Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY, USA

Reviews

Hofstra University

Mary from Murfreesboro, TN

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Hofstra has been everything I wanted in a school and more! Literally it's a fairly small sized school, but the resources and connections are endless. Their programs are very well established and it's easy to study diverse subjects.
Tips for prospective students
Visit campus, see for yourself. Meet Hofstra people & see if you would like being around them. Everyone's pretty diverse and there's always something to get involved in.
Academic Rigor
It depends on the major, but overall it's pretty tough. They want you to be challenged, but that's the only way you'll grow, right? There's people that help too though, if you're struggling. And every professor is available sometime during the week.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is great! You can hang out with friends at anytime, and in the towers bathrooms are cleaned twice a day. In the suites you have to clean it.
Food and Dining
I realy like the food. Every break they switch out one of the dining options. This semester there's a new Mediterranean stand with pita and stuff...yeah...it's great. :)
What to do for fun
There's so many clubs that get together and have a blast. Every weekednd, there's a show to see, party to go to, or free trip to the city you can sign up for. I'm never board.
Bang for the buck
Yes it's expensive as sh... But it's honestly a great place to live and work. Buildings and hangout spots are constantly being renovated, clubs get money for stuff all the time, and there's so many connections with NYC it's worth it.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There's a really cool dutch festival each spring, And they plant a new tulip for each incoming freshman. :)
Great for these types of students
Anyone, honestly. Bio, Engineering, Business, Drama, Film, Journalism, Marketing, Teaching, pre-med/law if you want to have a career and love the process of earning that interview... come to Hofstra :)
Clubs and Activities
EVERYTHING! Coloring, service projects, student gov, comedy, performance, religious, ultimate frisbee, language/cultural groups ... Literally everything.
Greek Life
About 10% is in greek life, it's there if you want it, but if you don't you're not out
Also there's pre-professional sororities and frats too, which is pretty cool.
Campus Safety
On campus you're gouchi, but it's always smart to go in groups in the surrounding areas. Public safety is top notch, and they even can pick you up from the train station if you missed the bus back to school or something.

Kimberly from Hempstead, NY

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Hofstra University is a place where you can find yourself, be yourself, and express who you are. It allows students to interact and network with others within and outside of the University to improve social, networking, and individual abilities. The University opens each student's minds to strengthen their abilities and turn them into skills.
Tips for prospective students
The fist tip for those who are thinking about attending Hofstra University is take your education seriously! If you come in expecting everything to come easy, it will be gone as easy as you thought when it arrives. Second tip, be yourself! Taking the time to know who you are and what you are interested in, more than putting focus on others may give you guidance toward your well planed goals. However, lastly, get involved! Sometimes a risk can benefit or hurt, but taking a risk and getting in or being denied is better than not putting any effort in and still not being a part of anything!
A quote by me, Effort is just about all it takes to put in, and what you get out, turns to be just what you make KRP.
Academic Rigor
There may be some professors who will be lenient when grading, but in order to receive leniency from the professors, a struggle of hard work and focus have to be put forth. There are some courses, depending on the majors, where there will be difficulty, but to resolve that problem, there are office hours when students can meet with the professors, one-on-one, and discuss the problems they have in their courses. Also, the University provides free tutoring in the courses where the students need help. There are very few exceptions for handing in assignments late. For example, if a student is absent for a class, the professors might let it pass if they are presented a note from an appointment or an e-mail from the student, basically explaining his/her sickness. However, that doesn't mean the assignment will be extended until that student returns. Overall, they expect students to be on top of their work just as well as professors should be on top of their teaching.
Dorm Life
The dorm life is good. Students can do whatever they please, just as long as the University's regulations are being followed. Meaning, they may bring friends and/or family to visit or even spend the night, but knowing their responsibilities are to be responsible for their company's actions. As far as the use of substances, that is prohibited. As far as security goes, every few weeks, if not purposely set off by the students, there will be mandatory fire drills. In each building, there are Resident Safety Representatives making sure that they regulate and be aware of who enters and exits the residential halls. Also, there are Public Safety Officers who keeps the students on campus secure. There are a few dorms that have coed floors and others that have only one sex on each floor. There is one Resident Assistant located on the halls of each building. The students can go to them for any problems that they have in the dorms or on the floors. Students have housing options to choose from. For instance, students who would love to live with a group of people, they will consider living in the suites which would be in a complex building. Those who would rather live with fewer people would consider a quadruple, which would also be in a complex building or in a tower. The towers also provide doubles and singles for the students who would rather live either with a roommate or by themselves. Within each of the dorms, there is a laundry room. Also, on there is a kitchen where food can be heated and made. Nearby the kitchens, there is a lounge where the students can relax and watch television. All in all, it is definitely an experience where students get a sense of independence, peace, and comfort.
Food and Dining
There are multiple places to eat on Hofstra's campus and many choices of food to choose from. However, if students get tired of the food on campus, there are some restaurants nearby.
What to do for fun
The most fun happens at events. Event schedules get emailed to students. For relaxation, there is a gym where students go to break a sweat and relieve stress. There is a museum on campus where students learn about different art. The library and computer lab is open to students looking for somewhere to study quietly. Additionally, there is student employment for the students looking to work.

