SUNY Oneonta
Oneonta, NY, USA

Reviews

SUNY Oneonta

Christopher from Wynantskill, NY

a current student here
19 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
To start, I am a sophomore at SUNY Oneonta double majoring in Geology and Anthropology and also perusing a double minor in Biology and Water Resources. After just two semesters at Oneonta, I can already say that I have learned an immense amount of material. Many of my classes have included trips out into the field and the practical experience aids tremendously in the classroom. I was not an Anthropology major when I arrived, however, through the General Education requirements, I was able to take a couple classes in the disciple and become fascinated with it.
Along with my classes, I am now in the process of conducting two or three independent research projects with faculty guidance and that is something you won’t find in most schools. I’ve also been able to go on a few trips including a week traveling from Oneonta to Cape Cod studying Geology. I also went on a three week trip to the Southern Rockies studying Geology and Ecology, and April I will be spending a week in Peru for Anthropology. What I am trying to say with all this is that Oneonta has provided me with a whole host of additional learning experiences that I would not be able to get in the classroom alone.
Learning at Oneonta is not just limited to academics either. The school provides a plethora of guest lecturers covering topics such as filming in Iraq, to Forensic Anthropology and many topics in between. The campus generally has a leadership conference every year where one can sign up for seminars. The clubs themselves often take trips, put on workshops and other activities that all result in a greater education.
Am enjoying being here
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that I am enjoying my time in Oneonta. I’m enjoying it so much that I am even counting down the days till I go back! There are several reasons why I enjoy myself when in Oneonta. The first reason is the friends of course, I have made many great relationships and I’ve only been there a year. In most cases the professors are very personable which helps enhance the experience at the college. I also love the amount of activities the school puts on which includes but is not limited to, concerts, casino nights, movies at the campus theater, and the occasional dance. The clubs also put on lots of fun activities whether they are shows, conferences, trips or just nights filled with games. There is so much to do on this campus many people have more trouble finding time to do everything rather then actually trying to find something to do.
Bang for the buck
The SUNY system overall is a great system and it can be generally said that you get a lot for your money at any of their schools, but Oneonta exemplifies this fact quite well. As I stated before, I get to go on trips every semester and conduct research projects and so forth. Many of these activities can’t be done at larger or private schools and till the student is in their junior or senior year. There is not much more I can say that I haven’t already said before other than to assure you that for the price your paying, which is small compared to many colleges, you get a lot out of this school.
Tips for prospective students
If you’re interested in Oneonta, but you’re still not sure after reading this than I suggest that you go to the college and talk with some of the professors you will end up having. Look at the classes you would take and other opportunities in your department. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If the school is right for you, something will click.
Great for these types of students
Based on the information above I can already testify to the fact that Oneonta in an amazing school for the sciences. Other than that I can only say from what I hear and the number of students enrolled in the programs that Education and Music Industry are also big majors here. Aside from that, this school is also very good for the ambitious student, there are lots of opportunities and areas where one can excel.

Kara from Watertown, NY

a current student here
13 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Although my classes have been difficult for introductory level courses, I have definitely learned a great deal of information. In high school, I struggled with Physics but here I find it easier to understand. My teachers have studied at prestigious universities and have actually worked in their fields. They have a lot to offer their students and are always willing to set up appointments if you do not fully understand the information.
Am enjoying being here
I haven't had a chance to become involved as much as I would like. However, this is not because there is not plenty to do here. The Student Association has activities to attend every night of the week. During the weekends I can watch a sporting event, go to see a free movie at the red dragon theater, or catch the bus to southside for some shopping. There are multiple intramural sports you can participate in. I am in the Honors Program and also hope to become a Resident Advisor sometime in the near future.
Bang for the buck
I was considering many other schools but in the end I chose Oneonta mainly because of the price. I never really considered coming to a state school but I don't regret it at all. Some of the programs here, like the music industry program for instance, are very well-renowned. I am getting virtually the same education as my friends who are paying three times as much as I am. There is also a small student fee upon attending, but this fee is well-worth the price as it supports and allows the students to attend events cheaply or free of charge.
Tips for prospective students
Any student considering Oneonta should absolutely visit the campus. During your venture to the valley, don't forget to check out the actual town itself. Downtown Oneonta is very quaint and says a lot about the townspeople here. Do not be afraid to ask questions on the tour, after all, you could possibly end up living here for multiple years of your life. Base your college choice on things that are important to you. Do you mind the unpredictable weather? Do they offer the major you are interested in? You should definitely check out where your future classes are located on campus, it will really help you realize whether or not you can picture yourself living and learning at this college.
Great for these types of students
Oneonta is a great place for students considering majoring in art or music. The professors are accomplished and the city of Oneonta has a great music scene as well. Students who are interested in fashion but do not yet wish to move to the city can do really well here. Oneonta has a cooperative program with FIT. Education is also another popular major here at SUNY Oneonta. My friends in the department have nothing but good things to say about their experiences in all of their education classes.

