Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY, USA

Reviews

Syracuse University

Angela from Syracuse, NY

a current student here
47 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The selection of classes is amazing -- it is impossible to be disinterested in each and every one. Even in the required courses (generally speaking, there's only one, all the rest are options) you will be able to learn and stay interested consistently. The professors generally want you to do well, and there are many ways students can do that. Every class has something to offer, and you're free to choose.
Am enjoying being here
The BEST campus, with the most variety in programming that I've ever seen in a college or university. Even commuters feel welcomed, but that doesn't limit the outreach of the residence hall association -- they're pretty awesome as well! There's a huge number of clubs, organizations, fraternities, sororities, activities, and events going on ALL THE TIME. I have yet to find someone who hasn't had fun at least once in their first year, and there are thousands of new people to meet EVERYWHERE!!
Bang for the buck
The tuition is quite steep (>$30,000/yr currently), but quite a bit can be offered in the way of aid, to those deserving. Once you can afford it along with with room and board, you'll feel secure knowing that you can be taken care of completely. I'd suggest finding a campus job early -- many are easy and can pay well, in the dining halls or offices, for example.
Tips for prospective students
- Plenty of students find SU to be the right fit for them socially and academically, but not financially. Make sure you feel fiscally comfortable with the choice.

- Find a club -- and find one early! You will make invaluable friendships in a common interest activity, which can often help not only socially but academically too!

- Winter approaches near the end of October, and won't quit often until March or April. Make sure you're comfortable with the climate, and although it gets only moderately cold, the snow really piles up.

- Student employment opportunities vary -- foodservice to restaurants, clerical to tutoring. They disappear quickly, so apply ASAP!

- If you don't like the color orange, SU may not be right for you.
Great for these types of students
- athletes, whether club or intercollegiate (Division I, baby!)

- those interested in special interest organizations (fraternities/sororities, honors fraternities, cultural fraternities/sororities, other cultural clubs, LGBT, political clubs, media/journalism -- TV, radio, newspaper, diverse religious communities, general student/resident life, learning communities, entrepreneurship, and student government, just to name a few)

- those benefiting most from a large student body, located on multiple campuses in an urban setting

- those who like to have fun -- social events and nightlife stay active (pausing for breaks at Finals time, and for weather)

- last / not least: those unafraid of a little bit of snow. :)

Alison from Schenectady, NY

a current student here
21 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Syracuse's classes are absolutely fantastic. They have so many classes in so many different majors and almost all the Professors really know what they're talking about and genuinely seem to care about their students. I've only been at SU for a year but I feel like I am really getting prepared everyday to enter the work force.
Am enjoying being here
I love being at Syracuse. The first three weeks were hard to adjust, but that's normal for any freshman. After getting used to the campus I never wanted to leave. It's summer now and I am counting down the days until I can go back to school.
Bang for the buck
I would say Syracuse's price is the worst thing about it. They have a pretty good financial aid department, but the school itself is just incredibly expensive. However, though it is expensive your money is going to a good place as the dorms are relatively nice for dorms and there are tons of clubs and such paid for by your student fee.
Tips for prospective students
Syracuse may seem big - it's what worried me about the school, but it's really not as big as it seems. You will walk across the quad and know at least one person. Get involved in clubs, you'll make so many friends through them.
Great for these types of students
The best thing about SU is that it's great for all students. There's a great blend of different people at SU, it doesn't just cater to one type of student so you get a bunch of different experiences.

