SUNY College at Potsdam
Potsdam, NY, USA

Reviews

SUNY College at Potsdam

Patricia from Stillwater, NY

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors here are exceedingly helpful. They are always available by phone or office hours and show concern for your grades. They even cordially invite you and other students to their houses for smores and pizza! It's a reassuring feeling to be able to enter a classroom knowing whether you learn this material in the 50 minutes of class or not, you're going to learn it by the end of the week because your professor is on a tag team with you to achieve the grades you are capable of!
Am enjoying being here
It's a small town. You wouldn't know it was coming on you drive up because all you see is forests, fields, farms, and the Amish with their vegetable stands. Then out of nowhere, the Potsdam sign rises and it becomes a college town with Clarkson University, SUNY Canton, and St. Lawrence a few miles apart. The roads are mildly busy and the atmosphere is calm. It's not the city life, but it isn't deserted. There's a newer Super Wal-Mart (within 15 minutes) where you'll find more college students buying mostly milk and cereal supplies. And the busier part of town consists of some coffee shops, a movie theatre, book store, and assorted restaurants. The people are friendly and closely knit. You'll find something to do if you’re looking, but when it gets cold you're not going to want to leave your dorm or apartment unless you're used to the weather. But from what I hear, it only costs $10 to go skiing/ snowboarding with the school at the end of each week! It’s home sweet home if you ask me.
Bang for the buck
The educational cost is like any other SUNY school. Its WAY cheaper than Clarkson University or any private schools, but the price to live there is approximately the same if not MORE than the cost of classes. For this reason, I am continuously seeking scholarships to continue my stay. My parents are helping me with the educational costs, but the cost of dorms and board are excessive like any other school. While you're there, you'll say It's so worth it, but once you get home and see your savings balance, you'll wonder how you're going to get by without having to spend over $300 a month in loans when you graduate. Still, I don't regret moving away for school. It's an experience you can only live ONCE…and one you’ll never forget.
Tips for prospective students
You need to visit this college before attending because you'll either love the atmosphere or you'll have a horrible time. For most, it's an all or nothing experience considering the extreme temperatures and location.
Great for these types of students
A lot of people I've met are attending Crane School of Music...others are planning on becoming teachers or are attending the 3-2 program with Clarkson or SUNY Binghamton for engineering. But there's a great variety in majors considering it's a liberal arts school.

Tricia from Morrisonville, NY

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I think SUNY Potsdam is a very good school because of the opportunities you have here. Not only was the food rated number one in the SUNY system, but there's a plenty of chances for first-class entertainment from the Crane School of Music, along with various clubs and activities going on around campus. It's so easy to feel involved and get into something, which is just as important as the learning aspect of college life.
Tips for prospective students
I'd definitely say be prepared for the cold weather. It gets mighty chilly up here, and you'll definitely need the extra layers.
Academic Rigor
I would say that it's not stiflingly hard, and in some cases it's a bit easy, but it all depends on the professor and type of class. Personally, being in Crane, there is a certain standard you have to meet that's not super challenging, but it's not something you can breeze through.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is average. Some of the rooms are nicer than others, but I know they're going to be redoing a lot of campus, so that will probably change in the coming years.
Food and Dining
The food is great. There are so many options, and it's all readily available. We were rated number one in the SUNY system!
What to do for fun
There's always some kind of show, or concert, or activity that's planned. A lot of the clubs do social events, along with the Greek life events. There are also intramural sports. There's plenty of things to do.

