Tyan -
09/14/2023It is what you’d expect out of a majority commuter school. Not large, not super homey, but it’s a nice and affordable school to get your education. Good professors. It might not traditionally be the place to get the “college experience,” but there are certainly people here also looking for it if you are. If you want Greek life or a dorm, you can find it here too. Just maybe in a smaller sense.
Mark -
05/23/2020Farmingdale State College is a public SUNY school located in Melville, New York. With an enrollment of seven thousand plus undergraduate students, it can be seen as a fairly competitive school to get into. They offer a broad spectrum of majors which include business, technology, liberal arts, forensics, and more! I am currently a senior student working towards my bachelors degree in business management & administration and have been attending this school for over a year. I am going to give my unbiased review of this school from my eyes, and would like to review it based on two criteria. This criteria includes academics as well as student and campus life. Thus, this review shall allow for a foundational insight for a student thinking about applying here.
Academics is a big factor for me when applying to any school for obvious reasons. I have heard from many of my colleagues that Farmingdale State College was a great choice for a business major like myself. Keep in mind I transferred from Suffolk Community College to Farmingdale, so I transferred as a junior. I was skeptical that this school would be right for me, but since day one I fell in love with it. Academic wise this school is great for a broad range of majors. Class sizes are not too big, ranging from 15-60 students, allowing more one on one time and easier learning. Throughout my time at Farmingdale I have never had a problem with a professor, and every class has been a delightful learning experience. For example, my 409w Strategic Management class has taught me a lot about objectively and subjectively analyzing companies and industries for investment purposes and overall company growth strategies. Professors offer flexible office time hours and all of my teachers have done their best to help every student in need no matter what. Students look for professors who are passionate, engaging, caring, and approachable. Every teacher I have met has checked everything off that list. As for majors, Farmingdale offers over 83 total majors, minors, and associate level degrees. I am currently in the business management & administration major and I am more than happy about my decision. Through my major I am offered internship positions as part of my learning experience which I am extremely happy and grateful for!
Although academics is a huge factor, considering the student and campus life is crucial as well since you are committing two to four years of your life at said institution. Taking my first steps on this campus gave me a feeling of being welcomed, a feeling I never experienced while attending Suffolk Community College. For being a state college, you really get that feeling of “college” life throughout campus which was a big motivator of mine when I applied. They have a campus center where they host events, contests, scholarship opportunities, and more. I have met a good amount of my friends by attaining these events throughout the year. For art students they hold art exhibits all around campus, and for athletics they hold many campus events. Student’s have a plethora of resources to go to when in need for things such as academic help, financial help, and more. Included some way or another in most colleges is the presence of Greek life. This is one area in which I feel there is a lack of. In fact, I did not really know there was any Greek life within the school until one of my classmates mentioned it to me. More activities should be centered around joining these fraternities and sororities if they want to see it grow.
Furthermore, student and campus life is also judged based on food, dorms, safety, and athletics. Although I wish I could provide more info for the dorms within the school, I have never seen or been in one. As for the food, I have never eaten the food within the school as I always brought my own lunch. Instead, I will mention the selection of food in this review. I have been in the cafeteria plenty of times and the food they provide looks delicious. They provide countless options from smoothies, burritos, chicken fingers, sushi, burgers, and more! Though the food is a bit pricey, at least to me, I have heard great things about the food here. As for the safety of the students, there was never a time where I felt out of place or had a sense of danger in any part of the campus. There are two police stations, one located within the campus, and another located a mile away from the campus. Police are always seen patrolling the parking lots and campus even at late nights. Lastly, athletics is a big part of this school, but not to the degree that I would hope for. Farmingdale is a division three school and prioritizes a variety of sports. But, what they don’t prioritize is the student engagement when it comes to visiting and viewing these sporting events. I rarely hear people mention their plans on seeing a basketball game or volleyball game. It’s disheartening in some ways since athletic events can really bring people together in ways they couldn’t imagine. To further conclude, athletic training is big here at Farmingdale and I have seen and participated in some drills. The gym is small yet versatile to get the athletes where they need to be. The courts and turf are big and aesthetic, which really helps tie in the “Rams” spirit.
Overall, my time here at Farmingdale State College has been a great experience. I have made countless friends from classes and campus events that I never thought I would have. I have been able to learn and propel further in my career and studies due to the programs offered. I have been able to continue my athletic endeavors because of the provided facilities. All while feeling like I’m “away” from home while still commuting back and forth. Though they do need improvement in areas like Greek life and athletics. I would recommend this college to anyone thinking about attending!