SUNY at Fredonia
Fredonia, NY, USA

Reviews

SUNY at Fredonia

Amoree from Liverpool, NY

a current student here
16 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
All the teachers make themselves available for the students 24/7. If they aren't in their office, they are always reachable by e-mail or phone. They have flexible schedules so if you can't meet with them during their office hours then they schedule a time that's good for both the student and teacher.
Am enjoying being here
SUNY Fredonia is considered perfect in regards to location for most students. It's not big city and it's not in the middle of no where. There are activities to do daily that are planned by many groups that are offered on campus. It's a very relaxing campus to be on.
Bang for the buck
Fredonia offers hundreds of courses to fit the interests of all their students. For the amount of money that you're paying, you get some of the best. The dorms are well taken care of as well as the campus itself. All the teachers are well taught on their individual classes and know the material well. They are always willing to help.
Tips for prospective students
A few well-known tips are to not skip class. Just because you have freedom from your parents now does not mean you should skip every other class to get an extra hour of sleep. If you need to do this frequently, go to bed earlier. Another tip is to keep up on all your work. Don't fall behind because catching up can be an issue and missing one assignment could be the difference between passing and failing.
Great for these types of students
This school is best for music students with it's school of music. It's also very good for science and math majors. Both have amazing programs.

Lisa from Bloomfield Hills, MI

a current student here
16 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Any attempt to discuss my inaugural year at Fredonia feels a bit overwhelming. There are so many things to say and memories to relive that it seems impossible for me to adequately convey how much Fredonia has come to mean to me, and how grateful I feel to have found a place where I am able to learn not only about academic topics and performances skills, but more significantly, about others and myself. Admittedly, my goals upon arriving at Fredonia consisted mainly of learning about my craft of Musical Theatre, and learning how to make my dream of having a long, fulfilling career as a performing artist a reality. I soon discovered, however, that college life would not be exclusively devoted to improving my knowledge and skills within my designated major. In fact, from the beginning of the Convocation ceremony, the freshmen class of 2012 was urged to become observers of the whole world: documentarians of what we saw, felt and explored. We were urged to recognize and become aware of our interrelatedness and connectedness, and told that limitless observation is necessary to facilitate conductive learning and growth not only for the duration of our college years, but for as long as we are productive, active citizens striving for a better comprehension of our society, goals, and personal identities. I knew at that moment, as I listened to these suggestions, that not only was I about to embark on a journey of exciting educational opportunities, but that I was about to uncover new and revolutionary ways to look at myself, my goals, and the people around me.
Am enjoying being here
Fredonia is a unique example of an educational community. Not only does the school value learning, observing, and innovation, but the people found at SUNY Fredonia clearly possess a compassion for their fellow men and women. During my first visit to Fredonia in the spring of my senior year of high school, my parents and I were spontaneously approached by a group of current students in Starbucks. They had recognized me from their class that I had observed earlier that morning, and on their own initiative, spent over two hours talking with my parents and me about how special SUNY Fredonia was. By the end of our conversation, I felt excited that I was lucky enough to have been accepted into such a caring, well-reputed, high-quality university. Never could I have imagined that my school could become my “second home” (in every sense of the phrase), and that the people I have interacted with over the course of only one year could truly become my “second family.” Perhaps people aren’t supposed to understand the quandary of who they are until they reach a point in their lives when they question everything and realize that there is no definite answer to this multifaceted existential inquiry. It is true that during my freshman year I have increased my skills in academics, acting, singing, dancing and leadership, but the most profound affect Fredonia has had on my life was encouraging me to find my own voice. As a returning student, I will use this voice to promote and embody Fredonia’s proud tradition of success!

Danielle from Rensselaer, NY

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am currently a freshman and as such I have had a lot of introductory classes. This meaning that some of my more basic classes are quite easy. However, the more specific focused classes here are great. They teach you everything possible about the topic, the classes here are very content based. It is safe to say that Fredonia will give you an adequate education. For people with a strong background in science the mandatory introductory courses will be a little monotonous as they go over things that many people already know. From the introductory courses the classes get better and more focused.
Am enjoying being here
I love it here at Fredonia. The campus is very friendly and a great place to live. It is basically High School Musical, there are usually kids playing instruments in the Commons, and when the weather is nice it is common for there to be people singing. As this is seen as a music college a lot of the singers are quite good. The weather may be a problem for those who do not like the cold. I happen to love the cold so it's perfect for me.
Bang for the buck
A SUNY college is perfect for a bachelor's degree if you are planning on going on for higher education. You get the same education for a fourth of the cost. I highly recommend Fredonia for scientists, or others, who are going on to higher education. Also, in general the money pays off, as the tuition is really low and the teaching is great.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you like or can deal with cold weather. Be open, people here are willing to make new friends and you should not doubt that. This school is really friendly and a great place to live. I cannot imagine a better place to go to school. The small campus is also awesome as you don't have to worry about being lost in the crowd, and classes are really close!
Great for these types of students
People who like music or are music students. I am a science student and the balance I get here of arts and science is perfect. There's enough of everything. People who like cold and people who like small towns, as Fredonia is very small.

