CUNY City College
New York, NY, USA

Reviews

CUNY City College

Denise from New York, NY

a current student here
15 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
There will always be hard to understand professors wherever you go, but there are lots of places at the college that offer help, and in my experience, many fellow students are willing to group together to ace a class.
Am enjoying being here
The campus, although situated in a large city setting, gives a comforting feeling that leaves an impression that I really am at college. I especially enjoy lounging in Shepard Hall, or in one of the small library rooms set on every library floor.
Bang for the buck
It's super affordable and I think the setting and education really fits the bill.
Tips for prospective students
Feel free to explore every part of City College! The library is usually very quiet, and I've always been able to find a computer to work on. I've encountered a number of interesting people from many different parts of the country that come a long way to attend City College. I would suggest to make positive connections with other students and groups, and make sure the professor your going to have is the one for you.

Vanessa from Brooklyn, NY

a current student here
12 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Professors are easy to talk to and approachable
Am enjoying being here
Especially love the main library. Can sleep there as long as you want and there are tons of places to charge electronics. Also a lot of computers to use.
Bang for the buck
Hey, it's a CUNY.
Tips for prospective students
A lot of trains you can take to get here. 1, A, B, C, D.
Great for these types of students
Engineering, Architecture majors.
Social science department is funded the least.

Cheryl from Staten Island, NY

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
There are a good amount of professors that are dedicated to your education and truly care about your success. They will have have convenient office hours, regularly send e-mails regarding the course, and some of them will even have weekend tutoring sessions the week before the exam. However, that doesn't go for everyone; sometimes you will have to solely rely on your textbook for information. Additional resources for many courses will be available online through Blackboard, which is very useful for studying purposes. If you can't find what you're looking for through your professor, textbook, or online, you will have access to a large number of online periodical subscriptions, in addition to 4 well stocked libraries. If you come here wanting to learn, you will.
Am enjoying being here
The campus is beautiful, and the staff is generally friendly. The only downside is the fact that this is a commuter campus, and many students have a I just want to get my degree and leave mentality. However, this can be counteracted by joining the many clubs and organizations the school has to offer.
Bang for the buck
Although there are occasional tuition increases, City College still has excellent value. The courses offered are what you would expect in any school, including a state school or private university, and the facilities are well kept considering the budget they have to work with.
Tips for prospective students
Before registering for your courses, cross check the professors with ratemyprofessors.com! You'll have a much better idea of what to expect; as I said before, not everyone is a winner. In addition, if you are planning to have two classes in a row, try to ensure that they're in the same building. The campus doesn't look big at first, but if you only have 5 minutes to get to where you need to go, it may not happen.
Great for these types of students
Students that are also working will have an easy time finding classes that fit into their schedule; many late night and early morning classes are offered in almost every subject matter. Students interested in conducting research will be able to choose from many labs in the fields of science, engineering, and psychology.

Justin from Staten Island, NY

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Once you graduate from high school, many people will tell you that college will be a learning experience. You may think that this is a tasteless cliche that doesn't apply to you, but City College will prove you wrong. Classes may be tough at times and the workload may seem daunting. However, you will not only learn the course material and professional skills on every professor's syllabus, you will also learn skills that will help you in your career, such as time management, public speaking, proper writing and much more.
Am enjoying being here
City College of New York has many helpful professors who are willing to go out of their way to help you. You also get many ways to get the help you need through tutoring sessions that are offered by the campus. City College also provides many tranquil areas to sit and study as well as many areas to hang out with friends or make new friends. The people here are really friendly and helpful. Socializing on campus can often take your frown and turn it upside down.
Bang for the buck
City College is a great way to get a good education for a relatively low price compared to other colleges. The facilities at City College of New York, such as their computer labs and the library, often make you feel like you're on the winning end of a bargain.
Tips for prospective students
Do not procrastinate. Take advantage of your professor's syllabus to plan out how and when you'll get assignments done. For example, a 12-page paper won't seem very daunting if you write a page a day or outline it weeks before it is due.
Great for these types of students
City College is great for everyone. It is really helpful for those who want to get a great education without having to deal with a large amount of debt upon graduating. I am glad that I will be able to get a degree without having to worry about student loans once I get a career.

jenna from queens, ny

researching this school
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
the campus is beautiful and gives you the benefit of having access to manhattan without feeling like you're actually in the city.
Tips for prospective students
study hard in school and do your research so you know if a college has exactly what you're looking for.
Academic Rigor
i am looking at this college for the macaulay honors program, so in this instance, it is a competitive program.
Dorm Life
the dorms were super nice and they even have two 24 hour quiet floors.
Food and Dining
there are cafes literally everywhere on campus. plus, there are a bunch of food trucks that smelled amazing and some stores off campus but close by.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
when i visited the hellenic club was roasting a pig on a spit.i guess you could say that that is pretty unusual.
Great for these types of students
both commuters and those who want to dorm would benefit from cuny city college.
Campus Safety
this campus is so safe! it is an open campus so anyone can walk in. but to enter any building you are required to flash your id card. there are police officers and police cars everywhere, as well as security cameras and these bright red emergency poles.

