Student Profile
Linda
- Class: Senior
- Major: English
- Gender: F
- High School: Edgemont Jr./Sr. High School
- Transfer Student: N
Big Picture
The best thing about Fordham is its location. While it is in the Bronx, it is incredibly close to the city; students have easy access to major cultural and learning centers etc. Population wise, Fordham is just right. You see new faces every day, but classes are still a reasonable size. People are often impressed when I tell them I go to Fordham; some replies I get are: "Wow, great school!"; "It must be tough!" etc.
Academic Life
I'd say about 95% of the professors I've ever had knew my name. It was nice to really get to know some of them. I'd say my favorite class at Fordham was Cultural Anthropology. It truly woke me up. It made me realize that we all see the world through different lenses, none of which can be completely removed. As an English major, I was lucky to be in small classes where discussion was emphasized by professors. Though I cannot speak for all students, I'd say I've had my share of intellectual conversations outside of classes, but only with a select few students. I haven't spent much time with professors outside of class aside from office hours. This, however has enabled me to get to know them quite a bit. Fordham's academic requirements are quite different from most schools, as the core curriculum is very broad. However, I feel as if it has been to my advantage. The flexibility of the English major has also allowed me to explore various time periods and authors. Depending on one's major, job-seeking and learning are both objectives of the Fordham experience. I'd say CBA students are more inclined to focus on getting a job, while liberal arts students are geared toward learning, since most of them will pursue graduate degrees anyway.
Student Body
One new thing that I did not get to experience in high school was racial, religious, economic etc. diversity within the student body. Coming to Fordham was truly a culture shock in that sense. I haven't sensed real division with regards to friendships between students of differing backgrounds. As far as regional origin, I've met students from all over the U.S. For the most part, the student body seems to come from middle-class backgrounds though I've met upper-class and very poor or working-class students as well. Due to the presence of various clubs/organizations on campus, I'd say students are politically aware, though I'm not sure how active. Most students I've encountered are either center or left with regard to political views. Very rarely have I heard students discussing salaries etc.
The Best Things
Close to New York City.
The Worst Things
Division between commuter students and residents.
