Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus
Madison, NJ, USA

Reviews

Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus

Student from FDU

a current student here
17 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors are great! And I haven't had any large lectures, all small classes with real professors.
Am enjoying being here
The campus is absolutely gorgeous! It was Vanderbilt's mansion, and they also own a castle in England, which they converted into a college for studying abroad. I can't wait to go for a semester! It's the same price as going to the regular college, so you have nothing to lose!
Bang for the buck
This one was difficult to rate because the college is expensive at $42,000 per year, but they give a lot of scholarship money, so it ended up being cheaper than even a state school for me.
Tips for prospective students
Don't let the price scare you away, like I almost did. Apply and see what they'll give you, it's worth it! They gave me more money than any other school, and if you apply at one of the information session and tours, the application fee is waived, so you have nothing to lose!
Great for these types of students
Especially great for students interested in the accelerated 5 year masters program, what a deal!

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
There are many great Professors here at the university. They are what make learning interesting. Take classes in Sociology, Literature and the required CORE classes and you will learn a lot about how people behave and about some of the pressing underlying issues in the United States and in the world. I can not say enough just how much learning also take place outside of the classroom and where much of my learning has come from. FDU is so great for constantly throughout every school year, hosting discussions and panels where guest speakers from members of the UN to U.S. Interrogators to our very own faculty speak on the most heated and pressing topics. Some of the topics have been cyber bullying, our relationship to the Middle East, Islamophobia, the lack of political voice for Islamic women, a professional photographer’s story of domestic abuse and the list goes on and on. You will learn a lot IN and OUTside of the classroom.
Am enjoying being here
Yes I am! I couldn’t imagine being at another college. It definitely was meant to be. The atmosphere of FDU and the dorms will quickly feel homey. By the way, many of the dorm buildings are really nice, some do need work but FDU is constantly making improvements for the students- gyms, student lounges, etc.. Dorming is definitely a whole other experience on its own and it’s great.
Bang for the buck
Is FDU a bang for the buck? It depends on the individual in this case. Personally, I love FDU and everything they offer, but the college is definitely pricey- more for some than others. Some find it cheaper than a state school. It really does depend on whether you are a New Jersey resident or not and what you can academically qualify for. So try to keep your grades up high your senior year of high school! A high SAT score (Math & Verbal are the only ones FDU considers- a score of 1050 or higher) and at least a 3.0 GPA, and you can qualify for a good scholarship. However, as others have mentioned scholarships and awards are consistent and you can work out a payment plan so that you are paying at a rate that is right for you.
Tips for prospective students
It’s an extremely expensive college BUT they offer a lot of scholarship money like no other college does. They are able to do this because so many of the alumni generously donate. FDU is really a tight knit small community. Also, REMEMBER, one of the most important things about starting college is that you start off on a clean slate. You have the ability to do better than you did in high school (for those of you who didn't do as well as you'd liked, like me). So be positive and use your time wisely! The Freshman Seminar course you take when you first begin at FDU is designed to help you make the transition from high school to college. Take advantage of it. Take advantage of any help you need. FDU has a career center for those looking for a job in a career choice relevant to their major, it has a tutoring center, plenty of computers to do your internet work, a library with extended hours, and several eating spots other than the cafeteria (a Nathan’s is right on campus). Café food is better than the food many other colleges offer in the area! Take advantage of all this good stuff. Time management will be of major importance in college. Another important thing, get involved! I know that sounds over said but this is how you meet people, friends. There are plenty of Clubs on campus and growing. You can start your own club as long as you have a few people rounded up ?. Really take time to form relationships with your professors because number 1, they are there to help you succeed to the best of your ability and two, they’ll be the people looking out for you when you need a recommendation for a future job!
Great for these types of students
Students interested in Global Studies, studying abroad to learn of other cultures, interested in majoring in Communications as they have an extensive 5 year MA program (its a plus!), Film, English (the English/Creative Writing department is amazing and the students produce great work), Theater (And musical theater! The Visual & Performing Arts Department puts on plays twice or more a year) and you know how every school has that one major that is rare? Well FDU has Hotel Management and it's own Hotel on campus, which I think is pretty awesome. FDU does offer a few dance classes (that are always fun) but unfortunately its not really a major at the college, which I believe the college should consider in the future. FDU is a great for students interested in a tight knit small community with small classes. The most students in a class will be around 30; some may be 40 if its a general requirement course or if the course isn't offered every semester. FDU is also working its way to being more diverse. What was once a predominately Caucasian college is definitely shifting and you will see a great mix of African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Italians, Greeks and so on. So if you’re interested in a diverse setting, you will find it here. I’m not a particularly athletic person, so I don’t have a personal story to tell on the topic of sports on the campus. I do however know that there is football, swimming, volleyball and soccer teams. Most of all, FDU’s campus is beautiful in the Spring. Trees cover the campus, and wildlife roam (mostly foxes, deer, beavers and other critters) but they do not cause any harm, I promise! If you want a big campus with beautiful scenery and historic buildings(The Mansion was Vanderbuilts), FDU Florham is it. If you want to still be able to visit the city (NY), the train ride to NY is about an hour. Pretty close!

