Alfred University
Alfred, NY, USA

Reviews

Alfred University

Matthew from Russell, PA

a current student here
10 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
This review is being written in complete and total contrast from 'Tulane Tom'. I am not sure if he is even describing the same university. Tom says that the ceramic engineering program, regarded as one of the best in the world, is built up to nothing. Not to mention the engineering program as a whole that offers a very unique and challenging curriculum that is ABET (accreditation board for engineering and technology) certified. Very few other institution offer outstanding ceramic, glass, and materials classes, research opportunities, and expertise from established professors in a smaller classroom setting. And fewer places offer the ability to use lab equipment (SEMs, X-Ray Diffraction machines, etc) as early as your first/second semester. As for getting stuck in a 'crummy town' with a job in ceramics, I can tell you this will not happen. As a sophomore materials science engineering student I have landed a paid research co-op in Albany, NY (not a crummy place in the midwest) at a company called Ceralink (www.ceralink.com)
Am enjoying being here
It is true that Alfred is in the middle of nowhere, and at times may seem remote, but this does not mean that the people here aren't friendly or engaging. Your college experience is what you make of it, and I can say that for the short time I've been at AU I've enjoyed myself.
Bang for the buck
My tuition at Alfred (which is out-of-state for me) is the neighborhood of 19-20k a year. Compare that to a tuition of 25k a year for Penn State (which is in-state for me). You decide which is a better value.

Alexandrea from Buffalo, NY

researching this school
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
It was a very beautiful campus. Students were friendly, professors were informative and clubs were abundant. All around, a wonderful University.
Tips for prospective students
Look at your financial aid packages from all the schools you've been accepted to and don't be afraid to ask Alfred's admissions and financial aid offices if there is any way to even out the differences. They do want to see you there next year as part of their family.

Also - ASK QUESTIONS! See if you can stay the night to get a feel of the dorms. Ask if you can speak to professors or even students about the campus, classes and yes even the quality of food. They WILL be honest in their answers. Professors get paid regardless of their opinions and seniors get their degree in May - they have no reason to lie to get you there.
Academic Rigor
I sat in for two classes during my overnight stay (they really want you to get a feel of the campus so feel free to ask about it). The professors were really cool. The professor of the gerontology course remembered her students by name and really connected with them if her jokes were anything to go by. She was engagingly and made sure student were not just writing, but listening to what she was teaching and form they're own opinion and get actual experience with the elderly. The Art History professor was someone to be admired to. Her class started with the breaking down of former conceptions of art and society and builds it back up with the addition of new information.

The classes actually seem challenging and stimulating.
Dorm Life
They show you the dorms on the tour and yes, the hallways are a bit narrow but the rooms are a very nice size. The walls are concrete so no, you can't really use thumbtacks, but you can dress it up if you're creative. Plus they will never place more than two students in one room as they're policy. They really care about your living conditions.
Food and Dining
I ate dinner while I was there and my host (who was but far the nicest person I've ever met) made it a point to warn me about the food. Apparently it won some of the Worse campus foods or something and they sometimes had thing on the menu that was meant only for the pregnant and starving to the point of obliviousness.

... But I tasted the food and it was fine. Really - it was totally average. And it was also pretty clean. Plus the entire place is covered in awesome student made artwork (but I'm weird so mind me not for that comment...).
What to do for fun
They are in the sticks so don't go expecting night clubs. Still the admins and students do make ever effort to bring the fun to campus. Concerts, theater, art shows, parties, festivals - they have a little something for everyone and if you're wanting for more, they work with you to make it happen.
Bang for the buck
It was a bit pricey for my economic situation but they most certainly tried to bridge the gap. They we're neck and neck with my first choice school, which was pretty amazing.

The only real draw backs where the location and my not wanting to take extra loans.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
It is essential to dress up the King Alfred Statue as a graduation requirement. They will withhold your diploma until you do.

...Okay just kidding, but they do dress King Alfred up. It's pretty funny.
Great for these types of students
If you're trying to actually focus on studies and be laid back rather then partying this is your place.And even if you want to party a little you can go and visit Alfred State, which is quite literally, across the street.

