University Buffalo

1. If you become active in extracurricular activities that you really enjoy, you will make lots of friends and really enjoy college life. There is an organization for just about anything you can imagine. If you take the initiative to become involved, you will enjoy college just about anywhere you choose to go.

2. The North campus is not aesthetically beautiful, however, it is very practical. There are indoor walkways so you don't have to walk outside when it is cold. The South campus is more in the city of Buffalo rather than in the suburbs. It is a smaller, older, and more beautiful campus, but the majority of undergraduates have their classes on the North campus. I personally like the North campus better because it feels safer and it is designed as the more active campus. The apartments and the majority of housing is located here and most club meetings as well.

3. The food is typical of a college campus. Some places have better food than others, but it all depends on your preferences. There is a Burger King right on campus, and a wide variety of different places to eat- there is a place strictly devoted to salad, a place that serves chicken, places that serve mexican food, pizza, chinese, just about anything you could possibly want. And if you become sick of the campus food, there are many restaurants within a 5 minute drive of campus.

4. This is a large campus so you may not get the specialized attention that you may have received in high school unless you make the effort to be recognized. This is positive in a way because it is more true of the real world. You need to be independent and know how to ask for help when you need it and be able to study. There are tutors everywhere, graduate students that can help you out, TA's, professors, and there is a math center and a writing center which both aid students.

5. There is a decent nightlife here if you choose to partake in such activities. There is usually something happening on campus that is fun. Also, lots of people choose to spend time hanging out with friends in their residence halls or apartments. There are bars off of the South campus as well as a street called Chippewa. If you are 19 years old, you can go to Canada and enjoy Niagara Falls and its nightlife (you can drink at 19 in Canada). Just remember to bring ID and proof of citizenship 'cause you don't want to get stuck at the border.

6. Besides nightlife, there are other fun things to do here... there are a variety of fests here... musicians, politicians, and other well known people come to speak at our campus quite frequently. Also, there is a mud volleyball tournament every year. There are lots of opportunities for community service in the city of Buffalo and on campus. There are museums and coffee shops in the city of Buffalo as well as a great theatre district. Niagara Falls is only 15 minutes away and there is a lot to do there as well. And Toronto is a two hour drive. It is definitely worth going to Toronto a couple of times and seeing the sights. It is a beautiful and culturally diverse city.

7. If you have a chance to enter the Honors program don't hesitate to take the offer. Honors students get a lot of really great perks.8. Lastly, college is what you make of it. If you want college to be fun and actively seek things to do, you will have the time of your life. If you sit around and wait for things to come to you, you won't be happy wherever you go. I love college and I love this University. I took the offer to enter into the Honors program which is wonderful- it is like a small campus within a larger one. I also do independent research, tutor, teach, am actively involved in many organizations, and joined honor societies. I attend events the University sets up for students and in doing all of this, the University feels like a second home. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions concerning UB.