Stony Brook University is a well-known public school right in the dead center of nowhere, Long Island. Although publicized as an easy-travel location to New York City via the Long Island Railroad, in reality, Penn Station is a two-hour train ride.
I'm not complaining though, Stony Brook students go "Far Beyond" and the trek to The Big Apple is definitely worth it. I mean, Hailey Baldwin was even spotted repping a rocking-red SBU sweatshirt! #GoSeawolves
If we're good enough to be on Baldwin's Instagram Story, we definitely did something right going to this prestigious university.
Your tour guide will hype up the campus as they try to display the school as energetic, peppy, and wholesome, but what the tour guide won't tell you is the campus can, concurrently, become pretty empty. However, there is a club for everything from ballroom dancing to video games to taking care of cats, so everyone is able to find their niche. And, no, no one knows what a Seawolf is other than our classic cheer: What's a Seawolf? I'm a Seawolf!
I've had one crazy whirlwind of a first year, but I wouldn't change a thing. I've found my home and I've learned plenty of Stony Brook secrets that no ordinary tour guide would share.
The diversity can be overwhelming
Jennifer Kustanovich
Stony Brook is renowned for its diversity and amount of international students; nevertheless, sometimes it can be overwhelming. Especially if you come from a small-town suburbian neighborhood where everyone is, well, the same. Diversity is far from a negative characteristic, but be warned you may feel a little lost, at first. Yet, after some time the vast campus becomes paradoxically pretty small as everyone knows one another and you will always see the same people as you walk from class to class.
Some girls run their own nail salons out of their dorms
Help out your fellow broke college students and, honestly, they'll give a much better price than the people at neighboring salons.
Dorm building festivities
Jennifer Kustanovich
There is never a dull day or night.
It can be overwhelmingly competitive and challenging at times
Hallie Harvey
Stony Brook's students are mostly in science-related fields with dreams of becoming the best of the best. The innovative school generates these successful men and women, but not without competition and challenge.
It's either way too hot or way too cold
In the winter, Long Island is frigid due to the strong winds; however, SBU keeps the buildings obnoxiously hot. So the change in temperatures from the outside to the inside ensures that you're freezing one second and sweating bullets the next. On top of the fact that college dorms are germ-central, this is the perfect way to get sick, so stock up on vitamin C.
Campus is dead on the weekends but that doesn't mean you can't have fun
Jennifer Kustanovich
Stony Brook is a commuter school, so once Friday afternoon hits, everyone flees and the campus becomes deserted. But, residents, get out of your dusty dorm room! There are still people on campus who want to socialize, make popcorn, and have a movie night.
The opportunities are endless... take them!
Jennifer Kustanovich
Ok, ok guilty as charged, your tour guide will definitely refer to the plentiful opportunities the campus provides, but I just know too many people who regret not taking them to disclose this information. Free art galleries, tickets to the Staller Center, guidance at the Career Center, it's all in your hands!
The slightly out-of-the-norm incidents become the new norm
Jennifer Kustanovich
Alert there's a thief! Someone stole the box of condoms! This happened my first weekend on campus and afterwards I just became numb to the weirdness that is Stony Brook University.
Worn out, empty, kind of depressing
I won't lie, there are times when the gray, prison-like buildings and overloading of exams get to you. There is support all around, though. Don't be afraid to reach out to your friends, your Resident Hall Director, your Resident Assistants, or the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).
Lack of food variety
Jennifer Kustanovich
Don't expect a Michelin 5-Star meal from East and West dining halls. Your best bet is Dominos, all day everyday (make sure to get the brownies, too, and microwave them when you're ready to munch)!
Don't be surprised when no one follows the "Tobacco-Free Campus" signs
During orientation, many staff members will stress the An Air of Respect program to keep campus tobacco-free, but, truthfully, students and professors are constantly seen smoking and, ironically, leaning on the "Tobacco-Free Campus" signs.
You will walk through lakes, waterfalls, and a possible tsunami to class
Cue Rihanna's "Umbrella" because the mix of the rain and wind is insanity. Plus there are no sidewalk drains so bring rainboots!
Snail mail is quicker than any process on campus
Jennifer Kustanovich
It's a large campus with so many different departments handling a variety of procedures. During orientation, parents or guardians write a letter to their child thinking that it will be given to the student on the first day of classes. False, it will take at least three months before anyone will see this letter again. Everything, from transcripts to change in majors, takes an obnoxiously long time to process. Don't ask me why, just accept it.
SAC Loop @ 9 p.m.
Translation: pick up point for parties.
At the end of the day, your experience depends on you
Hallie Harvey
As with any other university, some students love it and have a great experience while others are miserable. Of course, one's environment influences their emotions; thus, it's all up to you to surround yourself with friends that help make college the time of your life. Stony Brook can be a very involved, friendly campus, but it's you who has to go out of your way to participate. Some people end up surprised with just how much they actually fall in love with being a Seawolf.