Raneish from Bay Shore, NY

a current student here
16 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am learning everything there is to know about being alone in college, from the cost to the problems. The biggest lesson I learned was, college is not cheap. From day one it has been nothing but money, money and more money. From printing out essay to doing laundry, nothing is free. Also time management was a big wake up call. There is no one to remind you when assignments are due. When you get to college your planner is your best friend.
Yes studying and doing work is important, but do not try to kill yourself with the all nighters, especially freshmen year. Yes college is way more work than high school, but it isn't unmanageable. Go out with your friends have fun, meet new people and network. In the real world the connects you make in college may turn out to be very useful.
Am enjoying being here
I love Syracuse University. It is full of energy and amazing people and activities. There is a place for everyone and everything. No matter what you want to do there is someone else who wants to join you. Another great thing about SU is the academic support. Every single subject has a a tutor and there are students who willing to help as long as you need help.
Bang for the buck
Syracuse is a very expensive school, but it's worth it. They have relatively good financial aid. A lot of students have a lot of their cost of attendance paid for.
Tips for prospective students
Do not just pick a school because of reviews. Make sure you visit as many schools as possible. Do not choose a college that you have never been to, you won't see the bad sides of schools in the brochure. Also try to collect as many scholarships and grants as possible, college is not cheap.
Great for these types of students
Great for a student who wants to get the best out of their college experience. Great for student with lots of school spirit and students who want to be involved.

Imani from Syracuse, NY

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This school has an immense amount of school pride. The list of things to do on campus is endless. Everyone who goes here is really happy to be a student here and always puts their best foot forward in everything they do.
Tips for prospective students
You should know why you want to go here and how it will benefit you. Be ready to get involved in one of the great extra-curricular activities that the school offers. Make as many connections with the school as you can before applying or during the application process, as it will increase your chances of getting accepted.
Academic Rigor
Expect the academics to be hard. However, don't expect any college course load to come easy. When things pick up around the middle of the semester and there's so many things to do, it can be stressful. However, if you manage your time well, everything will work out.
Dorm Life
The dorms are okay. All first-year students are expected to live in one. However, after the first year, you have the option to move to south campus which I consider much better. You can live in apartments that have their own kitchen, bathroom and separate bedrooms.
Food and Dining
The dinning hall food is great because there's a large selection. If you don't have a meal plan, there are various cafe's all over campus where you can purchase food. If it's late at night, you can order food off of grubhub.com and have it delivered to your location on campus. There's plenty of options!
What to do for fun
There's an ice skating rink on south campus some students go to. There are many extra-curricular sports, activities, and events that occur everyday. Last but not least, there are plenty of parties to attend.
Bang for the buck
You can work for food services as a starting job. It's one of the easiest jobs to get on campus, they always need new people and they are the highest paying job on campus.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There's the forever alone bench near HBC. Rumor has it, if you sit on the bench by yourself, you will be destined to be alone for the rest of your life. But, these are just rumors of course!
Great for these types of students
Syracuse is great for communications majors. We have the number one communications program in the nation at Newhouse.
Clubs and Activities
There are plenty to join around campus. There's literally a club or a program for everything!
Greek Life
25% of students on our campus are apart of a Greek organization. That's one out of every four people.
Campus Safety
The safety alerts from the DPS officers keep everyone on campus up to date and aware of activities on campus. The DPS officers are the 3rd largest system of law enforcement in the city of Syracuse. DPS stands for Department of Public Safety.

Fiona from Long Valley, NJ

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
There are a phenomenal number of classes here, and it's very easy to take classes outside of your major. I am a dual music major, but I am also working on a business minor. I haven't yet had any classes that I regret taking, or where I felt like I didn't learn anything. Some professors may have big classes, but if you make yourself stick out in class you will get as much attention from them as you need to get the grades you want!
Am enjoying being here
Such a great vibe- there is something for everyone! It's a huge sports school (we just won the Pinstripe Bowl! And the basketball team is amazing!) but there are also opportunities to get involved politically, in Greek life, or in any number of great extracurriculars. SU is also very open-minded; there is a big LGBT organization on campus. There's a nondenominational chapel, too, where there are services and events for all different religious groups. Housing is good, the dining halls are huge, and the diverse campus has a great atmosphere. Not to mention loads of house parties and a bunch of cool party scenes nearby, too!
Bang for the buck
Tuition is ridiculous, but that's not just Syracuse. Without financial aid, I would have to pay over $54,000 per year for tuition and housing but once you decide to attend, SU is great about helping you out. I have good grades, but I also qualified for need-based scholarships- my family now has to pay less than $8,000 per year, including my housing. Also, campus jobs are easy to find if you look quickly!

