Fordham University

Date: Jul 29 2010
Major: English (This Major's Salary over time)
I did not want to go to Fordham. I had gotten into some really prestigious schools but, because of money, I had to take a scholarship to Fordham.

And I do not regret it one bit.

I've found the academics here to be so much more stellar than I was expecting. I adore my professors, and even the one I occasionally complain about were, in retrospect, great teachers. Granted, I'm in the Honors Program at Rose Hill, so my core is different. But even my non-Honors classes have been great, and I appreciate everything that I've been taught. I truly believe the academics here are on par with all of the prestigious schools I turned down. (By the way, if you are invited to the Honors Program, YOU MUST COME HERE. It has been the best experience I've had here.)

The student body can be a little annoying, especially at first. I did not really make friends until second semester. I have met the stereotypical rich girls and bros here, and I've either learned to ignore them (the former) or appreciate them (the latter). Trust me, there are people like that EVERYWHERE. Every private college is overrun with rich kids. And give me a break, I have met way more liberals at this school than conservatives. If anything, most students are more ambivalent about politics than anything.

I guess I had a hard time making friends at first because I didn't get along too well with the girls in my dorm. There weren't really any orientation events to help us get to know one another, either, which I think was a big error on Fordham's part. Eventually, I found friends through my extracurriculars and classes, and now I have a good niche of people I hang out with on campus, and I'm always hoping to meet more.

Night life can be repetitive if you just go to the bars every weekend. I suggest pre-gaming and going out to the city, even if it's just to walk around and hang with your friends. And honestly, RAs aren't as strict as the policies they're supposed to enforce. If you get caught with alcohol, it's just because you're being stupid about it. Don't be obnoxiously loud when you're pre-gaming, and don't bring too many people into your room. It's easy to buy alcohol in the Bronx and bring it back to campus, just don't do it on a Friday night at 10 pm. Bag checks are only during Homecoming and Spring Weekend. Students are security guards from 6-10pm, and they'll let you get away with anything, especially if you are friends with them. The overnight guest policy is the hardest to overcome, but I suggest finding a friend of the opposite sex to get a pass for your guest, and then returning the favor if they need one for their guest. And voila, I've just shown you the most common-sense way to get by Fordham's alcohol and guest policies.

The Bronx is an awesome place to go to school. The security alerts we get are always about somebody getting mugged as they walked in the Bronx, alone, at night, intoxicated, etc. The only people who are scared of the Bronx are stuck-up and don't appreciate the amazing thing this borough has to offer. The Botanical Gardens and The Bronx Zoo are gorgeous, and they are both free on Wednesdays. Arthur Ave has amazing food and culture. Fordham Road is filled with cheap shops where you can buy anything and everything ghetto-fab. Trust me, even suburban preps can find something to add to their wardrobe here. It's such an underrated shopping district. On top of that, Fordham is one of the best schools to go to for volunteer opportunities, where you can meet amazing people and hear their life stories. The Bronx is a culture shock for some, but I've learned to love it.

Overall, I'd say Fordham is what you make of it. If you are a hardworking student, open-minded and excited to experience all the New York has to offer, yo will have an amazing time here. If you don't work and stick inside your little shell, then you'll have a horrible time here. Fordham is a school for smart, dedicated students who want to experience life, not cower from it. I would tell everyone to come here, but you have to come prepared for what is awaiting you, and take your education in your own hands.