Student from FDU

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I have not had a large class since i started. The classes close at 30 students so each student gets the attention they need. Most of the professors have real world experience about what they are teaching.
Am enjoying being here
There are tons of activities on campus for all types of interests.
Bang for the buck
While the tuition goes up every year, the scholarships and financial aid are good and consistent.
Tips for prospective students
FDU is a great fun school, you will learn a lot, and have a great time. Definately visit the school for a real feel.
Great for these types of students
Students who want a school that has a small school feel but is actually pretty big. Someone who wants to be out of the crazy city life, but can be in NYC withen an hour.

Kristine from New Rochelle, NY

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
My teachers are very knowledgeable and it is easy to have a diverse schedule that provides you with a wide range of information. I am a double major and I have no trouble fitting all the classes I need each semester.
Am enjoying being here
I have made tons of friends and there are lots of school organized parties to keep students entertained on weekends.
Bang for the buck
No matter where you go to school it is going to be very expensive. I think that the tuition is worth it as well as the meal plan fees. I do however think the housing is a bit expensive for what you get.
Tips for prospective students
If you have any questions look on facebook for people who go to your school so you can find out what it is really like.
Great for these types of students
If you are looking for a theatre program that will seriously change you as an actor and better your art do not hesitate to apply and make FDU your top choice. In my year at school I have greatly improved as an actress and I am happy to say that I am anxiously awaiting my next rigorous semester!

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
the campus itself is expansive and extremely beautiful. the classes are set in near perfect environments. setting up schedules and appointments for career development is incredibly easy.
Tips for prospective students
buy all your books from amazon. grubhub is your best friend for all- nighters. the library is more useful than you'd think.
Academic Rigor
finish everything efficiently. make your schedule both lax and taxing. never wait until the day before.
Dorm Life
for the first year, a roommate can go either way. but they can become your best friends soon enough. just make sure they don't become impossible to live with
Food and Dining
the good food is from the salad bar, the desert area, or making your own sandwich. everything else is typically bland. taco tuesday makes up for it.
What to do for fun
join the events and clubs. there's a wide variety of clubs and organizations throughout campus that make sure no one is left out.
Bang for the buck
so far, this school is providing me with everything i could ask for. except better internet. and food.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
there is a large rock on the grass, you won't miss it. sometimes people climb it to just relax and meditate.
Clubs and Activities
there is a photoshop club and a video game club for those who enjoy the creative side of things
Campus Safety
there have been no issues for me while i was there. always have your dorm key with you, or else pay the fee to reenter your room

Donovan from Maywood, NJ

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
It's a great school with small class sizes and personal interaction between students and professors is encouraged. There's also plenty of extracurricular activities and field trips to keep students occupied. The only downside is that the tuition is very steep!
Tips for prospective students
You'd better be ready to shell out a lot of money and give it your all once you're in. That's the best advice I can give. Fortunately, the tutoring center is free of charge, so don't hesitate to go there when you need help, and even if you DON'T think you need it. One last thing: because the campus is small, you'll be seeing the same people a lot. Be nice to them, since it will be for your own good.
Academic Rigor
The professors are great and the classes are informative, but they really mean business. Don't go in expecting a free ride, but do expect graduation day to be that much more rewarding in the end (incidentally, graduation takes place on the Teaneck campus, not Florham's).
Dorm Life
I can't say for sure that dorm life is great since I've been living in the same building ever since I started here, but from what I've heard it does leave something to be desired. It's livable, but it's also not the best in the world as far as I know.
Food and Dining
The food in the cafeteria is better than most schools, but it can get old quickly. Fortunately, the numbers for local restaurants are provided in dorms and select restaurants actually accept Fairleigh 1 dollars, the refillable currency stored on the school's ID cards. There's also a Nathan's and grill-type place to mix things up (the latter is even open late).
What to do for fun
Besides just walking around the beautiful campus, you can attend weekly clubs, attend the pub's happy hours (if you're 21), ride a train to New York City among other places, and more.
Bang for the buck
Like I said, the tuition is sky high, but believe me when I tell you that it's worth every penny. I can't think of a better school to attend in New Jersey, or any other state for that matter. There's even a study abroad program that takes place in the school's branch in England!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The campus has a number of interesting places if you look out for them. For example, there's an old staircase just on the side of a road next to the Village (capital V) that goes up to the Mansion (again, capital M), which itself has a beaten path that goes down to Park Avenue. There's also a bicycle path that leads to a local train station and St. Mary's College, which is literally right next to this campus, though I wouldn't recommend going in uninvited. This campus used to be someone's summer home, and it shows in certain places.
Great for these types of students
Students who prefer smaller campuses, need personal assistance from the professors themselves, and feel the need to go the extra mile academically will thrive here.
Campus Safety
Apart from the occasional drunken screamer in the distance (it's a given; these are supposed to be the best years of our lives after all), it's absolutely safe to take a walk at the stroke of midnight if you wanted to. The campus is that secure.