DON'T APPLY IF YOU HATE HILLS. I warn you now, you will be in the shape of your life walking from class to class and dorm to dorm.
Clubs and Activities
Everything.

Seriously, I don't even know if a could list the number of clubs in the next life, let alone now. They have a club that BUILDS and FIGHTS with ROBOTS! ROBOTS I TELL YOU! Ask them if it's true! Go ahead!
Greek Life
They have no Greek Life.
Campus Safety
Students and faculty leave their car doors unlocked open without fear. You do the math. Crime levels are at 0.5% compared to Buffalo's school, and I can only imagine a parking ticket being the most severe.

Douglas from Hellertown, PA

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Alfred University has a very distinct and different learning community. It is definitely not like a Harvard or MIT learning environment (or at least what you picture when you hear them), it is much more student based. I wouldn't say that Alfred is an easy college, but it being a small school gives students more opportunity to learn in the way that suits them best. I would definately say that certain programs are focused upon more heavily than others (by the school itself). Being an engineer, I notice that a lot of the focus is given to ceramic and glass engineers because that is what the school is known for, but they do have neat mechanical/materials/biomedical/etc. engineering programs.
Am enjoying being here
The students are also very diverse at Alfred, and it is not what I was expecting at all. You'll meet people from all different backgrounds and with all different beliefs. It is neat because the school is very supportive of everyone, and everyone is their own person. Some things I like about Alfred are: The small physical size allows for getting around to be very simple, it has a very relaxed atmosphere, and the students have a say in pretty much everything. There are a few things I dislike about Alfred though, and some of those are: with only 2000 undergrads, it makes it slightly tough to meet new people after the first few months, it rains a lot during the fall and spring and snows all winter, and there is a huge number of football players (which you can interpret in your own way).
Bang for the buck
Alfred was voted one of the best bang for you buck schools a couple years back, and I would definitely agree! If you come from a family with a relatively low income, or you did pretty well in high school, Alfred's financial aid department does a very good job in making sure you have the proper funds in order to attend. If you are out of state, they do a pretty good job in providing out of sate housing grants, which helps to suck up the expensive housing/dining plans at Alfred.
Tips for prospective students
Check it out on multiple occasions, especially one day when the weather is not perfect. Alfred is absolutely BEAUTIFUL when the weather is nice, but because it rains so often, that beauty is sometimes overlooked.
Great for these types of students
Students who like a relaxed atmosphere, and do fine with seeing some of the same faces everyday.

Muse from CT

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
AU is a small college in a small town with not a lot going on so you will need to do a little exploring to find things to do. It is excellent if you are an creative person who enjoys art. It is a great education for the price.
Tips for prospective students
Visit the campus and do an overnight if possible. If you have the chance, take a look around some of the restaurants and shops in the town of Alfred to see if you can handle the small-town living (as it could possibly be substantially different from your hometown). If you can drive bring a car to campus if possible, as larger towns like Hornell are quite a ways away. The alarm for Alfred's fire department goes off at least once a day around 6-7 pm and can be heard for everywhere on campus so keep that in mind. Also, the woods near AU are used by hunters during hunting season, so if you enjoy going into woods during this time without wearing bright orange, please don't.
Academic Rigor
I have had great professors overall so far (I have not been at AU long enough to make any judgement calls about particular programs however). A majority of the larger classes have extra help sessions if you have trouble understanding the material, but some courses schedule them at very inopportune or inconsistent time (I am fairly confident they will work on this, however). Even though there have been courses where I have struggled I feel like I have learned a great deal and enjoyed them a lot.
Dorm Life
There are several large residence halls on campus. Most of them feature a public bathroom and showers on every floor and a small kitchenette with a sink and microwave (no ovens in these buildings unfortunately). Fortunately the restrooms have enough showers that I have NEVER worried about all of them being taken when I needed to take a shower. These tend to be tidy, but overall cleanliness depends heavily on a particular residence hall and floor (not because some floors are neglected by the staff, but the kind of people who live there are usually the most significant factor). Most dorms are fairly large and come with two beds (that can be bunked if you so desire), a large desk, two chairs (that rock slightly, which may be a pro or con), and a few lights throughout the room.

