Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus
Teaneck, NJ, USA

Reviews

Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus

Sandra from Avenel, NJ

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
FDU offers many majors/minors, and has exceptional programs available for prospective and current students. Many of the professors here are highly qualified and challenge students to get the most out of their education. The small class sizes allow for teacher-student interaction, and overall, a better grasp of the material taught.
Am enjoying being here
I love being at FDU because I love the education, the area, and the social life. One thing I really love about FDU in Teaneck is that it is highly diverse. Diversity has always been very important to me. You would be surprised how much you can learn from people that come from all parts of the world. It's like I'm getting a free, extra education outside the classroom and I love it. Also, the area is like the suburbs with some spice. I love the close proximity to NYC which allows for even greater opportunities like internships, and leisure time.
Bang for the buck
This school is a tad too expensive, and it being a private school, that's expected. However, there is always room for improvements. Overall though, I would say that the education you do get, the opportunities you encounter, the experiences, and the memories you make are worth the money.
Tips for prospective students
For prospective students, I could only say that they should always remember that the sky is the limit, and that if they choose to come to this school, they should be willing to embrace the complete experience. Honestly, college life is what you as an individual makes of it. It's always easy to get carried away, but it's even more rewarding if you take a step at a time, and always remember what matters the most. Work hard at all times, but don't forget to enjoy the little things. Time management is the key to success.
Great for these types of students
FDU is great for open-minded students, whom are willing to not only embrace other cultures, but also share their own with others. If a student is looking for a school that is not too big, yet not too small, and in a great neighborhood, then this is the school.

Audenzia from Mastic, NY

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
FDU is great, the teachers are all very helpful and easy to talk to. They are easy to access and depending on the professor, they may give you a cell phone number to contact them after school hours. All of my teachers have helped me in bettering my learning experience here at FDU.
Am enjoying being here
Dorming on campus is so much fun. My first year was field with so much laughter and fun. I made so many new friends. Once you make friends on and off campus you will love being here. Find me and you are in for a real treat.
Bang for the buck
Pricey? Yes, but its worth every penny. All of the basketball games, free trips to the Radio City Music Hall, Broadway, the Maury Show, etc. Its all paid for with our tuition. The Facilities like the fitness center are free as well.
Tips for prospective students
Apply now!!! There is so much to see so much to experience. If you are unsure about applying then come to the campus for a visit. Sit in on a few classes look at a few dorm rooms, etc.
Great for these types of students
Great for those who adapt real easily, because if you are not use to rooming with other people then you experience will be one that is quite uncomfortable. Those who are outgoing because there are so many place around the campus to hang out at and the nightlife requires those who love to have clean fun with random people.

Nallely from North Bergen, NJ

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Wow the education provided to students by the professors is amazing. The things I've learned cannot be compared to any other school. Fairleigh Dickinson is one of the best schools. Definitely worth the price the education received.
Am enjoying being here
I absolutely love being here. The atmosphere is different. Everyone is so welcoming and comforting. The professors are great for mentoring. Everyone here is extremely friendly. It feels like home!
Bang for the buck
The price students are paying is definitely worth the education. We have the best professors who care about their students. The students feel comfortable to have a close relationship with professors. The education is extraordinary!
Tips for prospective students
Take a tour, and really get to know the campus before making a decision. The school is great and there will be no regret attending Fairleigh Dickinson University!
Great for these types of students
Freshmen
International Students

