I know that the campus itself is relatively safe but I’ve been seeing a lot of videos of people fighting in Poughkeepsie. Would it be a bad idea to explore or familiarize myself with the town?
I’ve lived in Poughkeepsie for all of my life and I can tell you that it’s like any other city out there. Yes, there is crime and things happen, but as long as you keep your wits about you, you should be fine. That being said, you should totally explore the surrounding area around Vassar! The Vassar bubble is very very real and I think all Vassar students should venture out past the Arlington circle at least once. But that doesn’t mean you should be out exploring at 2 or 3 am lol. All in all, it’s not that bad, go for it just be cautious (duh). I’m a first year at Vassar so if you have any other questions please @ me!
Safe enough. Practice the normal safety precautions you would on any college campus and when out in the city do the same.
@SaphaelEterna
Thanks for the info! Also, how accessible is NYC to Vassar students and how often do students go there?
@ImperialChimp my son’s a freshman at Vassar, and has been to NYC twice so far (for a couple of concerts) and apparently going again next weekend to visit a friend at Barnard. It’s a quick $8 Uber to the train station, and then about 1 1/2 hrs or so (maybe a bit more) to Grand Central. He’s had no problems at all…I wouldn’t say that kids do it a lot because there’s so much to do on campus, but it can easily be done.
@ImperialChimp I would say it’s pretty accessible! There is a bus that run’s every Saturday to areas outside of Vassar like the mall and the train station. So if you wanted to go the city one weekend you have a free trip to the Poughkeepsie station! There is also a bus that takes Vassar students to the city, that happens twice a semester I think. Although I’m pretty sure you have to pay for a ticket but it’s very cheap (like $5 or something). How often really depends on the individual. I’m aware of some people who go to the city pretty frequently (like every couple weeks) and some who just haven’t gone before lol. But bottom line, if you ever wanted too, there are ways!
@SaphaelEterna. I think on another question you mentioned you are a STEM major. Have you taken part in the summer research opportunities or are planning too? Do you know of any other STEM opportunities in the Poughkeepsie area that students become involved in? Do you here about students taking part in research internships off campus during the school terms? Thanks.
From other threads, you are weighing Wesleyan and Vassar as college choices.
Middletown and Poughkeepsie are about the same level of “safe”.
@eyeontheprize I have actually! I worked on a research project with a cognitive science professor the summer before my first year! It was through the Diving Into Research program, (although the funds for that ran out and that program is no longer being offered). I’m not sure whether or not I’ll take part in more research opportunities in the future but I know a lot of people who do research with professors on campus as well as off campus. In regards to research off campus Im sure there are projects but I don’t have much information on those unfortunately. But I’m 90% sure they do happen!! There is also a summer research program for students interested in research in STEM called URSI. That is somewhat competitive but there are various projects in multiple disciplines each year! Although a really easy way to get involved in research during the school year is to ask professors to become their research assistant! The one thing that’s great about Vassar is that trying to get research opportunities on campus isn’t really that competitive (besides URSI) . My major is computer science and I’m currently trying to find internships in Poughkeepsie for next summer actually lol. Since you’re interested in research opportunities off campus I would suggest you email or contact someone who works at Vassar’s Community and Engaged Learning office. I’m sure they would be able to answer specific questions in regards to off campus research! Or at least point you in the right direction!
Whether safe or not, if mace is legal, then consider carrying it when venturing into sketchy areas.
P.S. Of course, only do so when taking your two Dobermans & your Rottweiler for a walk.