Austin from Fairfax, VA

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Hofstra is a great place to learn and grow as a person. It has outstanding facilities and faculty. If properly taken advantage of the school offers everyone all they need to succeed.
Tips for prospective students
For students considering Hofstra it is important that you evaluate how much certain things mean to you. Hofstra is not a small school though it is often viewed as one. There is no real sense of community, or school pride for that matter. The school is very clicky and the social scene is defined by the local bars. Academically Hofstra offers a great advantage in internship and job placement. Overall Hofstra has a pretty good academic reputation but for most students that isn't why they choose it.
Academic Rigor
There are many classes that are considered easy. That however doesn't mean that there will be many easy A's. The professors are generally fair and determine grades by mastery of the subject and effort put into the class. The effort applied to a class nearly always corresponds to the amount learned and the grade received.
Dorm Life
Dorm life at Hofstra is pretty good. Rooms are comfortably livable. Bathrooms are not elegant but are more than good enough to get the job done. The heating and cooling are very good (never was my room at an uncomfortable temperature). The RA's do a great job at being inviting and trying to create a sense of community, but are also accepting if you so choose not to be a part. Safety is impeccable in the dorms. Any issues in the dorms are quickly resolved. Overall the life in the dorms was great, except for the distance the dorms are from classes.
Food and Dining
Hofstra offers a large variety of choices for each meal. Between California Pizza Kitchen, Au Bon Pain, the Student Center Cafe, and Bits and Bytes, on any given day there is almost every type of food imaginable available to students. The food is always good, those who complain are the ones who don't take advantage of the variety of food offered. The only legitimate complaint about Hofstra's food is that it can often be expensive.
What to do for fun
Hofstra University offers a number of things to do on campus, such as movies, festivals, concerts, etc. However most students choose to spend (at least some) of their weekends off campus. The proximity to New York City opens up students to thousands of fun things to do. If not taking the train into the city students take advantage of the many local bars and clubs, go to the local beaches, or enjoy the nearby Roosevelt Field Mall. Hofstra's location makes it unique in what it offers for fun. My suggestion to new students is take all that the school has to offer (join a club, maybe Greek life) and supplement it with what Long Island and NYC have to offer.
Bang for the buck
Hofstra is a school with a pretty good academic reputation. As a university it does a very good job of job placement, and preparing students for the workforce. That said the school is rather expensive. The cost of the school could be considered getting what you pay for but there are a number of schools that would be listed as better values.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The whole campus is filled with an amazing array of rare plants. The whole campus is stunning but no where is quite as beautiful as the bird sanctuary. There is also a sensory garden, which is a great place to collect your thoughts or reflect.
Great for these types of students
A self motivated, organized student is most likely to succeed. There are rarely reminders of what needs to be done so it is put on students to keep track of their responsibilities. Also to succeed socially at Hofstra some degree of social confidence is needed. The people at Hofstra are most often very nice, but do to the many tight clicks it is often intimidating to try and find friends. Starting a conversation is often the necessary catalyst, but starting that conversation to many people can be quite hard.
Clubs and Activities
There are a number of clubs and activities for students to participate in. Intramural sports are highly utilized and are a great way to keep active. In addition there are many athletic related clubs that keep people active. If sports aren't your thing there are seemingly hundreds of other clubs that cover all kinds of interests. The college radio and tv station are also huge hits if that sort of thing is of interest to you.
Greek Life
Greek Life at Hofstra is relatively small. That said socially Greek life is the center of the Hofstra community. If Greek life isn't of interest to a particular student they by no means become a social outcast, however a great deal of school functions and local community functions (especially the local bars) feature Greek life. Greek life at Hofstra is very inviting and in many ways shouldn't be compared to the Greek life at big SEC schools. Many students find that by going out for recruitment they open themselves to a better time at Hofstra.
Campus Safety
Public Safety is very visible on campus. There are always a number of the Public Safety cars on patrol, along with the many walking patrols. Events always have an appropriate number of safety precautions taken. There are a number of emergency stations around campus, to which public safety quickly responds. The buildings (somewhat frustratingly at times) are air tight with their security. Even beyond campus for a few blocks, where many students live, is monitored by Public Safety. In the event that the police or firemen need to get involved the response time is exceedingly quick. I haven't heard of anyone feeling unsafe on school grounds.