Stephanie from Macedon, NY

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Great school full of friendly people. I was nervous about being so far away from home, but all the people here can be truly wonderful. The programs that are set up for freshman are brilliant.
Tips for prospective students
Try out a FIG if there is one that's close to what you want to do. You'll meet a lot more people with similar interest to you and also be living with only freshman, which can be a big plus. Since you all are in the same boat.
Dorm Life
The freshman dorms are really nice. Then for your second year there's a wide range of rooms to choose from.
Food and Dining
PACES does a great job providing something for everyone, even vegetarians and vegans. Also people who cannot have gluten.
What to do for fun
There's something here everynight of the week! Also Hurley's in town has a great band competition which is alot of fun to go to.
Bang for the buck
As a state school it doesn't cost as much as other schools, however I feel like I get more for my money here then I would at the private schools I had been also looking at when applying.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Movie night in the Union. It happens around every three fridays during the year, they play a movie in the Union dining center and there's usually some sort of craft you can make at the same time.
Great for these types of students
All types, diversity on the campus is wonderful and don't worry about not fitting in cause with the amounts of clubs you'll find something.
Clubs and Activities
Almost to many to choose from!
Greek Life
There are quite a few here if you're into that sort of thing, however alot are being dropped from expected frats because of drinking related things.
Campus Safety
We have actually police on campus, UP, who protrol all day in their cars around campus and keep everything safe!

Robert from Center Moriches, NY

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The smaller class size allows for individual attention. Most of the teachers are friendly and very helpful.
Am enjoying being here
Its a nice, small town. Great if you're looking to get away from a big city.
Bang for the buck
Being a SUNY school, the cost of attendance is reasonable.
Great for these types of students
Great for students who aren't fond of large cities and who love adventures outside.

Jacob from Morrisonville, NY

accepted here and planning to attend soon
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
SUNY Potsdam was the perfect fit for me. Its a lovely little campus with people who really feel passionate about the school. Many of my friends have attended or are attending including some of my teachers so I am happy that I chose this school.
Academic Rigor
Can't speak for myself since I haven't started attending yet. Many of my friends who attend say as long as you try and work hard its not bad.
Dorm Life
Small but nicer than dorms I've seen on larger campuses.
Food and Dining
Has the best rated food in the SUNY System so you can't argue there.
Great for these types of students
Students who are smart but may not have done well on tests like the SAT or ACT. People who prefer small towns and being close to nature than the city.
Clubs and Activities
Has a huge assortment of Clubs.

Toni from North Creek, NY

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Potsdam is a very diverse and loving campus. It has multiple things going on each day to get you involved. Also the campus has to be one of the best that I have seen. That is why I chose to go here.
Tips for prospective students
Get warm clothes... It does get cold
Ask your professors if you can actually have an ebook in their class room
Make sure your emails to your professor is professional
Be at your class at least 5-10 minutes early
REMEMBER IT IS YOU WHO IS WASTING YOUR MONEY IF YOU SKIP CLASS
Academic Rigor
Classes aren't that hard and they assign what is on the syllabus just follow it and you will be perfectly be fine
Dorm Life
The building a are old but they are so much fun to be in .., you get to meet new people and you have fun as a floor.
Food and Dining
They are the #1 out of all the SUNY schools.
What to do for fun
Everything... 50+ clubs plus you can create your own club , get involved in town and there are lots of opportunities to do something.

Haley from Ticonderoga, NY

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
SUNY Potsdam is a small campus, which is really nice. It has great professors. The campus is enjoyable to live in.
Tips for prospective students
Be ready for snow and cold. The food is so good, watch out for the freshman 15.
Academic Rigor
Very good school
Dorm Life
Knowles is the building I live in and it's not as nice as the other buildings, but it is closer to the academic buildings and the rooms are bigger.
Food and Dining
Rated number one in the SUNY System. It is so good!
What to do for fun
There is a lot to do for fun, Potsdam has many clubs, and there is always something going on, example every friday the school plays a movie and has something free at it, twice a week you can skate in the hockey rink, there is a nice gym and fitness center. Also in town there is a movie theatre and every Tuesday students can watch movies for 5 dollars.
Bang for the buck
The school is not very expensive compared to private universities. Also the meal plan is worth the food there
Great for these types of students
Dance and Performance students, also music students.
Clubs and Activities
The clubs range from swing club to harry potter alliance to Beat the monster (our breast cancer awareness club), we also have a knitting club that is nation wide. There are about a 100 cubs!
Campus Safety
University Police are easy to contact, I see them driving around a lot, also there a poles around campus and if you push the button one of the officers will come to you. In every dorm building on every floor there is a phone in the hallway that when you pick it up it calls the university police for you.

