<p>Okay, so I am having an enormous amount of trouble deciding between these two. There are major pros and major cons of each. I am about 1 hour from Albany and 4 1/2 hours from Stony Brook. I'm a pretty friendly person and I want to go to a place where I could meet many other people from all over. I am interested majoring in Linguistics or some foreign language. I know either of these schools aren't really known for those...I did not receive any scholarships from either, just offered loans.</p>
<p>I really don't like the fact that with Stony Brook you are pretty much guaranteed a triple in a double-sized room and you have to pay for laundry. I do like the fact, though, that it is close to the city and has a diverse student body. And I don't really think that Albany's campus is aesthetically appealing or that there are supposedly parties every night keeping everyone awake. I do like the fact that it is closer to home and pretty much guarantees you are in a double with a double-sized room.</p>
<p>I am not asking you all to make decisions for me, just curious about others' insight on each school... Thanks:)</p>
<p>I think Stony Brook is a better school academically from what I hear. But if you're looking for a bigger social life, then Albany is it. You have to keep in mind that Stony Brook is half commuter, half resident... In the end, it's where you think you'll be the happiest.</p>
<p>We looked at Albany 2 years ago for my oldest D. The dorm room they showed us had to be smaller than any I have ever seen! They do have a very nice fountain though!</p>
<p>We toured Albany this past summer after seeing Oneonta & Binghamton and Albany's dorms were terrible by comparison with narrow halls, low ceilings small entry way and rooms. Felt like you were on a ship in the lowest class cabins. It was a deal breaker. The campus was nice in a stark modern manner.</p>
<p>No experience with SB, but we know a couple kids who graduated h.s. last year and are loving their time at Albany. If you are concerned about noise/partying (which I think is pretty much everywhere to some extent), most schools offer the option of substance-free and/or quiet hours halls. I would imagine it's not difficult to catch a bus/Amtrack to the city for an occasional get-away. We toured there, but didn't go into a dorm room, so can't comment other than at my advanced age they all look pretty small!</p>