Admissions

If you want to learn and have fun, Albany is where to be. We're only a couple hours from NYC. The only thing you really do need to know is to bring fans for the summer and extra warm clothes and blankets for the winter because it gets incredible cold! Rain boots are a good investment as well. I thought I might be able to get away with not getting a pair but I definitely regretted it after all the rain and snow accumulation.

Yes, it has a party reputation. No, you don't have to do that.

There are lots of people to meet, and in general, I found you just have to reach out a little to start up a good conversation.

JOIN THE CLUBS! I never thought I would like fencing until I went to the first practice and loved it. Now I am going with the club to competitions in other schools. And I never pictured I could learn salsa dancing as well.

Just keep an open mind and never give up. You can learn a lot if you're willing to see it.

I suggest that if you are going to apply that you have more than 2 recommendation letters, a great personal essay and decent SAT scores. I applied for early acceptance and I had 6 recommendation letters. 3 personal and 3 professional. I believe that the more things that are said good about you by other people the better the chances are that they will see you for something other than just your GPA.

Enter with an open mind. UA was honestly my last choice, and that's because I had my eye on art schools in the city. Going in I was expecting for it to be awful, but I quickly found that I liked the school, and I often bring friends to the campus to give them a tour.

Get involved! It's a great way to get to know people on campus. College isn't all about grades, it's also about networking. A strong GPA might catch an employers attention, but a friendship or recommendation can land the deal. If you don't like any clubs on campus, you could start your own free of charge, and receive funding from the Student Association (student government).


The most important tip I could give incoming students; never go downtown alone. Although SUNY Albany is located in a safe neighborhood, the downtown area is notorious for crimes. On weekends, many frats/sororities and other students have parties downtown. Criminals are outside around these times specifically looking for people walking alone. Don't make yourself look like an easy target.

If you do go out, don't take any cups from any strangers and don't drink the jungle juice!

Oh, I almost forgot! Always stay in contact with your advisor! The earlier you register, the better your classes!

Stay active, do your schoolwork, and make lots of friends. Don't forget to be you, this can't be said enough.

have an idea about what you may want to do as a career. although the advisors at suny albany are very nurturing and help you plan, these 4 years can go by so fast. it helps to have a small idea because the advisors here can help you so much better and put you on the right track towards a career you might desire!

Manage your time efficiently; the work piles up the most around midterms, breaks and finals.

Take advantage of the library and its librarians.

Get to know your professors and establish a relationship with them as it will definitely help you in and out of the classroom.

Make sure to keep in touch with your adviser; they are very helpful in managing your classes and credits for graduation and/or transfer. They'll help you out with anything you ask them, or at least point you in the right direction!

STUDY! You may have gotten by in high school by barely studying, or not studying... but in college, if you don't study, you'll fail.

Do Not Procrastinate.

Having trouble making friends? Join a club or get involved with some of the activities the school has to offer!

Parking is a big pain. Make sure to arrive on campus (if you commute) about 15-20 minutes before your class begins. I guarantee you'll need it to find a parking spot and get to class on time.

keep up on reading is my best advice even if you didnt have to study in high school be prepared to study and go to the library its easier to study when everyone around you is. also just go to class it seems simple but a lot of people just dont go and fail because of it. if extra credit is offered DO IT! get involved and be super friendly to make friends

be a well rounded person.