Courtnee from Belle Vernon, PA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The classes are small and your professors know who you are. You do not have teaching assistants for the class; only professors. There are many groups or activities for you to get involved and feel a part of the school.
Tips for prospective students
Apply early as it is a very well-known school.
Academic Rigor
Demanding classes and schedules, but you learn a lot from the professors.
Dorm Life
The dorms are not as bad as other schools that I have friends attending. The rooms are a good size.
Food and Dining
The cafeteria has many selections to fit your taste. This year they tried extended hours so that you could go to the cafeteria whenever it fits into your schedule.
What to do for fun
Activities/groups, football games, watching your friends involved in sports and taking the train into NYC for activities.
Great for these types of students
Highly motivated and independent thinkers
Clubs and Activities
Florham Program Council, law club
Campus Safety
I feel safe on this campus. They do a good job of watching over their students.

Melissa from Old Bridge, NJ

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
FDU is a great school and I absolutely love it here. Classes are within walking distance and my professors are always helpful. There are a decent amount of campus events going on all the time so it is easy to get involved!
Tips for prospective students
Although the price may scare you away, they are great at giving major scholarships!
Academic Rigor
I've had my fair share of easy courses, but they are always balanced out with my tougher courses. It's a good mixture where you don't want to give up, but you have to push yourself.
Dorm Life
I'm a freshman currently, and I love it. My room is just the right size for me and my roommate. The air and heat work great. They spray for bugs every time we go home and I've never had a problem. I'm not a big fan of communal bathrooms but they are always clean.
Food and Dining
In one phrase: It could be worse. The food isn't terrible, you just have to get creative. The caf can get boring sometimes, but theres always the Grill which has AMAZING pizza! There are a lot of choices at the caf usually, I'm just picky.
What to do for fun
Besides getting involved in clubs on campus, there's a decent amount to do. The town of Madison is only a 25 minute walk from campus and you can go to the movies, ice cream or Stop and Shop there. A club, NSE, sponsors off campus events about once a month. We also just got an on campus Red-Box so you can rent a movie without even leaving campus!
Bang for the buck
Yes it can be pricey to go here, but I absolutely love it. The campus is absolutely beautiful I couldn't want to go anywhere else.
Clubs and Activities
There is literally a club for everything here. I joined 5 my first semester and actually had to quit a few because there are so many events. There is something for everyone!
Greek Life
Greek life is HUGE here so if you plan on rushing, you won't be disappointed! But if you don't want to rush, you won't feel left out either!
Campus Safety
Public safety is always driving around 24/7 and are available to call 24/7 as well.

Kier from Linden, NJ

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors are PHENOMENAL! If you are looking for a school where you are someone and not a number, this is the school to go to. I love that I can have a great relationship with my teachers. It is really easy to get to know your professor and to be able to have conversations with them. They are here to help you as much as they can. If you ever need any help during their office hours or set appointments. There are a lot of options you can choose from.
Am enjoying being here
It's a really good school to meet people. I have met so many people on campus and have had memorable moments with them as well. The best way to have fun, is to get involved. There are SOOOOOOOO many different clubs and organizations you can choose from to join and if there isn't one that you like, you can start it really easily. I have been apart of 7 clubs and know a good number of events that go on during the school year. There are many trips and parties set up.
Bang for the buck
I personally never think that anything is worth too much money and FDU is very expensive. However, there are a LOT of ways to make that up. You can work on campus and the school provides you with a LOT of scholarships and grants that you can apply for.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved, don't be shy. You have to be able to get out of your room and walk around once in a while. Talk to some people and make friends. That's the fun part about it.