<p>I've read about SBU from many topics here, random articles on Google, the sites and hope to attend the information preview that will be held at my school and the virtual open house. I haven't visited there yet, but SBU appeal to me in various ways already and I can't think of a different choice. (Seriously I would even reject Harvard for SBU, but then again I won't be able to keep up in Harvard's atmosphere most likely so why bother.)</p>
<p>Some important questions arose for me and I'm hoping some people can answer them.</p>
<ol>
<li>Is the Long Island Railroad right by the campus? How long would it take to get there from Manhattan?</li>
<li>If lets say I got accepted, I have a planned family vacation over the summer, what happens if I can't attend the first mandatory orientation? (The second is late August which I'll be back...)</li>
<li>Do I apply for SBU scholarships even though I do not know if I was accepted?</li>
<li>Just what's so bad about the campus atmosphere besides the actual building and tripling? Drug? Alcohol? Violence/Harassment? </li>
<li>Is there a brief list of what I would need to apply? From various sources I've only compiled:</li>
</ol>
<p>-HS Transcript (Can I send them my official transcript via mail myself? My counselor gave everyone a copy of their transcript with official signature/stamp which we may make copies of.) Also would I need to send them another one after I graduate including my senior grades? (After being accepted)
-SUNY Application completed with fee paid
-Guidance Counselor Form
-Recommendation? (1 via snail mail?)
-SAT Score sent by Collegeboard
-Essay sent through (SUNY App or snail mail?)</p>
<p>Please tell me if I missed anything at all.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>How are the teachers/staffs? I've met some pretty nasty adults in my educational career which has taught me not every teacher are as innocent as they may sound.</p></li>
<li><p>My last question is concerning food, I've heard many food and beverages are overpriced, I personally don't eat a huge amount but I can also cook, are there kitchens or areas where you may cook your own food from time to time?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Thank you for your time! If possible include your source, or if you're a student, etc just so I know if a total stranger is answering my questions or maybe a SBU staff. Sorry if I'm asking too much or it's a bit long...</p>
<ol>
<li>The LIRR stops on campus by the sports complex and Kelly Quad. </li>
<li>It takes 90 minutes +/- 15 minutes.</li>
<li>You can apply for any scholarship that you want assuming that you have the minimum requirements to apply for them. There are a lot of scholarships that you needn’t apply for and are given by the Financial Aid department either as merit- or need-based aides.</li>
<li>The atmosphere is good, but it’s hard to get yourself out there because tend to keep to themselves. This is largely a product of the large population of students here. It’s also not much of a party school, but you can always find a party if you want to.</li>
<li>Just fill out the SUNY application and complete all parts. It’ll have all the instructions in there to apply. The SUNY application gives you a place for your essay.</li>
<li>You’re here to learn, and the professors are usually highly distinguished. I wouldn’t worry about how nice they are, and just respect them. You won’t do much interacting with them until you get to your upper division classes in your major anyway, and then it varies as the school employs hundreds upon hundreds of professors and instructors. </li>
<li>All dorms are equipped with a functional kitchen, per NYS law. Also, Hand, James, Gershwin and Irving Colleges have a kitchen on every floor or suite depending on the type of dorm building that they’re in.</li>
<li>You have to fill out the FAFSA every January 1st.</li>
</ol>
<p>Thank you for your reply, I personally tend to keep myself too but I also interact well with just about anyone seeing in my current high school I’m a minority. Also glad to know there are kitchens, now I just need to find a way to the nearest supermarket. </p>
<p>Are there SBU students lurking around? Perhaps a staff can reply? Much appreciated.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>You can definitely change the date of the first orientation, but I think they only run for 2-3 weeks so if you’re going to be gone the whole time it might be a problem. When you get accepted and you’re told the date, you should be given information on how to change it (I think you have to call the Orientation office).</p></li>
<li><p>I’m a commuter, so my view is probably different than a resident. But I agree with what the above poster said, everyone tends to keep to themselves. That isn’t really a problem if you’re outgoing, but if you’re shy it kind of sucks. </p></li>
<li><p>You can self report your transcript: [Stony</a> Brook University Undergraduate Admissions](<a href=“http://www.stonybrook.edu/ugadmissions/applying/stars.shtml]Stony”>http://www.stonybrook.edu/ugadmissions/applying/stars.shtml)</p></li>
</ol>
<p>But yes, you need to send the final transcript after you graduate. The SUNY app should contain all other instructions.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>I’ve never seen or heard any stories about a rude professor, and all the professors I’ve had so far were awesome. As long as you don’t talk out loud during class, text endlessly or come late/leave early, you’ll be fine.</p></li>
<li><p>I’m a commuter and I think the food is a little expensive, but it’s probably doesn’t seem that way when you have a meal plan. Also, most food stations have “specials” that are cheaper combo meals. It’s usually $8-$10 a meal if you don’t eat much. Like a single burger, fries, and a medium soda comes to about $8. Here is the link to the dining website, most of the menus have prices: [Stony</a> Brook University - Campus Dining](<a href=“http://campusdining.org/locations/menus/menus_center.php]Stony”>http://campusdining.org/locations/menus/menus_center.php).</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Thank you poseidon2, I’m planning to have the orientation as early as possible hopefully then go on my trip and be back before the 2nd orientation. </p>
<p>As for friends, I’m sure I’ll manage. As for self-reporting using STARS they need you to send a transcript later for verification anyway so why don’t I just send in the one I have.</p>
<p>I typically spend up to $10 a meal here in NY anyway.</p>
Also glad to know there are kitchens, now I just need to find a way to the nearest supermarket. </p>