There are such widely divergent opinions about Stony Brook, from people who hate it and say it is a dead, depressing commuter school with nothing going on, to others saying it is a vibrant, diverse community where you can get a great education at a reasonable price. My son has been accepted into the physics program which we know has a great reputation, and it is high on his list, and he seems less concerned than I am about the questions raised about the social atmosphere, but I’d love to hear from some current students about their experiences. I know this topic has been discussed before but I’d love to get a fresh perspective as I guess my hope is that things are continuing to improve as they make improvements to the campus (new buildings, dorms, dining facilities etc).
Anyone?
Ok gonna try one more time. Would love to get input from current stony brook students/parents about the campus life and social scene on campus. How much impact is the commuter factor, etc. I know this has been discussed in past but I’m hoping for fresh perspectives. Have things improved? Is is a fun environment? My son is high on this school and we’re just curious if it will be a positive experience for him.
ive already started a thread about it on their reddit section
http://www.reddit .com/r/SBU/comments/2sl6ww/describeyourexperienceinstony_brook/
some of the answers may answer your question.
Thank you for,posting this link. Your link sbove broken but I was able to find it in reddit. A lot of interesting information in those reddit links. It’s troubling that there do seem to be a lot of negative comments about the school. I just don’t know.
from what ive learned. Everyone is afraid, since there are alot of international kids and people are usually socially awkward. the majority are nice though, and less of a deuce as compared from other school. thats why they say to go out there instead of hibernating on your room. talk and you will find groups of friends. remember, you go to stony brook for the education, not so much for partying. party does happen though, you just need to meet people for it to open up for you.
Yes I agree. My son will be majoring in physics which I’m sure will be very intense, and he is not interested i partying, but he does want to pursue other interests besides studying all day and would just like to meet some friendly interesting people with similar interests. I’m sure if you get involved with some clubs and community service its makes things more fun. He has visited the campus and likes it.
where is ur son from ? Ny ( wat part) or Outta state?
Westchester, ny
Even though I am a Stony hater on this website, here is a few positive messages:
International students are not socially awkward. They just have a language gap so they are shy to interact with people outside of their “group”. But if you go talk to them ( you start a conversation ), they are most likely friendly. People who complain about these international students are having double standard. Yes, those students only hand out with their own people. So are you, you sit in your group and complain that nobody is handing invitation like you gave a single invitation. Join clubs, they are good.
I don’t have problem with commuters. Because the college before I transfer is exactly the same. Who would be so energetic walking around the campus in the winter? It is up to you, who can make friends and create social life.
Dining is pretty expensive. I live off-campus and I can buy my lunch and dinner at the cost of a lunch on campus. Of course, you may have a lunch that is around $7.5, but you will feel repetitive. If you grab a sushi, get vegatable with meat in Jasmine, or just buy a drink. The price could go up to $10. So try to find some deals outside of the campus for variety. I think off campus food is healthier. At the same price, you can get more vegetable.
And that dining plan…at least $1930 per semester. Gee, I pay with my credit card, it is at most $1600 for last Fall semester. And if you buy the meal plan, you can only have 1325 meal points(cheap bastards). So you actually pay more to get less. You may try to believe the 13% saving advertisement, I don’t see the math works right.
Still seeking some comments about Stony Brook. Surely somebody must have something good to say about the school? It’s still my son’s top choice. But I’d love to hear more from people who actually like the place. Somebody must like it.
My D is a freshman there, and she really enjoys it. She made one friend at orientation and has joined a club, so has made many friends thru that. If your son is social and hard working, he will do fine at this school. SUNY pricing is good, but we are out of state, so it costs the same as our state flagship. My D wanted to be out of state. Good luck!
Thank you for the input soonmtnest. I’m happy to hear your daughter is enjoying her experience so far.
@Sapphire50 Did your son end up choosing Stony Brook? If so is he happy there?