inhalers now. Never fear of the freshman 15, as every first year will be walking, jogging, skateboarding, biking, or roller blading everywhere, and there is a HUGE extremely equipped gym on campus.

  • Victoria from North Bellmore, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The classes that are offered here are definitely different from your basic high school classes. They allow students to really explore topics they may have never heard of before. The professors I have encountered so far are pretty knowledgeable in their fields and from my experience many hold PhD's which is a positive thing.
    Am enjoying being here

    The town is very enjoyable. There is a lot to do if you own a car or have another mode of transportation. Personally, I don't have a car and the town and the areas within walking distance can become boring very quickly.
    Bang for the buck

    Room and board is a little expensive, but you almost have to expect that from any school. If in state the overall tuition isn't horrible, but if out of state if will do damage in the money area.
    Tips for prospective students

    Freshman year is a very important time to start getting involved. I made the mistake of not joining many clubs or venturing to see what the school has to offer. There are so many student organizations that they definitely have something for everyone.
    Great for these types of students

    People who can effectively manage their studying time. Those who are not so into sports and athletics (since it isn't a big part of the campus, but it is definitely there).

  • Natalie from Ossining, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    depending on the teacher and the effort you put it, is what you get out of it. i have had teachers i loved but more often than not, it is a struggle to go to classes. some you learn more than others
    Am enjoying being here

    so much better than SUNY Oneonta!!! I live off campus and i love where i live and my friends here but school is sometimes a terror to go through
    Bang for the buck

    prices keep increasing on tuition but it is still a SUNY and you get a great education
    Tips for prospective students

    make sure you look well rounded and write a kick-ass essay. join clubs, do sports, get an internship or take college credits while in high school, do things that make you stand out an a good college candidate
    Great for these types of students

    artsy, hippy, non-homophobic, and even if you are not this kind of kid, after a year here, you will be a total hippy.

  • Winona from Brooklyn, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Since New Paltz is a liberal art school, there are so many different subjects and things you can learn here. New Paltz offers many classes and students are free to take whatever they want to.
    Am enjoying being here

    The campus is small which makes it easier to meet people. It's very cozy side of campus and the town outside is so cute. I have grown to love the campus and the people.
    Bang for the buck

    For what we pay, I would like to get more out of it but seeing that tuition is rising in all colleges, it seems fair. The cost of the food and the things sold at the book store are fairly priced.
    Tips for prospective students

    This school may be confusing at first, but what campus isn't. The people are extremely friendly and outgoing. You don't have to worry if you don't have a major in mind yet, because most students don't. Many change their major at least once during their college career.
    Great for these types of students

    This school is for students who are still deciding on what they want to do. It is also a school for students who already know too. It is also for students who like nature because there are a lot of beautiful scenic places. Basically it is a school suited for anyone and everyone.

  • Current New Paltz Student

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I feel as if I were more challenged in high school than here in college. For many majors, classes are offered in a specific sequence, making it hard to rearrange things and take a wide variety of courses.
    Am enjoying being here

    It's a pleasant area and a pleasant campus.
    Bang for the buck

    It's good. It's a state school and it's really good for out-of-state students... it has been nationally recognized for its value. Tuition-wise, it's great.

    However, they raise prices of room and board without warning which is incredibly unfair.

  • Marian from Brooklyn, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Great for these types of students

    New Paltz has a mellow atmosphere to the extent where some classes are taken outside on warmer days. This school is ideal for students looking to go into the Arts. The town is only a short walking distance and the area nearby provide lots of outdoor activities such as snowboarding and hiking trails.