<p>Hey, Can you give me a little feedback on the campus life, classes, professors, etc.? How are you liking your freshman year? Pros, cons? Dorms? Various websites suggest that the professors are not accessible--what's your opinion?</p>
<p>LOVE BING.
It was my number one and it def lives up to my expectations...</p>
<p>I am a Freshman who is in SOM, btw. I was able to get in EA, God knows how...</p>
<p>I am still finishing up my GenEds, so my classes were fairly easy this past semester... professors are accessible... as are TA's and free tutors. I can easily say adjusting took little to no time. Sure, it's a kick in your butt when you first get there (I suffered from senioritis) but it gets easier. I def learned a lot in my courses and enjoyed going, more or less. The courseload gets tough from time to time because there is so much to do on campus-- time management is key.</p>
<p>I am more than excited to go back for my Spring semester simply because I enjoy and I can't wait to do even better. </p>
<p>PROS: all!
CONS: the weather, there is also something happening! :]</p>
<p>I live in CIW which is known for being very lax and tight-knit. Perfect for me! The library may not be the nicest, but it serves it purpose and provides free tutoring to anyone. The dining hall is BRAND NEW which is quite a treat.</p>
<p>Let me know if you have any more questions!</p>
<p>How was the dorming situation for you? Or the whole transition into college? Was it what you expected, or harder/easier?</p>
<p>I know this may sound weird, but what part of NY, if at all NY, are you from? Being from the Island I'm not used to that much snow/rain/cold-ness as upstate is. Did the weather depress you that much?</p>
<p>I know I'm asking so many questions. But Bing is my second choice. Brown being the first, but that's a long shot.</p>
<p>I originally really wanted a suite because there is more living space/a common room, own bathroom, other people to live with. However, I ended up with a double (CIW is made of up 5 buildings, each building has 5-6 floors. The floor plan is basically like two squares connected by a foyer; the sides consist of doubles and each corner is either a suite or a triple.)</p>
<p>As much as I dreaded it at first, I am absolutely sure that this was the best plan for me. I am best, best, best friends with my roommate (the random match ups worked out in my favor). Also, I live right across from the bathroom which is convenient. And, at first, the CIW dining hall was closed, which was annoying, but it just made their grand opening that much sweeter. The cafeteria part itself is nice, but not that practical in its design. Sitting space is tight and cozy. </p>
<p>So overall, the dorming situation def worked itself out for me. It varies from people to people and community to community, but I am so happy with the outcome. It helps to come in with in open mind and whatnot.</p>
<p>Transitioning was normal. I mean, I'm sure you've heard this many a times, but college is a way different playing field than HS. Considering that you live on campus, you'd think that you had all the time in the world, right? haha not so much, so time management is key. Also, you really do need to study and it does pay off in the end.</p>
<p>I knew Binghamton was a pretty prestigious and selective school, so coming in I figured people were intelligent, opinionated, and studious. True is, there are so many people coming from so many different backgrounds. Some are lazy, some are diligent. Some are knowledgeable, some frankly have no care. This being said, there are people to learn from, to butt heads with, and to befriend. It's the best of both worlds =)</p>
<p>I didn't really know what to expect for the course load. Again, I'm in SOM so I knew it'd be slightly difficult. Considering I took 5 classes, I did perfectly fine. Just know there is a time to study and a time to play. </p>
<p>I'm an hour from the city, so the weather wasn't that much of a shocker to me. What stuck out was that it was always so sporadic... but most of the time, in this season anyway, you're indoors just hanging out or studying or in class. The walks aren't bad at all. The weather can kind of have a depressing effect just because it would make me want to stay in bed longer haha but really, you get past that in no time.</p>
<p>Good luck with your decision!
again, shoot any more questions, I do not mind at all:)</p>
<p>As of right now, mountainview and CIW are my ideal dorming situations! It's pretty geeky that I have been thinking about that, even before I got in.</p>
<p>Today I got into UAlbany, but I would MUCH rather go to Bing. From what I've heard, it's better academically, and it's prestige is worth the extra money. (UAlbany is giving me $3,500 a year, and if I get into the honors college, it'll be more). Additionally, there is a large jewish population at Bing. Being jewish, coming from a relatively non-jewish community, this would be something totally new and awesome for me, personally.</p>
<p>What is your least favorite/most favorite part about Bing?</p>
<p>Mountainview is definitely gorgeous, but what doesn't appeal to me is the "far" walk :) my friends say it isn't that bad, but still... and it's also larger aka less tight knit. Don't be silly... dorming is a huge part of your college experience =)</p>
<p>Congrats on UAlbs. I was actually in a similar situation last year-- I applied to Bing EA and UAlbs early? Or maybe it was rolling... I was accepted to both but knew Binghamton was a better fit. Although both schools are climbing in the ranks, Bing is overall better and more selective, competitive, etc (IMO). Albany is known to be more of a party school to the public, but don't kids yourself, Binghamton kids have plenty of fun as well. Therefore, we are more respected because of that negative connotation...</p>
<p>And yes, the Jewish community is very active and would be a great group for you to get involved with!</p>
<p>My favorite thing is honestly everything. The people are awesome and so diverse, the campus is big enough to find things to do but small enough so that you don't get lost, there are tons of clubs, friendly people, Vestal Parkway, the dining hall/food court, the frats, the bars, the view, classes are interesting, free tutoring, free buses, free on-campus food delivery, a huge library, nice lecture halls, pretty fields...</p>
<p>My least favorite would be the location of the gym (for any CIW, MTView, or Hinman ppl, it is a bit of an inconvenience). The WiFi in my dorm room is also kinda unreliable, so be sure to bring an Ethernet cord.</p>
<p>btw, if you don't mind me asking, what is your intended major?</p>
<p>SEE. That's exactly how I feel about UAlbany vs. Binghamton. While I've heard some good things about Albany, Binghamton seems like such a GOOD FIT for me. I haven't visited Albany, but when I visited Binghamton, I felt like I belonged, like it would be a good way to spend four years of my life.</p>
<p>I intend to go the pre-med route, though I'm not positive on my major. I'm either going to do a typical pre-med thing and major in Biology. Or I might major in psychology. OR if I feel like being interesting, major in psychobiology. </p>
<p>I think most likely though I'll end being typical and major in Biology because that's my first passion. That's what I was accepted as anyways.</p>
<p>I'm just hoping that my parents will understand despite the $14,000 savings from UAlbany. FAFSA and TAP can provide aid as well, even though Binghamton won't give me that much.</p>
<p>That is fantastic that you've found that in Bing--- I can say that if you definitely attend you will NOT be disappointed =)</p>
<p>There is so much time for you to figure it out and so many people you can talk to about it anyway...
Bing is stingy... but it's only because they're worth it haha</p>
<p>That's basically how I feel.
We'll see how it works out. =/</p>