Maureen from Washingtonville, NY

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The vast majority of professors here know an extensive bit of what they're talking about. Topics were explored in-depth and questions were explained to the fullest extent available. I'm learning a lot about not only what I'm majoring in but also about other topics of interest.
Am enjoying being here
This is definitely my dream school; a cute, quite town with a lot to do without having to go far. The setting - the middle of New York - is beautiful, particularly during the fall. Everyone here has been nice to me since day one. My family and I actually call it the Stepford campus because of how perfect it is!
Bang for the buck
One of the cheapest schools in NY state, yet one of the best quality educational experiences overall.
Tips for prospective students
Try to get into a First Year Experience dorm. That was how I was able to meet almost all of my friends!
Great for these types of students
Those who have financial need, yet still want to go to a great quality school.

From Rockland County

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I love Oneonta and recommend it to anyone who wants a medium-sized school. It has many options for studies as well as extra-curricular activities. The campus is very pretty.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved in activities. It's a great way to meet people that are interested in the same things you are. As a freshman, definitely live in a FYE (Freshman Year Experience) dorm! It's very comforting to know that everyone is new, and there is more of a chance to meet people in these dorms.
Academic Rigor
Depending on the major you choose, it varies. The education major is very intense, while the communications major is less so.
Dorm Life
Dorm life could be so much better if there were activities planned to help people get to know each other and hang out together. Unless you're in a freshman dorm, there is very little opportunity to meet other students in your dorm, unless you are extremely outgoing, and you just go up and down the halls introducing yourself.
Food and Dining
The food is pretty good, but very fast-food-like. The salads are great! It would also be really great if the dining halls stayed open later, as sometimes we have activities or classes that prevent us from going to dinner at dinnertime. And on the weekends, we like to have dinner later.
What to do for fun
There are movies shown on campus, and once a month there is a dorm activity in a different dorm. These need to be better publicized and better attended! Lots of kids go downtown with fake IDs and bar hop, but that doesn't appeal to me. There are many fraternity parties as well. The town has great restaurants and there's a mall nearby.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The Brain is a little cafe in one of the dining halls, which is open late. We like to go there! They also have board games and it's a nice, cozy atmosphere.
Clubs and Activities
Something for EVERYONE! They have academic clubs, sports, recreation, and many fun opportunities to get involved.
Greek Life
Fraternity life is big. Sororities not as popular.
Campus Safety
We have a campus police department and emergency poles throughout campus. I feel very safe on campus.

Chiara from Jefferson, NY

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Hey everyone! I'm a freshman and started at SUNY Oneonta this Spring. I absolutely love the experience and education that I'm receiving and the faculty never cease to continually impress me!! The professors are interactive, knowledgeable, and very dedicated. Additionally, I feel like the students there are of good quality as well.
Tips for prospective students
Come and visit!! Get to know the campus, the students, and the staff!!
Academic Rigor
I have been very impressed with the depth of the curriculum, and as I mentioned earlier, the caliber of the professors. Everything is top-notch!!
Dorm Life
I commute from home, but my friends dorms look super!
Food and Dining
There are several dining halls on campus as well as a few different cafe`s.
What to do for fun
There is always something going on on campus, whether it's a movie, speaker, or some student event. Lots to do!
Bang for the buck
I feel that for the money I'm paying (it is a SUNY school) I'm receiving a priceless education. SUCO is really a place that you can reach your full potential, if you are willing to commit to your work and apply yourself. There are lots of opportunities for students who work hard and the faculty both notice and appreciate a dedicated student.
Clubs and Activities
There are a bunch of different clubs and groups to get involved with from major-related groups, to greek life, sports clubs, and religious groups. It's a really great way to get involved, meet people, and make a difference!
Campus Safety
I always feel safe on campus. The campus police are great and very nice, and there is no spot on campus where you are unable to reach a panic button on the blue light pole system thing :)