Samantha from Wilson, NY

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The atmosphere around Fredonia is amazing. It is the kind of college that you can sit outside by a tree and read your book, or work on homework. Even the academic side of this school is great; the professors really help you, and you are able to create a great one-on-one relationship if that is what you wish.
Tips for prospective students
For incoming students, make sure your study habits are up to par. Although most teachers here are very understanding of incoming freshman, that doesn't last long. You also have to learn to balance your study time with social time.
Academic Rigor
Depending on what classes you take, and which professors you have, the rigor varies. Some teachers have classes where your grade is based on four exams only, those are the classes that are more difficult, especially if you are not a great test-taker. Other classes, however, you are required to do more work, but if you don't do so well on a test, your grade doesn't plummet. Work hard, and you will do well.
Dorm Life
Dorm life here is great, especially if you really get to know people in your dorm. My suggestion would be to room with someone the first year that you don't know. It opens up an entirely new friendship circle. You come to know it as your own little home, especially if you decorate it as such.
Food and Dining
There are three dining halls on campus: Erie, Cranston, and Willie C. Erie is a huge all-you-can-eat buffet-style hall that has every food you can imagine; and the mashed potatoes are to die for. Cranston is also all-you-can-eat, but it is a little different from Erie. They make the food for you, but they make it exactly the way you want it. They have a section for a main entree, a place to pick up chicken or salmon, a sandwich station, a salad station, a pasta station, and a fruit station. Willie C is the most expensive, just because it isn't something you pay for with one meal and you get whatever amount of food you want. You pay by the item, but they have a variety of different foods.
What to do for fun
Unfortunately, it is a small town. Fredonia is known as a party school, and some of the students allow that to continue to hold true. Thursday through Saturday nights, campus is crowded with people going to and from parties. That being said, there are fun things to do on campus that doesn't involve partying; we have an ice rink, a full-size pool, a full gym, tennis courts, and there are so many clubs that you can join to keep yourself busy!
Bang for the buck
The education here is pretty solid, especially if you are a music or education major. It is a SUNY school, so it is cheaper than other schools, and the campus does offer a lot of amenities that others don't.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The best day on campus is the first warm day of the year. You see everyone outside wearing shorts and dresses, and in the middle of commons, there is a group of people playing music and a girl accompanying them with hula hoop dances. It is so lively, and it usually lasts until sundown. The most unusual location on campus is probably the physics department; it is located in the basement of Houghton hall, and is very creepy.
Great for these types of students
Any student who loves the outdoors would love it here. It is such an open campus, and there are trees and wildlife everywhere. Anyone who is majoring in education or music, this is an amazing college for both of them. Students that love the college atmosphere, but can still feel like they are at home should definitely put this at the top of their list.
Clubs and Activities
We have a night at the beginning of each semester called activities night. This is when every club on campus sets up a booth in the lawn outside of Dod's (in the fall) or inside Dod's (in the spring), and gives people information about their club. There are so many clubs on campus, but if one doesn't fit your interest, and you want to start up another one, it is very simple, just go to Student Affairs, find an adviser, and a few people interested in joining, and you have your own club!
Campus Safety
This campus is very safe. University police roam around throughout the night, and there are tall poles that you can press a button if you are in trouble, and a loud noise goes off along with a bright blue flashing light. University Police will come within minutes depending on where around campus you are. You should still, however be smart and never walk around alone.

Allyson from Cassadaga, NY

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
SUNY Fredonia is vibrant and beautiful. The professors here are dedicated and caring, the student body is welcoming and accepting, and the academics are challenging without being impossible. Fredonia is a fantastic educational value.
Tips for prospective students
Apply for financial aid early! Scholarships are awarded based on supposed financial aid eligibility, and go on a first come, first serve basis. Be outgoing! Try new things and get involved-it makes your college experience much more exciting, and everyone here is friendly.
Academic Rigor
The classes are challenging--especially at the 300 and 400 level, but no so much so that you are guaranteed to fail. The professors are always willing to help, as long as you are willing to put in the effort.
Dorm Life
I didn't live on campus, so I have no opinion of dorm life here, but from what I've heard, most dorming experiences are good ones.
Food and Dining
The food here is excellent, although some is rather overpriced. But there are a lot of options for dining on campus, not to mention off-campus options.
What to do for fun
Downtown! Fredonia is most definitely a college town. There are bars, coffee shops and hangouts all over town, and plenty of shopping options, including T.J. Maxx, JCPenney, the notorious Walmart, and several independently owned shops.
Bang for the buck
At Fredonia, you can get a great education at a low, state-school price. Although scholarships seem to be limited, the amount you would pay at a private school is completely outweighed by the value of Fredonia.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Well of course there is Maytum...the phantom, semi-circular building that was gutted for renovations and never completed. You will hear many a Maytum joke on this campus. There is a tower in the library used as a study area, which is really neat to hang out in if you need a quiet place or a place to meet up. And then...there is FredFest. The annual spring festival in which a famous musical guest is contracted to perform on campus. It is a huge party weekend, and always full of memories.
Great for these types of students
Great for music majors, education majors, and anyone looking for both a good education and a good time.
Clubs and Activities
There are TONS of on campus clubs in all sorts of interest areas. There are several frats and sororities, as well as honor societies, service fraternities, and other smaller clubs. There really is something for everyone.
Campus Safety
The campus is very safe. There are very few incidents that occur on campus, and the campus is well-lit and equipped with several emergency call-boxes. There is an on-campus police force, and we are also in reach of three other law-enforcement agencies, and minutes from a hospital.