Reviews

Queens definitely does not get the rep for being an amazing school because it is part of the CUNY system... but believe me, you will not be disappointed in the quality of education here. Being a second generation Queens College student, I've only completed one semester but the rigor of the classes I took definitely showed the quality of Queens. Some classes are obviously easier than others, but the quality of material that the teachers present are definitely up to par even with other top Ivy schools. Many of the teachers have PhDs or are in the process of getting them, so the teachers are very knowledgeable.

Queens has been fun... beautiful campus and there is tons of things to do. I haven't had time to explore around a lot, but from what I've seen, Queens has a lot to offer. There is over 100 clubs to choose from, a variety of sports, etc. Queens has a great feel, although it is still largely a commuter campus. And I love having small classes... in the Freshman Honors Program (and probably Macaulay Honors), there are about 20 people in your class, and you stay with the same group for the three honors classes for the semester, so you really get to know other people and it's a great way to make new friends.

Queens also has a lot of events going on - the Student Association always has events planned for us. There are always a lot of parties/entertainment Thursday nights and they try to mix it up during Free Hour also.

The reason I gave it four stars was because of the fact that Queens is still largely known as a commuter school - meaning that students do not always stay on campus; they come and go as they please so you don't always see the same people because everyone is on their own. So it is harder to make friends because it is a commuter school, but if you make the effort to join clubs, etc., then you'll do well.

Queens is definitely a bang for the buck - it is one of the main reasons I go there. You are getting the same quality of education at NYU as you are at Queens, only for $20,000 less. How could you pass that up? And if you don't believe me, my Comparative Literature professor told my class once that for a while he used to go to NYU but then transferred to Queens... it ended up being that he saw the same professor from NYU at Queens! He told us: Why pay $20,000 more for the top-notch professors when you can find them in the CUNY system at all? Queens still hasn't gained its reputation for its education, but soon it will...

1. Apply for the Honors program (Freshman Honors or Macaulay) - it is a great way to make new friends... you'll be seeing the same people in three of your classes for the first semester and two classes the next semester (for Freshman Honors). Also, you'll either be getting a half-tuition or full scholarship if you get in -- what could be better? There are also a lot of other perks to getting into the honors program.

2. Know what kind of atmosphere you want in a school - Queens is great because it has both a suburban and urban feel... you can see the city skyline from the quad, but the campus is partially surrounded by apartments.

3. Apply for as many scholarships as possible and look into financial awards that the school is willing to offer.

4. Remember that you don't need to go to a name brand school to get noticed (i.e. Ivy league schools). The CUNY system is equally known for its education. I used to think that I should only apply to Yale and Princeton because I wanted to get noticed by med schools, but my parents and teachers convinced me that the name doesn't really mean anything.

1. Queens is largely a commuter school so it is great if you want to stay close to home. But if you don't like commuting, Queens built new dorms in August 2009 so that is always another option.

2. Students who like medium-sized schools - Queens has a lot of students but it never feels like that because many of the classes are small (at least in my experience).

3. Students who like diversity

4. Any student - I was told that Queens is known for its liberal arts education, so I was very worried because it is not as well known for its pre-med program. But once I took Biology, I realized that the rigor is not any less... I had to work just as hard.

CUNY Queens College is a diverse school with incredible teaching staff. The grounds are well-kept, the view of Manhattan is breathtaking, and resources available to students are abundant. Queens College is a place where students learn both in and out of the classroom, and grow into better people.

-Always ask your professors if buying earlier editions or international editions of books is okay. You could save a lot of money that way.
-Participate! There are events on-campus all the time and it's always worth your time to participate. It's valuable learning experience and often very entertaining, as well as a way to make new connections and friends.
-Adhere to your professor's policies on technology. Always keep a spare notebook or looseleaf paper in your bag in case you forget and have an electronics-free class.
-Study!!! You can't pass most classes here without taking them seriously.

I'm in Macaulay Honors College in addition to being a regular student at CUNY Queens College. Both schools' curriculums are challenging. They force you to think and develop your thoughts and ideas. Every professor is different though, so always ask upperclassmen or check out RateMyProfessor to check how rigorous their classes will be! As a Performance and Psychology double-major, I can attest to the rigor of both the Music and Psychology Departments' rigor as well.