Christopher from Pleasantville, NY

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Suny Oneonta is a well rounded institution. It's academics and professors are top notch! Located in Oneonta, nicknamed City of the Hills, it's a beautiful campus with a forest scenery throughout.
Academic Rigor
The Anthropology Department is tough, but awesome! You learn so much and the professors there want you to succeed, they push you to do your best! They're very knowledgeable when comes to applying to field schools and graduate schools, so ask them for tips and advice! From an external review our Anthro department has been rated one of the best in the country by some well known Anthropologists. The other academic are just as tough and rewarding as well.
Dorm Life
The dorms are your typical college dorms. Some buildings are devoted to freshmen for the freshmen experience lifestyle. Other buildings are double style room, suite style, and apartment styled rooms.There are some single room option as well if you don't want to deal with a roommate. Finally, there are some dorm buildings that are going to be updated soon, so I expect great dorm buildings in the future!
Food and Dining
Nothing to brag about. It's your typical college food that will make you miss home cooking, but its not that bad at all. They have professional chefs come into sometimes during the week and prepare meals for the students.
What to do for fun
There's plenty to do for fun! Clubs, sports, intramurals, bars, restaurants, shopping (mostly thrift stores but its still a fun experience), guest speakers, and the college hosts plenty of activities as well. You won't be bored, just get yourself out there and involved.
Bang for the buck
Definitely work at look, and yes for me its a bang for my buck!
Great for these types of students
Any really! Accounting, Business Economics, Chemistry, Economics, Education, Human Ecology, and Music are all nationally accredited with the highest accreditation you can get, such as our School of Economics & Business is AACSB accredited. Again our Anthropology department is very good and the other majors at this campus are amazing. You will work!
Clubs and Activities
Whatever you interest is there is probably a club for you here at this campus. Again, the college hosts and promotes many activities to do on campus.
Greek Life
Greek Life is not that big on campus, but they're known and do host events for students.
Campus Safety
Campus safety is excellent! I never fell like I'm in danger, even when walking back to my dorm at 1am, because of our campus police! Also, some of the our campus officers have been honored for their services for the jobs they do. The campus has emergency blue lights all throughout the campus.

Joseph from Mount Sinai, NY

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
SUNY Oneonta is a great college for experience and meeting new people. The students that go here are great, and I love the community! The town is a wonderful and fun college town with so much to do!
Tips for prospective students
Oneonta is a very interesting town! There's almost every type of restaurant downtown, ranging from Chinese food to Greek to Italian! The Campus community is amazing and there is even a starbucks on campus! It's a wonderful school and I would definitely recommend SUNY Oneonta.
Academic Rigor
I have to say I am getting an excellent education here. The professors I've had so far are extremely knowledgable and there is even a lot of campus activities and clubs you can join that coincide with your major! Its fantastic
Dorm Life
The dorms here are very nice and very clean! I've had a wonderful experience living in a Quad, which consists of two bedrooms and a common room. You can customize your room and common room any way you like and its very comfortable!
Food and Dining
The dining halls here on campus have a huge variety in types of food. Whether you like Chinese food, Pizza, Sandwhiches, Burritos, Wraps, or if you're a Vegan they have everything! They can make you fresh wraps, sandwiches, or even stir fry. There is even a portion of one dining hall called My Kitchen where they have specialty meals daily and you can even cook your own food! They have breakfast, lunch, and dinner and all of the deserts you can think of!
What to do for fun
You can go downtown and hangout with your friends! There are hiking trails by Hartwick called Table Rock and Strawberry Fields which overlook an amazing view of the landscape and mountains. The Hunt Union on campus is awesome to hangout in with the video game lair and Starbucks! Oneonta is a wonderful college town with a lot to do.
Bang for the buck
Depending on where you dorm and your meal plan, Oneonta is definitely an affordable college, especially if you are a New York resident!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Every semester they have a really fun Humans Vs. Zombies active game thats really interesting and a great way of meeting new people!
Great for these types of students
Prospective students who want to live the dorm life they see in movies and there are also extremely great events downtown and on campus!
Clubs and Activities
They have movies that aren't even out on DVD yet playing every weekend in the campus theater! There's also comedians that come on Monday nights and for something called Oh-Fest they have extremely popular bands come and perform! Its awesome
Greek Life
There's a variety of fraternities and sororities on campus. A lot of them seem extremely pleasant and nice, however, greek life isn't for everybody! They do throw amazing and fun parties, so you'll definitely have fun at them :)
Campus Safety
The campus is very safe. The police are usually on the watch 24/7 and you'll never be in any danger because there are emergency call posts everywhere!