Justin from Romeoville, IL

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors I have had so far are very informative. They give great lectures. There are notes you need to take but it is pretty simple. The grading system is pretty fair and if you participate and show the professor that you are trying, it will help. Each class I have taken has helped me not only academically, but has also taught me how to be a better person.
Am enjoying being here
The school is good for academics, but has a ton of opportunities for fun as well. Plenty of Division 1 sporting events to attend through out the year and there are also plays and musicals all the time. There are clubs and many events put on for freshmen to help them get through their first year.
Bang for the buck
While it is expensive, you get a lot for what you pay for. The school has free laundry service, a fall festival with impressive music acts, and you get into all of the sporting events and plays for free. In the dorms, you also get free wi-fi and free cable. There are many events that could easily cost money, but the university covers. There are free trips to the city as well. Trips to museums and events in New York City are exciting and fun.
Tips for prospective students
Get your application and paperwork in early. It will help you get it back faster. Visit the campus to make sure you like it, which you most likely will. Talk to people that have went there and maybe even talk to a professor or two if you visit.
Great for these types of students
Great for people that are very social. It's a school that is very diverse and has many different types of people. It is great for people that enjoy classes and branching out to learn things you might not usually think about. There are people from all over the country and the world, it is a great school for people that like meeting new people.

Naomi from Warminster, PA

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I currently entered as an undecided major, so I wasn't sure what classes I should take at first. However, my advisor helped me decide on some general distribution classes that I could take to take of of my basic requirements as a first-year student. These classes were all very informative, and I can honestly say I learned a lot more than I thought I would (especially as I have only been here for two months!).
Am enjoying being here
I was so nervous when I first came here not knowing anyone and being so far from home. Everyone here was so nice, however, and I quickly made friends and became acclimated to the new situation. The Resident Assistants are here to hep you with anything you need, and teachers and counselors are always available to give advice too. The fitness center is wonderful and free to anyone who takes advantage of it. The food here is great (though it can sometimes be a little pricey), and there are many eateries to choose from. The campus has a great layout as a mixture of foliage, trees, and modern buildings.
Bang for the buck
I have definitely been getting my money's worth here. As a first-year student Hofstra offers many free trips into the city that are very easy to sign up for. I have seen about 5 Broadway shows at no cost. I am also in the Honors College, which offers many free trips and activities. These free trips added to the great food and class options has made my stay at Hofstra worthwhile where money is concerned.
Tips for prospective students
Definitely try to do the Discovery Program is you can! It is a week-long program made up of community service activities that lasts a week before the rest of the freshman come. You get to move in early, and you meet tons of people before classes even start. It was honestly one of the best times of my life and I would recommend it to anyone. I would also tell anyone who's applying here to join clubs that they are interested in. I am ina bout 5 clubs currently, and it is a great way to meet people, get involved, and have fun.
Great for these types of students
Though I am leaning towards Asian Studies myself, I see a lot of Drama and Creative Writing Majors. This school seems to be good for anyone interested in theater, especially since Hofstra is so close to the city. The campus is so diverse, and I think anyone would love it here! Being at Hofstra is a great experience for everyone as long as you have an open-mind and are willing to put yourself out there and try new things.

Luis from Palmetto Bay, FL

researching this school
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Very homey feel on the campus. The faculty appear to be very well educated. Students were kind and helpful.
Tips for prospective students
Visit the campus!
Academic Rigor
From the classes I took, seemed pretty spot on for a private college.
Dorm Life
Dorms were nicer than most.
Food and Dining
Food was good, plenty of variety, if a little expensive.
What to do for fun
Visit NYC!

Lorie from Minnesota

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Hofstra is a great college, with an at home feel that will increase your chance of success. The campus is clean, the professors helpful, and the food is good! There is no other college I would have rather attended.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you are financially equipped to attend this school, because it is pricey. However, it is worth it!
Academic Rigor
It is comparable to my high school classes...I cannot decide if that says little about Hofstra's academics or a lot about my high school's academics.
Dorm Life
The dorms are awesome. The RA's are always helpful. The rooms are clean and most of them have been redone over the past year.
Food and Dining
Great! They offer gluten free food which is awesome for a lot of people. I am a Nutrition major, so for me to say that they have healthy food means a lot!
What to do for fun
The gym is fabulous. There are a variety of intramural sports. A very quick train ride to New York City, and often Hofstra offers free trips to students.
Bang for the buck
Hofstra is over all an amazing school. There is such a variety of people that you are bound to find people you bond with. You will never get bored, and you will always have fun!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Midnight breakfast!
Great for these types of students
EVERYONE!
Clubs and Activities
I play intramural basketball and club softball. There are a variety of different activities for everyone...including Quidditch!
Greek Life
The frats and sororities on campus are very nice. Always fun place to party also!
Campus Safety
Always well lit, I have never felt unsafe on campus.