After freshman year, apartment suites and Â?theme houses are available, which include Hillel (the Jewish religion/cultural house), the Language House (which switches between French and Spanish every year for students who wish to practice speaking another language), and the Unity House (which aims to create a safe space for all students regardless of race, gender, or sexuality)
Food and Dining
There are three dining halls on campus: Ade (which offers all-you-can-eat-buffet style food), Powell (which uses meal swipes), and MidKnight (which opens at 8pm and closes very early in the morning)

The offerings at Ade change every day, but soups, a salad bar, dry cereal, and a sandwich making station (which unfortunately often has a very long line) are always available. The food there tends to be of average quality, but entrees are sometimes prepared very poorly. A multitude of beverages are here as well, from soda, fruit juices, tea, coffee, and an almost unbelievable amount of types of milk (2%, whole, soy, etc.) are available. There is also a dessert bar whose offerings change every day (usually things like cookies, brownies, rice crispy treats, etc.) which are usually fairly good. There is also gelato available every day, but I would strongly recommend against trying it, as it is of terrible quality and is the consistency of a half melted frosty and is absolutely guaranteed to taste nothing like whatever flavor it is supposed to be. Ade is also closed on the weekends.

The offerings at Powell are the same every day. The food is consistently good and features food such as tacos and burritos, salads, wraps, burgers, and fries. There is a variety of food to choose from, whether that be in entrees or sides (which can be anything from fresh fruit, vegetables and dip, fries, or breadsticks).

Fortunately, if you would rather eat at one dining hall than the other it is easy to find a meal plan that fits your needs.

There are a few small restaurants in town which are within walking distance. Most of them have good food and most of them have decent prices. Many of these restaurants (as well as the dining areas on campus as well) are fairly accommodating to any dietary needs/restrictions you may have (whether that be gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, etc.)
What to do for fun
Clubs are one of the easiest ways to socialize and have fun on campus. The campus often hosts events from speakers and occasionally hosts small concerts from musical artists of various genres. AU also holds academic talks on a variety of subjects such as history, technology, and literature. Visiting visual artists hold art shows on campus at least once a month. Clubs sponsor parties for holidays and other events.

Occasionally AU will offer round-trip transportation for events off-campus, such as concerts and movie showings. Alfred State, which is Au's neighboring college also sometimes invites AU students to large events on their campus.

Every term, a brochure is printed that shows events going on on campus for the upcoming months so it is easy to find out what is going on on campus and nearby.
Bang for the buck
AU was the least expensive private university that I applied to/was accepted to. I got a fairly good financial aid package. I just finished my first semester and I enjoyed it a lot and learned a great deal so I consider that fairly worth it. It is also very easy to get a job on campus and a majority of them are very flexible with hours.

It iÂ?s extremely easy to find events on campus that offer free food and refreshments.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There is a short break (about two school days and a weekend) in October when many students visit home, but several students stay on campus, especially if they live too far away to warrant a trip.

The center where students go for career help (practicing for interviews, information for graduate schools, etc.) is in an actual castle, which is pretty neat.

The campus is surrounded by forests and the Alfred hiking club will host hikes when weather permits. AU features a large equestrian center, which I haven't had the opportunity to visit yet, but I have heard good things about.

One of the small shops near Alfred is a natural food store, which offers fresh produce, snacks, drinks and many of the types of things you would find at a grocery. Many of its offerings are on the pricey side (which is to be expected at store like this), but it is excellent if you are interested in food like this.

The town of Alfred has a small volunteer fire department, which you can join if you have a particularly strong desire to.
Great for these types of students
Students who love art, whether they plan on majoring/minoring in it or are going into another field and enjoy it as a hobby. It is guaranteed that a visiting artist will host a show at least once a month on campus. Art is displayed in many of the buildings on campus from sculpture, to mixed media, and paintings. I am not an art major or minor and haven't had the opportunity to take any art classes due to my schedule, but I have heard that AU's art department is very good.