Jennifer from West New York, NJ

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I was blown away from everything that I am learning in my classes. I am actually taking what i learn and remember it enough to apply it in my own life. Even though you have to be on to of things in college, the professors will not hesitate to help you in anything that they can.
Am enjoying being here
One of the reasons why i chose this university is because it was different enough from where I come from, but at the same time similar so I wont feel home-sick. The atmosphere is an amazing one, and the campus itself is breath taking. Everyone is very nice, and welcoming especially the first couple of days where you may feel lost.
Bang for the buck
When you see the amount of money that this school costs you may double think it. However, it is worth every penny. The university also offers scholarships and many ways to help you during the financial aid situation that we all dread. Definitely worth the money.
Tips for prospective students
Get ALL of your financial aid work done within the first couple of weeks of the semester. Apply for financial early so that you may get that grant just for applying early. Make sure that you are satisfied with your classes before you miss the withdrawal deadline. Buy your books used, you will save A LOT of money than if you buy it in the book store. Usually the sophomores are trying to get rid of their books from the year before or simply get them online (and fast because there is a lot of reading to do). Last tip, get familiar with the people that work in financial aid offices, libraries, computer labs, etc because you will be seeing them very often.
Great for these types of students
This university is great for the people that want to go to a place that is divers enough compared to your hometown. As well as the ones that are very hardworking, because the professors here will make sure you learn for what you are paying for.

Ashley from Wayne, NJ

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
A very culturally and ethnically diverse educational facility. Student-centered learning environment. An excellent place to receive a education to prosper in any location, globally.
Tips for prospective students
Fairleigh Dickinson University is a wonderful campus. I will admit that the campus is not as extravagant as some other campuses; however, it truly makes up for this lack of appearance. The students at FDU come from all over the world so it is a great place to learn more about different cultures. As with any university you attend, you get what you give so as long as you are willing to put in the effort to enjoy your time, you will truly enjoy FDU.

If you're looking to study abroad, FDU is the place for you. FDU has connections with many different schools in many different countries around the world. If you have a specific country in mind in which you want to study and FDU does not have connections with that country, FDU will make connections with a university in that country to allow you to take a semester abroad, wherever you may choose.

If you're aiming to become a science major, I highly recommend the Metropolitan campus when choosing between the two. As for any other major, both campuses are sufficient in their educational values.
Academic Rigor
FDU is challenging, but in all the right ways. Professors push their students to work their hardest. Professors set the bar high and allow students to work hard to reach this bar, and they will work with the students to help them excel. Although the materials for each course may be challenging, the professors work to simplify this material and deliver it in the most efficient way possible.

If a student is struggling, professors will work to help them understand the materials. In addition to help from each professor, the university provides free tutoring services. At the tutoring center, you are able to get help from a student who has done well in the class you are struggling with. What is nice about the tutoring center is that since the tutors are students, it is easier to form a connection with the tutor and not feel so out of place.
Dorm Life
Although I am not a resident on campus, I have visited each of the dorms. Dorm life is nice for the fact that students are able to gain insight and perspective on living life independently. The university works to help students adapt to the environment at FDU by holding monthly events for each floor of the dorm buildings. There are residential advisors (RA's) that give you their cellphone numbers and help with any problems that may you may encounter.

The appearance of the dorms is not as nice as it could be; however, just like most colleges, you are able to decorate your room however you may like. this allows you to personalize everything so that you feel at home.
Food and Dining
There are three different cafe's on campus. If you choose to dorm, you are required to purchase a university meal plan. The meal plan allows you to swipe in one of the three cafes, in which you can eat similar to a buffet style, three times a day. There are a variety of foods that are offered from pizza, to burritos, to Chinese. There is even a salad bar and a sandwich bar where you can make a sandwich to go and take it with you to class.

If you are not in the mood for campus food, there are many different locations where you can go off campus to eat. There is a multitude of diners around campus, as well as two malls. Also, New York City is a simple bus or train ride away, therefore you can make a trip and enjoy an assortment of foods to fit your preferences.
What to do for fun
There are many different clubs and activities on campus. It may be difficult to attend some club meetings; however this should not be a problem as most clubs understand this. There are multiple events that go on weekly so there is always something to do.

Since FDU is very close to New York City, one could take a bus, train, or even drive into the city to have some fun. Public Safety is always available if you have any questions on how to get to the city and which method of transportation is best to take.

