The College of Saint Rose
Albany, NY, USA

Reviews

The College of Saint Rose

Rochelle from esperance, NY

a current student here
15 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I have learned alot about myself and the path I want to take in the future. I think that being able to change your major with such ease is a major part of my success. There are so many different classes to choose from that it is easy to explore different topics. The teachers are wonderful and very helpful, they will always make time for you and help you with anything you need. It's also a great place to learn, there are so many reasources that are at your disposal.
Am enjoying being here
I have made alot of friends, not only with peers but with staff. Since it is a smaller school and the classes are small you get alot of one on one attention. If you need help the professors are very willing to give you the assistance you need.
Bang for the buck
For all incoming freshmen there is some kind of financial aid, which is helpful on ever level including deciding where you want to go. Staying on the campus is worth while if you live around the corner or across the country. The dorms are reasonably sized and they only get better as you get older. If you have a problem with your roomate they will do everything they can to make it better.They have several computer labs and technical centers and everyone is very helpful and friendly. The dinning hall is very good compared to others I've been to. There are lots of choices everyday, a salad bar, a pizza bar, an ice cream bar, a grill where they make what you want right in front of you, there is a sandwhich bar, and a buffet style area. They are very accomidating and the dinning hall is very spacious and a very relaxing setting to be in to eat, to study, or just to hang out with friends.
Tips for prospective students
The college is in a great location you can get to anywhere from the campus, a pizza place, a grocery store, the mall is down the road. The college has a library and as a student you can use the UAlbany library. There is a bus system that you can use to get from place to place for free with your student id. So it makes transportation cheaper and easier, to go shopping or go to the mall.
Great for these types of students
If you like a variety of activites, sports, working, hanging out with frineds. All is possiable at the college and it dosent have to be on the campus there are many places to go and many things to do. There are many different major options and the college is compatable to any kind of need anyone may have. The college is great for a broad range of students.

Heather from Pawcatuck, CT

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
My high school guidance counselor, on one of our last visits, asked why I did not apply to any reach schools--turns out Saint Rose was one of them! Saint Rose is known for its education, music, art/graphic design and communication sciences and disorders (CSD) programs, but it is making leaps in business, computer science, and communications as well.

Education majors especially (such as myself) have it really tough, as you are truly a double major, and must be able to handle the work that comes along with it. Be prepared to become a full history scholar as well as an educator--many who come do not know this, and thus drop the program because they cannot handle the work.

Even phys. ed. classes have a substantial amount of work attached to them, so if you're willing to put in your best effort in, this is the school for you!
Am enjoying being here
The campus itself is spectacular. There's always something to do, and it's a very open campus. People of all backgrounds and beliefs (sexual, religious, etc.) are welcome, and there are a multitude of clubs and organziations to get involved in.

Everything is a short walk or (free!) bus ride away, as the campus is really small and you can reach one end of the campus to the other in no more than 15 minutes (and then still be a short walk away from a grocery store, movie theater, etc.).

The only downside is the general area. Albany is a large city, and it has its share of problems. For instance, at night it's hard to hear anything beyond drunk people milling about outside, but if you can withstand that and don't do anything stupid like go off on your own after a reasonable hour, you'll be fine. Security and the Albany Police patrol the area a lot, and at Orientation they give you their numbers so you can contact them for an escort or emergency. Saint Rose is truly the oasis people look for, and it is reflected in the beautiful landscaping and care taken by the employees.
Bang for the buck
I won't lie, Saint Rose is expensive, especially so if you're an out-of-state student such as myself, and thus don't qualify for NY Tap aid. The scholarships offered to new students are true to what they claim, but still conservative. And, if you just miss the mark for work study, you'll probably want to find a job around the campus after your first semester or year (once you're acclimated to college life).

Also, NEVER stop searching for scholarships, and don't be afraid to tell Financial Aid that you're in need of more money. They can typically find something to help out, but you're basically on your own to pay for it. That being said, as I noted above you get a fantastic education for what you *do* pay, so it is worth it. Note though that many who do not return for another semester/year do so because they cannot afford to pay.
Tips for prospective students
1. Don't be swayed by the thought of alcohol and the parties you will hear about. EVERY single school in this country is a party school, but some hide it more than most. Saint Rose is a wet campus (so if you're 21 you can drink--with certain stipulations), and the apartments around the school are often dripping with alcohol, but that's not why you're here. You're here to learn, so put your studies first.

2. Get involved! There are a plethora of clubs to join and things to do, and if you don't like what you see, make one yourself! We're always open to new ideas, and it's been proven that if you are a part of a campus club, your grades are typically better, because you learn to balance your time. Plus, it's the surest way to beat boredom!

3. See what Albany has to offer. There are great concerts and music scenes, plays, art shows, and museums to check out, plus a lot of great restaurants and shops.

