<p>Hi, I just learned that my first-choice college (UConn) might not be an option for me because of money issues, and UB is now my "better"-looking option. I have a lot of questions regarding SUNY Buffalo and would be incredibly thankful if anyone could answer some. I'll just bullet/simplify them to make things easier:</p>
<p>1) how does their pharmacy/prepharm program compare to UConn's, and how rigorous are the classes?
2) still haven't sent in deposit+housing deposit yet, but read past students' comments that depositing close to deadline=most likely having no room in dorms and having to get an apartment near campus. Is this true?!
3) from VT, a very tiny state that is very relaxed with close-knit neighborhoods. Not used to cities at all, but fairly adaptable. How do you think I will fare in UB/Buffalo?
4) will have very little pocket money to spend. Is it expensive to live there? Will I still be able to do things like eat out, movies, shop, etc?
5) job opportunities? Anything casual and on campus (I will not have a car), with little hours (in case pharm courses get very time and attention-consuming)?
6) Asian population? Any idea on this at all?
7) am not the best of my class, but I am in the top 10%-15%. How will I fare in the pharm program/classes?
8) transportation? Any ways I can get from UB to VT for the holidays (and maybe some random weekends) for cheap? Will not have car and parents cannot drive outside of my state.</p>
<p>I'm a first-gen college student and don't have many people helping me with college stuff, so thank you very much for taking the time to help me.</p>
<p>Figured I’d try to answer some of your questions and hopefully a student will find your thread. These answers are from a parents prospective. </p>
<p>1-I don’t know specifically about the pharmacy program, however, I would expect it to be good as UB is known for all its science programs. </p>
<p>2-Housing- Guanranteed, as far as I know, for all out of staters. UB opened up a new dorm this past Fall for sophomores only, so I would expect plenty of more rooms available in Ellicott, the popular freshmen dorm. I would think your freshmen classes are on North campus (where Ellicott is) but you may want to call advising to ask them. There are freshen dorms on South campus as well. (Son was on South Campus freshman yr and all his classes were on North. No problem though. There are buses and all the other kids take them as well. He and the others liked South Campus a lot (near shops, etc) but they moved to North campus sophomore yr to be closer to classes. Get your deposit in soon!!!</p>
<p>3- UB is pretty suburban setting. You’ll make friends with the kids on your floor (dorm) and the number of students will not be overwhelming. </p>
<p>4-I don’t think you will need to spend lots of money. </p>
<p>5- Jobs?? Unsure on the outlook on or off campus. Hopefully a student can give you info. It would be most convenient for you to get a job on campus. Apply early!</p>
<p>6- I think there is a pretty decent Asian population at UB and all the SUNY schools. You can probably get the percentage from the UB website.</p>
<p>7-Unsure of Pharm, but with your stats, I think you will do fine. </p>
<ol>
<li><p>No idea, but UB is known for having a good pharmacy program. I have many friends in pharmacy.</p></li>
<li><p>You’ll probably be on south campus, but I’d think you’ll still get a dorm. But likely on south.</p></li>
<li><p>North campus is very suburban and relaxed. South is a bit busier in the city but nothing huge.</p></li>
<li><p>Cost of living in this area is quite low.</p></li>
<li><p>There’s a lot of jobs you can do on campus with few hours, they’re designed that way (food service, etc).</p></li>
<li><p>Many.</p></li>
<li><p>Sorry, no idea. Generally if you put in the effort you’ll do fine.</p></li>
<li><p>No idea. Could try finding a ride with someone that lives out that way, but I don’t think there’s a ton of people that come from that area. There’s always the train/bus option, although it probably takes quite a bit longer. I’m sure Greyhound or whatever goes there.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>OMG! Like this was exactly my situation too! I wanted to go to UConn sooo bad, was almost ready to call it home, until my parents said we couldn’t afford! So UB became my only option, and to be honest, I’m now fine with it. Looking forward to UB now! :)</p>
<p>I’m surprised to see so many people who wanted to go to UConn. I decided not to apply there and considered UB a better pharmacy school because of the ranking. I’m sure the early admission program at UB is a pretty good choice, and since it relies so heavily on GPA, being at the top 10-15% of your class would mean you’re capable of the work. I’m coming from California, and I’m not used to colder weather and I don’t know anyone nearby, so I get your concern on how you will fare at Buffalo. But we will meet new people and get used to the environment, so that wouldn’t be something I would worry about. I totally laughed when I read about the Asian thing, because that was something I was pretty concerned about too since I’m Asian where I come from there’s a pretty heavy Asian population. Maybe we’ll end up meeting next year if you end up going to Buffalo!</p>
<p>UB pharmacy is a great school and you will love the new facilities on south campus for you. The pharmacy program is very highly ranked and you will love UB as a whole. I have friends who are in the program…and they just work their butts off. It’s very competitive but good luck!</p>
<p>Thank you so much to everyone who replied. The answers and encouragement really make me feel a lot better about UB! To those who are fellow frosh, hope to see you there :)</p>
UConn was my top too and I couldn’t go because of finances</p>
So UB became my only option, and to be honest, I’m now fine with it. Looking forward to UB now! :)</p>
Maybe we’ll end up meeting next year if you end up going to Buffalo!</p>