Unlike other schools, there is clarity about where the money is going- we have great public transportation, the sidewalks are always shoveled, buildings are well maintained, and the staff is superb. Orientation is also a great experience- I am still best friends with some of the girls I met through the program.
Tips for prospective students
Syracuse is a big school- everyone can find a place here. Admissions officers like diversity, so don't try to blend in! Same thing once you get here- it sounds cheesy but just be who you are, and you will find people like you who you get along with. And don't worry...you'll learn to love the color orange. Also, invest in a pair of snow boots and a classy wool pea coat-practically a uniform up here in the cold!
Great for these types of students
Anyone who wants a great, well-rounded college experience! Campus is huge and there are always people to meet and activities to participate in as well as a huge class variety. Great for sports enthusiasts, art enthusiasts, friendly people, anyone who really likes snow...

Kadiah from Jacksonville, FL

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Syracuse University is a large university providing numerous courses, majors, minors, etc. Syracuse University even has the opportunity for you to create your own major! As someone interested in the sciences/mathematics, Syracuse University not only offers the general courses, but they provide classes that are geared towards your own specific interest in the sciences (ex. Science + Teaching? = Science Teaching elective major!!). In general, the professors are more than approachable. They encourage questions, discussions, and even debates/arguments. If you want a school that gives you an opportunity to acquire your personal academic goals, or the chance to explore others, Syracuse University is that place.
Am enjoying being here
SU has a great social scene. It has great diversity which provides an opportunity to expand your horizon.
Bang for the buck
If you engage yourself amongst your peers, classes, work, etc. You'll get everything you want out of Syracuse University.
Tips for prospective students
Enjoy the warm weather while it lasts! Sit on the quad! Gear up for winter, because it'll be here before you know it.
Great for these types of students
Not afraid of a little cold

Danielle from Rochester, NY

researching this school
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Academic Rigor
Since this is a private university and known for being pretty prestigious, the academic rigor is pretty high. Considering this though, I have been reassured that the professors ate very willing to help those who are struggling and are definitely one of the resources that one can use to succeed.
Dorm Life
The dorms are very nice, and most are doubles, but they can have a divider between the two sides for privacy.
Food and Dining
The food is very good on campus, and there is a meal plan that is highly recommended. There are numerous food options not only on campus, but also of campus. There is a Starbucks or a Dunkin' Donuts, so you can arm yourself with either.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There is a statue of Abraham Lincoln, posed in a position, so people can climb up and sit on his leg. Also, if two people sit and kiss on this special bench, then they will be married.
Great for these types of students
Motivated, passionate, athletic, and proactive students. Of course, you do not have to be athletic, but there are just more opportunities for you to become involved if you are.
Clubs and Activities
There is a various number of activities that you can become involved in, so there is literally something for anybody.
Greek Life
There are a few sororities and fraternities, but you are definitely not obligated to join one.
Campus Safety
It is a very safe campus with the help of the Blue Light system. There are multiple lampposts located around the campus which have a blue light at the top. If you feel unsafe for any reason, then you can press a button on the lamppost and the police well come within one minute.

