SUNY Cortland
Cortland, NY, USA

Reviews

SUNY Cortland

Zhane from Springfield Gardens, NY

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I wanted to attend a school that has a strong education program. I did my research, applied to SUNY Cortland and was accepted. This is my first semester and I thoroughly enjoy being at SUNY Cortland with the Red Dragons.
Tips for prospective students
Come visit SUNY Cortland. If you are looking for a smaller campus, this is the place for you. The campus is not as large as the big universities but it still has a lot of extra curricular activities. It's also not too far away from New York City. Also, if you live in the New York area, whenever you want to come home, the school has buses running to bring you home and back. It is just a matter of getting your ticket first come, first serve. Its not too expensive and really cater to their population of students from New York.
Academic Rigor
Thus far, the professors are excellent. There are a lot of support groups for extra help. I needed help with my writing and I was able to get someone to work with me when I write papers.
Dorm Life
Although at first, I was scared, you know - the new environment, no family, no friends, everything new, it actually isn't so bad. You learn to adapt to the dorm lifestyle. I think in the end it is actually more fun than living at home with your annoying siblings. You become friends with the people across and down the hall. These are some of the same friends you end up hanging out in their dorms late at night watching movies, going out to eat with, going to parties with and maybe even having slumber parties with. The Dorm Life at Cortland could not be any more amazing, fun and much like home !
Food and Dining
Although I miss my Mom's Caribbean cooking, Cortland has a wide variety of places to eat. On campus, we have Dunkin Donuts, Friendly's and Subway.
The dining halls provide an enormous variety of meals - wing night; pasta night, hamburgers, wraps and sandwiches. The food at Cortland is so great. I remember the first time I had it. It's honestly like going out to eat at every restaurant there is night after night after night.
What to do for fun
I have made friends. We hang out when we can. We attend fashion shows, plays, movie nights in town. We had a formal night where we got dressed up and had fun. Our football team is the Red Dragons. In mid-November, I experienced the big game of the year between our Red Dragons and Ithaca Bombers. The game is called Cortaca. We travelled to Ithaca and experienced the rivalry football game. There are also many different events held in dorms by the resident assistants. There are many things to do on campus such as sports and plays as well as many things to do off campus also. It is just a matter of finding them and having people to go with when you do.
Bang for the buck
SUNY Cortland is definitely worth the price you pay and more. It's a public school in a private school setting. The location is not so bad and the education here is perfect. I believe that if you are looking for a school that is affordable as well as diverse and good based on academics, then Cortland is a good school for that.
Great for these types of students
SUNY Cortland is quite diverse. I have seen students from many ethnic groups. My friends are from different walks of life. There is no limit on who can attend Cortland. You are all welcome.
Clubs and Activities
There is a lot of clubs and activities on campus. You can play any sport from basketball to football to track and field to swimming. If sports are not for you, you can always just sign up for the gym and either work on the machines or go in the dance room for anything from Zumba to yoga. As far as clubs, there are clubs for anything and everything. I am in a club for American Sign Language. If you have friends that want to start a club with you, you have that option also.
Greek Life
I have not participated in Greek Life.
Campus Safety
I feel very safe on campus. I do practice safety. I do not go out late at night on my own. If you feel unsafe late at night when leaving the library or something, you can call the Campus Police and be escorted to your dorm. Also, there are emergency blue lights and phones all around the campus if needed.

Marley from Riverside, CA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
SUNY Cortland is an incredible smaller, tight-knit college where students are not just a number. Every student can actively participate on campus, if they so choose, and have a chance at making a name for themselves. Cortland's professors are deeply invested in their students, and our athletics are top-notch.
Tips for prospective students
I would advise students to get involved with SOMETHING on campus wether it be a club, sports team, or sorority/fraternity. Don't be shy about making friends. Even if it takes a while, you WILL find people here that you click with. If you have a question, do not hesitate to ask. Take full advantage of the help centers. Be prepared to study, and read textbooks. If you are diligent about these two things, college will not be as daunting as some people make it out to be. Lastly, have fun. Cortland is a blast, as long as you keep your academic and social life balanced.
Academic Rigor
College is much different from public high schools. You can't take the easy way. At Cortland, studying, going to class, and reading the textbooks is required for one to do well. Classes are challenging, but not to the point of failing. If you study and read diligently, and ask the teacher, or tutors for help, they will help you succeed. The teachers at Cortland challenge you, yet they strive for your success, not your failure.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is one of the best parts of SUNY Cortland. It is here that many people make most of their friends, and Cortland does a good job at pairing you up with roommates. Although you may start out tripled, that will quickly be spread out as the semester progresses. Each dorm is equipped with a leader who is there to help with whatever academic problems you may have, such as writing a paper, a resume, etc. Dorms challenge their students to do well academically by having floor competitions for who gets the highest grades. All the Residence Assistant's are around for consultation for roommate problems, or personal problems, and are there to help. With the frequent games and activities offered, dorm life is a fun, interactive atmosphere where students can get connected.
Food and Dining
Cortland has exceptional variety and quality when it comes to school. Besides the main cafeteria, which always includes a variety of food so you are bound to find something you like, there are dining places all over campus so that no matter where you are, quality food isn't far away. From Dunkin' Donuts, to Subway, to Friendly's, among a variety of other places, students will always be able to find what they are craving.
What to do for fun
Cortland's Student Affairs Board does a great job of planning events for the students. Activities such as laser tag, hypnotists, workout sessions, zumba, and concerts, are all put on by SAB for students to have fun, and hang with friends. There are karaoke nights, swimming, and ice skating, as well as the many athletic events and plays that are constantly going on. You would have to try very hard to be bored at SUNY Cortland.
Great for these types of students
SUNY Cortland is an exceptional school for both athletes, musicians, and anywhere in between.
Campus Safety
SUNY Cortland is equipped with the blue light system in case of emergency, and has on-campus University Police Department.

