SUNY at Purchase College
Purchase, NY, USA

Reviews

SUNY at Purchase College

Kara from Purchase, NY

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
This is a great college for anyone studying any of the Visual Arts. There are endless resources available.
Am enjoying being here
At first you may be underwhelmed by the general appearance of the campus, but once you start getting involved in any of the school activities you'll never want to leave!
Tips for prospective students
Build a strong portfolio and come ready to work!
Great for these types of students
Artists, Hipsters

Rondell from New york, NY

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
this campus has a unique style from the students that go here to the buildings not being a the norm. the blend of people from different backgrounds and countries make acceptance here easy for everyone. this college maybe a suny college but it lets us students show off their creative skills.
Tips for prospective students
three things come in mind
one: to come here you must to open minded.
two: be ready to see things that may not have seen in the out side world.
three: have a car or a friend with a car just in case the purchase buses stop working.
Academic Rigor
the type of classes offered here range from the arts (like art history and acting classes) to business (like economics and management classes). the advisers all try to help the students under their care and answer any questions they may have.
Dorm Life
the dorms here are all nice but in the older ones you have to walk up the stairs which makes moving in and out hard if you don't live on the basement floor but the newer ones have elevator. it is easier to make connection with the other people who live on the same floor as you then in the the newer dorms. there is also in-campus apartments were students may have more freedom.
Food and Dining
the food is ok, its good for dorm food and the chefs here come up with some unique food combinations (like chicken and potato eggs) and theme days (wacky wing wednesday or ice cream friday). purchase college is also one of the top ten vegan friendly colleges in america.
What to do for fun
there is something for everything because of the diversity of clubs offered here. as well as being a ten minute drive or a purchase bus ride away from white plains which has three malls, many different restaurants and a train into new york city.

Kimberly from Purchase, NY

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Every professor has life lessons to share, so even the gen eds are worth investing yourself in. Professors are knowledgeable and care.
Am enjoying being here
There's never a lack in opportunities to get involved, be active, and make moves. You've just got to be motivated.
Bang for the buck
Dorm living, not awesome. But you're a freshman, that's supposed to be the worst part! It gets better when you move into the apartments.
Tips for prospective students
Stick your neck out. It's what makes everything worth while.
Great for these types of students
Kids who aren't afraid.

Andrea from Carmel, NY

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Purchase is a very diverse and open minded college. Highly excepting of different ethnicities, religious beliefs, and a gender/sexuality preferences. If you were considered the weird/artsy/activist/burnout/nerdy or any other label in high school, well this is most likely a great school choice.
Tips for prospective students
The classes are fun but VERY challenging. This is a hard school to get into for incoming high school graduates so I suggest going to a two year school and then transferring in. If you transfer you have a much higher chance of getting in. Make sure you try different classes to test out what you may want to do. The school is full of people who double major and minor in so many things. That is because there are so many majors and minors to choose from as well as a HUGE variety of classes to take.
Academic Rigor
The classes are great, the professors really try to teach you everything you could possibly learn in one semester. Challenging classes that take you to a whole other level. If you start out a novice in the subject of the class you are taking, you will be a pro by the time finals come. Great learning but you have to try, if you think just because it's an art school that the classes will be easy, you better think again. The professor expect the most from their students and students expect to get the most out of their class experience.
Dorm Life
Dorms are dorms. Most people would prefer to live in the apartments (the Olde, the New, and Alumni Village) because those are where the parties and social gatherings happen. If you get stuck in the New (also known as the Commons), you will have quite a walk to the main campus since it is the furthest out of all the forming facilities. But in return you get to have the most up to date apartments on campus. Dorm at purchase is like a roller coaster, at times it is very relaxing and others it is very hectic. Overall though it is a great experience to life on campus and I would suggest trying it out for at least the first two semesters.
Food and Dining
Purchase is known for being one of the most vegetarian/vegan friendly campuses in the country. There is a wide variety of healthy foods to choose from as well as good old junk food. The Starbucks on campus is great and usually very crowded, hey New Yorkers need their Starbucks. The Starbucks is also known for having the most variety of sandwiches in the country. Terra Ve is the campus's all vegetarian dining hall. There is also the Hub, which is open the latest out of all dining facilities on campus so it's great for late night cravings. The Hub is a mix of a mini mart and a food court. You can get chips and dip, candy and all that good stuff as well as grab yourself a hot meal.
What to do for fun
There is ALWAYS some kind of activity being held on campus. You can always find something to do and if you don't know where to find it there are always other students who probably know of something going on. Since the school happens to be located in the middle of the woods, I feel the students and faculty on campus try to make the most of it by doing as much around the grounds. Students can get a full listing of daily events on the Purchase website which includes what time and where.
Bang for the buck
Great cost for a school that offers so much. Most art schools are very expensive, but Purchase is a super affordable school where students can get the most from their money spent. In state tuition plus housing and meal plans tends to be around twenty grand a year, which is a bargain if you ask me.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Culture Fest has to be one of the most known traditions on campus. It is a festival of live music, carnival rides, parties on the lawn and so much more. It happens every year in Spring and even has it's own Wikipedia. Another great yearly event is Zombie Prom. This is a dance in which students and guests dress up like the undead and get to dance the night away covered in fake blood and guts, my personal favorite event.
Great for these types of students
Artists, musicians, and all creative types. There are so many events for art viewings and workshops. As well as concerts going on in The Stood every week. Purchase is definitely an arts school but the other big part of this school is the Biology students. I would say about one third of the students in Purchase are bio majors.
Clubs and Activities
There are a ton of clubs! And they are so many varieties as well. You can join the Cheese club, yes it is what it sounds, they provide cheese tastings and you get to stand around chatting with others and eating awesome free food. There is a highly active feminist club and well as an LGBTQ club. Then there are more random and fun clubs such as the DDR club, the Anime club, and the LARPing club. Also there are great cultural club that host great events on campus such as dances and food events. Overall great campus for clubs and activities.
Greek Life
I have not heard of much of a Greek life on campus. It's a very artsy school so that doesn't seem to be a big deal on campus.
Campus Safety
The campus may seem dark and gloomy at times so many worry about safety when walking around at night. There are several stations on campus in which you press a button if you feel in danger or uncomfortable walking by yourself, and a campus police officer will come to that location in no time. Plus the police are very friendly and always willing to escort you if you feel unsafe.