AU is on the small side, but the campus itself is fairly diverse. Regardless of your race, religion, gender, sexuality, political affiliation, or any hobbies you may have, you are sure to find a niche that is right for you even if it might take a little bit of looking.

AU is also great for students who are used to small-town living (that is often on the rural side) and would like more of it or students from other areas who would be willing to explore the change of surroundings.
Clubs and Activities
Clubs are a big deal on campus, as the surrounding town is very small and there usually is noÂ?t a lot to do.
There are clubs based on culture/religious traditions: Hillel (a Jewish club that hosts shabbat dinners weekly and is a great place to get a good meal and interesting discussion, regardless if you are Jewish or not), Christian Fellowship, Umoja (a club that facilitates discussions about racial identity), Poder Latina (A club based around Latin culture), and the Caribbean Student organization.

There are a variety of clubs dedicated to athletics such as wrestling, martial arts, skiing, Quidditch (yes, you read that correctly) and snowboarding. There are currently two clubs dedicated to dance on campus, a dance team and a swing dance club.

Spectrum is an LGBTQIA+ club that promotes awareness and intersectionality. SAGE (Students Advocating Gender Equality) advocates equality for all regardless of gender.

There are clubs based on academics such as Psychology, Engineering (and several subsets of engineering), Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, and Pre-Vet.

There are clubs for essentially every interest and hobby imaginable including (but not limited to) cosplay, illustration, creative writing, the campus radio station, boffer (fighting with foam swords), music, and Model UN.

Clubs usually meet only once a week and rarely take up a huge amount of time in your schedule, so they are an excellent way to take a break, socialize and to have a little without feeling extremely guilty about the work you need to do.

If you have an interest that there already is not a club for on campus, it is noÂ?t too difficult to make your own if enough people are interested (one person I know is in the process of making a Pokemon club).
Greek Life
None
Campus Safety
I have never felt unsafe on campus (sans a few times when I have had to walk back to my dorm at night. Not due to dealing with any issues, mainly just reasonable caution). There has been perhaps once incident on campus, (which involved a student trying to steal something from a dorm) but that was dealt with swiftly and campus safety was quick to alert students by email about it.

SurfingOnion

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Alfred is an itty-bitty western N.Y. town containing two colleges (A.U. being the better of the two). Alfred University is where you will be accepted for who you are and supported in your quest to become something better. I love it.
Tips for prospective students
Don't go there if you're a theater major. Trust me.
Academic Rigor
Everybody I've met at Alfred is highly intelligent. Even the least intelligent students are pretty dang smart. The courses are demanding enough to be a rewarding challenge, but they are not so difficult that you'll get burned out. When it comes to an Alfred education, you get out of it what you put in. If you're interested and hard-working and willing to ask questions, you'll be just fine.
Dorm Life
People are generally quite friendly in Alfred. The RAs and RDs are peppy and enthusiastic. Dorms are kept clean and neat. Most residence halls have a kitchenette (except, ironically, the one I was assigned to).
Food and Dining
There are two dining halls on campus: Ade and Powell. Ade is the best place to go during the week if you have unlimited Ade swipes in your meal plan. I highly recommend that plan for your first year at A.U. Ade is not open on weekends, which can be annoying, but it's not bad. Powell food is the same every day. You can get pizza, soup, salad, chicken wings, tacos, nachos, pasta, fries, and a variety of other foods. It's pretty tasty. A lot of people I know prefer Powell over Ade. Personally, I think Ade is pretty good too. There's something different every day. Occasionally they'll try something weird, like jalepeno in the mashed potatoes, but usually it's good stuff. Also, at lunch and dinner there is a sandwich station, and a dessert station that always has gelato.
What to do for fun
Alfred is a tiny little town, not a whole lot there honestly. Yet there is always something to do in your downtime. We get a lot of comedians coming through. There are shows of that sort every few weekends. There are dances and parties on campus. Movies are shown in the Powell Center theater on weekends for only $2 (or sometimes free if you know the person working the ticket booth). The place to eat in town is the Collegiate, aka the Jet. It's a nice diner with good food. That place or Terracotta are the two best options for a date. Terracotta is a coffee shop. Pretty cool place. They've got lots of room upstairs with comfy chairs to sit around and play games with friends. Chess boards are provided if you're into that.
Great for these types of students
Art students and engineering students
Clubs and Activities
There's something for everyone. I'm personally involved in Outdoor Club, Martial Arts Club, and Swing Dance Club. Alfredian Dramatists, and Creative Writers are just a few of the other clubs we have on campus. The Honors Society is pretty awesome too. If you qualify, apply, and get accepted, you get to take some really awesome seminars for 2 credits. I took one last semester on Doctor Who, and next semester I'm taking World Domination for Beginners. How much better can it get??
Greek Life
None, and we like it that way.