4. Make sure to watch your weight and exercise! Just because the Dining Hall food (which is decent compared to other schools) is all you can eat, doesn't mean that you should.
Great for these types of students
Saint Rose is great for:

-people who like getting involved in causes and improving the world
-leaders
-athletes
-people who are serious about school but still like to have fun
-those who want to try something different from what they might be used to at home (i.e. people from rural areas like me)
-people who like living in a city environment
-compassionate people
-YOU!

Laura from Little Falls, NY

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The College of Saint Rose is a college of its motto, 'Passion knowledge and purpose'. P.K.P for short, the motto defines both the college, its students, as well as the effort put forth by both the college and its students. Saint Rose makes much possible, while at the same time constantly challenging you to improve.
Tips for prospective students
Perseverance and determination. Both myself and fellow students have come to see that not only the teachers expect you to show your passionate and devoted to your studies and future, but so are the offices. That said, if you ask any office a question and someone doesn't answer it to your expectations, find another employee to ask. Saint Rose has a very helpful staff and faculty.
Academic Rigor
I give it 5 stars, because all of the classes I have taken and have signed up for in the fall are challenging. As per usual, depending on the professor some classes may take more involvement than others, but the program I'm enrolled in is one of the top as well, so that is to be expected.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is good. There's 2 halls, which are fairly standard, and then there are numbers of small houses that students can live in if they transfer into Saint Rose, or after their freshman year is up. Many of the houses are luxurious to walk into much less look at because most of them are very old, with dark wood and so on. The nuns used to live in them years ago.
Food and Dining
The cafeteria is usually pretty good for the most part, but it has not so phenomenal days. I feel that, for the money each student spends, and the quality of the food most days, its good. One thing I will definitely say is that they have amazing deserts.
What to do for fun
There's a number of bars, clubs and restaurants in the area, some of which you may need to take the bus to get to. There is also Crossgates Mall. Being that its a city area, basically everything you would need or look for can be found somewhere.
Bang for the buck
For the expenses, its well managed. The college maintains its grounds and so on fairly well, and they even just built a new school of business building across from the main campus.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Rose Rock! The college of Saint Rose's Activities office makes sure there is always plenty to do, and one of these traditions is Rose Rock, where many bands, locally and that travel come to hold a concert on the campus quad. During Rose Rock there's a lot of good food and music, and t-shirts you can buy. The bands often set up tables when they aren't playing too, so you can meet and greet.
Great for these types of students
Students with passion for what they do. Saint Rose is a school for those that have big dreams and want to work hard to make them happen. Also great if you love extracurriculars, Saint Rose has an extensive choice of clubs and activities to get involved in.
Clubs and Activities
As stated above, Saint Rose has tons of clubs and activities. One of which I'm involved in is the school newspaper.
Campus Safety
Campus safety is taken very seriously at Saint Rose. Being that a couple buildings are off campus, the college has a safe corridor program, which gives you streets to walk home along. Campus safety also encourages students walking alone to have one of the security officers escort them wherever they may be going. While in a safe part of Albany, not every stranger on the street is part of Saint Rose.

Lauren from Bronx, NY

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am learning a lot at this college. I just completed my first semester and my program did not only include classes for my English major but also criminal justice classes, a Chinese language class, and and ethics and values class. I cannot wait until next year.
Am enjoying being here
Yes i do enjoy being here because the campus is like a community. You will not be easily 'lost in the sauce' like in some of the surrounding schools. Also, unless you have a teacher who does not have an on campus office, it is very easy to speak with your professors one one one.
Bang for the buck
I would say that this College is pretty expensive, which is what led me to cappex in the first place. I moved off campus, but walking distance because i dont drive & the winters are harsh. My mom pays 10,000 dollars out of pocket and i have taken on some loans. I think tuition is about 28,000 a year. I love the English department but i am not sure if i can stay all four years
Tips for prospective students
Go the the EAC and check out all of the different posters hanging on the walls and attend something, make new friends. Also, keep your room door open & if someone walks by say hey! They are new too and looking to make friends. Find your place on campus through one of the clubs! You will have a great time at Saint Rose
Great for these types of students
Great for Students who want to be a big fish in a little pond. For those who want their professors to know their names and not just be another statistic. for those who like small schools who are like families.

