<p>Hi, I was wondering why Syracuse received such a low rating for quality of life on The Princeton Review? Is it even fun to go to Syracuse? What is so bad about it?</p>
<p>Also, if you like Syracuse, what are its best qualities?</p>
<p>I have no direct experience with Syracuse University, but I currently reside in the Syracuse area. I think the city gets a bum rap and there is actually much more to do here than at first glance. The arts and music scene is actually well developed for a smaller city and is growing, and the Armory Square area is a great place to hang out. There is some promising development going on around this area and I believe it is only going to grow in the next few years. There are also a lot of recreational activities within an hours drive of Syracuse. Honestly, if someone cant find something to do around here, theyre really not trying very hard.</p>
<p>There also seems to be a great deal of school spirit at SU the whole town goes nuts when the Orange basketball team is doing well (and they should be pretty good for at least the next few years to come). </p>
<p>As for the weather everyone always brings up the snow, but it snows plenty in other cities in the Northeast. The main disadvantage to Syracuse weather IMO is the number of cloudy days we get, but weve actually been having a nice spring so far.</p>
<p>My D is a soph at syracuse and my son is attending next year. My daughter has had a blast. It’s all what you put in. There are tons of clubs and organizations; greek life if you want it; sports; concerts and lectures, etc. It’s true the city is not so exciting, but campus life looks great to me.</p>
<p>I went to an open house today and the surround city is very dismal and maybe that is why the quality of life is low. It is not an uplifting environment. In my opinion. I know it is a great educational institution, but I found it difficult.</p>
<p>To Donna54</p>
<p>Responded on another post as well. My d’s reaction was just the opposite of yours. While the “city” might not be exciting, the campus certainly is. All of the students were fantastic to her on the tour. She was there a day early and loved every minute of it. There’s so much going on at the campus, so much spirit --that’s what I’d look at --more than the surrounding city. Also, the classes, the school within Syracuse that you would attend, etc. (As a comparison, Berkeley is a great school, but that surrounding town is very sketchy. Same goes for area surrounding USC)</p>
<p>My daughter, a senior, is a Newhouse Rep, and worked the desk Friday. She said, surprisingly, interest is higher on those gray days. What you get out of something is often related to what you put in. At a school like Syracuse you may have to work a little harder at finding what you want socially. At a school like Washington University in St. Louis, where my son went, it’s hard NOT to have a social life. My daughter’s only regret is not joining a performing group, which she thinks would have been fun (she did in high school). Her advice is join everything you can when you get to campus. You can drop activities, but it’s harder to pick them up later. Pick your friends from those groups. It’s easiest at the beginning of freshman year.</p>
<p>I agree that the school is what is made of it by the students … some areas do offer more (Berkeley, I must differ offers a lot … the town itself has both music and restaurants galore and it is 15 minutes fron San Francisco … )</p>
<p>alright, so I’ll respond as an actual student (a 3-year survivor at that!)…the city is not NYC. but if you go to Syracuse looking for NYC, you’re going for the wrong reasons. That said, there are a lot of opportunities presented by the city that you won’t find at more suburban/rural schools…trans siberian orchestra came through here a couple of months ago, we have a fantastic orchestra, opera, and theater for a city this size. Westcott has a great music/indie scene for students into that. And the campus itself offers a lot…I’ve never once thought about leaving. I guess here’s how it breaks down:
–if you’re looking for a big city, go to school in LA or NYC; you’ll be disappointed by Syracuse
–if you’re looking for a tranquil idyllic green with no traffic, go to Hamilton or another small suburban school.
–if you’re not interested in either of those, the city of Syracuse is at worst on par with and more likely better than your other options…and the lowered cost of living in upstate NY cities actually works in your favor when going out to eat, etc…I actually go downtown quite a bit.</p>
<p>best things about SU–support of the faculty–they’ll meet with you anywhere and anytime. the resiliency of the students–sure, there are more students out in April than in December, but everyone goes sledding and is still friendly and energetic no matter what the weather. and actually the housing options are really good…SU opens pretty much all of its res halls on visit days, so don’t think you’re only seeing the best (that’d be Brockway or Ernie Davis)…rooms are spacious, well heated (and some have AC), and all res halls have laundry, food, workout facilities, game room, etc. </p>
<p>in sum, people who fill out surveys are ones who have extreme experiences (then again, so are people who post on CC)…PR is an interesting source but I’d go by how you feel when you visit as a more reliable indicator!</p>
<p>Hardly ever post, but this website has really helped our family with college choices, so what the heck.</p>
<p>My daughter is finishing freshman year. She has worked very hard, but also played hard. Lots of parties to choose from, she has learned where to go in downtown by the armory, “M” street is great, etc.</p>
<p>We think Syracuse was a great choice. </p>
<p>As others said…if urban environment means a lot then go to a Boston downtown or NYC school, or Florida if the suntan matters. Otherwise, great school with a great attitude!</p>
<p>Like a lot of colleges, the immediate surrounding area has to be given respect and handled well. I know first hand that the same is true however at Michigan, Michigan State, ND, Duke, USC, Ohio State, etc… Believe me, South Bend has turned in to a trash can. Seems to be the curse of 100+ year old schools built in or near a city environment, particularly in the mid-west.</p>