<p>I’m a Junior at SBU so I have no stake in this posting whatsoever. I’ve just had a positive experience here and I would like to encourage you to consider the school because you could have an amazing college experience if you come with an open mind. </p>
<p>Students at Stony Brook are not unhappy and a blanket statement like that is so illogical that I am surprised so many people actually believe it. Those who have hoisted SBU to the top of the “unhappy” list actually needed to seek out the Princeton Review and rant about the university (one of our on-campus newspapers did an expose on this two years ago). </p>
<p>Indeed, many students are very studious and very driven which causes a lot of self-inflicted stress. In fact, I am a very active member of the campus and I have not met “unhappy” people only people who choose to overwork themselves intentionally. True, most classes are difficult and a lot is expected of you, but people still make time (and there is still plenty of it) for their other activities and social life. </p>
<p>In regards to an earlier comment, people are rude here if you are impolite to them or do not respect their culture/background which is similar to the experience you would have anywhere else in the world. </p>
<p>Truthfully, the food was terrible a few years ago. BUT, we have a new food service on campus now and they are quite good! They make a variety of food (mexican, italian, american, middle eastern, indian, chinese, vietnamese, southern, deli-style, meditteranean, european) every day and there are always vegetarian, vegan, halal, and kosher options. We just got a California Pizza Kitchen on campus and if you like fast food options there is a Wendy’s, Dunkin Donuts, and Taco Bell (none of which carry my food of choice but they appeal to many). Of course, some things are not nearly as good as others but there are always options and once you come here you can see what you like and value. </p>
<p>Some people like DECS, others don’t. They’re a good way to diversify your background and most people create a plan out of them to pick up another major or minor. Honestly, if you came to college and didn’t take classes outside of your major, how would you know what you really liked?</p>
<p>Also, considering unhappiness, I know at Cornell that there’s a bridge that at least one engineering student jumps off of each year. We don’t have anything like that here and I think that’s a testament to how exaggerated the Princeton Review list is. </p>
<p>Another point: Teaching Assistants. The chance of having a good TA is the same as having a good professor. I would say that most of the TAs I’ve had truly care about the subject they’re teaching. After all, they’re usually graduate students who are currently studying it and will one day teach it themselves. To categorize TAs as being unhelpful or inadequate is just flat out wrong. Because they’re currently studying the topic, their knowledge is probably fresher or even more current than that of the professor. </p>
<p>Old Chem does not smell bad. And honestly, there’s no reason to drive to class unless you live in West Apartments which you wouldn’t in your freshman year anyway. Everything is about a 10 minutes walk from the residence halls unless you live in Roth so you can keep the freshman 15 off. </p>
<p>It’s really easy to get lost at Stony Brook because there are so many students but that’s really up to you when it comes down to it. If you do not make an effort to make your professor notice you and you go to your advisor to talk about your future, you will not get lost in the system. Stony Brook is really for self-starters. Like SBUadmissions said, people are willing to help you, you just have to seek them out first. </p>
<p>Good luck making your decision.</p>