<p>I was accepted for the fall semester, and the main reason Stony Brook is still on my radar is the price. (I'm In state) My parents would most likely pay for it, and I could graduate with very little debt.
However, from looking on these forums it seems like a lot of people go home on the weekends. How necessary is this? How many people go to the city for fun? Are the people complaining about not having anything to do, but not taking advantage of the huge city right next to them?
Also, on getting into the city, anyone know how long it is on the LIR to Grand Central Station? It seems like my quickest way home would be to go to Grand Central Station, because my dad works just a few blocks away and grab a ride out of the city with him.
Also, while it seems relatively easy to get home (at least compared to my other schools), I don't want to have to that often. I spent the last 17 years in my hometown with nothing to do on weekends. I don't want to end up home on the weekends with nothing to do for the next 4 years and now without my friends.
And what would be some exceptions that would allow underclassmen to have a car on campus?</p>
<p>The LIRR goes into Penn Station -- the actual train ride is about 1 1/2 hours.
From Penn station you can take the subway to Grand Central. You take a subway from Penn Station up one stop to 42 Street and then transfer to the Shuttle which would take you across town to Grand Central. That will probably add no more than another 1/2 hour to the trip.</p>
<p>As for your need to do this -- ie what campus is like over the weekends -- i can't comment.</p>
<p>Okay thanks. I knew it went to one of them and I wasn't sure which one.</p>
<p>You definitely don't have to go home to find things to do--there's always plenty of stuff going on on campus. People do go into the city for concerts, going out, and whatnot (there's pretty much nowhere that can compete with the city, so of course people take advantage of it).</p>
<p>To get a parking permit as a freshman or sophomore living on campus, you need to provide proof of an off-campus job, a medical condition that requires regular doctor visits, or some kind of family situation that makes it necessary for you to have a car (like needing to help a disabled parent get groceries or something).</p>
<p>Pseudonym, i hope all that criteria dont apply to off campus students..right?</p>
<p>No, those restrictions are only for on-campus residents.</p>
<p>Chris</p>
<p>Would having a medical condition that requires monthly (usually) visits to a doctor in Washington Heights be enough for a freshman to be allowed a car?</p>
<p>Don't know how strict they are; you have to fill out a little application.</p>
<p>Chris</p>
<p>Ginab, from my experience, probably. But as Chris said, you fill out a short application and see what they say. </p>
<p>As for the ever-present weekend question- It is harder to meet people here, particularly compared to top-tier private schools, but if you're willing to put in some effort, you'll make friends and have things to do.</p>
<p>Why would you say it's harder to meet people?</p>