Joshua from Plymouth Meeting, PA

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
My first semester at SU was an extremely positive experience. Classes were challenging but I was able to jump right into my major right away, so it didn't feel like work. Socially, there seems to be a group for everyone.
Tips for prospective students
The University and college in general is what you make it! Throughout my entire college search I never had that legendary feeling of the perfect fit when I walked on campus. When I got there, I adapted by actively seizing opportunities and making a place for myself, and I am beyond happy. Also, I was given the best piece of advice by a professor at SU during my search: find the school that has the *people* who will make you the best you can be. Academic programs are comparable, but the people at each school will not be.
Academic Rigor
Throughout my first semester I was consistently challenged. I don't feel I was ever bored by my work, and I learned something new with almost every project I did.
Dorm Life
I live on a floor specifically designated to have stricter no-drug/alcohol policies. Other than providing me a nice group of people to know because I don't party much myself, my floor is cleaner and more peaceful than others. I hear from friends that some of the dorms can have unwanted smells wafting through the halls, but in general, I haven't heard anything extraordinarily bad.
Food and Dining
It could definitely be a lot worse! The food is pretty good, and a lot of options are given.
What to do for fun
SU has a fair amount of school-sponsored events happening on campus. For example, on the weekends the student union shows free movies. There are plenty of free student concerts to go to, and there are A Cappella group shows every few weeks. There are also things to do in the city: there is a downtown area with a handful of restaurants and shops, and it has a museum too. Most of the fun though, comes from having a group of friends, so getting involved in things and finding a social group is important.
Bang for the buck
SU is expensive, there's no doubt about that. But, I enrolled at SU knowing I would have loans to repay, and so far, I've been very happy at SU. The people are fantastic and the course are constantly teaching me new things. Going into a animation as a career, I find the staff try to provide an accurate picture of how the field will be when I leave. The opportunities to learn have been invaluable.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Ask anyone and they'll tell you to try Dome-stomping. Stand in between two of the big ridges that form the outside wall of the Carrier Dome and jump up and stomp on the ground. Marshall Street, which borders campus, has great places to eat. The Oakwood Cemetery is also a beautiful place to check out that borders campus.
Great for these types of students
Extroverts. The campus community is inclusive and socially active. It wouldn't be a good fit for someone who wants to stay to themselves. Also, it is good for motivated students. It's too easy to fade into the large group of students.
Clubs and Activities
There seems to be something for everyone! As a musician, I'm happy at how many musical ensembles there are for non-music majors to join, and they're all fantastic. The First Year Players is another opportunity that drew me to SU.
Greek Life
I'm not personally interested in Greek Life, but from what I have seen, it is a prominent presence on campus and there are plenty of options to those interested.
Campus Safety
I have been fine. There have been a few reports of robberies this past semester, but most if not all have been off-campus. There are emergency blue-lights stationed around campus. From what I understand, the Department of Public Safety has been less active this year than in past school years. DPS provides escorts home if a student feels unsafe, however, they're not too quick to get to where the student is. But, as long as you don't go wandering off campus late at night, stick to well-lit areas, and just be smart in general, you'll be fine.

Ian from Buford, GA

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
It is the most academically rigorous school I have ever attended, I am constantly being pushed to my limits academically, and becoming a more intelligent person because of it.
Am enjoying being here
The school offers a little of everything, they have a strong intramural program, which can range from soccer to kendo. As well as one of the best basketball programs in the country. The staff, professor's, all the way to the student body are wonderful to be around, and I can be certain when I say, without there pleasantness, my college experience would be different.
Bang for the buck
While the university is quite expensive, I believe the cost is ultimately worth it. With strong extra-curricular activities, a stellar sports program, and amazing academics, I feel the price tag is well worth it.
Tips for prospective students
When applying make sure you are a well rounded student, this is a very sports intensive university. Even the students who are not on varsity sports play some kind of sport. They want students who can benefit the university academically as well as socially. It makes a better experience for all.
Great for these types of students
People seeking a challenge, individuals who love social interaction, a great campus community, and sports fanatics.

Christopher from Flemington, NJ

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Syracuse University has amazing, proactive faculty members that are quick to immerse themselves in activties and events with their students. Your college education is what you make of it, and Syracuse, with its esteemed faculty, renowned abroad program, and wealth of extracurriculars and scholarships, you'll be given all the tools you need.
Am enjoying being here
Socially, Syracuse is a very fun school. Do not let the cold discourage you! The snow stops nothing up here and yes, although you may have to bundle up here, it will not prevent you from having the All-American college experience.
Bang for the buck
Syracuse is a fairly pricy school. There are many merit and need-based scholarships available to offset this. Be prepared to spend much more than you expected on the extracurriculars you involve yourself with. There are so many trips, events, and conferences that you will not want to pass up.
Tips for prospective students
Do not be afraid to start something new here or propose something big (an extracurricular, an event, a speaker). Syracuse University is a great place to try out new ideas because it is highly supportive of the mindset, Scholarship in Action.
Great for these types of students
Students who have a balance of work and play. You want to party hard, but you also want to work hard. And not just on math problems. On real world stuff.