Jordan from Great Valley, NY

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Alfred U is a very personal college; the professors learn your name quickly and they offer you so much help. The meal plans are very convenient, although I wish Dining Dollars were available for purchase. It is -freezing- in the dorms, however, and I don't know when they're turning the heat on!!!
Tips for prospective students
Bring a lot of blankets, and a mattress pad or two, as the mattresses are really hard. If you think for even a second that you and your roommate won't get along, then bring your own fridge and microwave! Establish boundaries early, and take the roommate agreement seriously!
Academic Rigor
Personally, I feel that my first semester of college was like the last two years of high school, however later on in the next four years Alfred will challenge you, no matter what your major. Be prepared for a LOT of home work and a LOT of studying!!! Take classes seriously!
Dorm Life
It's so cold in these dorms...although Barresi is the best hall to live in, the bathrooms are newly renovated and the RA staff is really nice! Be prepared for freshmen orientation...you will be dragged out of your rooms to participate in activities.
Food and Dining
Ade dining hall is right next to Barresi (all freshmen) dorm hall, with Midknight express. Midknight express is open from 8pm-2am and it cooks all the greasy fast food that you love. It also has over a dozen flavors of ice cream, lots of different beverages, and salads/yogurts if you don't want the greasy-ness. Ade serves Breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a buffet-style serve-yourself type meal system. There is also a sandwich and soup section if you want a sandwich (someone makes it for you!) Ade also has a dessert bar...the gellato is fabulous!
What to do for fun
There are so many clubs and activities planned for every second of the day, that if you say I'm Bored in Alfred, then you're a lazy bum who just sits on their butt all day. Between concerts (Alfred had the Black Eyed Peas!!!) comedy shows, magicians, 5k Zombie Runs (which I'm participating in!) and so much more...there is always something to do! There is also bowling only 10 minutes away if you would like to bowl =)
Bang for the buck
I'll be honest, I'm paying $43,000 a year for Alfred. That's really steep, but I am very happy with my choice. Alfred is very high up in the Nation's best colleges and it partners with good graduate schools, like Cornell and Yale. There are so many fun and free events to go to that it is worth it, AND Alfred is a private University so on top of all the government aid that you receive, Alfred gives out grants and scholarships left and right! Really I only ended up paying $2,100 after all my grants and scholarships =) (That's including books!)
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The Equestrian Center is something that everyone should visit, at least once. It doesn't matter if you are an Art student or a football Jock, the Equestrian Center has so many awesome attributes about it that it's an awe-inspiring experience. You can also minor in Equestrian, with all the classes being held at the Center. You can learn to ride western, english, learn how to properly show a horse and much, much more. There is a challenge for everyone at that barn. Go check it out!!!
Great for these types of students
Alfred is great for every type of student, it has an engineering school, a liberal arts and sciences, a business school, and a school of the arts (which is world-renowned!). The football team is excellent, and there are tons of intermural sports if you want to be active but don't want so much commitment. It is a small town, but Hornell is right down the road and that has Walmart, Wegmans, Applebees, Maurices, Game Stop, and a bunch of other stores if you want go shopping. The coffee shop at Alfred is a little pricey (in my mind) but they are delicious! The Jet and Fox's are both great restaurants for you if you want some amazing food. The Jet sells diner-type food while Fox's is your typical pizza & wings.
Clubs and Activities
THERE ARE SO MANY CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES. Seriously, there is a club for absolutely everything. You think of it, it's already here. And if it isn't, if you get five people to sign up saying they want to join, you can make your own club!! The University funds the club and there you go, boom, a club! As previously mentioned, there is always an activity to do!!
Greek Life
There isn't any greek life that the campus recognizes, however we did used to have a greek life and the houses are still available to live in for students.
Campus Safety
Campus safety is like the silent older brother that is always watching out for you but you don't see them. (Ladies, you are allowed to carry pepper spray!!!!!!) I feel safe in my campus but I don't recommend walking by yourself at night; that's just a sketchy situation and regardless of how safe the campus can be, there is always that one creep. It seems dumb, but the buddy system can save your life.

