What is it Like to Attend Binghamton University?

Allison earned her bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Binghamton University. She specializes in writing tutoring, reading tutoring, and a number of other subjects. Below, she shares her experience at Binghamton University:

Describe the campus setting and transportation options.

Allison: Binghamton University has a sprawling campus with a 200-acre nature preserve on it. University transportation offers buses to students living throughout the city and community, so it’s fairly easy to get around.

How available are the professors, academic advisors, and teaching assistants?

Allison: If you make an effort to connect and reach out, professors and academic advisors are available. They have weekly office hours, are available by email, and are open to scheduling additional meetings with students.

How would you describe the dorm life—rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students, etc.?

Allison: When I was there, the school was constructing brand new dorms every year. Personally, I didn’t enjoy the campus food options. There are a lot of opportunities to meet other students on campus. I joined the ultimate frisbee team, which became my main social group.

Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? What did you study and why?

Allison: They had a robust nursing program, business department, and liberal arts degrees. I studied Spanish literature and gender studies. I chose to do this in order to study abroad and graduate on time. Overall, I was very impressed with the classes available to me within my major and minor.

How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life?

Allison: I met people by playing intramural sports and during orientation week. About 20-to-30 percent of students were a part of Greek life. I didn’t participate in Greek life, but I never felt excluded because of it. The campus offered a lot of opportunities to be involved.

How helpful are the Career Center and other student support services?

Allison: I found the Career Center to be very helpful. They made an effort to connect students with alumni in various careers and prepare them for the professional world.

How are the various study areas, such as libraries, the student union, and dorm lounges?

Allison: There were multiple libraries with lots of different spaces to study. Depending on the time of year, it could be difficult to find a spot to study.

Describe the surrounding town.

Allison: During my time at Binghamton University, there was a great divide between the students and the local community. However, there were increasing efforts to bridge this gap. The city has an art walk every month, multiple galleries, and restaurants for students to enjoy.

How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes?

Allison: Some of the general education classes have a few hundred students in them. However, the majority of my classes were between 15 and 30 students. I enjoyed the class sizes for the most part, especially the more specialized and intimate classes.

Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most.

Allison: I took a class called Introduction to East Asian Philosophy, and my professor was a brilliant man who also taught metaphysics. I thoroughly enjoyed the philosophical challenges, thinking, and writing required by the course. I went to the professor's office hours and he made himself available for deep discussions about the material, which enhanced my interest in the subject.

 

Check out Allison’s  tutoring profile.

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.