Kayla

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
SUNY Cortland is great fit for any person who is interested in going to college. On a scale of 1 to 10 on my overall happiness at Cortland it would be a 9.5. Cortland offers many opportunities to help their students succeeded.
Tips for prospective students
I advise students to pay their deposits on time as freshman to ensure that they do not get tripled. However, I was tripled and I was offered to de-triple halfway through the first semester. Also, do not fall behind on assignments because it is nearly impossible to catch up. It will be one of the best experiences of your life if you attend Suny Cortland.
Academic Rigor
Suny Cortland offers many majors and minors. There is sociology, biology, childhood education, and psychology. There are a numerous programs that the college help ensure that students to do their best, for example, tutoring and peer mentoring.
Dorm Life
The dorm life is great! Try your best to pay your room deposit on time so that you do not have to be in a forced triple. However, everyone at Cortland gets offered a chance to de-triple. The dorms are not at all crowded, I always thought it would be. However, there is a lot of places to put belongings and organize the room how you choose.
Food and Dining
The Spring 2015 semester is going to be unlimited entries going into the two dining halls. There are other places to eat on campus, but you will have to pay for them or use the college money called Dragon Dollars.
What to do for fun
There is a club at Suny Cortland called Cortland Nites. This club sets up activities for the students to do around the city and sometimes makes trips to Syracuse. There are also many other clubs, inter-mural sports, club and varsity sports.
Bang for the buck
Suny Cortland has some of the best people and professors you will ever encounter. The people are very friendly and helpful. The professors are willing to be there for their students and help them succeed in the world and in college.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
On campus there is the Cortaca Football between Cortland and Ithaca. This is the one of the only D3 sports on national television. All the students come out to the game and support their fellow friends.
Greek Life
There are numerous Greek Life for boys and girls. Freshman cannot join until their second semester, however many do join in the second semester. Hazing is not tolerated at Cortland, but the are also very friendly.
Campus Safety
Campus UPD is on duty 24/7 and helps keep the campus and students safe. Whenever you are walking around campus you can see at least one campus UPD vehicle.

Saki from Springfield Gardens, NY

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
SUNY Cortland is the most vibrant and friendly school you could ever think of. The school strives for diversity and has many opportunities to offer each and every student.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved on campus, Get involved on campus, Get involved on campus! I cannot stress that enough, you will meet so many people and it will truly make your experience amazing!
Academic Rigor
School is hard as always anywhere but you get used to it. there are tons of tutors waiting to help in just about EVERY subject including teachers
Dorm Life
Double's are roomy, Singles give you your own privacy, Triples bring you closer with the two people you share with, Suites are amazing you make friends fast and have a common area to share with the 3-5 other people you live with and you guys get your own bathroom that someone cleans for you weekly, West Campus apartments are cheaper and give you the feel of being alone (ie own kitchen bathroom room living room shared with 3 other people)
Food and Dining
Monday night Wing Night, Tuesday night Chicken Parm Night, Thursday night Boneless wing bowls. The food is pretty good!
What to do for fun
Join clubs on campus and hang out with your friends it makes things very fun when you do that.
Clubs and Activities
The clubs are very fun they also have their own multicultural and diversity common area called the Voice Office where different diverse clubs hold their meetings or you could just go there when you need a place to sit and voice your opinions.
Campus Safety
They keep the campus safe and that's what is most important!

Saki from Laurelton, NY

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The atmosphere is very beautiful.
Everyone is extremely diverse and friendly.
The courses are challenging yet interesting.
Tips for prospective students
Come here with an open mind and just be yourself. It's easy to make friends by joining clubs and although the work loads may seem crazy, we have extra help centers and once you get the hang of it, things are not that hard.
Academic Rigor
Classes are challenging but worth it!
Dorm Life
The dorms are beautiful. The suites are amazing & they have singles where you have your own space.
Food and Dining
The food is great. Only down side is the portioning system that they have implemented at one of the biggest dining halls but hey that place is all you can eat! So portion me up baby I'm coming back for seconds and thirds!
What to do for fun
Join clubs! You'll make plenty of friends. There are campus parties and events everything here is a great way to meet and make new friends.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Cortaca is not as bad as people make it seem it's fun just a tad bit rowdy.
Campus Safety
UPD (university police) scale the perimeter of the campus day and night it's pretty safe here nothing to worry about.