FDU also will sell tickets to events, such as broadway shows and sporting events, for a very cheap price. You should go early to purchase the tickets as they sell out quickly. Once you purchase a ticket, FDU provides the transportation to go to NYC and to come back.

FDU is a dry campus, regardless of whether or not one is 21 or older. There is a bar near campus and many students go there on Thursdays to have a fun time. The only catch to this is that when coming back to campus, one must attempt not to appear intoxicated, due to the fact that it is a dry campus.
Bang for the buck
Although FDU might be very expensive, it has a lot to offer. It is a very international school, therefore one can gain insight and perspective to many different cultures. It is recommended to do well on the SAT because the school provides scholarships based on how well one did.
Great for these types of students
FDU is great for students that want to learn about different cultures and students who want to study abroad. FDU is great with making a multitude of global connections.
Campus Safety
FDU Public Safety is always available. If you don't feel safe walking to your dorm/car at night, you can call them and they will pick you up and take you to your dorm/car.

Timisha from Jersey City, NJ

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I love the school. It is a dry campus - meaning no drinking, even if you are 21 or older - but there is so much to do. There are variety of clubs and activities and Student Life is always open to new ideas. You also get tickets to events for free or lower prices.
Tips for prospective students
Talk to your financial aid counselor to see what scholarships, grants, etc that you qualify for.

If you choose this campus be sure that you get involved with positive clubs and activities and avoid the wrong crowd of people (they don't last long anyway).
Academic Rigor
The professors challenge you because they care but the work is not difficult. Most professors are willing to help you during office hours, by appointment or even after class one on ones. However, keep in my mind that they will not baby you. They will help you if you need help, but if you show no concern for your grade, they will also show no concern.
Dorm Life
I love it. They just recently upgraded the Freshman building lounges. It is really nice. You may have to deal with a few noisy people here and there but you could also opt to live in the L.I.F.E. house. This is the place for people who choose to avoid drugs, alcohol and other reckless behavior (although it is prohibited on campus already, these students take this pledge as part of their every day life).

You have a few options:

The Lindens
These building are usually for freshmen although your R.A. will not be a freshman. Each room has a suite/living room area, a bathroom with 2 stalls and a shower, and 3 bedrooms with 2 people in each room.

The Courts
These are more homey than the lindens. They have a living room. and a bathroom or 2 (on each floor). These are private bathrooms meaning the shower, sink and toilet all in one. (that way you don't have to shower while someone else poops. EW!
The Global Scholars house and Honors House are both courts, but they each have kitchens where you can cook your own food. However, you have to be in the respected programs

Northpointe
Most students want to eventually live here in their dorming life. However it is the most expensive living place on campus, and it is pretty far from the other living places, so if you want company in the winter, you can forget about getting visits from Linden or Court residents.
The good thing about this is your room is bigger and your bathroom is a part of your personal room, so it is only shared by you and your roommate(s). The downside to that is, you have to clean your own bathroom and buy your own toilet paper because the maides are not allowed in your room.
Northpoint, on the brightside, has two kitchens to cook, and your mailboxes are in your building so you don't have to walk all the way to the student union building to pick up your mail (unless you are expecting a package).
Food and Dining
The food is really good. If you get bored, you have to suggest something that you would like to have, don't just complain. There are also about 4 living options that have kitchens, including Northpointe (the most expensive building) the honors house (only honors students are allowed to live here) The Global Scholars house (for student in the global scholars program) and Linden 6
What to do for fun
There are so many clubs on campus that you could join. The school also buys tickets to Broadway shows every semester and you get very good seats for very low prices, but you have to buy right away because they sell out pretty fast. You also get tickets to sports games and other events for very cheap or no cost at all - you would just have to register. Also, if you are in the Honors Program, the directer buys tickets to every event and gives them away to the students for free.
Bang for the buck
There are places to work on campus , you just have to ask around. You have to ask your department heads, or go to Career Services. Career Services can help you find a job on or near campus that pertains to your major, and even after graduating, you can go to them and they can help you find jobs.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There is a 2 big dances every year. The Winter Ball and The Big event. Both events you dress up really fancy have a party. There is also 2 more big parties that are not so formal called Metro Night. Also if you hold positions in a club or SGA you will be invited to the best event of the year (my opinion) GALA.
There are also open mics, fashion shows, kareoke nights, ice cream nights, and there is a tradition of a Late KNight Breakfast, during finals. That way you can eat late if you choose to stay up late and study.
Great for these types of students
Students who like to have clean fun. This is not a party school (although there are secret illegal parties that go on). Therefore, if you want to have substance free fun, come here. If you do like to drink, there is a bar close to campus that everyone attends but it is not associated with the school.
Clubs and Activities
There is too many to name. If you find that there is no club that interest you, Student Life allows you to start a new one. You just need to have 5 people on your Executive Board (E-Board) president, VP, treasurer, secretary and parliamentarian, and fifteen people who will be on your roster to join. (That's not hard to do.).
Greek Life
Greek Life is very active on campus. Someone is actually beginning a new Greek organization that is going to be Co-Ed it will be the first ever Co-Ed greek organization. If you want to be a part of history, come to FDU and join this club.
Campus Safety
Public Safety (the campus security) are very active on campus and patrol day and night. The Teaneck police department are also very active on campus. It is pretty safe.