Lauren from Morrisville, VT

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
There is something at Alfred for everyone and therefore I love it. The people who don't like Alfred don't try very hard to look for things to be active in. Even if Alfred doesn't have something you love it is very easy to make it happen (as in create your own major or club).
Tips for prospective students
Be sure to visit. Also Alfred like it if you have a recommendation letter from a teacher in a class where you didn't do well but tried very hard.
Academic Rigor
Go to class and recopy you notes and you will be fine. Don't fall behind or you will never catch up.
Dorm Life
My whole hall is friends and generally people love each other. The rooms are small but cozy. FYI the washers won't clean if you use those laundry pods.
Food and Dining
Ade is awful but powell is awesome. Ade doesn't care if you are a vegetarian and they rarely are serving. Also their dishes are zero percent functional. Powell always has something yummy plus Tuesday is taco day.
What to do for fun
Quidditch
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
We have a castle!
Great for these types of students
Everyone
Clubs and Activities
I am the captain of the quidditch team! We have tons of events. If you want to know more about the team you can email [email protected] Also we have a medieval club that wear armor...
Greek Life
We don't have one.
Campus Safety
It would be five stars but Alfred has a lot of fires in the town. It's weird and so the school is crazy about fire safety.

Melanie from Victor, NY

accepted here and planning to attend soon
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
There are so many courses to take at Alfred University. Its not all studying either, many of the classes are fun.
Will enjoy being here
Alfred works hard to not keep their students crammed into class rooms. For art many of the students get to go to Stony Brook within the first couple months of school.
Bang for the buck
There is so much space at the University. Its never too cramped and the campus is beautiful.
Tips for prospective students
Check out the campus before and after you apply. If you liked it before you applied you will love it after too.
Great for these types of students
Art students and Engineering students are likely to succed at Alfred University.