Laura from Brooklyn, NY

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
There is a big sports presence on campus. There is a lot of educational opportunities through the departments as well as studying abroad. It is a big enough school where you do not know everyone, but where you will pass people you know on campus often.
Tips for prospective students
Prospective students should join clubs and teams to get to know people. Have a presence in class so professors know your name. Have a life outside of your coursework.
Academic Rigor
You are able to find very difficult courses and professors, but if you put in effort and show up to class, each course can be passed. Some people can get by with little effort, but it is worth it to try hard and receive good grades.
Dorm Life
The dorms are the best place to get to know people. The people you meet your freshman year are the people you will be friends with throughout your four years. Living with many people in the dorm allows you to learn more about yourself and how to interact with others.
Food and Dining
There are a lot of options on campus, from the regular dining hall to Subway, Dunkin Donuts, and other places where you can order pizza, pasta, paninis, and other options.
What to do for fun
There are tons of sports clubs and intramural sports, as well as academic clubs. Attending sports games is always a good time as well.
Bang for the buck
Cortland has so much to offer and I have rarely heard anyone say they wish they went to another school.
Great for these types of students
Jocks, good school for people who want to be teachers. Great international studies program.
Clubs and Activities
Many clubs and activities to choose from. Sports, languages, academic subjects, model UN, etc.
Greek Life
There is a big Greek presence on campus. Many people choose to be involved in it, myself not included though. I have found many friends outside of Greek life and didn't feel it was a necessary part of my college career.
Campus Safety
There are blue lights all over campus as well as a big presence of University police.

Whitney from Cortland, NY

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Cortland is very diverse. I see people of many races attending the school. Everyone here is so polite and very excited to be here.
Tips for prospective students
Students should study hard. Just because you are taking a class that you don't care for or does not relate to your major, study hard and pass the class. You won't be happy if you fail a course and have to pay more money to make up for it or risk graduating. Also, join clubs and get involved! There is so much to do on campus, you will never be bored.
Academic Rigor
The only problem I personally have are classes in lecture halls. I tend to get distracted easily and find it hard to pay attention.
Dorm Life
I am a freshman and I am tripled. Most freshman in my class are tripled, however, it is not as bad as it sounds. All of my roommates and I get along very well. As long as you establish rules and everyone follows them there should be no problems.
Food and Dining
The food is very good and there is a variety. There are five available areas to eat on campus. Neubig, being one of them. This is the main dining hall and there is always a large variety of food to eat. Tonight was italian themed.
What to do for fun
I am a part of Cortland's track team. I got recruited my senior year in high school. Besides running i attend football games, am apart of La Familia Latino, and spanish club. There are always some sort of fun activities going on.
Clubs and Activities
There are many different intramural and club sports if varsity isn't for you. Also, there are many clubs besides sports. If there isn't a club that you want, get it!! The power is in your hands!
Campus Safety
There are blue lights all over campus and will contact the campus police. Also, the campus police station is located in Van Heusing.

Kaytlin from Wildwood, NJ

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
My education thus far at SUNY Cortland has been both challenging and rewarding. I am currently majoring in International Relations, and I really enjoy the majority of my classes.
Am enjoying being here
SUNY Cortland is pretty far from home for me because I am from South Jersey, but it's easy to make friends and people are generally pretty friendly here.
Bang for the buck
I love it here, it's so beautiful and I love my classes & professors.
Tips for prospective students
The parties here are HUGE; if you're not into partying it does put a little damper on things. The good thing is that there are SO MANY CLUBS here on campus and it's very easy to fill your time with more fulfilling things to do and still be able to meet new people and network.
Great for these types of students
SUNY Cortland is great for everyone, there's so much to do on campus that it's hard to just sit around; there's ALWAYS something going on.

Crystal

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I learn so much at Cortland. The professors are great and most of the classes in your major are small, giving you great opportunities for help from the professor. I've learned a lot so far, there are a lot of opportunities to research with professors and all the classes are interesting.
Am enjoying being here
Cortland is a great small town. On campus there are many different things to do and a lot of places to meet with friends. I'm part of a Greek organization and there are always things to do with that. There are numerous club teams to play on, a number of Greek organizations, any club you can think of and there is always something to do when your on or off campus.
Bang for the buck
You can get a private school education for the cost of a public school. Everyone is very professional and excited to teach.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved and make sure to do all your extra credit and homework (it can help your grade)!
Great for these types of students
Great for students who like a small class room and a friendly campus!

Beth from Webster, NY

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Although the General Education classes seem likethey are useless, they give you a chance to explore different areas. There are a bunch of interesting classes and endless possibilities of classes in the different majors.
Am enjoying being here
I loved Cortland when I visited and I have fallen more in love with it being there. I consider Cortland my second home.
Bang for the buck
Yes, it is expensive, but what college isn't? The meal plan may seem expensive but you get a lot for your money. There are quite a few places to eat and Neubig Dining Hall, the all you can eat place, gives you plenty of choices. The food is excellent everywhere. The school even provides bus transportation on the weekends to one of the plazas, which houses Walmart, Price Chopper, JC Penney, Kmart, Payless, Fashion Bug, and more. The money you pay to come to Cortland is well worth it.