cydney from albany, ny

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
saint rose has a passionate faculty who care both for the curriculum they teach and the students they teach it to. it's a tiny college in a grand sea but still floats and is something to marvel at. the student body isn't afraid to speak up about injustice on campus.
Tips for prospective students
we have a high acceptance rate right now due to a budget in trouble. so long as you are a b student or higher, and scored fairly well on the sat's, you'll get in no problem. we offer quite a lot of financial aid.
that doesn't mean that our quality of education is affected by the acceptance rate. our professors are intelligent and expect rigor, but are very approachable. you learn a lot about life in your classrooms.
Academic Rigor
harvard is just a name for connections; it doesn't correlate with the difficulty of the coursework. saint rose will challenge you and prepare you for your careers. it's wise to go to each class and study in between them. we generally have fridays off, which is a great day to dedicate to schoolwork.
Dorm Life
i lived in both lima and brubacher hall during my freshman year (i switched). i preferred brubacher, which felt like a hall with history vs. lima which felt like a newly built hospital.
making friends in your dorm hall is fairly easy. during the first week, people would keep their doors open and invite people to walk in and say hi. i think it's important to live in the dorm to make friends and feel included and involved. a lot of the commuter students here feel as if they never had the "proper" college experience without rooming on campus.
Food and Dining
i hated it so badly that i moved off campus. the meal plan is mandatory if you live in the dorm, and it's very expensive. it's also inconvenient; hardly open on the weekends, closed from 2-4 daily and closes around 7 or 8 each night even though there are classes that run later than that. it's difficult for student athletes or students that have jobs to utilize the dining hall, because hours are consistently terrible.
What to do for fun
get a job in the area! you make friends through your workplace, and many of them are college students as well. it's a great alternative if you feel your social life is lacking. around town there's the madison theater, which shows movies for $5 every day. go to a rocky horror picture show (albany has tons of showings) and experience something you probably haven't if you're from a small hometown. we also have a 24 hr price chopper if you're feeling hungry at 2 am and need doritos.
Bang for the buck
it's an expensive college, but comes with prestige; especially for the education and music industry departments. we're in the top few in the nation for both subjects, which is something you can be proud of and have confidence in while you're sitting through classes.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
we teepee our large tree in our quad. not sure why, because the toilet paper stays through the winter. it's kind of unpleasant to look at, actually, but hey, a few moments of thrill.
we also show movies in the quad on a projector in the fall which is pretty neat.
Great for these types of students
athletes, musicians, and future teachers. we've got athletic scholarships and great facilities and programs for these guys.
Clubs and Activities
we are an active community! whether it's for social justice or poetry, there's a group that meets once a week and is a great way to get involved.
Greek Life
we steal from ualbany.
Campus Safety
we have that blue light system, so if you are in danger you press a nearby blue light button and security is called. we have regular patrols and escorts if you ever feel in danger. it's especially useful when you're wandering albany at 3 am.

Courtney from Southwick, MA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I feel like my teachers all have a different approach to teaching yet they all work. I feel I am not only learning in major classes but in my electives as well.
Am enjoying being here
I LOVE my school and am having a great time here. Being from MA I did not know if I would like being far away but it is great. I love that there is always something to do, always someone to hangout with, and I never find myself doing the same thing over and over again.
Bang for the buck
The scholarships are great and if you made an attempt in high school chances are you'll get one. This school was way cheaper than any of the others I was looking at (12 mostly in Boston) and because of this I can say that I am getting a great bang for my buck.
Tips for prospective students
Come visit the campus- its that simple. It took my three times on campus to realize Saint Rose was right for me, but now that I am here I love it.
Great for these types of students
Anyone who likes to get involved on campus. This school is great for those who like to do things and adventure both on campus and off.

Christine from Westfield, MA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I would absolutely give The College of Saint Rose a high rating. It did not take me long at all to know that this is where I wanted to go; in fact, it is the only school I applied to! I could not imagine myself anywhere else right now.
Tips for prospective students
Even before you apply, go on tours of the school. There is also an opportunity to spend the night with a current student and go to class with them, which is a great way to get an idea of what college is really like. Like Saint Rose on Facebook or follow them on Twitter. Social media is a really good way to get information about the school and what events are going on.
Academic Rigor
The College of Saint Rose strives to challenge its students and push them to their full academic potential. Classes are small so professors get to know their students and quieter, more reserved students (like myself) aren't lost in the crowd.
Dorm Life
I've lived on campus the two years I've been at Saint Rose so far and have had positive experiences overall both years. There are only three freshman-only dorms and many upperclassmen residence halls, most of which are old converted Victorian houses (lots of character). There are also suites and student apartments on campus, which hold up to six people. FREE laundry is included in every dorm and there also lounges, kitchens, cafes/grab-and-go in at least two buildings, and computer labs in the two larger freshman dorms that are available to anybody. My experiences with RAs have also been great. They plan fun programs to do together. I have lived with some great girls, some of who have become good friends.
Food and Dining
There are not only several places to eat on campus, but in the surrounding area as well. On campus, there is the main dining hall, Camelot Room (my personal favorite), a Starbucks, the Burger Studio, and two cafes. With the purchase of one of a few meal plan options, you can use a certain amount of meals at the dining hall and points anywhere on campus. Don't worry, I have found that the number of meals they give you is more than enough. Points are a little easier to use up if you are not careful. Just outside of campus, there are even more options on Madison Avenue alone, including pizza, Chinese, sushi, BBQ, Subway, and a grocery store. A lot of places in Albany deliver so you don't even have to leave your dorm if you're in the mood for a certain something something.
What to do for fun
-Week of Welcome activities- hypnotist, comedian, movie on the quad, and more.
-Reach Out Saint Rose- campus wide day of volunteering in the Albany area. Saint Rose values community service and giving back as one of its highest priorities, so if that is something you enjoy this is the place for you.
-Clubs- Golden Knights Dance, Identity, and a few different acapella groups to name a few.
-Madison Theatre
-ice skating in downtown Empire Plaza
There are also two large malls in the Albany area- Crossgates and Colonie.
This is just naming a handful of fun things to do if you decide to come to Saint Rose :)
Bang for the buck
Yes, college is expensive. Saint Rose is not an exception to that, but I think every penny is worth it for the quality education and experiences I am getting here.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Tee-peeing the biggest tree on campus at midnight the night before Halloween.
Clubs and Activities
There are many clubs at Saint Rose. There is something for just about any interest out there and I have heard that it is pretty easy to start your own if you have an idea for something that doesn't exist yet!
Campus Safety
My mom, who worked at a large university, was impressed with the amount of security present on such a small campus. Every residence hall has a place to swipe your ID card to get in. The larger freshman dorms have a security desk in the lobby. They recommend putting the number for security in your phone and you can call for an escort to walk you somewhere whenever you want because the office is open 24/7.