Lee from Cliffside Park, NJ

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Fairleigh Dickinson has been a relaxing yet rewarding experience so far. On average, professors and other university staff have been both efficient and highly cooperative, and I've had no qualms over course material or its effectiveness. Attending the school may be a little on the expensive side, but I've had more than enough reason to stay.
Academic Rigor
Professors here are often very indulgent and lenient, but they will not allow you a free pass through a semester; for all of my classes, I've had to work relatively hard to maintain a good grade. Homework assignments are a big thing here, and you'll be given lots of them, but they will always be relevant to the class. If you wish to maintain a high GPA (like mine, which is currently at 3.77), you WILL have to focus and get the work done.
Dorm Life
I am a commuter, so I've had very little personal experience with the dorms. However, I've never heard of any student having any serious complaints or concerns regarding the dorms. From my understanding, dorm security and maintenance is strict and efficient, and dorm buildings are located conveniently on campus.
Food and Dining
There are quite a few places on campus to eat, and from the few times I have eaten on campus, the food was excellent. A wide variety of dishes are served and you'll certainly find the food and dining acceptable here. Fairleigh Dickinson also has a partnership with various restaurants located near the campus, so you should have more than enough options to choose from.
What to do for fun
Other than the dozens of student life organizations and clubs to join, Fairleigh Dickinson does offer several public computer labs for you to use, has a very large library, and also has its own exercise/sports training facility.
Bang for the buck
I believe the price for attending Fairleigh Dickinson is appropriate and justifiable. It may seem expensive, but the campus has something going on almost every hour of the day. Resources are open to you as a student anywhere you turn. Plus, the atmosphere at FDU is very welcoming--you'll WANT to stay.
Great for these types of students
If you're looking for a comfortable, well-disposed learning environment with an astounding cultural diversity among its faculty and students, Fairleigh Dickinson is the school for you. While a handful of students may not take their work very seriously, most do--and you'll be surprised at how welcoming and efficient your professors, advisers, and fellow students will be here. Fairleigh Dickinson University is like a home away from home, and while it may be a bit expensive, if you take advantage of all it has to offer it will definitely be a fruitful experience for you.
Campus Safety
One of the best parts about attending Fairleigh Dickinson is how safe I feel when on campus. From almost anywhere you can spot one of the many security vehicles patrolling campus. All security staff I've had the pleasure to talk to have been friendly and helpful, and they do a good job at keeping the place in order. Fairleigh Dickinson also has very strict rules regarding drugs, alcohol, and student life/college parties; disorderly is an adjective you'll never be using to describe the FDU campus experience.