The staff here really care, and they always do their best to make your experience as comfortable as possible. A vast majority of the students at CUNY Queens College commute, both those who live here have a very nice home to look forward to. It is a bit pricey, but worth it considering the amenities- a full kitchen, a living area, and two bathrooms per suite, heating and AC, free cable and WiFi, 24/7 gym and music practice rooms in the building- and the excellent service provided by maintenance, desk and office staff, and RA's. This is truly a fantastic place to live, especially if you have great roommates like I do :)

I personally don't use the dining halls on campus much because I budget my own groceries, but the food is good quality and can often be made to your specifications. There are vegetarian and kosher options available. It would be expensive to eat here everyday without a meal plan, but there are meal plan options available for those looking to use them. At the dorms every Wednesday is resident appreciation day so there is usually something free to eat or drink in the lobby.

There are always events going on on campus, especially during free hour on Mondays and Wednesdays. Everything from self-defense classes to educational speakers to club activities are offered here at some point during the year. There are a ton of clubs to join and several Club Days hosted for students to check them out covering a wide range of topics and interests. There are often free student recitals in the Aaron Copland School of Music during the week, and some bigger performances like operas, musicals, and plays in Colden Auditorium. There is an AMC movie theatre a short bus ride away from campus in Fresh Meadows where students can get discounted movie tickets if they show their student ID, and many good restaurants in the area; Gino's Pizza on Kissena Blvd. is a popular destination if you need a quick meal. It takes only about an hour to get to Manhattan if you take the bus to the F subway on Hillside Ave or the LIRR at Jamaica Station, and there are two malls not too far away from campus, Queens Plaza and Sky View. There is always something to do.

The tuition is low and the educational value high. CUNY Queens College is a public school with curriculum comparable to private schools; for students attending as part of Macaulay Honors College, the educational level is comparable to some Ivy's. It's almost absurd how much you get for what you pay; just be sure to pay your fees and tuition on time so holds aren't put on your account. The dorms are expensive, but given the location and the amenities, it is well worth the money.

Behind Klapper Hall are big orb-like sculptures with cutouts in them where students can sit and study outside, which I thought were really cool when I first saw them. There is also an art gallery/museum in Klapper Hall. In the Aaron Copland School of Music there is a basement level where only lockers and practice rooms exist. At the dorms there is a stuffed animal making event on Valentine's Day that's quickly becoming an annual tradition. There are always food carts on campus; usually it's halal food or Latin American food, but there is also a fancy waffle cart that comes around once in a while that everyone gets excited over. The Honors Hall building is for some reason at a different level than the other buildings so the entrance is actually a staircase down to the door that looks a lot like a sketchy subway entrance but it's not actually sketchy, I promise. It's a little hard to find but if you follow the campus map and look for the sign you'll find it.

Hard-working students who are not afraid to keep an open mind and who value diversity and learning.

I'm not really a part of any clubs at the moment because I have a lot on my plate, but there are always club-hosted events happening on campus and I honestly haven't heard anything bad about any of the clubs so I'm assuming they're pretty good.

I know there are frats and sororities here, but I'm not into Greek Life so I don't keep tabs on it or anything.

The campus itself is very safe. The dorms have implemented new guest policies to tighten security, and there are always public safety officers driving around campus and sitting in the security booths. As of next semester, the front desk at the dorms will be staffed by security 24/7, rather than students during the day and security at night as it is right now. Aside from the dorms (which requires a FOB and ID), there is only one building I know of that you need to swipe ID to enter, which is Queens Hall (off-campus behind the track, a bit of a walk away). There are plenty of lights at night, and emergency blue boxes all over campus. I've never personally felt more unsafe on campus than anywhere else, even as a young woman walking alone very late at night or very early in the morning before classes have started. The fact that the campus is gated and the security at the main entrance and Reeves entrance ask for ID when entering after hours makes me feel a lot safer, too.

Queens seems to offer many different classes, all in different buildings depending on what kind of class it is. The fact that it's been more diffcult to get into CUNY schools the past few years shows how many people are applying, and how many are qualified and accepted to attend. Being close to the city, and even in Queens, it can be distracting with all of the life around you, but it'll add to the experience.

Very close to the city and several other attractions, who couldn't enjoy being here?

One of the least expensive schools anyone could attend, other than the community colleges. Spending five grand for a whole year of tuition is only a fraction of what I would have to pay if I had taken offers from some other schools in the surrounding area, which is a relief because I won't graduate up to my eyeballs in debt.

