Student Profile
Amanda
- Class: Junior
- Major: Linguistics
- Gender: F
- High School: Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School
- Transfer Student: N
Big Picture
Stony Brook as a whole is probably just about the perfect size. You can definitely find a place to sit and have a cup of coffee with some work throughout the day that does not revolve around running into people, or if you would rather, the exact opposite. Even though this sounds somewhat cheesy, IÕve really found that every aspect of your life here is what you make of it. As far as school pride goes, I definitely see a lack of that. I have gone to my fair share of football, basketball, and soccer games, but I canÕt say that theyÕre the highlight of my time here in the least. TheyÕre fun and everything- donÕt get me wrong- but if all of the people that go to school here actually turned up at some games, there would be a major difference. Most commuters that I know just donÕt bother. Obviously, to some people this kind of thing matters more than others. It doesnÕt really make or break your time here regardless. To be completely honest, I donÕt really feel one way or the other about administration. I sort of just know that when I need something taken care of I go over to the building and it usually gets handled pretty easily. In reality, no one really wants to deal with the stuff they have to get done anyway, so if people tell you something bad about administration itÕs probably because they didnÕt feel like being there in the first place. The main thing here is finding where you feel like you really fit in. It isnÕt one of those schools you hear about that have absolutely nothing to do off campus because they are in the middle of nowhere. It is a great college that has everything that Long Island can offer. Within minutes away are restaurants, a mall and other shopping, convenience stores, the movies, bars, and more. Stony Brook is located close to the highway, and has a train station that is basically on campus. This creates easy access to the city and other locations, including home for many students. I would actually recommend taking the train just one stop to Port Jefferson, which has several great places to eat and shop right by the water (you can even get on a ferry), and itÕs just a great way to spend the day. For me, all of this is a huge plus. I get the best of both worlds- home is nearby and there whenever I want, but I can still say that I am having a true college experience.
Academic Life
Sometimes I find that professors really care and really want to get to know each student, and other times itÕs definitely not like that. In my major (Linguistics) majority of the classes are small, so a lot of the professors tend to get to know your name regardless. They are all usually extremely available and helpful in office hours and in general. However, I will be declaring a double major in Sociology, and in those classes, itÕs very easy to blend in. You learn to take initiative whenever necessary. Stony BrookÕs academic requirements can be a complete pain. You have to take different classes and each class fulfills a different DEC (Diversified Education Curriculum). Sometimes you literally get stuck in classes that you would never take otherwise and have to suffer through them just because you canÕt graduate without completing the DEC. That definitely does not cover all of it though, because I cannot even tell you how many times I was able to find a DEC that was so much easier than my other classes. It can be like a complete breath of fresh air. Who knows, you might even find a subject you really like through it. One thing that always drives me crazy- I always have work to do. I donÕt understand how there are always people who say that they have absolutely nothing to do and get to sit around playing video games. IÕm not sure if they actually do not have work or if they just donÕt do any of it. I have to admit, though, IÕm more of the perfectionist type. I would still say not to expect to not do anything if you come here.
Student Body
When you walk around Stony Brook, you definitely feel like itÕs diverse. There seems to be a nice mixture of racial and ethnic backgrounds, and social class too. I canÕt tell you that things arenÕt ÒclickyÓ, but before you know it youÕre within your own clique and you never think about it again. IÕve found that classes are really the place where I branch out a little more. ItÕs like the comfort blanket that consists of your best friends gets pulled out from under you. Majority of the students here are from somewhere in New York, whether it is the city, Queens, Long Island or upstate. ItÕs actually really funny to see peopleÕs reaction when they meet someone for the first time and find out theyÕre actually not from here. For those of you who want to avoid people you know from your own towns- it isnÕt really too bad. You might just have to go through the occasional, ÒHey howÕs it going IÕve missed you what are you up toÓ routine, but other than that itÕs really no big deal. Let me give you everything you need to know about fashion here. Basically- wear whatever you want whenever you want. I like to get dressed and at least somewhat put together for class. IÕve noticed that since a lot of people commute, there are many girls that tend to do the same. And hey, if youÕre one of those crawl-out-of-bed people, go for it.
The Best Things
It's college life not too close, but not too far from home.
The Worst Things
You may not get the acknowledgement you deserve from people that don't know the school.