Jacob from Wellsville, NY

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Alfred University is a great, small college. The academic courses offer challenge and ways to learn above and beyond the classroom. Most of the professors I've dealt with in my two years here are fantastic and are always ready to help.
Tips for prospective students
The biggest tip anyone could offer a prospective student is simple: do the work. If you skip the reading, and don't attempt the homework in a serious manner, don't blame the university for your lack of trying. That, and remember to have fun every once in a while!
Academic Rigor
The classes offer challenge, while still being manageable to those who put in honest effort. There's a lot of reading, and papers will take a while if you want a good grade, but honest effort will ensure academic success.
Dorm Life
The dorms on campus are well-kept, and the staff are very helpful. Some of my closest friends are those I've met in the residence halls here.
Food and Dining
Food on campus is provided through AVI Foodsystems, and I'm very satisfied with the service. Between the hours of 7:30AM and 8:30PM, there's a buffet open to students, and from 8PM to 2AM there's a place to get a midnight snack. It's awesome, basically.
What to do for fun
There are plenty of clubs and organizations on campus to keep students occupied. These range from academic groups, to recreational ones (namely, the LARP society and gaming clubs). Additionally, there are regularly scheduled events at which students can unwind from schoolwork (dances, stand-up comedy, art shows, panel discussions, etc).
Bang for the buck
It's a private school, so the price is more than some people would be willing to spend. That being said, I feel like my money is being well spent. The facilities are very well maintained, the meal plan offers good food at flexible hours, and campus sponsored events are of consistent quality.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
HOT DOG WEEKEND. There're hot-dogs, live music, events on main street, and parties galore. It's a great way to unwind after a year of studying and coursework; be safe, though.
Great for these types of students
Those that are looking for a smaller university with plenty to do. It's also got great scenery, so those with an appreciation for natural beauty would like it's location.
Clubs and Activities
There are many clubs offering outlets for many people. For example, there is a LARP group, a gaming society, an international club, among many others.
Greek Life
Alfred University no longer officially endorses Greek Life due to the fact that kids started dying during hazing rituals. That being said, there are still ways to make friends that don't include drinking ungodly amounts of vodka and then streaking around campus: you simply have to talk to people.
Campus Safety
Despite the occasional assault (i.e, someone lightly grabbing somebody else's elbow), nothing happens on campus. In the event of something actually happening, public safety and other appropriate forces are quick to arrive to the scene. You can go for a walk at night and not worry about being stabbed, so it's great.

Thomas from Port Jervis, NY

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Alfred University is a small, beautiful, private college with a welcoming and friendly community atmosphere. It is a place where professors get to know their students (because class sizes are small), where students are expected to succeed, and where the academic focus is on the success of undergraduates. Alfred University is located in a rather remote and rural area of New York State which is perfect if you love the great outdoors, but not so perfect if you crave big city excitement.
Tips for prospective students
Take a trip and visit the campus! This is important! It is the best way to see if this school is a good fit for you. AU is located in a remote, rural, small town. This is perfect for some folks, but would be not be a good fit at all for others. So, visit!
Academic Rigor
Being a Freshman, it is early for me to comment much on AU's academic rigor, but as an engineering student, the coursework is harder than I expected. You will be expected to study! There is plenty of help available for students who need it including a free writing center and a tutoring center.
Dorm Life
I am in Barresi, and from what I've seen, it is the nicest of the freshman dorms, with decent sized double rooms, a community kitchen space, common area, and free laundry facility. There's nothing fancy about it, but it is comfortable. It is really close to Ade (dining hall) which is nice.
Food and Dining
There are two locations for dining on campus â?? Ade, which is the traditional dining hall set up and Powell Cafe which is a food court type set up. The on campus food is fine for my tastes and you'll find a good variety of choices between the two locations. The food is mostly made from scratch, and locally grown foods are often featured. I especially enjoy breakfast at Ade and start my day with a made to order omelet, bagel and fresh coffee. The food service is open to constructive criticism and seeks student input which is nice. Vegetarian and vegan options, and a clarity station (for those with food allergies) are available. There are also some good student friendly restaurants in the town of Alfred for eating off campus.
What to do for fun
There are plenty of clubs and organizations to get involved in, and activities such as concerts, comedians, movies, organized hikes, just-for-fun competitions, and more are offered on campus for free. Foster Lake, a university owned park, is also available for student use (for a small permit fee) for camping and fishing. Bike rentals are available through the school's â??bike hub.â?? I'm an avid skier and snowboarder, so one of the reasons I chose Alfred U was for its location near a number of NY ski resorts and its active ski club.
Bang for the buck
I feel like I will receive a more personalized and individually focused education here at AU. I like that my classes are taught by professors with doctorate degrees, not grad students. There are opportunities for study abroad, co-op education, undergraduate research, and design competitions. And, of the four schools I was accepted to, Alfred Univ offered me the best financial aid package, making college affordable for me.
Clubs and Activities
There are 80+ clubs on campus. Something for everyone.
Greek Life
None.
Campus Safety
AU is a small campus in a low crime area. "Blue Light" emergency phones are located around campus.