SUNY Potsdam Student

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
SUNY Potsdam is a valuable college where there is always something going on for the students. They have so much to offer and it's a wonderful environment. More importantly, the education I'm receiving there is top notch!
Tips for prospective students
Don't get caught up in socializing too much that you forget about your studies! The work load is a slap in the face if you don't pay attention and evenly disperse your homework and studying. Also, don't stay in the library all day and miss out on the great social events going on!
Academic Rigor
The professors are all pretty great from what I've experienced! Yes, you're going to have to work in college in each and every class so don't think otherwise. But if you keep up with your work then you'll get by just fine. Just push to succeed!
Dorm Life
Dorm life is really very great! Living next to people makes for new friends and a great experience. It isn't always to cleanest depending on where you live, but always acceptable standards, I think. And SUNY Potsdam is building and redoing it's entire campus so it's soon to have all beautiful and brand new dorms!
Food and Dining
SUNY Potsdam has AMAZING food choices. I eat better there than I do at home! From Dexter's Cafe to Lehman Buffet you're sure to have a unique and delicious dining experience.
What to do for fun
There are always things to do in Potsdam. Campus is always holding events for students whether it's a sports game, a Crane concert, or a party at Hurley's. There's something literally almost everyday of the week to do for fun. Outside of campus there's also a cheap movie theater, some shops, and some more food places if you ever feel like switching it up. There's tons to do and tons of fun to be had!
Bang for the buck
With SUNY tuition, Potsdam is definitely a smart choice to save money. With professors from so many different backgrounds you get a unique experience learning from quite prestigious professors. They're also very dedicated to what they do, and they're always willing to help with any problem you have.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Around Halloween there's always a haunted Knowles tour where the Knowles North Resident Assistants have a tour around campus share scary (and very possibly true) experiences that have happened to them personally or they've heard from friends. There are plenty of other traditions that are too long to list on here!
Great for these types of students
SUNY Potsdam is great for any type of student. It's great for those focused only on studies with great educational experiences. It's great for those musicians, whether or not you're in Crane with many opportunities to show off your stuff. It's great for sport players and watchers, those who like to be apart of any and all types of clubs, outcasts, fit- ins, and with how cold it can get in Potsdam, it's also great for Eskimos!
Clubs and Activities
There are a gratuitous amount of clubs and activities! From gaming to business to organization to religion to a cappella, there are really too many to even name. And the great thing is that they're all very flexible so you can absolutely be in more than one!
Greek Life
Greek life isn't the biggest deal at SUNY Potsdam, but a great experience! They're all very fun and contribute a lot to campus and society. If you feel up to it, RUSH and have a great time with your new brothers/ sisters!
Campus Safety
I always feel very safe on campus. University Police are there to serve you and keep everything under control.

Briana from Massena, NY

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
with a freindly staff, bright campus, and wide subject range suny potsdam is the perfect school for anyone who is serious about getting their education. while attending, you can get involved with the numerous school organizations, greek life, or sports. all in all suny potsdam is just a really great school for just about anyone.
Tips for prospective students
visit the student union for any type of help and get acquainted with the crumb memorial library for all of your academic needs. also don't be afraid to go to your professors for help! all of the educators at suny potsdam i have encountered are beyond able to help you with just about anything.
Academic Rigor
the academic work is difficult, but also mentally stimulating. while in attendance, i have been able to broaden my horizons and grasp concepts that i never would have thought possible. i also know that if i ever am in need of assistance with my coursework that i can always get help at the writing center.
Dorm Life
the dorms on campus are affordable, clean, and extremely student orientated. they have many floors, are quiet, and are filled with different and interesting people.
Food and Dining
the dining experiences at suny potsdam are ones that you will never forget. with just about any type of food you are looking for, you will always be satisfied by what they have to offer.
What to do for fun
in potsdam, you can always go bowling, go see a movie, or visit many of the parks close to campus. on campus, you can always go swimming, rock climbing, or play volleyball in maxy hall, or see a play, take an acting workshop, or practice your music in satterlee hall. also a short drive from canada, you can always tour the canadian wilderness!