Blair from Deer Park, NY

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Hofstra is a prestigious school that offers a lot of majors and minors. It is a healthy community that cares about its student body. It has left a good impression on me so far because there is so much to do!
Tips for prospective students
If you can get into Hofstra, definitely go. The degree you get will be more reputable. There are also lots of fun clubs to make friends in. It is on long island by a train ride away from NY.
Academic Rigor
It is a branch of NYU. I've learned a lot here and know I will learn more. You have to experience it to understand it.
Dorm Life
I commute so I will take about that. I drive now, a short drive, but when I took the train in the shuttle busses were a necessity. Students from other states and countries chose to live on campus and do enjoy it, though.
Food and Dining
There are a lot of various restaurants both on and off campus. McDonalds, Chiptole and pizza places are here. There are two Starbucks on campus and one off campus, along with a Dunkin Donuts off campus. Free coffee and tea is available in the commuter lounge. Somedays there is also free food to be found.
What to do for fun
Clubs. I do not go out around the university, but the most fun I've had has been with SCAFFU, the Sci Fi Anime Fantasy Fans United club. I was able to become the secretary and make many friends. We watch nerdy/geeky videos or play games. I am hoping that Anime Sunday comes back soon where we watch anime while working on cosplay. It's a great time.

Abigale

accepted here and planning to attend soon
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Hofstra has a beautiful campus. The people, both student and staff are extremely helpful and kind. The tuition is very costly.
Tips for prospective students
Apply for all the scholarships you can get!
Academic Rigor
I couldn't tell you. I have friends who say it depends on the class you take, but I am not in attendance yet.
Dorm Life
Again I am not in attendance yet, but the dorm life seems pretty great. They have options for everyone.
Food and Dining
I really enjoy the food, they have healthy places to eat, the dining plans are really easy to figure out.

Victoria- Massachusetts

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Campus Safety
Hofstra Public Safety does an extremely good job at keeping this campus safe. In three years I have never felt scared to walk the campus at night. After 10pm the campus is basically shut down from the outside and Public Safety works 24/7 if they're ever needed.
What to do for fun
Definitely join clubs and get invovled on campus. When it's warmer there's beaches in every direction, there's a huge mall 10 minutes away, and there's also the city. The city is a 40 minute train ride from Hofstra and that is always very fun to go to.
Food and Dining
I'm a very picky eater, so I find it hard to find food I like. If i wasn't so picky I think I would eat way more here but another thing again is the price. Each year they raise prices on all the food and that too is getting so expensive that people are just going to the store and buying their food from there.
Clubs and Activities
Any club you can think of, it's here. We have all sorts of sports club and social clubs and just for fun clubs. If you don't see a club you like, you can always just start your own but there are many to choose from that are very active in the Hofstra community.
Great for these types of students
Hofstra is a very liberal school. There are tons of international students, black students, white students, non-binary students, homosexuals. Basically if you're a human being, Hofstra is the place for you. We also have a lot of disabled kids here and Hofstra is very accommodating towards them.
Bang for the buck
Since this school is private, it's extremely expensive. Sometimes I don't know if it's worth it going here because I'm probably going to be paying off loans for the next 50 years. Even things like food and extra fees or anything, it's very very expensive.
Greek Life
I am not involved in Greek Life but I know a lot of people that are and it's very active. They have off campus housing and there's always events going on. And yes, they do throw big parties and do a lot of things for Greek Life.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There are a lot of weird statues on campus and annual things that Hofstra does. Every year they plant one tulip for each student that goes to Hofstra and that is very pretty.
Academic Rigor
It depends on the classes you take, but advice from me is to look the professor up on Rate My Professor while registering for classes. Usually it's not the classes themselves that are hard, it's the professors that makes it really hard.
Dorm Life
I've dormed all my 3 years at Hofstra and the only complaint is that it's extremely expensive. Kids are starting to find places off campus simply because they can't afford to live at Hofstra. The dorms are nice depending on what one you stay in and they have updated a lot of them, but the cost is definitely a downer.
In three sentences
I love Hofstra and I'm so glad I chose to come here. The campus is beautiful and they are always doing their best to make sure everything looks good. They have a bunch of different food and everyone that goes here is so accepting.
Tips for prospective students
Definitely get invovled with campus activities because that's where you'll meet new friends and have the most fun. Also, take advantage of the fact that NYC is 40 minutes away by train ride, there is so much to see and do in the city.