Dani from Mastic Beach, NY

researching this school
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
i have been here twice, once for a regular visit, and once for national portfolio day, and i immediately felt like this was the school for me. it's a very welcoming and calm environment. i feel any individual will grow and expand their horizons here.
Academic Rigor
there are so many courses offered, and each professor cares about teaching their students.
Dorm Life
the dorms seem to be more satisfying as you get older, but even the freshman dorms were fine by me.
Food and Dining
there are many different options, including vegan, which is great.
What to do for fun
there is always something going on at purchase, you won't be bored. there's clubs, including the popular cheese club, and you can take a train right to the city for fun.
Bang for the buck
when compared to most schools, i find this school to be priced very reasonably.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
if you go into the quad, there's almost always someone singing, playing guitar, or doing something entertaining.
Great for these types of students
artists, hippies, hipsters, anyone laid back/calm.
Clubs and Activities
cheese club!
Campus Safety
there are boxes with a button you press if you feel you aren't safe and security guards will come right away and walk you where you need to go.

Brandon from Rosedale, NY

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Purchase College is a hidden gem, competing with New York City's best art schools. Its programs are rigorous and competitive, but the culture of the school is in no way hindered by this competition. Students are one body, a collaboration of talent, to create what is SUNY at Purchase College.
Tips for prospective students
Students should be prepared for a demanding program, but also a warm community of diverse talents.
What to do for fun
With White Plains and Port Chester minutes away and accessible by a free bus system, opportunities are endless for fun activities.
Bang for the buck
Education at Purchase College is comprable to that of Pratt institute, Parsons New School of Design, and the School of Visual Arts. The price, however, amounts to almost half of the competition.
Great for these types of students
Open minded, friendly, creative, fun loving, creators.
Clubs and Activities
Socially aware and active in the Purchase community and the International community.
Greek Life
None.
Campus Safety
University Police are NY State Troopers.

Michael from Paramus, NJ

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
SUNY Purchase has a very liberal and active student body. The campus is undergoing quite a bit of remodeling. Students and faculty are very encouraging here.
Tips for prospective students
There are plenty of opportunities for doing great things here, don't waste them.
Academic Rigor
Courses are challenging and enlightening. But not overbearing.
Dorm Life
I commute, but I hear it's pretty good.
Food and Dining
Not so bad, I commute, but from far, so I do eat on campus a lot. It's not horrible. The pizza isn't always cooked all the way.

Clara from Sharon, CT

researching this school
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
Fantastic studios
Will enjoy being here
There seemed to be alot of activities ti go to
Bang for the buck
Extremely reasonable costs

Marissa from Newington, CT

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Purchase really embodies their slogan "think wide open". It brings your mind to a different level and opens up your eyes. It makes you think about who you really want to be.
Tips for prospective students
Try to really take a look around and get to know as many people as you can. Purchase is full of different cultures, ethnicities, backgrounds and sexualities.
Academic Rigor
This rating is coming from a conservatory point of view. The conservatories at purchase are professional training programs, and really prepare you to work in your field.
Dorm Life
The dorms are cozy, but on the small side. They are very easy to make comfortable.
Food and Dining
Dining options are great, and include an all vegetarian and vegan cafe.
What to do for fun
The Stood! The good is a great hangout place for students. Its our student center, complete with games, a stage and rehearsal rooms for bands.
Bang for the buck
Yes.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Culture shock!
Great for these types of students
Creative and the misfits.
Greek Life
Not allowed.

Sarah from Purchase, NY

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Purchase college is a diverse community that encourages collaboration and creativity. Students in different areas of study often work together on projects to diversify their work and broaden their learning experience. Purchase offers a place for everyone to feel comfortable while also offering room to grow.
Academic Rigor
The journalism department has been outstanding in improving my writing and opening up internship opportunities. Across all areas of study, internships are encouraged and the Career Development Center is a great resource to get started. The faculty are all experienced in their field and bring their real-world expertise into the classroom.
Dorm Life
Get your housing request in as early as possible! As you get older, the housing options are better.
Food and Dining
There is a vegetarian eatery (Terra Ve), a main dining hall (buffet style), a pay per item option (the Hub), and Starbucks. All of these places accept the meal plan.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Fall ball is the annual drag-show located in the student center (Stood). Dress up, or not, sign up to perform or enjoy the show...this is one of the most popular events at Purchase!
Great for these types of students
Artistic, outgoing, creative, self-motivated, collaborators
Greek Life
There is no greek life at Purchase.
Campus Safety
There is a state police department located on campus which works closely with the community. I have never felt unsafe at any time and if I ever needed assistance, I feel confident that my needs would be met appropriately.