<p>I've heard from a few sources that the students at New Paltz are cliquey. I'm not from Long Island or NYC, and I know that a good amount of students at New Paltz are from that area. I've heard that students there can get a little cliquey, like if you aren't from the area, you won't have any friends there. Is this true?</p>
<p>Hey nickmag94–I read on another post that you were accepted to New Paltz. CONGRATS!! My daughter is a freshman there and is happy as a clam! I’m surprised you would ask about the student body being “cliquey.” Wherever you go, there will always be groups of people–after all, you can’t possibly be friends with 7,000-plus kids!!! You will find your niche and your group of friends that share your interests, sense of humor, academics, and all. BTW, we are from Long Island, but one of my daughter’s roomates is from Connecticut and the other from Albany. So no, they get along like sisters, are best of friends and the best thing about college is meeting people with diverse backgrounds from all geographics. They will be life-long friends. So don’t let anyone’s opinion sway you from attending the college you know is the right fit for you!</p>
<p>Thank you! I am visiting the college in a few weekends, so I will see soon! If you don’t mind me asking, I do have a question about the dorming situation at New Paltz- I’ve read that a huge majority of freshmen are being put in triples. Is your daughter in a forced triple or is she living in Lenape Hall, where the dorm rooms are made for triples? If so, are the rooms in Lenape really much bigger than normal dorm rooms made for two people? But thank you so much for replying,it was very thoughtful!!</p>
<p>Hi nickmag94–Yes, my daughter is actually in a forced triple. She was however, slated for a double. She chose to be in Gage Hall–the majority of athletes tend to dorm there, and she is on one of the teams. Anyway, the way NP works the dorm/room selection is based on the date of your application. Even now, go on the NP facebook site and you will start conversations with other perspective students. When the coach sent the list around of the other freshmen on the team, she became friendly with one of the girls, they attended the same orientation session. However, this girl was slated for a triple. By choosing to room with her, my daughter gave up her “rights” to being in a double. But as you read from my last reply, a third girl was put in the room. Luckily, they get along great! The room is designed for two and there are three of them, so I won’t lie and tell you it’s spacious. It’s not. It’s tight, but they have managed just fine. The room is cluttered but they keep it tidy and organized. BTW, at the end of first semester they were each sent a check from housing for $805. Now, 2nd semester, there are plenty of spaces to move. They decided to stay the way they are–they’re happy and next year they’re going into doubles right next door to each other. Have a great visit! Anxious to know what you think. Are you in state or out of state?</p>
<p>I’m in state, from Rochester NY. I’m very excited! I’ve looked at the Facebook page but there’s only like, 20 members on it and not too much activity yet, so maybe hopefully once the year progresses more people will start connecting on it. I’ve heard great things about the orientation program, so hopefully that will be a good way for me to meet people, especially because I’m not sure if I know anybody going there from where I live. Also, do you know how the journalism program is at the school? I’ve heard good things about it, but would like to know more. Not sure if your daughter is a journalism major or has any friends that are. Thank you so much for all the info!</p>
<p>Hi nickmag94–Keep checking that FB page–look on the side. Last year there was a Class of 2015, and that’s where, I believe, all the conversations are initiated. Hey, you are in-state, so even though you may not know anyone from your high school graduating class attending NP, I’m sure there are plenty other kids. You will make friends. That’s the fun of it! My daughter is not a journalism major, but I know the NP program is excellent. You won’t be disappointed. FYI, I graduated from Newhouse at Syracuse, so as far as any communications programs, journalism included, SU is at the top of my list. My daughter would have loved to attend SU, but we needed to be financially prudent and I steered both her and my son (her twin brother) to the SUNYs. It’s the BEST choice for a GREAT education that’s AFFORDABLE. So consider ALL factors, even the means by which you would travel home for holiday breaks–Trailways bus.</p>
<p>Thank you. Yes, I know SU has the best program, however, it’s just too expensive for my family and I’m already done applying so I think by now it’s too late. I actually visited the college today and LOVED it! Although I will say there were more athletic types than I thought there would be-I’ve heard from many places that it’s more of an artsy school. Then again, the fact that I saw a few athletic kids probably had to do with the fact that it was 10 am on a Saturday morning which is probably when they were practicing. (Not that there’s anything wrong with sports kids- I know your daughter is one. I’m more of an artsy person myself, so that’s why I’m asking.) Do you agree that NP is more of a place for artsy people than athletic types? Even though there’s going to be athletic and artsy types everywhere, I’ve read from numerous people that it’s more of an artsy student body than it is an athletic one.</p>
<p>No matter what school you attend, there will be plenty of athletes–even at the Division III schools which most of the SUNYs are. NP is one of those schools that support their athletic teams–and many have been successful through the years. However, NP is most definitely a ‘creative’ environment and well-known for its artsy vibe. And a Saturday morn would definitely bring out the teams in practice or games. Interesting…one of my daughter’s roommates is in the art program. And though she is not an athlete she has come out to support her roomies at the home games. So what did you think of the campus and tour?</p>
<p>I loved it. I’m definitely going there! What does your daughter know about the First Year Initiative Program? I am considering doing it but I’m not sure if it’s worth it.</p>
<p>Happy to hear you enjoyed your NP visit. I don’t know much about the First Year program–correct me if I’m wrong, but I think it’s the residence situation in which you are living with students in the same major, taking two classes together? She didn’t consider that–had enough on her plate with the team commitment, work study, and 17 credits. Call the school and they’ll have you speak with a student in the program. Don’t hesitate to call and follow that FB page to get a feel for what’s happening on campus. Actually, you can write on it to ‘Emma’ and ask her to create a Class of 2016 under the ‘new students’ title. Wait until you go to the orientation. You will have a BLAST!! Even the parents had the best time. All sorts of great activities are scheduled–honestly, my friends whose kids went to private colleges couldn’t believe the amazing 3-day orientation at NP. My son is at Buffalo and his orientation didn’t compare to NP.</p>
<p>I’m so glad to hear that! Yes, the FYI program is basically where you live with only freshmen. How does your daughter feel about living with students of all ages? It’s something I’m a little scared about, mostly just because I feel like it’d be more difficult to make friends.</p>
<p>You’ll be fine. Freshman are housed with freshman. It’s only natural to be a little nervous living in a group environment–but that is the FUN of the going-away-to-college-experience! One thing’s for sure, coming from Rochester you certainly won’t mind the winters in NP. Yesterday, it was so miserable, classes were canceled around noon. Everyone pretty much stayed holed-up. My daughter said they watched a couple of movies. I don’t know if you have siblings, but you will survive dorm life.</p>
<p>Yeah the weather at New Paltz is about 10 degrees warmer than it is at Rochester. So it won’t be bad for me, haha. I do love the school though and I love the town. It’s so cool there.</p>
<p>Also, does it seem that greek life on campus is dominating? I am not planning on joining a fraternity and I do not want to go to a college where greek life dominates the social scene.</p>