I've heard it was mostly a commuting campus, but it seems like there is a lot to do if your live in the new housing complex, The Summit (BEAUTIFUL dorm rooms, by the way, you can see the city skyline from some of the windows!). You just have to keep busy and find something you feel you can pursue and have fun with.

Motivated, smart, don't want to spend a lot of money for a great education in one of the best places on earth.

This school offers great classes and great teachers. Plenty of school clubs, activities and events on campus. Best of all this campus a extremely spacious and has a great scenic view of Manhattan.

Always speak to a grade adviser before registering for any classes. Just to be on the safe side.

School clubs and daily on campus events

If you are in the Queens, NY area this is a great and reputable school to attend.

Cuny Queens College is an affordable and accommodating college. It has a wide range of majors that you can choose from and intelligent teachers that can guide you. With the knowledge acquired in queens college, you will definitely excel in whatever career path you put your mind to.

The teachers and workload aren't that rigorous. The workload that they provide to the students is just enough so that the students can retain the information but not enough for the students to feel pressured and challenged.

I did not dorm. Queens College is mostly a commuter school. But I've been to my friends dorm. It seemed quite comfortable. Especially the fact that you have your own space with couches, fridge and stove in between dorms.

There are numerous dining places that you can choose from with a wide range of food. The servers are very friendly and the food is quite good.

It is a small school that is focused on its students. The campus is beautiful and so are the buildings and departments. There is an array of classes and majors to choose from yet each individually challenging.

Know what classes you want to take before enrollment period comes around. Make sure to check out the professors and his/her reviews online before enrolling. Definitely join a club or organization, it helps to get to know people and make connections during your college experience.

The science department is one of Queens' strongest and rigorous.

I will not be dorming but from what I heard the summit is a small dormitory but the experience of living on campus is fun.

Multiple options to choose from, all equally satisfying.

Join a club and/or organization, they offer so many it's hard not to. Do some community service. Try out for a sports team or just keep in shape by taking advantage of Queens' gym and indoor swimming pool.

Students who aren't used to thousands of people and walking miles to get to your next class would be prime candidates. Those who don't want to leave New York City, stay local to obtain their education and want to save a few thousand dollars should go to Queens.

This school has an amazing campus, amazing programs, and amazing professors. I have attended many colleges in New York but have never felt more comfortable than here at Queens College.

Study hard! This is a challenging school which is why I highly recommend it. Never take the easy way out. Their programming helps develop a sound work ethic and a character of great resolve.

The work load can become a little overwhelming. However, you are here to learn. This assists you in organization, time management, and academic skills.

They do have dorms however I stayed off campus. I was told they are quite comfortable though.

There are two cafeterias on campus and some food carts right outside the campus. Eating out can get expensive so I recommend carrying something light in order to save money.

This college is in New York, need I say more?

Well worth it, quite affordable. Yearly tuition+books will run you $7,000. This is a City University of New York school so it is subsidized by New York City.

There are so many activities on campus it is unbelievable! Just this past week they had rides, (yes rides!), a horse and carriage (yes a horse and carriage!), and free food! (yes, F-R-E-E!). There are a host of events one may attend and also there are celebrities and alumni that are always visiting. Just the other day, there was an event with Bill Cosby!

There are so many different clubs on campus.

There is a Greek club. I see them almost everyday! Nice bunch I must say. The President of the Greek club sometimes gives us free pizza.

Very safe. The campus itself is in a very nice area. It is quiet, clean, and safe.

Queens College offers not only an amazing variety of academics, but a beautiful campus. The diversity is vast and well acknowledged by many. Professors here are very understanding and easy to talk to.

Come to Queens with an open mind and you won't regret it. The tuition is affordable and the education you receive is of such high quality.

The academic programs here at Queens aren't that tough. Time management plays a key role in any course.

The dorm rooms are beautiful and the people are very friendly.

The food that Chartwells provides is always amazing.

There isn't a wide variety of things to do for fun on campus. There's a game room with pool tables, ping-pong tables, air hockey tables and video games for students on break or just hanging around.

Queens definitely gives you more bang for your buck. The tuition is incredibly low and the academic standards are pretty high. Plus, the New York skyline can be seen from the campus.

Queens is great for commuter students looking for a low-cost college with high academic standards.