Brittany from Harker Heights, TX

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
this school is fantastic! the professors of my major are phenomenal, interesting, and engaged in what they do. the cost is reasonable, even for out of state students, and i haven't met a student here that was inconsiderate or brash.
Tips for prospective students
if you need to work with the staff in the administration building, give yourself enough time to get everything done; there can be a lot of leg work when getting new id's, printing a bill, etc.
Academic Rigor
the difficulty of classes is generally above average, but it really depends on the major you're in; engineering and science classes involve a lot more studying than humanities, but the humanities involve a lot of writing.
Dorm Life
the dorms are great, though a little expensive compared to living in an apartment off-campus. i would suggest you follow what i did: freshman year, i lived on campus, but i got an apartment after that. it's a good way to get acclimated to life on campus without spending so much money!
Food and Dining
ccny recently updated all of its dining areas, which includes a cafeteria with several different kinds of food as well as coffee shops scattered across campus. there are also a couple halal food carts at the edges of campus which are my favorite place to get a quick bite to eat!
What to do for fun
there are probably around 100 clubs on campus focusing on various subjects; engineers without borders, latin dancing, english students' voice, and many others i can't name! our campus is also home to a professional theatre at aaron davis hall, which hosts dance companies, theatre shows, and other varied events. if these aren't your style, there are several subway lines nearby with easy access to entertainment all over the city!
Bang for the buck
this section is actually what made ccny one of my prospective colleges when i was in high school; it was voted one of the best bang for your buck engineering schools, with great professors for a great price! michio kaku is actually one of the professors available for classes, though i've heard he seldom attends his classes due to his fame. even the non-engineering and science programs have phenomenal professors for a great price, making this a great school for any intended degree path.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
there is a bust of lincoln in one of our buildings on campus, and the tradition is to rub his nose for luck; the oils on people's hands have worn the outer layer away, so his nose is bright gold! i will also mention that ccny has some of the most beautiful architecture of new york city, and if you're a fan of neo-gothic architecture or even just gargoyles, you'll love coming to this little oasis in the city.
Great for these types of students
honestly, i'd say it's great for any career path! though the main emphasis is science and engineering, the humanities are definitely not neglected in quality of instruction.
Clubs and Activities
as i mentioned before, ccny has a club for every interest. if i'm not mistaken, there is already a quidditch club and if not, the process of creating a club is very easy. the office of student life has been exceedingly helpful every time i've had issues with my club.
Greek Life
i can't really say for sure, but there are tabling events during club hours every thursday, so there is definitely a presence on campus.
Campus Safety
in addition to the three guard stations at the street entrances to ccny, there are guards stationed at the entrances of every building. id's are required for entry, which makes it very safe but also annoying if you've left your id at home or have lost it. the id office is efficient enough to take care of it quickly as long as you have a print out of your bill.

Melanie from New York, NY

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
City College is meant to help you out in every way possible. The professors are great; they will help you improve and usually available office hours or are available through email. The advisors are of great help as well. They speak to you one-on-one about the required classes and they make sure you are taking a good amount of classes/ credits each semester in order to keep yourself at a good pace.
Am enjoying being here
I am currently living on campus. It makes life a lot easier rather than commuting for about 2 hours everyday. Many may say that they cannot afford it but I apply for as many scholarships that I find because my financial aid does not even cover my whole tuition. For the rest, I use a loan. To me it is worth the investment because I am constantly on campus 24/7. I am usually in the Architecture building over nights so it is much safer and worth it to be living at the dorms; I can quickly grab something to eat and shower then return to school.
Bang for the buck
As a CUNY, City College is much cheaper than other colleges, but many still cannot afford it. I know many people that receive a lot of financial aid and are able to go to school for very little money if not for free. They also have different loans that one can use.
Tips for prospective students
Even if you are not sure of what major you want to choose, you can start off by taking classes that almost every major is required to take. As well as free electives. After 2 semesters, I am sure that you will find out what major you are really interested in. If you are already positive of your major, everything is much easier. You will be able to take all the classes you need without wasting any time or money.
Great for these types of students
There are no specific types of students that great for this school because there is such a diversity. It is one of the most diverse colleges in the city. There are so many different people that it is easy to make a lot of friends.

Cherrelle from Amityville, NY

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am enrolled in all music classes this current semester and loving every bit of it! All the music classes I took in high school set a firm foundation for me once I entered college. I feel I can never learn enough when it comes to music, and City College is broadening my knowledge in it even further.
Am enjoying being here
City College offers a wonderful life, learning, and community for all students. From programs to enhance advance student learning to a variety of clubs and sports to join, CCNY has it all. I am apart of CCNY's Gospel Choir and am meeting lots of wonderful and talented people. Joining clubs are a great way to network and make new friends so do not hesitate to join them!
Bang for the buck
I did not receive any financial aid nor scholarships directly from City College, only outside scholarships. Although, I can say that every penny spent in the end is worth paying for your education at CCNY.
Tips for prospective students
CCNY offers a lot of programs and services to help students advance in learning. This college contains a Daycare, Disability Services, Career Center, Counseling Center, and many others. I have even used the online Writing Center's service to ask questions a tutor live!
Great for these types of students
CCNY is a highly diverse college. Any person applying won't have to worrying about ones ethnicity dominating the other, because this school is certainly a melting pot! It is very unlikely that you'll find someone at CCNY who shares the same interests as you or shares the same cultural background.

Monica from New York City, NY

researching this school
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
My sister goes to this school for the EDM program and I was recently accepted to the same program. By the looks of it, my sister greatly improved with video making, typography, and digital design and she is starting in arts that she has never done before! It's a very varied curriculum which makes for more rounded students!
Academic Rigor
This school is definitely rigorous. As long as you work hard you're good.
Dorm Life
Don't take my word for this. I wouldn't know since I'm not planning to dorm.
Food and Dining
My sister brings food from the MAC cafe all the time. Great food first of all! Also, there's a lot of stores around the area too, so if you're in the mood for different things, you always have different options.

current student

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Very affordable school.
Has great resources.
Staff may not be very helpful.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you are on top of everything in terms of student records, school plans, and all admin work.
Academic Rigor
Knowledgeable professors
What to do for fun
Clubs and some sports
Bang for the buck
Very affordable!
Clubs and Activities
I really enjoy the engineer related clubs.
Campus Safety
Security everywhere