State University of New York - Fredonia (FRED)

Music and art are paramount at this "beautiful, friendly, welcoming, and accepting," "small, liberal public arts school" in upstate New York. In addition to music and art, SUNY-Fredonia also offers "great degree programs" in "education, theatre, and communications." "Most if not all professors are masters of their craft" and "are welcoming and have open-door policies." "A lot of the professors could realistically be teaching at better schools, but they choose to be at Fredonia because the area is wonderful," says one student. Of course, "like anywhere else, there are always a few professors nobody can stand, but there is usually enough flexibility so you can avoid them when registering for classes if you put the effort into it." "The school's administration is great," agree students. "It really means something when you see President Hefner and other campus administrators walking around campus, eating in our dining halls, and attending nearly every campus event showing support." If there is any complaint about the administration, it's that it has a tendency to play favorites. "The administration focuses mainly on education, acting, and music majors." Still, such favoritism must go only so far, as "a new science building is being built" at this decidedly artsy school.

The typical Fredonia student likes art and indie music and cares about environmental issues, however, there are also "a lot of the typical 'jock' and 'prep' type students." "Everyone at Fredonia parties a lot," says one student, "that includes drinking and drugs." "The average student is white, middle-class, and from upstate New York suburbia" and "is very friendly, outgoing, and has a smile on his or her face." In addition, he or she is "very open-minded." No surprise, then, that "there is a large LGBT population on our campus and they are treated without prejudice." Students are "often spiritual as opposed to religious and most show an appreciation for the arts." Politically, students are "typically left-wing liberal Democrats." As far as fashion goes, "Everyone is exactly the same in the way they try to be different: black clothes, weird hairdos, chains and pajama pants," or some combination thereof.

Besides attending classes and studying outside of class, life consists of attending various intercollegiate sports events including hockey and soccer, says one undergrad. Well, not entirely. In addition, there are "millions of clubs and organizations, a lot of which do community service," and also many "campus jobs that are not work study, so are open to everyone." As its academic reputation suggests, students also have numerous opportunities to take in "shows put on by the music and theater departments." Those seeking them will find "plenty of frat parties, if that's your idea of fun." Off-campus, "While the town of Fredonia is small and consists of mainly an older population, there is always something to do." For example, there are also "numerous bars in town that admit 18 and older to dance." Outdoorsy types appreciate that "there are beautiful parks to go walking around, including the New York State Lake Erie Park." Some "go fishing and take walks along the creek that runs through town." If you seek big city excitement "you can easily drive to Erie, PA or to Buffalo." "Politics and diversity are strong topics for students at Fredonia."