During the summer, Queens has a special day for incoming freshmen and all other students to acknowledge the many clubs available. The Quad is usually packed with tables, posters and flyers advertising from sororities and fraternities to environment and culture clubs.

The sorority and fraternity members of Queens are easily identifiable and very friendly. They respect laws and do not practice hazing or any illegal activities for that matter.

Security guards on campus are not only friendly, but always around campus.

I love Queens College. The atmosphere is so friendly and there's so much diversity. Most of the professors are really interesting and they know what they're doing.

Go to Club Day; get involved on campus. Don't be a boring commuter student. If you start becoming active during your freshman year then you'll reap in the rewards sooner. You'll meet great people, have awesome connections and you'll know what you want to do in life earlier than those that just come to class and go home. Work hard and have fun while doing it. Most importantly, enjoy the ride!

The classes are hard; but hey it's college! The professors make the material much more interesting.

I can't complain because I don't dorm. Dorms tend to have occasional parties.

Lots of variety. Quesadillas are the best. Unfortunately, food is a tad expensive for a college student budget.

QC has a big Quad. Lots of events take place here, most include DJs (depending on the weather). We also have a gym, pool, and soccer/track field.

Tuition is affordable and they offer work study. No complaints from me!

QC used to be a juvenile detention center. You can still see a barred cell by one of the buildings.

Too many to talk about and they're all so diverse!

There's about 5 sororities (all super friendly and against hazing) and 6 fraternities. All of them are extremely diverse but they're also respectable (and they know how to throw a good party or two!)

Having already completed my Associates Degree at a local Community College, I'm attending Queens College for my BA and eventually my MLS. The commute into Queens from Long Island is 100% worth it for the attentive and helpful professors that are always willing to go the next step for their students in the classes they teach. I'm looking forward to returning there this Fall and having the opportunity to expand on my knowledge of literature and to better my writing skills.

Take advantage of the writing centers and tutoring centers that Queens offers. Don't be afraid to meet with your Professor during their office hours if you're having any difficulty with the curriculum; they are always more than happy to sit down with you and give any guidance they can. My biggest tip is not to be afraid to ask questions. I didn't know about the numerous computer labs that are open daily or the extensive collection of books (including text books) that the library offers until I stopped to ask someone where I could use a computer.

Not every Professor is going to give you the same workload, so it's hard to give just one rating. Overall I would say that the classes are more on the higher end of assignment difficulty. As an English major, the classes I have been taking are very dependent on writing assignments (whether they are 4 page essays or a short response due the next class) and a lot of reading (whether they are novels or short articles). You really have to plan ahead and not leave everything until last minute or you're going to get overloaded with work and you will see your grade suffer because you aren't giving the assignments your best.

I can't rate dorm life from my own opinion because I don't dorm, I commute. However, I've never heard anything negative and it seems like there are a lot of people that continue to dorm each year.

I tend to bring my own food because I don't want to spend the money and I don't think the choices they offer are very appealing. My friend has gotten salad a few times and it looks okay. The pizza she had was disgusting, even though I see a lot of people buying it. My favorite thing to get is the assorted fresh fruit cups. There are other restaurants that I have yet to venture in to, so I can't say much more about the dining hall food. As it is with most campuses there are vending machines in almost every building. Sometimes I'm in the mood for a bag of chips or a candy bar, and I can count on Queens to have the machines stocked every day. There are a lot of seating areas both inside and outside of the dining hall and all around campus.

Either in between classes or if I have an hour break I enjoy sitting under a tree in the quad or off to the side on a bench in front of Powdermaker Hall. It's not fun per se, but it's rare for me to have a break, so I don't mind relaxing and reading a book or catching up on school work before going to my next class.

Tuition seems to go up a little each year; however, because Queens is a CUNY school, the rates aren't as horrific as they could be for the high level of education that is supplied by the Professors. I think the prices for some of the textbooks in the Book Store are ridiculous, but there are websites to go to for used textbooks, and like I said before the library offers a lot of the books that are required for class.

At least twice a day (of a 5-hour day) I see either a Public Safety vehicle or an officer or two patrolling around campus. As of last semester they are enforcing no smoking anywhere on campus which I am very appreciative of. I can't stand being stuck behind someone when I'm walking to class and having their cigarette smoke trailing behind into my face or walking into a cloud of smoke before I enter a building because people are standing outside smoking.