Sofia from Peekskill, NY

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I love it here!
Tips for prospective students
don't get lazy!
Academic Rigor
it honestly depends on what you're majoring in, what classes you're taking, and your own motivation to work.
Dorm Life
There's a good amount of room and the dorm buildings are usually pretty clean.
Food and Dining
the food is actually pretty good, and I'm an expert on food if I say so myself.
What to do for fun
There is plenty to do on and off campus for fun. There are constantly events on campus and places to hang out. It's like a 10 minute walk to get into town but bus transportation is free and convenient, so going into town is always an option.
Great for these types of students
Even if you're not a social butterfly or into partying, you can still find things to do.
Clubs and Activities
HARRY POTTER CLUB!

Education Major

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The campus is beautiful, it's not too big, but not too small either, just the perfect size. If you are looking for a great education program than Oneonta is the place. The professors are always there to help you out and overall, all the students are very friendly and helpful.
Tips for prospective students
Don't be afraid if you don't pick your own roommate! The college does their best pairing you up with someone who you have things in common with. Don't be shy either, try to meet people in your dorm in case the rooming situation doesn't go so well.
Academic Rigor
Speaking from the education program, it's so time-consuming and it makes you work hard, but it is totally worth it in the end. They prepare you very well for the real-world.
Dorm Life
All freshman dorms were just remade so they're beautiful and brand new!
Food and Dining
Once again, they've been redoing a lot of things and the dining halls was one of them. The food is decent, especially the downstairs area in Mills.
What to do for fun
There's a lot to do! There's always something going on on campus and there's like 10 different bars. Also, spring is the best in Oneonta because of the weather and the fact that the town looks so nice.
Bang for the buck
Definitely worth going to this school for the amount of money you're paying.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Sometimes there's flashmobs in the quad during class...it's pretty cool.
Clubs and Activities
There are way too many clubs and activities to choose from. Good luck!
Greek Life
I am in Greek Life and I love it, I met a great group of girls and I know that once I graduate I'll keep in contact with most of them. There's something for everyone you just gotta find where you feel comfortable.
Campus Safety
I've never heard of anything happening on campus.

Jean from College Point, NY

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors are great, don't let this school fool you! It is becoming recognized nationally for it's academics and the fact that the professors want to see you succeed only adds to this schools growing reputation.
Am enjoying being here
I have met a lot of great friends from classes, clubs, athletic events, greek life, heck even at random from the dining hall. Also weekends it isn't hard to find something to do, maybe a movie, a party, and even the schools sets up some sort of activity to keep you busy.
Bang for the buck
The fact that this school tuition is less then 5500, and it is ranked higher than most private colleges in New York speaks a lot for the bang for the buck part. Want to live off campus but don't feel like paying a lot for your four years of exploration? Go SUNY, better than the City colleges but up there with the private schools.
Tips for prospective students
This goes for any college but I feel it is true, make sure to get a high GPA in your freshman year. Also, learn to manage your time and don't allow the party life to consume you. If you can do these things you are going to leave Oneonta with a nice degree and memories for a lifetime.
Great for these types of students
If you want to get a solid education but make memories on the way there this is the school. I knew very little of the school but once I study up on it and went to Oneonta I loved it. It gets cold here but hey cold weather, warm hearts!