<p>Ive read a lot of comments here saying that the campus is "dull" but I visited the campus today and the campus was absolutely not dull at all... There were fountains, waterfalls, flowers, trees, and etc all over the campus. I actually liked the campus :) So why are people here saying this??</p>
<p>btw anyone know when housing applications for incoming freshmen began?</p>
<p>Stony Brook had a bad reputation from the decades of neglect in the 70s-80s-90s because all the previous presidents only cared about research, graduate programs, functionality and very little on aesthetics, Undergrads … Ever since president Strum Kenny came in the mid 90s she renovated the campus and made it more appealing for everyone and also improved Student life and undergraduate programs. That trend has been continued by our current president Samuel Stanley. </p>
<p>Today, the campus is much different and for me its beautiful for the exception of a few buildings that are old (like the Union and ESS). But unfortunately, the bad rep is going to take a while to go away.</p>
<p>Yes I agreed, I was pleasantly surprised when I visited the campus during admitted student day last saturday…SB had beautiful landscaping (the students all seemed happy) and the admitted day was extremely well-run…including many faculty on campus to answer questions about their depts (and this was a saturday) (and also my 4th admitted student day and it faired better than some of the privates and definitely better than the other public I attended). I’m a parent who has visited this campus a couple of years ago when it was a muddy (cement) mess. Also, noticed all the new buildings and construction! My one complaint might be about food service and getting more healthy, inexpensive options. I would suggest a buffet style dining hall w/salad bar.</p>
<p>Chocmilk. The Muddy cement mess has been gone for the most part since the late 90s. But yes, Stony Brook has put big effort on becoming that National Research University it wanted to be. This place is getting better every day. I came in 2007 and I will graduate now and I can tell you that this place has changed a lot for the better. An emphasis on undergraduate education and student life is improving the quality of life for more UG students with more activities and events for everyone.</p>
<p>The Athletic department has experienced tremendous growth and students are caring about football/basketball/lacrosse now which makes it exciting on weekends. I personally became a fan and will be one of the many alumnus getting season tickets for the upcoming season. While the athletic department may seem irrelevant to many, it can be a deciding factor between those that go home on weekend because they have nothing to do and those that stay to enjoy campus a couple of games</p>
<p>Regarding the dining halls. I been desiring an all-you-can-eat dining halls forever now, especially after I visited the University of Connecticut but in further thought I have noticed that the implementation would be difficult with the significant amount of commuters who would have to pay for such a system or not eat at all. While all-you-can-eat has its advantages, I can assure you that I pay about $600 less per semester than my gf that attends Uconn so its not as expensive as it may seem to pay by the item. Its indeed very disappointing to see that the healthier options are the most expensive and I hope they find a way to lower the prices in the future. The Kelly Cafeteria is getting a much needed renovation and expansion, its going to look beautiful, I’m already jealous that I won’t get a chance to use it. Roth Cafeteria got renovated two years ago so its in great condition and there is plans for a brand new cafeteria between Mendelssohn Quad and the Charles Wang Center together with more residence halls.</p>
<p>I also read a year or so ago that there were plans to demolish the Student Union for a new one, but lately I heard more people saying it will get refurbished not demolished. Things are changing quick</p>
<p>A new Recreation Center to be completed this summer will allow the students to work out in a central gym with new fitness machines and indoor basketball courts in addition to the gymnasiums located in each Quad.</p>
<p>Also getting the new Hilton on-campus hotel for campus guests and parents that are out-of-state and want to visit their kids…</p>
<p>Unfortunately, with the changes and state cuts comes a rise in tuition so for any prospective student make sure you plan your finances well. Right now Stony Brook is one of the cheapest schools (a Best Value school) but there is a 5% rise in tuition (for all SUNY University Centers) yearly for the next five years for in-state and 8% for out-state which will place it in just about the national average…</p>