The State University of New York Binghamton

I chose binghamton over other schools because price-wise, it was the best option. now i am regretting that decision and realizing that going somewhere just because it is cheaper is definitely not a good choice. Everyone here is basically the same, though there is a lot of ethnic diversity. It seems to mostly be a preppy school concentrated on the frats and sororities, especially in some of the dorms such as newing where I live. It is very cliquey. A lot of the people I have met aren't very nice or outgoing. Other than that, the academics aren't bad, i feel challenged and like I am learning a lot. The professors themselves, at least in the larger classes, are impossible to reach for one on one time, but in the smaller classes they are easier and very approachable. The social scene here blows, it is very repetitive. the only thing to do on the weekends besides sit around on campus and play video games is to go to the bars or frat houses. this gets expensive with all the cab rides and tends to be overcroweded anyways. I was looking for a school that I would feel at home and and would give me the best four years of my life. I know that this place is not going to do that, I am getting the hell out of here next year. if you're looking for a down to earth place with friendly people and lots of activities, don't come here.

1st Year Female -- Class 2011

Perceived Campus Safety: A+, University Resource Use/ spending: D-

I'm a senior in the Economics program.
Social/Cultural - This is pretty much largely a party school. If you're looking for something other than bars and clubs surrounding the university, you probably won't find it. The surrounding areas aren't very interesting at all

Food - Terrible. Despite what tour guides say, it can be described as "gourmet NYC Public School food ". At its best, it's "mildly good"

Education - I guess it's not bad for the money's cost. However, I had more than my share of extremely dull professors, those research professors that are terrible at teaching, and professors that just can't teach whatsoever.

Diversity/Friendliness - This word is touted so much. The diversity isn't horrible compared to a school in the Midwest or something but not that special. Really, this school is mostly middle-class "white". It has a decent sized international student community. As for friendliness, I never found much of it here. I found the people at other universities I visited during HS much more open and friendly. Also, I find the university extremely clique-ish, even compared to high schools. Most minority groups are formed into their own frats and sororities.

Services - One thing I have to grip about is the University shuttle service. They're usually delayed and sometimes just never come. On one positive aspect, the mail room service is uber efficient

Dorms - It's decent I guess. One positive aspect here at BU is that the dorm faculty or community staff seems helpful.

I should also add on a final note on the Econ major, that they teach you pretty much Zero computer skills. I had employers ask me if I knew all these programs, and they mentioned how graduates from other schools in similar majors learned from their classes.

4th Year Male -- Class 2008

University Resource Use/ spending: B+, Surrounding City: D-