Anonymous from Brooklyn, NY

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Academic Rigor
Classroom settings are ideal for having a average to good relationship with your professor. Most classrooms have about 20 to 30 people in average. The professors I have had so far seem to enjoy their topics, which means that students have to work harder to pay attention and be on top of their work. One should expect to have a good work ethic, because the majority of the classes seem to not be easy to pass. There will be all-nighters, struggles, and lots of tutoring.
Dorm Life
The housing is not your average looking dorm. When I first visited the campus, I was fascinated to see that the dorms look like older houses renovated. You can tell there is much history behind these houses. The two major freshman houses are very different. Bru hall is very large but very old. It is like a mansion that needs much fixing. A downfall is that is not a close to campus as most students will like. Lima hall on the other hand is near the campus green and much more recent in structure and technology. However, there are fewer students and way more girls than boys that live there(one floor of boys to four floor of girls). The good thing is that dorms are kept clean and in good condition!
Food and Dining
The food is pretty good. It's not always superb, but it is not bad. It has its days where the variety is great, especially when parents and other visitors come. Most do not finish the meals of their meal plan by the end of the semester. The college also offers other options such as a burger store, a convenience store for common food and goods, etc. Most kids will miss their food from home, so appreciate what you have now!
Greek Life
Greek Life Is Very Rare On Campus. There is no sign of any fraternities or sororities on campus. However, the lack of Greek life does not take away from the liveliness of campus and availability of activities to do.
Campus Safety
One can feel extremely safe on campus. There are always alert security guards walking around campus and guarding the dorms. Not only do they do their job well, most of them are quite friendly. However, when walking on the outskirts of campus, one has to just be wise and never walk alone. Security is available to escort you wherever, if you feel unsafe.

Lisa from Ballston Spa, NY

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Amazing School. Amazing Faculty. Amazing Academic Programs.
Tips for prospective students
Come with a Positive and Focused attitude and have an open mind.
Dorm Life
The students I know that live on campus seem very happy and comfortable. I donot hear complaints.
Food and Dining
A variety of food for everyone.
What to do for fun
You can attend concerts, open mic nights, athletics games.
Bang for the buck
It is a private school so in Music for example you have one on one instruction with an applied teacher for your instrument be it voice, wind instrument, guitar or piano. Then you attend Repertoire Class with other students for the same instrument and everyone has to perform in this class setting. Awesome!!!!!. This is mandatory every semester until you graduate.
Great for these types of students
Musicians and Teachers.
Clubs and Activities
In every Degree program there are clubs and activites. opportunities for you to meet fellow students who share your same passions.
Campus Safety
Always security on campus. Emails are always sent to keep students and faculty well informed about what is goin on on campus and in the neighborhood and how to keep yourself protected.

Shane from Bellingham, MA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The classes are challenging and, for the most part, the professors care about the subject matter and get to know the students because of the small class sizes.
Am enjoying being here
St. Rose is a school that is heavily involved in the community and encourages students to get involved around campus or around Albany. The small campus makes everything personal and makes it easier to become a part of something, rather than keeping to yourself in your room.
Bang for the buck
Although the college is fairly expensive, the experience and personal touch of the school is well worth it.
Tips for prospective students
Don't be afraid to get involved in a team, group, or club around campus.
Make as many friends as possible.
Stay active.