Syracuse University

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Students Say - Academics
Syracuse University "is cold weather, good academics, and amazing sports," one student sums up, and that about captures the prevailing sentiment among SU undergrads. Sure, Syracuse students recognize and appreciate the "top-quality education" they receive, but they typically frame it in the totality of Syracuse living, which includes not only "an excellent academic experience" but also athletics and extracurriculars that together create "the perfect balance of a great education and an amazing social atmosphere, [making] for an excellent college experience." The result is a student body fiercely proud of its school. "Syracuse bleeds Orange," students inform us. On the basis of academics alone, they'd have just cause. Opportunities abound: "If you take advantage of all the great resources available to all students, it's impossible not to have a great college experience," one student observes. Most do. Syracuse students "are, for the most part, very serious about their work and know what they want to do in life after college." The school provides lots of choices. Its Newhouse School of Public Communications is "as good as it gets for journalism schools," students tell us. They're nearly as bullish on the school's separate colleges for citizenship and public affairs, architecture, engineering and computer science, and management. No wonder one student brags that "I'm a magazine journalism major with a specialization in fashion and a minor in theater. The best part about Syracuse is that it offers hundreds of specific programs that allow you to learn by doing."

Students Say - Campus Life
People are very committed to their work Monday through Thursday at SU, but "as soon as Thursday classes are over, people will start to party." Greek life attracts nearly one-fifth of the student body. The frats throw "a lot of parties, which are crowded, hot, noisy, and run out of alcohol frequently," but they are hardly the only game in town. "Social life is very well-rounded and consists of bars, fraternities/sororities, house parties, and apartment parties," students report. The perception that "there's not much to do off campus in Syracuse" amplifies the importance of the party scene. Students note, however, "There are many other options for students who don't drink." "During the winter, basketball season is huge, and we have one of the best student sections in the country. The school also provides free shuttles on the weekend to Carousel Mall, the country's fourth-largest mall." There are "easily accessible gyms" located "nearby both ends of the campus," and the school is home to "amazing musical groups" ranging from a cappella ensembles to jazz bands, an orchestra, and rock bands. In addition, "The university provides ways of having fun on the weekends as well, such as free movie screenings in lecture halls or activities such as water rafting (with a fee, of course)."

Students Say - Student Body
Your standard issue Syracuse male "wears khakis, Polo, and Patagonias," while his female counterpart "wears American Apparel zip-ups, solid-colored v-neck tees, skinny jeans and leggings, Uggs, a North Face jacket, and a brand-name handbag" and "is glued to her Blackberry." Syracuse is a big university, though, with plenty of room for diversity, so pretty much everyone finds a comfortable niche here. There's "a huge population of hipsters...woodsy folk, city kids, and pretty average everyday people all over. It depends on what social scene you spend your time in." Dig deep enough and you'll find "students of every race, religion, and political background you can think of. There is a strong Asian and international student population as well as a noticeable percentage of gay, lesbian, and bisexual [students]." While groups "have their own cliques," there "is no animosity or unspoken status quo between different sorts of people."

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