Commuting from Western Suffolk?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stony Brook University - SUNY
1

Hi there!

I’m interested in Stony Brook due to the fact that I want to major in bio, and obviously they’re known for their sciences. I’m from western Suffolk County (basically border of Suffolk-Nassau) and the commute would be ~1hr for me. I am considering living on campus (if I get enough aid to allow me to afford tuition and fees + room and board) because of the lack of a social life that supposedly comes with commuting. Is all of this untrue though? Could I still make a ton of friends and be involved in the school but commute? Or is it smarter just to live on campus?

I have had a pretty lifeless social high school experience, and other than stony my options would be a CUNY (I refuse to go upstate) and have heard that due to the broken up campuses there isn’t much of a social life there either, even with living on campus. My main priority will be building up social relationships, although cost is obviously a factor…

Alternatively, I have family that lives ~10 min away from stony and I could live with them and commute from there as well. That would mean less gas $ and no living cost. So out of those 3, which is my best option?!

2

Good questions. I usually recommend students live on campus if they can; I know, though, that it’s not always feasible for everyone.

That said, it’s VERY easy to get involved as a commuter… you just need to not be afraid to throw yourself out there. Go to the involvement fairs and club meetings, make friends in your classes, check in with the Commuter Students office in the SAC. There are a lot of resources available for commuters; some choose not to use them, and that’s okay, but if you’re looking for more, you’ll definitely find it!

Chris